Reading Challenge: Update

So, I have not updated in awhile.  Life is a little crazy, but I have manged to reach my quarterly goal for the reading challenge...10 books in 3 months.  

Since my last update I have read:  

*  Through the Looking Glass - book more than 100 years older than you
*  Drowning Ruth - book fro Oprah's Book club
*  Love Life - book written by a celebrity

I am going to give you a brief thought on each...

Through the Looking Glass - thank goodness it was short...did not enjoy it, took me a week to read this short book.  Just too strange, not my cup of tea.

Drowning Ruth - I was really looking forward to reading this book after the other reviews,; however, I personally found it to be rather anti-climatic and would not recommend.  There was great detail and character building, but I just felt like it went no where.

Love Life - I read Rob Lowe's first book, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This one was just as enjoyable. Some of the other reviews felt he bounced around, I liked that as it felt like you were in a conversation...who ever stays on one subject when having a chat with a friend?  I also like his sharing about
his son leaving for college, very touching for me since my son is graduation from high school this year.  

I have already picked my next book, one by my favorite author and will fulfill the  "book that's guaranteed to bring you joy".  I will tell you about it next week.

So, what are you reading?  Any suggestions?

~Marie

Heart Broken

We had a rough weekend.  On Thursday (3/24/16) we had to make

the difficult decision to put one of our fur babies to sleep.  It was sudden and he was in pain, so it was the only thing to do.  However, knowing that does not make it any easier,  then seeing your 18 year old cry like the 10 year old he was when you got the dog as a puppy just breaks your heart a little more  I have truly missed my silly Colonel the past few days...he was always happy and wagged with his whole body to show it.  His energy was unlimited always looking for a toy or a snack.  Nothing edible was safe from him....if he wanted it he would get it. My son and I have decided that he went to be with my dad as last Friday was the anniversary of his passing.  We like to think they are somewhere together enjoying each other's company without pain.  

Princess Rose Red

I know, it's been awhile.  I have had no time to craft or read :)  Between Senior year activities for my son, preparing the house to sell, packing up to move after graduation, and giving my two weeks notice life has been CRAZY!  

I managed to put this card together last night...just had to have some creative time.  The image is Princess Rose Red from Saturated Canary.  I colored her with my Prismcolor pencils.  I used scraps to make the starburst background.  Added a few embellishments, done.  I am loving this card.  
I hope to have a little more time for crafting once I am not working...I hope.

Thanks for looking!
~Marie

Sweet 16 for a Special Girl

 It is hard to believe that this cute, little cherub has grown into this beautiful young lady.  Her mother and I have been friends for 16+ years so I have enjoyed watching her grow and being a small part of her world.   She celebrated her Sweet 16 this past weekend and while I could not be there, my husband could.  He delivered a very special present and this card.  Of course I had to make a glittery, blinged out card for her special day.  

I loved this image, not too young. She is Let Us Eat Cake from Tiddly Inks.  I colored it with Prismcolor pencils and added gold Stickles to her crown and Diamond Dust Stickles to her dress.  I used a lot of rhinestones...more bling the better...so I kept the overall design simple.  

I hope she enjoyed her card, gifts and party.  

Next year I will be there to celebrate with her!

~Marie

Reading Challenge: Update

Little slow on the reading this week...but I did manage to finish a book.  
This week I read, Murder in Real Time, another Patience Price mystery and sadly, the last.  I have enjoyed them.  This one I used as my "murder mystery".  

Now, what to read for this week....I am thinking I will read a "YA bestseller", but we will see.  I am going to go scour my bookshelves, real and virtual, for unread books and see what fits one of the challenges.

What have you been reading?

~Marie

I'm Feeling Blue

Quick Share....I made this card for a swap.  The theme was monotone cards, so I started digging through my scrap basket.  This card was made completely with scraps!  Love when I can use up those pretty leftovers.  The rhinestone swirl was crystal, so I just colored it with my Spectum Noir pens in the right shade of blue and it fit right in. 

How do you use your pretty leftovers?

~Marie

Trying Something New: Napkin Fold Card

Quick share today...

I have been trying to challenge myself a bit and do new things.  this card, for a swap, did that.  This is the napkin fold card.  Honestly, I am not sure about it....although it seems to be growing on me.  the first two I made i just threw in the trash...awful!  The folds didn't match up, the card stock was too thick and cracked on the folds, etc.  So, this one, that made the cut, I used a medium weight card stock and really took my time with the folds.  I like it...I may even try another one!  

Do you challenge yourself when creating?  How?

~Marie