Saturday, February 6, 2010

Snow, Gardening, Angels and a Challenge!

Boy oh boy...I know there is someone out there who loves shoveling snow, but in this house right now, no one is jumping for joy LOL!

So far we a little more than 26.5 inches and the snow doesn't show any signs of letting up! Unlike the last couple of snows which were light and airy, this one is full of moisture and HEAVY!!! The winds don't help any and when we were going to go out this morning at 8:30 am to start a little path for the dogs to get out, the snow had drifted up against the storm door and we really had to push it hard just to eek out and start to clear the snow from in front of the door just to open it.

Here is a pic so you can see how things looked a few hours ago after we cleared a little bit....I just went out to take a quick peek and everything we cleared is now covered again so we're just going to wait for it to finish tomorrow before really working on clearing it.
We were able to finally clear a small area for the dogs and they had a lot of fun in the snow running around. I thought they were going to really take advantage of all of the room (since they were not leashed) to go crazy but they were only interested in running up and down the area we had cleared .



Guinness of course not wanting to be left inside started his barking (ok it sounded like mewling but remember...he is a DOG in my hubby's mind) and so we took him out to the back patio and set him down in a little area that had been excavated out there for just for him...he started playing with the snowflakes and actually digging a hole in the snow to create a little tunnel...what a silly cat um err I mean DOG! He keeps wanting to go out and play so we give him like the other dogs a little time outside.

My mom called me to say that she had excitement at her house this morning. She lives along side a creek and the street is only 2 cars wide (enough for cars parked along the curb and traffic). So she is watching the plow who is working on pushing through 2 feet of snow and he gets stuck. Instead of just backing out he starts to rock the truck back and forth and then she sees flames coming out from under the hood.

The rest got very jumbled in the telling but this is what I know:
  • My son who lives with her and helps her out has been shoveling to keep the walk clear since early morning was sent to get the fire extinguisher
  • She calls a neighbor to bring their extinguisher out as well
  • She calls the fire department (who she says wants the story of her life when all she wants is someone to come put out the fire)
  • The firemen come walking because they can't get the truck down
  • A man comes in walking with a BIG fire extinguisher
  • The flames (which have now engulfed the cab of the truck) are now extinguished
  • They hear a big crack from this huge tree in front of the house which comes towards Nick and the next thing she knows she no longer sees my son but instead a huge snowman who just missed being beaned in the head by the branch.
  • She speaks to my nephew who upon hearing the news about his cousin asks his Grandmother if she was able to get a picture of "Snowman Nick"
  • My son says to my mom in the background...I hear a buzzing....then they both hear a crack...and then my Mom says to me..."honey I have to go we just lost power."
I'll give her a call a little later, but I know that it may be awhile before she gets electricity back based on the news of all of the power outages but she did say she had prepared for the eventuality. Ok...am I done whining about the snow yet....mmmmm......maybe for a little LOL!

On to my next topic...Gardening! Remember last time I told you I had started my aerogarden around the 10th of January?? Well here is a pick so you can see how it looked a week later on the 17th and one of how it looks today (21 days later!)
















I'm impressed! What you see in the front from left to right is: Cilantro, Tomato & Epazote (it's a Mexican spice). In the back from left to right is: Tomato, Thai Basil, that unknown herb from Colombia & another Tomato. The stalks on the plant are really sturdy and it's actually time to start to prune so it doesn't start to flower right away...I'll keep you all up to date as it goes...I love seeing green growing in the cold of winter...don't you?!

Now what did I want to talk to you about next....oh Yes! Angels! I know we always have them around us lifting us and giving us their Love...so I thought that would make a cute little accent for either a Sweet Card or Layout of a special event. I created it so you could use it in a variety of ways depending on whether you want to use a mat and if you do, which one!

It has been uploaded to the store and available in all of the formats: .AI, .GSD, .KNK, .WPC and .SVG. Just click on the picture at the top left corner of my blog and it will take you right to the store.

Well I guess that leaves just one subject to talk about .....a Challenge! I hear you all starting to get excited!
Here is a sketch I created specifically for you Paperthreads Special Customers for "Customer Appreciation Day" which falls on February 15th!
Make sure you come back here on February 10th to download the file and create your Masterpiece!
Change it up however you like...use an accent of your choosing...color outside the lines...just have fun!
You will have until 15 February to complete your layout and upload it to a special section which will be created in the gallery. A winner will be selected and prize awarded
OK....my fingers are a bit tired after ALL this catching up and there is SNOW piling up against the storm door again!
Take care and Keep Warm!
Eddita

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Rutrow..so much for resolutions...

