technicolor postcards

two little girls.

I made these little 4x4 tape transfer collage of  two little girls finally. Me and Crystal in our Kindergarten pictures:)  I am gonna hang them up by my vanity in the bedroom. A little reminder of her and me.  Even though we did not become friends until we were 12. We always talked about  if we would of been friends at that age. It would of been a interesting dynamic to say the least.  Both only children and I was a push over and kind of a little Baby:) So, I am sure Crystal would have a good time with that. I heard some interesting stories:) to back that up:)

 

When I hang out with her girls and they ask me questions about what we were like, I can't help  think it is a little like when they are  playing. Silly, fun and of course imaginative.  I just don't ever want them to forget what there Mom was like and what fun she was:) I hope I can bring them some of those memories, but sure does not replace the real deal. 

It was fun getting back into the collage thing. I love it sooo, but a little time consuming. But, now that I have all the time in the world. My house sparkles, the bed is made every day and I get to create. I have all my unemployment stuff done.  This week would of been the beginning of my vacation, so my Mom and I are still going on our little trip to  the North Shore. I am so relieved that her chemo is still going well and side effects are at a minimum. I am eager to spend time with her. Ah the drives, talking and scenery:) So, thrilled. 

I hope all of you had a great weekend:) Thank you again friends for all your kind words about the job thing. Everything will be O.K. :)

Maria Von Trapp optimism.

When the going gets tough, I watch The Sound of music. Monday  I lost my job and first thing that came to mind in the  car as I was driving away is the quote  Maria's  Mother Superior tells her as she leaves the convent, "When God closes a door, he opens a  window". My Job was not remarkable, it paid bills. I enjoyed most of the people I worked with, but the job is itself was the kind to get me by until something better came along or when I was ready to go back to school. When they told me, I have to admit. I felt relief.  

  I did watch The Sound of Music and enjoyed every moment of it. ALL THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON. And now I can focus on MY MOM. And my Job was not to supportive in that. I didn't realize how stressed I was, the real things that matter have been put on the back burner and it was taking a toll on me. I feel like God Answered my prayers and have faith that better things will be coming my way. Now that I can concentrate on the people and  things that mean the most to me.

So, what have I been doing this week? Getting much needed sleep, catching up on things that have been neglected. Of course working on the unemployment benefit thing and tweaking/sending  my resume. Reading. Writing and creating. Spending time with Crystals girls and her Mom yesterday. Enjoying mornings with Ahmed. It feels good. Really good. 

And last but not least being able to do some pages... I have been spending  more time over at SIS, I love that creative community. So, inspired by  all the sista's over there. 

One I have been wanting to do for awhile. I broke out my coveted stash of Hambly. You would think it is gold the way I hoard that paper:) -Sidenote: working on a page about that very subject. 

 I was inspired by the quote I found over at  write. click. scrapbook. " I remember my Mothers prayers and they have followed me. They have clung to me all my life." Abraham Lincoln.  There is nothing like a mothers prayers and my Mother has always shared her deep faith with me always.  

This one was inspired by my friend Patty, I love this creative girl and the page she did was so fabulous and the picture story behind it equally as charming.  link to her post, you gotta go over and read it. So, I had to check out this one little word challenge  blog for myself.  I also discovered that Denise  is also a part of this. I adore her pages too.  OLW- what a wonderful concept. And cool little (big) creative sub-culture of wordsters:)  The last word was Joy and I decided to do  mine on the simple joy of my morning sparkly  bedroom light fixture. Whoa I am easily amused:) Go visit there latest word and hear/see a wonderful rendition of coldplays  viva la vida. made me cry:)

OK a lot of  Hambly (I warned you:) This one I came up with a while back. Inspired by my coffee cake starbucks bag that I finally read one day.  " Flavors my senses, sweetens my disposition, stirs my  imagination, nourishes my dreams." Whoa thats some magical starbucks coffee and Mad Men's Don Draper would love that Advertising:)  My ice Coffee is such a part of my daily routine and must have for creativity. So, I couldn't resist using this bag on a lay-out. 

Have a good weekend. 

Happy Birthday Technicolor Postcards.

It all began with reading her second book and curiosity on this thing called blogging. So, I signed up for my free two week trial with typepad and haven't looked back since.  What have I learned in the past two years in the blog-a-sphere?

-  The girl (me) who once got extra points in History of Costume for typing her final project on her Mom's Sears electric typewriter (yes I blogged about it and it was one of my first posts where a picture is involved). I did not much like the ideas of  computers nor have faith in my ability to learn. Now I am pretty computer savvy. Though when discovering something new, it still takes me a few tries. nothing new there. 

