OMG! I'm back!!!!!!!!

OMG!  I'm back!!!!!!!!   After a very.... very.... VERY... long hiatus from my blog - I am finally back.

Lots to catch up on my friends.  And even more to do.  I will try to condense it down as best I can.

Welcome to another
Scribbles Designs Challenge 

#58 ... Picture Inspiration

Thank You...

One of the fun images from Scribbles Designs, Scary Cat and Thank You all on a multi coloured background which I drew the colour inspiration from the challenge.  I loved the colours and found myself drawn to a simplicity of design.

courtesy Jill Wellington, Pixabay

 I used the Scary Cat image with Glossy Accents on top and fussy cut around both images.   A terra cotta colour band, a strip of scrap paper - which the colours worked out very well; and a bit of black blings.   Check out the store blog and challenge blog and join us in the challenge,  there is even a freebie for you!

I've entered into...

Angie's Digital Stamps, Ch#14 AG/Optional Twist Spooky, Scary Etc.

Dare2BArtzy October: Fall Colors

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge #68 Always Anything Goes

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Life Goes On...

Well, it's been quite a while with my LGO segment.  We've been uber busy with many things in our lives and seems like it's just passed along so very fast.

The above was from my last post.  Wow.  It has been awhile. 

Firstly, I must thank my left, right, whole torso and brain, Lisa D for keeping SD going.  I found that I just couldn't get my life in order to keep up with all of the design and life in general. 

And to be very forthright and honest.  I've been battling food addiction and depression.  There I've said it.  It has taken me a very long time - over 20 years - to figure out the source of my weight gain journey.  Now that I have; I have been turning my life around to become healthier and happier.  Yes, I am deeply in love with Boyd. Yes, we have our wonderful dog. Yes, I still have my job.   I challenged and also committed myself when Boyd went for surgery - two years ago - on his reconstructed ankle that I would finish the West Coast Trail with him.  IT WAS HELL!  But folks!  I did it!  I did the West Coast Trail.  And bugger it, I am hooked on hiking with Boyd.  So much so that we're planning our next summer hike - a five to six day hike on the Sunshine Coast Trail.  And then to do the West Coast Trail the following year.  I was in decent shape, yes, with some weight loss and toning but it did kick my ars BIG TIME - and I am determined to conquer the WCT again. Eeegadd!

My time away has also had me on a journey with a very close friend and her battle with breast cancer.  That in itself, is my inspiration. My gawd; my Carol has been a fighter.  And I love her to bitzies.  

My very good and close friend, Pam, has been busy with her life and now has a new puppy, Chloe, who is a little (full) sister to our Charli.  They have an Aladdin Cocker Spaniel again in their house.  That brings me much joy.  I haven't spent enough time with Pam.  Love her to bitzies too!

Charli - he's now 3 1/2 yrs old.  We have a 5 (or more, I have to figure that out) obedience and rally obedience titles together and we're back to training up to 3x a week on the different disciplines.  We stepped back from competition a bit to re-set our connection and re-focus our efforts.  We both LOVE the sport and get to spend time 'playing' and learning together.

As promised... I had to condense this down to tidbits.... I will try to fill in the blanks.  LOL  I do have to also get up E A R L Y for work.

Thought for the day...

have a great one...

~Sandy

Dumping Loads of Wishes on Your Birthday...

Welcome to another
Scribbles Designs Challenge 

#31 ... Birthday Bonanza

Dumping Loads of Wishes on Your Birthday...

One of the fun images from Scribbles Designs, Dump Truck Wishes with the accompanying sentiment Dumping Love Wishes  colored with copics on red cardstock, kraft patterned cardstock and an embossed cardstock accent; buttons and twine complete the card.  Check out the store blog and challenge blog (and join us in the challenge) for freebies..

I've entered into...

Digi Chooseday Crafting Challenge wk 31 Embellish It

Through the Craft Room Door TTCRD Challenge Aug 4-Aug 10

Crafting From The Heart Challenge 71

Craft Your Passion Challenge 273 Always Anything Goes

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Life Goes On...

Well, it's been quite a while with my LGO segment.  We've been uber busy with many things in our lives and seems like it's just passed along so very fast.

Charli is now close to 18 months old and he's quite a dog.  A diverse personality and certainly lives up to his name of Aladdin's Good Time Charli.  He even has his own Facebook Page...