Ok...so I missed last weeks blog update, but before I bring you all up to date, I have to talk about the earthquake in Haiti a little bit. I know that we all want to help give but may be concerned that the money is reaching the right people. I personally can vouch for 2 organizations who do nothing but good for the needy in the country. Both would appreciate any donations you can give.

The first is a micro-finance group called FONKOZE who basically describe themselves as "Haiti’s Alternative Bank for the Organized Poor". They lend money to people to start their own businesses and learn how to support themselves. They also have literacy programs and support programs.

The second is called FOR HIS GLORY which is a Christian ministry partnered with an orphanage who care for an average of 125 children who have been abandoned either due to parents inability to care for them or death. They also work with families who are interested in adopting these children.

Both groups have a link on their main pages where if you are interested you can click on a link to donate specifically for Earthquake Relief. I know times are hard right now, but if you can only give $ 5 - $ 10, it will add up and help. Even if you can't do anything financially, please take a moment to say a quick prayer for those suffering, that they may have relief.

Now, as far as my resolutions, I have been pretty good on "trying" to say only nice things, have actually created a few new files AND I scanned one photograph LOL!

The other thing I forgot to say is that I have a sale (my ONLY one this month) currently going on! ALL of my files are 40% off! This includes my cute little pocket frog I talked about last time. If you are interested in him just click on this link.

I started my aero garden last weekend and already everything has sprouted! I have 3 tomatoe plants as well as cilantro, thai basil, epazote (a mexican herb) and an herb from Colombia (though I don't know the name of it!) A friend had brought some up with her after visiting her mother years ago and I had vaccuum sealed some seeds in a jar. I'm really surprised it is growing and once it's big I'll have to call her and find out exactly what it is LOL!

I also got a new kitchen gadget a couple of weeks ago...this one I have been wanting for years but it was way out of my price range. I had seen a demo of it at Costco, but it was way too much....until...QVC! I just happened to turn on the tv and they were doing kitchen stuff and there it was...the Vita-Mix with free shipping and 5 easy payments! Woo Hoo....I was there for it...it also helped that it was a today's special value and the price was the lowest I had EVER seen...so 2 days later it's on my counter and I have been playing with it ever since!

Every morning I make a green smoothie for DH and myself and have even made hummus, ice cream and even soup! I just added brocolli, chicken broth, milk, a little bit of cheddar and let it whirl....in 5 minutes I had Hot Steaming Soup! No need for any pans....woo hoo. DH found it really tasty which is good! I really like this machine (but as it's a kitchen gadget what's not to like?!)

In any case, I guess that's it for now but I hope to finish converting my newest file today so I can share a pic with you tomorrow.

Take care everyone!
Eddita

Monday, January 4, 2010

Meet My Little Friend...

First off I hope that everyone had a wonderful New Years! DH and I passed out at 11:15....we did try so hard....only to be woken up by the sound of a bunch of fireworks going off somewhere close by...we mumbled a Happy New Year greeting to each other, gave each other a quick peck and then continued on in slumber land!

Nothing exciting really to report, just trying to be good and work on my resolutions ;)

I did create a number of new files and to that end, I wanted to introduce you to my latest...My Pocket Pal Frog. He will be appearing in the store shortly and wanted to give you a sneak peak!
What I like about him (in addition to his little fly friend!) is that I designed him so you could move the position of his little frog arms around so he can hold a little message for you or if you prefer, you can enlarge him and use the pocket he is stashed away into as a journaling block.
I personally, have a girlfriend who LOVES anything to do with frogs so I used him on the front of a card blank and rubber stamped a birthday cake on a the little piece of paper he is holding under his fingers....the fly is just flitting around LOL!
I'm sure you can all come up with your own uses for him! He is the first in a collection that I will be posting over time...so far I also have a Bear, Giraffe, and a Sock Monkey! If you can think of any other good ones let me know!
I went to the Heart Doctor today for my follow-up to my 2008 Thanksgiving Heart debacle. He did a couple of tests and said I'm golden! Just keep up the good work (i.e. trying to eat better and working out at the gym) and said he looked forward to NOT hearing anything from me and seeing me in a year...woo hoo! Finally, good news!
Well, I guess that's all for now...I'll keep you updated with any changes and let you know what files are coming.
Thanks for checking in!
Eddita :)


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What 2 Posts in the SAME WEEK??

First off, I want to thank everyone for the nice comments on the blog and the emails. I thought maybe you had all given up on me LOL!