- I have found my casual writing style again. Grammar imperfection and all. And I am so OK with that. 

-that blogging has kept my attention. I usually get bored and move on to something new. 

- blogging for the pure pleasure of it. At the end of the day, it still makes me feel darn good to have documented my little life. 

- The friends along the way. Thank you. 

- A place to share my creative life, in my ordinary existence. 

- daydreaming and planning. remembering. 

- being in the moment. 

Have a good Monday. 

 

Unseasonably cool.

It has been down right chilly lately. Short sleeve sweater weather. The weather Man's prediction for 79 degrees  and some sunshine is a warm welcome for tomorrow. In the meantime I still have my window fan going, despite that I am wearing a sweater  (a light one at that) on July 1st. I just love the hum sound enough to be chilled.  Ok now  I am off to get my throw blanket, I'll be back in a second....

Ok  now my lower extremities will be warm and toasty.  Much better already.  I am warning this will be one random post.  A few things in my little mind swimming around.  Today was no different from mon. or Tues.  I get up bright and early make my Ice Coffee concoction. That my lovely Starbucks Baristas helped me to  do a take home version. It's good, but I miss the morning ritual of going and getting:) So, this morning I went there before I headed to work and enjoyed our usual morning conversation and the big starbucks love they put in my Coffee. I think I will go again  tomorrow. If I wake up in time... 

Then after work, I headed home after a short wind down drive. Missing my Uncle Vic  Volvo. The old guy needs to come home to me soon, I understand he needs the TLC he is getting. But, It has  been almost a week and half that I haven't been able to  tool around in him.  I just don't feel like myself. Do I need obsessive car intervention? Heck yeah, but I don't give a damn:)  Thanks Dad for making  me this way, now I wouldn't mind if  my Dad Loaned me his bad ass  '74 Gto to drive while I wait..... dream on I know. 

Now on the creative front this week. I am making some more pages and tried my hand at this back to the basics idea (here). I am so loving Ali's new Tuesday tutorial series.   And when I read the idea of practical classic scrapbooking, I  grabbed a huge stack of textured  black cardstock, my uber favorite white journaling pen (uni-ball signo) and a stack of 4x6 white trimmed pictures. I slapped  the picture on and did  a little bit of  a title on the white  trim with a fine tipped black  sharpie. Just a word usually or the date. I usually do this on my regular lay-outs anyhow, so might as bring it over to  these basic versions. In some ways I feel like I am channeling my Grandmother, while she sat at the farm after long days relaxing as she put my Dad and Aunts scrapbooks together. They are simple and cherished. And at the end of the day that's  what matters. Remembering and this is a simple way to do that very thing.  And there just so  many things I want to document, no I am not giving up the fun of fancy pages. 

Here is a sample....

see  nothing fancy and a  picture I would not  scrapbook lay-out.  But, I have a lot to say and I want  this pic to have a home of  my best friend Crystal last summer, being her silly self. I am missing her so much. Summer was our thing. Drives. Going out for dinner at our local fave Mexican restaurant.  Now that she is gone, I want to make an effort to remember certain moments.  Un Design plus too: no worrying about perfection and a way to use my amazing ability of writing straight without lined paper.  I have worked a lifetime to perfect that talent:)

here another one (last one I promise):

a simple ode to my favorite rides:) Target shopping cart and uncle vic:)  What pictures do you want to simply paste to paper and do some impromptu journaling?

Here is some other classic  inspirations I am enjoying.

this is one cool visual book. By Jessica Helfand. When vintage was new:)

I know it is Martha. I will confess my inner domestic self loves some Martha. And she had a cool section on this classic style. Photo corners and all. 

Now that the sun is down and I must go to bed...

Have a good summer evening.

At the Mississippi.

I didn't realize how much I needed this day at the lake. My dearest friend Tina and her equally charming husband Jon came for a visit to Minnesota from the great State of Wyoming for a short visit. While Jon fished, Tina and I sat on the shore. The most relaxing lovely day I have had in a long time.  I have had two authentic best friends in my life  Crystal  and Tina. Crystal and I had the dynamics of sisters.  And Tina came into my life after High school when Crystal and I started venturing away from each other. Being the' bobsy twins'  had it's  strains. Natural when you are joint at the hip. In Tina I found a instant friend.  We are both passionate about History (her elizabethan, me american), endless conversations and the most taboo subjects are welcome. Music. Random drives.  Reading.  And most of all the best companion hands-down for road trips. And we have had the best ones, legendary. I just love this girl.

