Stars & Stamps Sketch Challenge # 5

They're still creating sketches over at Operation Write Home on the Stars & Stamps Blog.

Here is this week's sketch:





Here is my creation based on this sketch...

Paper and ink is from Stampin' Up; butterfly stamp is from Memory Box, not sure where the sentiment, which is popdotted, came from; I versamarked the butterfly and used Holiday Tex embossing powder by Sparkle N Sprinkle; ribbon is just part of my stash.

A New Challenge on Stars & Stamps.....

A new challenge is being put forth on the Stars & Stamps Blog over at the Operation Write Home website. It's called "Stash Challenge" and this is the first month.

For this challenge, we are to create a card using two patterned papers and a button (or two). As I was setting down to think about doing this, I realized I had made a card already which is part of the bunch to be sent to OWH next week.

The paper and ink used for this is from Stampin' Up. The flowers and button are just part of my "stash" and I don't know where they are from. I used my Creative Memories cutter to cut the paper.

Stars & Stamps Challenge Sketch Week 4

Can't believe it's already the fourth week of the Stars & Stamps Sketch Challenge on the Operation Write Home website. It's snowing again here in Central Jersey so it's a good day to be inside working on cards.


The sketch this week:




My creation using this sketch:

Papers, ink and stamps are from Stampin' Up. I didn't even realize that this card is pink, like last week's card!! I didn't do that on purpose.


I just wish I was a little bit more creative but my brain just doesn't go in that direction! I tend to be monochromatic in my cardmaking.

2010 Snow Pics

Poor Titus! This is one of the spots near the house and fence but when he gets out in the middle of the yard, the snow is up to his belly!

The bump next to the tree is our pond.

I truly hope this is it for the year! DH and I are planning on heading south in another two weeks....provided the weather is right.

I've been spending a good deal of the day making cards for Operation Write Home. I have been making them for awhile now and have quite a few done and plan to get them mailed before we move.

Stars and Stamps Sketch # 3

Here we are in week 3 already of our Stars and Stamps sketch challenge. I'm enjoying this, though I know I'm not nearly as creative as all the other cardmakers.

Check out all the other creations on the Operation Write Home website. If you're a cardmaker and not already involved with OWH, why not consider joining us. It's an easy, fun way to support our troops.

This is the sketch we had to use to make this week's card...






Here is my creation using the above sketch....




The paper and ink are SU; "Hello" stamp is from A Muse Artstamps which I pop dotted; I believe the flower stamp is Close to My Heart but I can't remember for sure (if anyone recognizes it, please LMK); I used yellow fluff for the center of the flowers.

Retirement

According to Webster's Dictionary, retirement can mean...

1. The act of retiring.
2. The state of being retired.
3. Withdrawal from one's occupation, business, or office.
4. Withdrawal into privacy or seclusion.
5. A place of privacy or seclusion; a retreat.

In my case, #3 would fit the description. After working for Christ Lutheran Church for over 14 years, I "withdrew" from my job this past Friday, not because I don't like my job but DH and I will be moving to TN in a couple of weeks.

I loved working at CLC. The job was easy and the people are wonderful! In the 14 years I've worked there seven pastors came and went either through their own retirement or because they were interims and only there until a full time pastor was hired. Fortunately, I got along with all of them and never had any problems. The current pastor is a young man so I anticipate him being there many years.

Last Wednesday they gave me a surprise party. It truly was a surprise, too! I just can't get over the fact that with over 150 people knowing about the party, not one gave a hint to me about anything. It is truly amazing! One of the gifts they gave me was a quilt made by the ladies who come every Monday and make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and other organizations. It is beautiful! Every Sunday (because I don't attend church there), they would have the people of the congregation sign their signatures on slips of cloth which were then quilted into the main quilt. They even included a picture of the church and the ladies who quilt. It is such a great way for me to remember them all!

While it is nice not having to get up at 6:30 every morning (unless I choose to) or having to drive to work if there is ice or snow, I will miss going there and seeing many of the people who have become my friends. But through the use of e-mail, phones, snail mail (many don't have computers), and even Facebook, we'll be able to stay in touch.

And, while I'm "withdrawing from my occupation", I am certainly not "withdrawing into privacy or seclusion" (#4 & 5)!! I will be quite busy once we move, not just unpacking and arranging but getting outside to start my gardens which is one thing I'm looking forward to the most besides seeing our family.

Right now it just feels like I'm on vacation but in a couple of weeks when I don't get a paycheck, I'll know for sure I'm retired!!!

This Week's Stars & Stamps Sketch

This week's Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch:



My creation based on the sketch:




All inks and stamps are from Stampin' Up.