I keep thinking 2010 has to be better than 2009! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we all have first and foremost Family and Love and then right up next to it Health! I had my scares last year and now it seems it's my DH's turn. I keep hearing that God doesn't give you more than you can handle, and I guess in the big scheme of things I can't complain, but sometimes I just cry "uncle"!

For all of you who having difficulties of any kind, just know that I keep you all in my thoughts and nightly prayers, that we all feel lifted and supported in our times of need and that we may all get through all of the problems we have, whether large or small.

I also don't forget to say Thanks for all of the good things in my life :)

My DD got her grades a few weeks ago and happily she has "officially" earned her AA degree in general studies. After 2 more semesters she will add to that her AA degree in Culinary and Hospitality. Once she finishes, she will move on to specialize in Pastry and Baking and is looking at schools all over the country...hopefully not too far away!

My job, which I have officially started on year 12, is still going well, and I got a wonderful review. It is a blessing that I have good bosses and I enjoy my job. I still have my 4 - 10 hour day schedules which I am truly thankful for as it allow Hubby and I our "Monday Date Day".

As I mentioned, my Mom just celebrated her birthday and is wonderful and vibrant! I just spent last Sunday with her and my camera, video taping her answering questions about the family background and hearing stories of how my grandparents met, etc. I wish I had done this with my Dad before he passed away, because I can't remember all the names of people and family long gone and don't really have a way to find them now.


While I was at my Mom's I came home with a couple of HUGE boxes of family photographs! I am going to have to set some time on the weekend and put up a large card table in the basement and with the help of my kids (hint hint) set up a scanner and just start saving them all! I even found pics of my Dad in boot camp! The funny thing about this pic is that ALL his friends are in the same cheesecake pose in their tents. On the back in my Dad's writing it says "R&R Rest and Relaxation" then it says NOTE: cleanliness & order LOL! Anyway, I'm going to look forward to seeing everything and then have to make a decision exactly how I'm going to save since nothing has dates argh!


Finally, I have been a very good girl! I have just finished uploading not 1, not 2 or 3 but 4 Easy Thank You Card Fronts! I also put them all together in a collection for those of you who can't decide which ones you like best and like to save a little money!

Now that the holidays have come, I'm sure you all have a bunch of Thank You notes to send! I know I do!

You can find them individually by clicking on the following links:

EC00117

EC00118

EC00119

EC00120

The link for the collection is here EC00121

All of the card fronts are available in the following formats: .GSD, .AI, .KNK, .WPC & .SVG!

If you have any questions, specific requests, or just want to say hello you know you can always leave me a comment or send an email!

Thank you all for your Patience and Support!

Hugs,
Eddita

Monday, December 28, 2009

She's Alive!!!

Ok, so while I started a number of times to update my blog, somehow something always got in the way and I never got back. What is that saying, Plans are what you make but Life is what happens....in this case no truer words have been said.

We celebrated my Mom's "??" birthday early November and we were joined by friends and family to share a wonderful meal and fellowship. My brother flew in from the other side of the world (WA state) so my mom enjoyed the company of her 3 children and her 6 grandchildren (no great grandchildren yet and believe me no rush on that either LOL!)

We held it at a local golf clubhouse and had a very yummy meal finished off by a delicious birthday cake my daughter made just for the occasion.

Thanksgiving came and it had been a year since my little "TIA" heart incident. You know I started stressing as the day came closer that I might have another one, but thankfully all is well.

I have an follow up appointment with the cardiologist soon and I'm hoping I get a clean bill of health. My office had a move and while my heart survived, my back didn't. Packing up boxes in preparation for the move really did a number on it. After having the whole family up, I spent Thanksgiving night all the way through the following Monday night flat on my back. The pain was horrible! It still twinges from time to time, but it almost feels back to normal. Note to self...no more lifting ANYTHING heavy...especially around the holidays!!!

The major Winter Storm hit us with a vengance as with so many others on the East Coast. We ended up with a little over 2 feet of snow which hubby and I two days to clear off the paths and driveways. I will admit, it really was beautiful! Here are a couple of pics so you can see how nice it looked!



Christmas came too quickly and for some reason I just couldn't find the spirit, try as I might. We got the tree up, stockings hung and the Nativity out but I still had problems. December is always a bit rough since we lost my Dad all those years ago on December 12th, but normally I do ok....not sure what was different this year but I sure do hope I don't have it happen again.