And getting to spend time with Jon and her was awesome. He is one stand up Guy. And can fish weeds out of the Mississippi like know other:)

Jon I promise next time I'll hook you up with a better fishing spot.  And I will call  "Paris"  back (or as I prefer Jackie O)  and let her know she can have her  sunglasses back:) Clearly Jon does not know my life long love affair with enormous sunglasses.

Extreme close-up just for you Jon. Tina I know you understand me and my shades:)

Then after we left Lake Pepin we went up river for some much needed spirits.  At this classic place. 

My Dad used to hang out at this place in the late 60's and early 70's. Driving up from Winona in one of his many muscle cars.  The sign has clearly  not changed since then (except with my little photoshop fun with the blank sign  adding a thank you to  Tina and Jon for the best Saturday in a long time.  We sat outside on this perfect Minnesota summer evening watching the boats coming and going. Laughing and having the most enjoyable of random conversations.  

The day ended too quick and I miss them already. And look forward to my trip to  Wyoming soon hopefully  in late  August . Happy Tuesday to all:)

this funny face. And the making of a page.

I went digi for a lay-out. I usually start with digital via photoshop and of course final touches via picnik (my $25 premium upgrade was well worth it.) for my photo's.  I also love planning a lay-out's type with photoshop as a  layer. so, easy to print and voila slap the pictures on. But, this time I decided to do the whole lay-out start to finish in about 20 minutes. Though I sure did miss the hands-on and then putting the finished result into my album. *this weekend I will be making a real version. But in the meantime the insty lay-out does the creative thing. 

I also had a little photoshop/picnik fun documenting with the 3 pages of the  Lilly Pulitzer catalogue that inspired my quest for the perfect pink summer lipstick look. 

1. 

2.

3.

*I will throw these 3 pages in my album with my page. It is so fun to document my creative process. That part always seems to be forgotten by me. speaking of forgotten....

You know what I love now  since I started  documenting my  life through scrapbooking and blogging. Is giving myself permission to take self-portraits.  I have spent the majority of my life behind the camera. And I look back and wish there was more of me and who I was in that particular moment in my life. Taking self-portraits is not VAIN!!!! It is exploration and documentation  of you. I am one of the most insecure people. And in general I used to  hate people taking my picture. Can I say double chin action. But, now I have become OK with it. It has helped me celebrate myself a little bit more and become a little more comfortable in front of the camera (even if my arm is wrenched in the most  gosh awful position to get the right shot). 

My shots are usually a little awkward and blurry. I strive for that. I am all about imperfection.  I have learned this technique from one of my all time favorite  photographer. Mario Testino. Who is best known for the last photos taken of Princess Diana for Vanity Fair. They have this grainy, beautiful blurry look to them. 

Some of my favorite scrapbooking self-portraitist are featured in the archive issues  of   A-gCa. 

So, now be a good little scrapbooker and  go wrench your arm and take some pictures of yourself this weekend. See you Monday. 

And My buddies at Sis this weekend have a blast:) 

Thank you for not smoking.

Update: I wrote this Sunday and now it is Monday eve. And had a good run today. Smoke-free- the first day. Did not get a chance to post until now. ...

Today is the day (though I am writing this the afternoon before).  I want to be prepared for everything. Even posting this lovely enduring sentiment to my cigarette brand on my inspiration board. All reminders are good reminders. 

I have smoked on and off (more on) since I was 17 years old. Now I am 34. I'll leave the math to you, but it is long over due. Now that my own Mother is going through chemo and the treatments have been good to her. In honor of her and of course my own health. I am quitting.  I rarely speak of my smoking (except when I did this below  lay-out last year). 

I don't like to talk about it, because honestly I am ashamed. It doesn't represent cool anymore to me. So, it is time. And this is where I need your help friends. I need accountability and that is why I am broadcasting via blog airwaves.  I need you to keep me going, tell me stories of success or reminders of what is the consequences. Even if you don't smoke, as most of my friends don't now a days. I am sure there something you might be able to use to relate. I don't know, but I need support. And open dialog. I have always been a believer in keeping quiet plans, like weight loss attempts. I am just worried by talking about it, it sets you up for failure. But, I have come to realize that mentality does no good. If you shed light on things, it seems to loosen it's grip. I have learned to look at my smoking not as a weakness, but a excuse. Excuse to not better myself. Excuse to distract me from really matters. It all started as a teenage experimentation that now has turned into addiction. But, addictions can be overcome. And I don't want to shorten this precious life, I want to honor it with taking care of the body God gave me. life and health is such a gift and I have learned this the hard way in the last  year. And I don't want these lessons to go unnoticed. 

