Cotton Ketchie

We had a little excitement last night.  My mom has been having back pain for quite some time - or as she describes it, pain in her butt!  It's her sciatica and I know from past experiences how that feels!  She's gone to a chiropractor for almost a year, but the last time I took her to the doctor, he suggested she try Rehab instead.  So, for the past month or two that is what she has done.  She called me Tuesday night and was really hurting.  It got so bad yesterday that my sister took her to the doctor.  They sent her to the hospital - in an ambulance since she hurt too much to get in my sister's car.  They gave her an injection for pain and sent her home with a prescription for pain pills.  Today she was much better so let's hope she continues to feel ok. 

Tonight my two sisters, myself and my mom had dinner at the Prickley Pear Restaurant in Mooresville.  Marianne and I love their Prickley Pear Margaritas!  Yummm.  After a delicious dinner, we headed to the Mooresville Library to hear Cotton Ketchie speak.  Mr. Ketchie is a local artist who does some wonderful watercolors.  He also has started writing and has written 3 books.  Pulling out two of his books, "Memories of a Country Boy," and "A Country Boy's Education," Ketchie read passages from two of his books.  His purpose in writing the books and doing some of his art is to portray Mooresville the way HE remembes it and to preserve the town's heritage.  Excerpts Ketchie read included tales about his former neighbors; sleeping on a corn husk mattress with his siblings; his school, which had the greatest lunchroom cooks he knew and his family.  If you are in the area, I would suggest a visit to Landmark Galleries to look at his work.  Check out some of his paintings HERE. 

Scrapbooking Promotion

Take your scrapbooking to a whole new level with Stampin' Up! during National Scrapbooking Month from May 1-31. Choose one of the handpicked sets featured for National Scrapbooking Month or My Digital Studio™, and you can add a package of our Designer Brads to your order at no additional cost!

Watch THIS VIDEO of three quick scrapbook projects using stamps from this month's promotion.

Carry Over Items and New Digital Downloads

Were there items in the Holiday or Occassions Mini Catalog that you thought you missed and have been kicking yourself for since?  Guess what?  They might not be gone after all!  Stampin' Up! has carried over a selection of items and they are still available!  Check them out - CARRYOVER PRODUCTS.

 You can order these products any time of the day or night by visiting my on-line website HERE and clicking on Shop Now at the top of the page.

While you are there, also check out the NEW Digital downloads for My Digital Shop!  You can find them in the left column under Digital Crafting.  There is a great new designer series paper called Summertime Splendor that is fabulous!!

Deployment news and Raffle Prizes

Wow!  I had a busy day yesterday.  I was up pretty early (for me!) and headed to the Soup Kitchen to help prepare meals for those less fortunate.  It always makes me feel good to do that.  Somehow, I have gotten to be the "go-to gal" for meal preparations when I am there.  Jan, the head of our group is one of those cooks that is not very adventurous and follows a recipe to the "T".  I have convinced her it is ok to add a little of this and a little of that to make a recipe your own.  Today the dish that was chosen to prepare was a Hamburger Casserole.  They got it out of a book the Girl Scouts put together for a badge and presented to the Soup Kitchen.  The recipe called for mixing hamburger meat (already cooked) with Cream of Celery & Cheddar Cheese soups and  mixed veggies (ugh).  You also mix up Bisquick into a dough and put on the bottom of the casserole and then spread cheese over the top.  Well, we decided that sounded pretty bland.  So, I found a few green peppers and scallions that someone had donated and we chopped those up and added them.  The gals who were preparing it decided to put the biscuit mix on top instead of on the bottom.  Sounded good at the time!  Luckily, we fixed one pan first as a test model without the biscuit mix - we were going to add it after cooking the dish for a while.  Well, after about 20 minutes we took the pan out of the oven and it was really soupy!  I think the biscuit mix is supposed to absorb some of the liquid of the dish.   We already had 4-5 pans made up and ready to go in the oven (without the biscuit mix).  So, we got another pan and put the biscuit mix on the bottom and dumped the casserole on top.  That came out much better!  It tasted ok to me - probably not something I will make and serve at home but the patrons of the Soup Kitchen loved it and many came back for seconds and requested to take a plate home with them for dinner.  So, that is what counts!  We served about 100 people today.