We've had our first obedience trial with him at the beginning of July in 35ºC weather and it was a very very good learning experience for both Charli and myself.  I have a great support team behind me with Boyd, his parents, Carol & Rob (breeders, coach & mentors) and Gwen (coach & mentor) in our training.  We trialed for the first time and there are 5 exercises to do to qualify.  Charli and I got 3 out of the 5.  Not bad for being nervous!  The next day, we got 2 out of 5 and fun enough, we passed the two that we failed the day before and failed the 3 that we had passed the day before.  Our third day we passed 3 of the 5.... sigh.... I can't be disappointed as the second day was full, I mean full of distraction for him and he found it all too interesting rather than listen to me... I'm proud of our little guy and he received a lot of complements that when his "on" he's brilliant.  The show was also a conformation show (meaning the best of breed, best of show etc) and our breeder is well known for her dogs.  It's a whole world of who's who and dog gossip etc...

Charli will start agility competition in a couple of months...I had hoped he'd be ready this month but my coach kindly suggested that I should wait.  He's not quite there... *smile*

I've been also busy starting up my mobile eyelash extension business.  I completed my course in the spring and have a small clientele selection started.  It'll grow as I have spare time between work and dog classes/competitions... I'm also taking courses to keep up with the new advances in the business and it's very 'detailed' work and I enjoy it!

My sweet Boyd is doing much better and is on the home stretch for one of his bucket list items.  He and his best friend will be on the West Coast Trail a gut-testing grueling 5-7 day hike as of the 18th of this month.  He's been busy training for it with his back pack and getting prepared for the 7-11km daily hikes.  If you don't know about the WCT - do check out the link above.  We've had a few bumps along the way with emergency surgery and a battle of stress induced 'fun' for the last month and a bit but he's mended up quite nicely and is so looking forward to doing the hike.  It is planned again for next year with one other hiker in the mix - me! I have to start training soon, shedding some weight and building up leg and cardio strength...

And on that note... I should close as I do have to finish my shift here at work...

Thought for the day...

have a great one...

~Sandy

Dragonfly Visit...

Scribbles Designs Challenge #28

Spring has Sprung

 "Under the giving snow blossoms a daring spring." ~Terri Guillemets

The snow is now mostly all gone, here in North America.  The grass is turning from shades of brown to green and the trees and flowers are starting to form buds.  Yes, spring has finally sprung on this side of the world and not a minute too soon as far as we're concerned!  It is high time to break out all your stamps depicting the beauty of the season.  Whether you go with a creation featuring botanical elements in full bloom, or simply want to focus on a particular event associated with this time of the year, it is up to you.  Just keep in mind that this month, we want to see a project that reflects the true nature of spring.

Dragonfly Visit...

I found myself drawn to this tangled image A #10 Dragonfly 1 from the blog store.  In coloring it though, it is a bit confusing!  It is to be a dragonfly resting on a couple of flowers.  I see it all... I hope you do!

I colored the image with copics and added the circle theme with solid papers onto a pretty butterfly patterned paper background.  Thought of not using a sentiment and I'm glad I didn't as it is a lot happening on the card already.

Remember there is the monthly freebie on the blog, plus the Freebie Fridays too!  I'd love to have you join us in our Scribbles Designs Challenges!  You can use ANY image that you'd like; if you use a Scribbles Designs image it increases your chances of winning the challenge...

Entered into...

Crafts Galore Encore Challenge, Make A Card

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge April Anything Goes

Ladybug Crafts April Challenge Anything Goes

My Artistic Adventures Challenges 8 Spring Colors

Live & Love Crafts' Inspiration and Challenge #34 Signs of Spring

Our Creative Corner Color Your World

Southern Ridge Trading Company April Challenge Anything Goes

Sugar and Bettys Challenge Anything Goes

The Crafting Cafe April Challenge Flights of Fancy

Sisters of Craft Challenge April Challenge Anything Goes

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Life Goes On...
We've had a wonderful start to Spring.  Seems like it's trying really hard to snow in some areas at time though!  We've had snow on the upper elevations and only rain down here.  A much needed rain as we're heading for a dry dry summer.

We have a house guest for the next two weeks. It is Charli's Dad, Rumour.  He's is in his full show coat and such a handsome boy...