There is a quote that Ali E. featured on her blog last week that spoke to me at the core of my being ( I know dramatic wordage, but it did:) 

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?

-mary oliver.

I want to be authentic me. BE living in my potential. Openly challenge my fears. Not let the mistakes of the past define the present. Be kind and firm with myself. Be prepared and live in action...

 so I have things prepped for today's (really tomorrow) quit day. 

1. the nicotine patch. It has worked well for me in the past.

2. a clean house.  that does wonders everyday. 

3. My yoga mat and dvd ready for the morning. 

4. Orbit Cinnamon gum.

5. fake cigarettes to hold if need be. I know it sounds weird, but it works to pretend sometimes. 

6. Green tea. To calm and get that metabolic rate a kick. 

7. Books. Books. Books. & walks. walks. walks. 

8. Making my bedroom as comfortable as possible. So, I have a place to chill, when the cravings may hit. 

9. Stay busy and switch my routine up. 

10. Last, but not least a little reward at the end of the week. A pedicure may be in order. 

Thank you. Have a wonderful Monday:)

take a right on county rd. 15...

You drive up a pretty ordinary hill, surrounded by southern minnesota foliage and trees. Then as you continue on the hill, scenery turns to rolling hills of farmland. 

This land at one time was filled with hardwood forest, but was cleared away for the rich dark soil that would be farmed by European immigrants like my Grandpa. The corn here will be knee high by July and  in the Autumn its bare golden stocks will be a  perfect backdrop for a  crisp Sunday drive. 

As you continue to drive on the 2 lane county road, often shared with tractors. You come across a small long since forgotten dirt road once canopied by perfectly lined great  trees that are now are intermingled with dead and alive. There tall branches make like a natural roof, with sun peaking through the leaves.

 

Then you notice where this dirt road once led too... I remember the first time I saw the house. (I know I might sound like a broken record telling this story again:) But this place I found a story. 

Now it is a ghost of a house,since  I first laid my eyes on it's endless wrap around porch. The current owners have cleared all the brush from the property. Now you can see the stone fence and wrought iron gate well. But, now it seems so barren and less protected. The side of the house where the brick has collapsed, now is held up by support beams and a  blue tarp to protect the exposed interior. It makes me so sad, to see something I have gotten so much inspiration and creative joy decaying in the  shadow of it's once grandness. 

The story of the house is bits and pieces of facts and fiction I have heard over the years. The house was supposedly built by a wealthy farmer. He built it  for his beloved wife and even constructed her very road into town.  Originally  the house had a wonderful outlook on top that the gentleman farmer would oversee his land and or I imagine looking at the night sky.  When the county inherited the home in the 70's. It was not taken care of and fell into quick  disrepair. The roof even collapsed and was left open to the elements and animals  until a temporary roof was put on, which is the existing one. But, this girl can't help dream of fixing this house up. brick by brick. And then sitting on that porch in the morning writing. telling its story.   

Is there a place that holds a story for you? Have a wonderful Sunday. 

end-note: this last friday.....

 I have been without my beloved Uncle Vic Volvo for a whole week (he is getting all fixed up) and have been driving my husbands car. And Friday after leaving Target, I was on route to the gas station. Thinking empty was like empty in my car, where you have a good 50 miles. Um no clearly american cars when it says E, they mean E. I was in the middle of the intersection, hazards flashing and yes not one car stopped. What happened to Minnesota nice any way? So, when the going get's tough, Cindy swears like a sailor and calls her Dad, who happens to live in alabama and also where I learned my swearing like a sailor trait (more like a ex-marine) while watching/listening to him fix his cars.  So, this usually good catholic girl sat in my frustration, even I think hitting the dash. Tried to figure things out and then realized I had in fact ran out of Gas. I then got off the phone with my Dad and called Ahmed. Eventually someone did help me push it to the side of the intersection. Then Ahmed arrived with Gas and then at some point I left my phone on the trunk. 20 minutes later I noticed my phone not in my presence. I back tracked to find my beloved blackberry curve in pieces on the side of the road.  No phone what? Can't check facebook or e-mails anytime? Pathetic I know. But, I am dependent. surprisingly I could dial out, but the screen is a mess. So, now it lays on my dining room table in pieces. But the blackberry gods have smiled upon me (more like ahmed giving me his pearl version.) So, all and many lessons  learned. Put phone in handbag, when not in use. when Gas tank is empty, fill. And Say 10 hail Mary's for all my swearing.  

prep: dad day package.