After Soup Kitchen duty, I headed over to a Board Meeting that lasted way too long!  We had a lot to discuss with our big Horse Racing Fund Raiser coming up in early June.  Unfortunately, it is on June 8 which is when I will be returning from Texas so I will not be able to attend.  From the Board meeting, I met Sonny at Red Eye Bar and Grill in Mooresville for a late lunch/early dinner.  We had a couple of beers, some food and played a little trivia.

I have not shared publicly the news that my daughter is being deployed to Iraq - probably because I don't want to believe it is real until I have to.  We have known that it was probably going to happen for a couple of months now.  Well, this week, she finally got some specifics on the deployment.  As it stands now, she will be deploying with a unit out of Fort Hood.  She reports to them in mid-August for a mid-September deployment and will probably be gone 8-9 months.  She is scheduled for training at Fort Polk in Louisiana in June just after my mom and I leave her in Texas.   Although she is an Infectious Disease Pediatrition, she will act as a Brigade Surgeon with her unit.  I told her that sounded pretty impressive to me.  She told me she will be basically the unit's doc - treating the soldiers in her unit if they are sick or wounded.  Although if the injuries are severe, they will be sent to a CASH (which is today's equivalent to MASH.)  We hope that she will be able to spend a couple of weeks with us in July.   Several people have requested her address when   she is deployed.  When I know, I will let you know.  I will miss her terribly, but I am so proud of her and of her commitment.

Here more of the raffle prizes I made for my Newcomers's Horse Race Game Night.  I gave the items to the chairman today and the ladies really "oohed and aahed" over them.  Made me feel good!

This is a Flower Brooch that I made out of upholstery material with the Kiwi Kiss button in the center.

This is a box I made that holds cards.  I stamped the box with the butterfly from Flight of the Butterfly and the swirl in Priceless.  I scalloped the edges.

This is the top of the box - I just love the flower!  It matched the paper great.

The cards ar all made using Inspired by Nature and the Embosslet Butterly.

I really like how this gift came together.

American Idol Final FOUR

Four perform tonight ... individually and as a duet. It's movie night so we're paying tribute to the music that impacts the silver screen.  The mentor this week is the fabulous Jamie Foxx.

Lee has that dreaded #1 spot and sings Kiss from a Rose.  The judges didn't like it.  I think he could have made a better song choice but I just love Lee and love that song and thought he was ok!!

Mike was next with a song I wasn't familiar with, Will You Bhe There.  It's from the movie, Free Willie. ???  Huh?  The judges were mixed with their reviews.  I like Lee better.

Crystal and Lee did a duet, Falling Softly.  Oh ... they are so great!  All the judges thought that was the best moment all season!

Casey sings Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate.  Not so sure about this one - it may be time for him to go - pretty hair and all!  The judges - except for Simon - liked it.  Randy is asking why he chose that song, but this Kara/Mrs. Robinson thing is tacky. I’m annoyed.  But, in the end, I agree with Simon. “There have been some very strange song choices tonight, and that was one of them.”

Next is Crystal singing the theme from Caddyshack, I'm All Right.  Weird song choices tonight!  But she definitely made this song HER ... a little Janis Joplin style.  Ellen is right - her performance was Crystalized!!

Now Big Mike and Casey team up for their duet, Have You Ever Loved a Woman.  I’ll give Casey a star for the guitar and Mike a star for the vocal.  Great performance!  Ellen's comment was funny!  She's loved a woman before!

The duets were better than the performances tonight.  The chemistry between Crystal and Lee was super!!

I think Casey will be leaving us tonight.

Get them while you can!

If you want anything in any of the retiring colors - PLEASE - you need to order it NOW. The demand for these products has been up to 4 times higher than projected and items ARE selling out. While the company is doing their best to fulfill all orders, they have let us know there is a possibility that all orders might not be filled. The best way to ensure that you receive your items is to order NOW. In order to keep any orders from being held up, I am encouraging you to place your order on-line through my Demonstrator website - http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sharonm

(click on SHOP NOW - register and select me as your Demonstrator)

Ink refills and cardstock seem to be the most affected.

Mother's Day

I had a nice and relaxing Mother's Day.  I didn't even get dressed until after lunchtime!  It was so nice to just be lazy and do whatever I wanted to do!  Sonny offered to take me to the movies or anywhere else I wanted to go but I told him I was ok to just get caught up on some things in my craft room.  I made the cutest Top Note Purse and cards to go in it.  My Newcomer's group is having a Horse Racing Game Night in June for a money making project.  I always donate items to them for the event.