Rumour

Charli (left) and Rumour enjoying a moment

 This is Rumours first visit with us and they had to get the pecking order worked out.  Rumour's the boss.  Charli has had to accept that in his own house...  LOL

And this next photo is Crush, Charli's brother.  He's tracking to win a Grand Champion title very soon.  Probably this week.  He's one stunning boy.  This is from his last dog show.

Crush

I've been busy with a number of things.  Finishing up my Eyelash Extension certification, a commissioned piece and training Charli.  It seems like it's a busy time around our house.

This is a commissioned piece I did for a co-worker for her son as a wedding gift.  It is an interlaced tree with a heart shaped feel on a 20"x20" canvas.  I added their names and date to the bottom and now the families will add the leaves by way of adding their thumb prints from green stamp pads.  They then can then  write a small message or just their name.  I think it will be very pretty once done.  I don't know if I'll see the final as it's being shipped to Russia for the bride's family to add their leaves.

And a post cannot be complete unless there's a photo of Charli.  He's enjoying one of his (many) toys - this one is a green dinosaur.

Charli and his dinosaur

Well, that catches you up with me somewhat!  I've been enjoying the warmer weather and I really need to get outside to tend to the yard; but there's always something else to do!

Charli's Thought for the Day...

~Sandy

Have A Stinking Good Birthday!

Scribbles Designs Challenge #27

Feline Frenzy

It used to be that dogs were man's best friend and for many, they still are.  However, cats are starting to rival dogs as pet companions.  In fact, there are a lot of statistics to back that up.  According to Ipsos Reid (2011), there were approximately 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs in Canada. With approximately 35% of Canadian households having a dog, and 38% having a cat.  In the States, the numbers are a little bit different.   According to several different sources of stats compiled by Psychology Today, there were roughly 86 million cats and 78 million dogs in the US. With approximately 39% of American households having a dog, and 33% having a cat. In the UK, according to stats provided by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (2013), the percentages of animals is even with roughly 8.5 million of each.  However, dog owners accounted for 25% of households whereas cat owners only accounted for 19% of households.  So, this month we are looking for cats as the primary focus for your creation.  Wild or domestic, it's up to you.  This month, cats rule and dogs drool.

Have A Stinking Good Birthday!

Well good ol' Athos the Alley Cat is perfect for the Feline Frenzy theme this month... I tried to give Athos an orange tabby look, I think it looks fairly okay. A hand lettered sentiment flag, a glittered heart, a purple button, mulberry papers & DP flags all on a fun background...

entered into...

Papertake Weekly Challenge Happy....Anything

Party Time Tuesdays PTT#196 Anything Goes

Through The Craft Room Door TTCRD Challenge Mar 17-23

Crafting From The Heart Challenge 51 Anything Goes

Love To Scrap! Challenge LTSCB #50 Anything Goes

Tip Top Tuesday Buttons or Bows

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Life Goes On...

Whooo - third post in one day!  Wow!  Must. Check. Head.

I'm not sure if I have anything more to say... at the moment! LOL

Check out my previous posts for my... err... rants.

Birthday Blessings...

It's time again for the
Sentimental Sundays

challenge. 

This week's challenge is:

Fairies/Fairy Tales
(plus a sentiment)

Birthday Blessings...

Using the super sweet image Octavia Moonfly Dragonfly from Polkadoodles colored with copics and spica highlights on the wings; I felt drawn to a shaped easel card with this image.... and in my stash of stashes I found a set of cut pieces from a flower card from My Scrap Chick.  I added a collection of paper flowers, pearls, flower-shaped bling and a handmade bow.  The Birthday Blessings is from a cricut cartridge.

Our sponsor this week is: 

POLKADOODLES STORE

FACEBOOK PAGE

FACEBOOK GROUP

ARTIST'S FACEBOOK PAGE

Donating: 2 images winners choice

Entered into...
Digi Choosday Challenge Wk 11 Make Anything but a Square Card
Papertake Weekly Challenge Happy....Anything

Party Time Tuesdays PTT#196 Anything Goes

Through The Craft Room Door TTCRD Challenge Mar 17-23

Tip Top Tuesday Buttons or Bows

Aurora Wings Challenge Anything Goes

Craft-Dee BowZ Monthly Challenge Use A Handmade Bow CBD23

Crafting From The Heart Challenge 51 Anything Goes

Love To Scrap! Challenge LTSCB #50 Anything Goes

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Life Goes On...