Oh I have a confession I am really bad about sending packages. I always have the best intentions. Right now on my dining room sits two. One for Cameron ( who sent me a sweet little card and fun little magnet set  a little while back.) and my Dad. I am so excited for him to get it.  He has been wanting the song The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot for ages. He has it on record and now that his needle for the player is defunct. He is been without his music for some time. So, instead of spending 18 bucks for one song. I made him a CD. My somewhat  new epson artisan printer came with a sample CD, where you can print a picture on it. I know this has been out for awhile, but I am so my fathers daughter:) Slow to something new and cool.  ( I still listen to mix tapes from high school in my old volvo:)  My play-list 1990-93: some cure, depeche mode, beastie boys, nirvana, tori amos and Indigo girls. * I have about had it with the song Closer to fine. I need to find a way to jack my ipod up somehow:) or just upgrade my system:) 

I had so much fun making the mix. And the case:) Here is a peek: 

My Dad and me chill-in listening to records. And the headphones, you gotta love the 70's.  And sitting in the infamous yellow chair that my Dad still has.... he can't bear to part with it. He has attachment issues to items. hmmm sounds like someone else? It is  hereditary I am afraid.  Beyond the paneling, my dad's mustache  and harvest yellow decor  accents. This is one awesome memory picture. Sitting on my Dad's lap wasting hours away listening to music. Total comfort. 

A little bit of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Elvis, Silhouettes. I reworked a Kenny Chesney title (yes I do listen to him). I grew up on country, it was the Urban Cowboy era:) And  Each of these random  songs have such a  memory attached.  This is what I love about music, it brings you back to that moment. And I just want to thank him for giving me one of my greatest joys: love of a  good song. 

After I printed the back cover out. I saw a few typo's. Hey it gives it character and a  good chuckle. Poor Merle Haggard, didn't mean to  feminize this living hard country star:) to  MERLA. oops. 

So, tomorrow this will be in the mail. After I finish this post I am putting my packages in the car!!! so I won't forget again. 

I am curious what songs remind you of your dad's? Have a good thursday:) 

The beauty of survival.

Doesn't she look beautiful. Maybe I'm  partial, because she is my MOMMY. In the face of the fight of her life. She couldn't look more beautiful to me. She emanates such grace and calm. And she laughs and speaks not of her sickness  defeating her. It is about learning, making the best of  what God has given her.  She openly embraces what is  this moment. And I am beyond blessed to be a part of her journey through this and how far she has come. 

This Saturday as I was driving up to her house, I was afraid. I was prepared for the worst. When I arrived, I walked up to the front door, my Step-dad telling my Mom on the porch that " Cindy is here." My heart jumped a little bit, I was so anxious. Then I was eased as my Mom emerged from the back patio. Her beautiful smile greeted me with a big hug. I was surprised to say the least. She looked so beautiful, this is not image of chemo therapy.This was my Mom and we had a wonderful ordinary weekend. Our perfect girl time. We shopped and even stopped at the wig shop. She excitedly showed me one of her most recent choices on order. And it was the blond version:) It was like playing dress-up. And the wig consultant knew my Mom well. Now matching shoes and handbags have been replaced with lovely new hairdo's. I couldn't help be more pleased of the  joy she is getting in something that I was so worried about. I even tried on one. Oh we had a good laugh. Me as a brunette. Mary Tyler Moore gone wild. Wigs have come along way, there so real. And the above one she is wearing, you would not take a second look and most importantly she feels  confident. So, she can concentrate on what's important. Getting better. 

When I took the above picture, while we were having lunch. I kept thinking how months ago, she was in the ICU. And now she has had a full recovery. I have such hope and peace in this next phase of recovery. And we both enjoyed these moments, just being us. Talking about  things openly. I asked her what most recently is inspiring her, she has been reading the Classic Imitation of Christ.  I also told her that it is time for me to quit smoking again, now that I am so inspired by her. Any discomfort I feel is nothing in what she is going through, it is the least I can do.  Oh I love her so much. So much of this weekend is tucked  in my heart....

I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. Most of all for being here. I am forever grateful. Please have a wonderful Tuesday. Love, Cindy.