My sister asked me that this year instead of buying gifts for the kids if I could do some vinyl art for their walls. Now understand, my nephew is a MAJOR Star Wars fan and my niece is really into Fairies. Took me a bit but here is what we ended up with:





Finally, in anticipation of the New Year I have decided to start working on my list. This is what I have so far:

  • Try to give only compliments
  • Visit my Mom more frequently
  • Update my blog at least once a week
  • Create and upload at least 2-3 files a month
  • Work on scrapbook layouts for the TONS of photos I have
  • Scan all the photographs I currently have housed in boxes and bags
  • Continue going to the gym on a weekly basis
Now this list is only a start and it's what I would LIKE to do (LOL!) Let's see how it goes.

Anyway, that's about it for now and I will have more to share as the New Year gets closer.

Hugs,
Eddita

Monday, October 5, 2009

Happy Monday!

Well it looks like everyone enjoyed the party celebrations this weekend and were able to get involved in the challenges and games going on at Paperthreads! Hopefully you were able to take advantage of my sale as well!

Now it's the time to pick up and start cleaning up and tie up some loose ends LOL!

To begin with, I am so glad that all of you had the chance to download my Halloween Border and really enjoyed reading all of the comments! Please send me a pic of your finished pieces so I can share with everyone here in the future.

Also, I do apologize for the delay but it took awhile to enter all of the names into the randomizer to see who was the big "weiner" for the blog candy I offered but here you go....

....drumroll please.......








So after 80 names (wow!) were entered into the randomizer, I'm sending a big Congratulations to ScrappinMaMa (Yea!!!!! Cheers!!!!!!!!Applause!!!!!!!!!)

SMM, just send me an email (accentsbyeddita@gmail.com) with your name and address and I will get a package out to you containing all of the cool stuff in the picture!

I'm working on a couple of new files (as well as a freebie) and hope to have them up this week so be sure to check back.

Ok...now onto what my daughter calls my midlife crisis....if you have been following me, I told you that I did pass my class "M" license and with that began the shopping for a bike to ride. I had found a new one (beautiful red Honda 750) and the price was really good (since it was a '09 model and they wanted to sell it to make room for the winter ATVs) but after DH and I did a lot of talking, we decided that a used one would make more sense....since I would freak out the first time I got a scratch on a new bike!


In any case, did a lot of looking in the newspapers, craigslist, etc and found a GREAT bike on ebay locally. It's a 2004 Honda Shadow Spirit (1100cc) and it came fully loaded (windscreen, saddlebags, custom seats, etc) for A LOT less than the new bike would have been and it only has 4,000 miles on it. Woo Hoo.....now there is only one little thing....the bike was customized by the previous owner....I'm not going to say anything else except to let the picture speak for itself.....at least it's ready for the end of the month bahahahah!
Take care everyone!
Eddita

Friday, October 2, 2009

Today's the Day!!!!

Welcome everyone to Paperthreads Birthday Celebration! !!!

Are you here for the Blog Hop? If you are just starting out, and you landed here first, then you are in the right place, because this is the first stop in the Hop of fun and savings!

Don't tell anyone, but my secret word to give you is "Paperthreads", and when you leave here, you should go to the next stop, which is at Butterfly Designs, aka Jenette Carson!


You will find the link at the bottom of the page along with the links for all of the other great designers taking part in the festivities.

Also, while I don't think I mentioned it, All of my files are 50% OFF throught the weekend!!! Some of my files are as low as only $ 1 a piece! Don't forget, if you use the .SVG format user and you don't see it listed in the store, simply send me a copy of the receipt and I will email the file to you directly. That way you don't have to wait for the store to be updated.

If you take a look at the pic above, it is of the free file I am sharing with you for today only which is just in time for your cute Halloween pics - past and present. Don't let the image fool you, the borders are about 1.5" x 12" so they will work great on your 12 x 12 layouts! I also included a single skull and cauldron in case you want to add a few around your page!

Also, if you download the file (and even if you don't), if you take a moment and leave me a comment, then tomorrow I will enter all of the names of everyone who left a comment into the Randomizer and I will draw the name of 1 lucky person who will win some Blog Candy!

Well I hope this gets you excited and ready for your blog hopping! Don't forget to write down the secret word up above and go to the next blog to continue finding great goodies as well as words!

Thank you everyone for making Paperthreads such a wonderful and fun place to go!

Eddita :)

Butterfly Designs <-------- Go Here Next!!!

Diana’s Designs

Forever Memories for You

Ginny’s Happy Cuts

I Scrap Designs

Jen Adkins Designs

JennieBean Crafts

Just Laury

Sam & Hailey Designs

Shelly’s Art

Shirley Clark Design

Paperthreads Designs

Here are the links for the Free File:

Free .GSD Link

Free .AI Link

Free .KNK Link

Free .WPC Link

Free . SVG Link