Isn't this the cutest?  I found this pattern through a search on Splitcoast.  I used Kraft paper and the Top Note die.  The handles and lining are some retired Designer Paper.  It reminds me of the Rag Purses that my sister makes.  I am putting the following cards with envelopes in the tote.

Simply Sent Kit

Lifelong Notes Simply Sent  -   item number 109868
Price: $16.99   (Previous Catalog Price: $42.95)


l Iove having handmade cards on hand so I can give them out at a moment’s notice. This kit contains the essentials for creating beautiful cards. And the designs are beautiful! It’s a great time-saver, as well—the card stock is prescored and precut. Once you've used up the cardstock, the ink and stamps will continue their usefulness for years to come. These kits are wonderful for beginners or anyone who wants to create several of the same card without spending a lot of time. Coordinates with: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, and More Mustard. 

■ Makes 10 cards, 5 each of 2 styles. Finished card size: 6-5/8"x 3-1/4"
Kit includes:
■ 6-piece die-cut stamp set
■ Bashful Blue, Basic Gray, Certainly Celery Classic Stampin’ Spots
■ Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery Long Notes
■ Whisper White (3-1/2" x 6-3/4") envelopes
■ Circle self-adhesive die-cuts: 5" x 7-1/4" sheets (2)
■ Ribbon self-adhesive die-cuts: 5" x 7-1/4" sheets (3)
■ 2" chipboard circle designs: 5" x 7-1/4", .59 mil sheets (2)
■ Stampin' Dimensionals (100)

This kit and many other brand new items such as DSP, embellishments, rub-ons and chipboard products were added to the Clearance Rack last week.  At this price, you'll want to order not just for yourself, but also for gifts!

Clearance Rack merchandise is available only while supplies last, and only available through my shopping website http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sharonm.  Hurry!!

Mojo Monday Challenge Card

I made this card for my mother for Mother's Day.  It is also a Mojo Monday Challenge card.  I have been so busy making cards for swaps, classes, etc. that it felt good to do my own thing!  I made the tulips using the wonderful Bird Punch.  Do you have that punch yet?  What are you waiting for??  There's so much you can do with it! 

We are going to my mom's house on Saturday evening. Sonny and Greg are going to cook out on the grill .... what, we don't know yet! Something easy without a lot of clean up! I'm thinking tin-foil dinners for each person. I remember making those when our kids were little at home and when we went camping. They were so good. I put a hamburger patty, potatoes, onions, and green pepper in the packs and added a little Worcestershire sauce. Yummm!!  My sister, Angela, is preparing the dessert.

SU Retiring Colors and a treat for you!

With the retiring colors going out, there has been a rush on ordering them. SU! is going to do their best to keep backorders down, but they also are running out of certain colors. They will be replacing (as needed) textured cardstock with the smooth paper. There will be no increase in price. As for the re-inkers, they will allow you to order replacements the month of May, but once June arrives they will only be available while supplies last!! Don't wait to place your order!! Contact me or go to my SU! website to place your order!!

I got to hear my grandson's little voice today.  My mom shared a book (think it came from Hallmark) that my son had sent her called "I Love You Grandma" for Mother's Day.  It is a recordable book.  They recorded Jayce reading the book to my mom.  It was so sweet - he sounded so grown up.  I haven't seen him in 2 years.  He is 3 1/2 now.  Just a long sad story but I have hope that one day things will change.

A friend sent me this and it struck a chord with me.  Hope you enjoy it.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.  
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~
"Oh Crap, She's up!" He just promised it would be worth it.
 
And a little chocolate for the tummy ... Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans - Small bites packed with flavor, these sophisticated sweets are perfect on their own as a snack or dropped into a cup of coffee.

INGREDIENTS
Espresso beans
8 oz. chocolate of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS

• Lay espresso beans (available at your grocery store) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Create a double boiler by boiling a pot of hot water and placing a heat-safe bowl on top. Or, use your microwave to melt chocolate of your choice— recommend dark for this treat.
• Using a large spoon with straining holes, dip beans into melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into the bowl before setting beans on baking sheet.
• Once all are fully coated, place sheet in refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.