A quiet yet busy week ahead.... dog agility classes, work, dinners out, dog obedience classes, running/walking clinics, creating images... 

this week will go by fast...

Charli is still on the learning side of agility. He'll be able to compete once he's 18 months old so we're still heading that direction.  I had hoped to put him into an Obedience Trial soon, but alas, our boy isn't quite ready.  The target is either May or July for one of the local matches.  It is such a sight to see him when he gets it.  It is so cool.  He loves it and then is so proud of himself!  Listen to me... a gloating parent!  LOL

Thought for the Day...

  

I'm doing better than you can imagine....

~Sandy

Happy Cruises...

Welcome to

Path of Positivity 

A unique challenge blog designed to inspire, nurture 

and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow...

Challenge #24 Serendipity

Happy Cruises...

Serendipity - perfect for a unexpected pleasant travel adventure... I found this image from the Travel Collection by Luna Girl and found my heart going to the Canadian Pacific image - although it was hard to choose from the collection. 

I think my studio is actually full of serendipity - having luck finding valuable and/or pleasant things that I wasn't looking for! I know that my DH Boyd shudders going in as he can't see what I see in my creative serendipity chaos!  

This challenge we are sponsored by two fabulous companies...

and

Entered into...

Artistic Inspirations Challenge #126 Anything Goes w/Twist of Green 

Aurora Wings Challenge #12 My Lucky Color(s)   Green!

Crafting From The Heart Challenge 49 Always Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion Challenge #251 Always Anything Goes

Mema's Crafts March Challenge Anything Goes

Not Just Cards Challenge #14 Anything Goes

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Life Goes On....

Find the latest here...

Wishing You A Purr-fect Day!

Scribbles Designs Challenge #26

Clean and Simple
There are many different kinds of card making styles and clean and simple is one of them.  However, not everyone sees clean and simple the same way.  For some it might mean an uncluttered design with lots of white space, for others it might be a very simple layout but with a few embellishments here and there.  For the purposes of our challenge this month, we'd like to see a very simple layout with either a minimum of embellishments or none at all, allowing the focus of your creation to be a well coloured image.  Bring on the white space and show us what you've got.


Wishing You  A Purr-fect Day!

A very simple CAS, directly printed on to Kraft paper and colored with copics.  Both are new images from Scribbles Designs.... Aramis and Purrfect Day... It looks quite effective being one layer, doesn't it?

You still have plenty of time to join in at the current challenge at Scribbles Designs...

Entered into...
Deep Ocean Challenge #98 Our Furry Friends
Fan-Tastic Tuesday 3 March Challenge 75 ATG
Papertake Weekly Challenge Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays PTT#196 Anything Goes
Through The Craft Room Door TTCRD Challenge Mar 3- Mar 9

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Life Goes On....

A sunny and a little crisp today.... no snow which is awesome...

We're certainly seeing spring come full bore - early as it is...

Charli and I have been busy with classes (obedience and agility) and we will look forward to hopefully soon doing our first pre-novice trial... Yay!  

I've been also doing a commissioned piece of art for a girlfriend (I had designed one of her tattoos) and now 'tattooed' her wall...  The piece is about 7 1/2 feet wide by 5 1/2 feet tall...

This is the full shot of the drawing

Close up...

Close up...

Thought for the day...

Have a great day...

~Sandy

Wishing You Everything Wonderful...

It's time again for the

 Sentimental Sundays 

challenge. 

This week's challenge is:

Single Layer Card 

(plus a sentiment)

Wishing You Everything Wonderful...

Hi everyone! I'm posting late - whoopsie - anyhow... I have a cutie image from the sponsor PPinky Dolls Art, Thinking; printed directly onto a ecru colored card, colored with copics, with a sweet sentiment from Jess, Playing with Paper.  I found it a very CAS card with very little coloring to achieve the simplicity.  And it was hard not to add anything else!

This weeks sponsor is: Calypso

Entered into...

