~ Today ~

This past weekend has been amazing. My sister and I own a home in Prescott, Arizona and I spent Saturday through Tuesday there, getting it ready for her visit when she arrives Saturday September 6 with her significant other and son, my favorite nephew, Thomas.

Being up in the "High Country" as it is known here in Arizona is so very different than living anywhere in the entire world. Prescott is a small town, and definitely has its' own character and flavor. There is a town square where people gather at differing times of the day for various purposes. Along the parameters are shops and restaurants to wander in and out of and through and catch a bite to eat or a drink to quench one's thirst.

The air is crisp, clean and invigorating to all of one's senses and I definitely got that feeling for having been there for a slightly extended stay this time.

This past Tuesday, I met my dear friend Nancy for lunch at the Victorian Tea Room which is located near town. Upon entering, I immediately caught her eye and was also delightfully captured by the ambiance that the tea room exuded.
The food and company were most memorable and I hope to visit there and have lunch and tea with friends, old and new in the not too distant future.

Just thought that I would share some of my in state get away time with you all.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

God Bless,
Linda

~ Time to Give Thanks ~

With Thanksgiving being a few days away, I thought to check-in with my blog and post a short update.

These past four months since my dear mother has made her transition have been a whirlwind of emotions, probably why I have not posted regularly. I am grateful that I have not fallen into a deep depression, my life overall is very good. I am thankful to have a wonderful husband, two healthy young men as my sons, and friends far and near that I keep in contact with regularly.

Lately I have been re-organizing my Chateau de Papier (Paper Studio) which has helped me to cope quite well emotionally with my feelings. My DH put together a beautiful stamp cabinet in which I have neatly organized all of my loose rubber and clear stamps. Bookshelves were moved around in order to incorporate a shabby chic daybed for my little sister Angela's visit next February. She, my nephew Thomas and her significant other are planning to purchase a vacation condominium in Prescott sometime next year. That is something that I am very excitedly looking forward to. I made a trip up there a few weeks ago to scope out some properties that she and her realtor had planned for me to look at. The trees were turning and it was 20 degrees cooler there than here in Phoenix.

And, so to speak of Thanksgiving...my DH and I have been graciously invited to a mutual couples' home for the day's festivities and will bring along a wonderful Black Forest Trifle that my DH will make from scratch.

As for the weekend, we might do some shopping locally in anticipation of the forthcoming Christmas holidays. I look forward to decorating our Christmas tree, which will probably go up around the second week of December. Although I do not over-do the rest of the house, I am still mesmerized by the beauty, lights and decorations, along with all of the memories that a Christmas tree holds.

Drop me a note to let me know how you are doing this time of year. Perhaps if you live in town, we can meet for a cup of tea at one of the Tea Houses in Glendale to share our love of rubberstamping, card making or simply sit and chat.

~ Peace ~

Tea Tyme

After reading through my emails, part of my daily morning routine, I uploaded some Tea cards that I created for a swap to Splitcoaststampers.com. One of the images is to the right of this post. Hope that you enjoy it!

My DH and I and another couple are planning our trip to France which is to take place at the end of September, grap harvest. We had dinner together this past Sunday evening and had maps and books galore spread out all over their kitchen island. I have never been more excited about a trip before, as you see, this is my first trip to Europe! We were letting our fingers do the walking on the map, tracing our route from Paris, where we will begin, through the Loire Valley, then into the Bordeaux region and possibly an overnight trip to Barcelona, Spain. All of this is to take place within a two week period. All four of us are wine connoiseurs as you may have already suspected, so we are also planning on visiting some of the Chateaus in the various regions. Another friend of ours, who has been so gifted to have lived in France for several years, sent us an email with some photos from the Chateau Fountainbleau. How spectacular!

Some of us are going to make an effort to learn the French language so that we may converse with the people and although we may not become experts, I know that we will all have a wonderful experience while visiting.
More to come, along with card making adventures in the days to come :)

Spring Stampin'

Hi All,

Lately, I have been in the cleaning mode. Spring is just around the corner, but here in Arizona, the temperatures have soared to 90 degrees, a jump of over 20 degrees in less than a week.
So, while it is still "cool" (ha), I am making the best of the weather and preparing to transform my spare bedroom into my Hobby/Craft room. I have a vision of having my computer on one wall and adjacent would be a large table so that I can spread out my projects ~ cards, scrapbook pages, pictures, toys, etc. I want to faux paint the wall that faces the door that opens to the room in a soft pink/beige/gold tone.
My temporary spot in the master bedroom, which is quite cozy is overflowing with "stuff", so now is the time to prepare this new space.
The St. Patrick's Day cards project went easily and effortlessly, they are simple in design.
There is also a project for Tea themed cards which were a tad bit more challenging, but I finally sat down one evening and pulled them together...they are waiting for the final touches.
Happy Stamping Everyone!
~Linda