Cuttin and Stampin Challenge 8 Anything Goes

Digi Choosday Challenge Wk 8 Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesday Challenge#195  Anything Goes

StampArt Papel Challenge#36 Something New/Anything Goes

Through The Craft Room Door, TTCRD Challenge Feb 24-Mar 2 Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown #233 Anything Goes

Bunny Zoe's Craft February Challenge, For the Girls

Craft Your Passion Challenge 250 Anything Goes

Love To Scrap Challenge LTSCB #48 Anything Goes

Life Goes On....

A warm sunny day here yesterday in the Okanagan...looks like today will be sunny and a little cooler.... Spring is definitely on it's way....

After work, B and I took Sir Charli out for a good walk/hike into the large park out our back door.  We were on a wide path that had lots of people and dogs so Charli was hyped up pretty good.  I was 'trying' to do some basic training with him which was an attempt with him.  He just wanted to whine (excited) and pull like crazy.  Switched him over from the harness to the collar and he settled down quite well.  I was able to get him to sit & stay as people with/without dogs walked by and release him.  It's hard with such a social dog that he thinks everyone should go gushy over him!  LOL

We'll go for another training session tonight, I'll wear a running glove to spare my hand/fingers from getting leash burn... LOL

Thought for the Day...

Uh.... 

~Sandy

Well, Isn't That Just Charming....

Scribbles Designs Challenge #26

Clean and Simple
There are many different kinds of card making styles and clean and simple is one of them.  However, not everyone sees clean and simple the same way.  For some it might mean an uncluttered design with lots of white space, for others it might be a very simple layout but with a few embellishments here and there.  For the purposes of our challenge this month, we'd like to see a very simple layout with either a minimum of embellishments or none at all, allowing the focus of your creation to be a well coloured image.  Bring on the white space and show us what you've got.


Well, Isn't That Just Charming...

I new right away I was going to use this new image, Cozy from Scribbles Designs....  I then found in my stash of stashes this lettered piece - hmmm... does it go together?  Kinda!  Any hooo.... I colored Cozy with copics, and layered into two pink paper backgrounds and the pre-printed sentiment and added just a few blings... ta.. da.. CAS...

Entered into...

Allsorts Challenge Week 298 Any occasion other than birthday

Crafty Calendar February Challenge - Anything Goes

Crazy 4 Challenges C4C273 Valentine's

Hiding In My Craft Room HIMCR#187 Super Scraps Saturday

Kit & Clowder - February - Love

Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge 147 For Someone You Love

Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenge #84 Love is In the Air

Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #75 Valentine's Day

Simply Create Too Challenge #79 Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge #93 Anything Goes

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Life Goes On...

Happy Heart's Day.... Hopefully you've had a moment to celebrate yesterday with your special someone, or your furry feline or posh pooch...

We're going out tonight for Valentine's as B was working late and had a hockey game to attend with his Dad and good friend.  A-Okay by me as I was able to spend some time with my m-i-l and get caught up on things around the house...

Have a wonderful day....

~Sandy

Be Mine...

It's time again for the

 Sentimental Sundays 

challenge. 

This week's challenge is:

Happy Valentine's Day

(plus a sentiment)

Be Mine

Using the Love Strung image from Paper Nest Dolls colored with copics on a collection of my stash of papers, layered 6x6 card with Valentine's ribbon, hearts and glittered hearts....

 This week's Sponsor is:

The Paper Nest Dolls
Donating:(3) Prizes to (3) winners
1(One) winner will get 3 images; 1(One) winner will receive 2 images and 1(One) winner will receive 1 image!!!  

Entered into...

Allsorts Challenge Week 298 Any occasion other than birthday

Crafty Calendar February Challenge - Anything Goes

Crazy 4 Challenges C4C273 Valentine's

Hiding In My Craft Room HIMCR#187 Super Scraps Saturday

Kit & Clowder - February - Love

Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge 147 For Someone You Love

Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenge #84 Love is In the Air

Jo's Scrap Shack FFC #75 Valentine's Day

Simply Create Too Challenge #79 Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge #93 Anything Goes

Life Goes On...

Yep.... busy is as busy is.... We've had a busy month already and it's just at the beginning...

Enjoying the weather albeitI'm guessing one at least one more snow frigging fall before Spring is fully in swing... I am soooooo done with snow...

Lots of new images in the store, Charli is in two classes a week (agility and obedience) and amongst that B & I are working... 

Thought for the Day...



Yep - I sure am...

~Sandy