Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Double Challenge Card

Hi! This card is for today`s color challenge using Real Red, Old Olive, and River Rock. Great colors Mary! It is also for the teaparty and being sent to Linda. Read about it here .My card is a case of Nichole Heady`s card. As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it. Hers is on her blog .Felt good to get in the craft room today!! Now have to get caught up on a few more Christmas cards.
Have you got your shopping and decorating done yet???
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hi All! Just wanted to take the time to wish all of my followers or those just stopping by a fabulous Thanksgiving! You know its truly not about the wonderful food and decorations. But the icing on the cake is nice! Don`t get me wrong. The traditional meal of turkey, dressing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pies sounds fabulous! But this year my sweet husband and I find ourselves alone this year and without the aforementioned menu. We had planned on going out tomorrow for a quiet meal and perhaps cooking our turkey this weekend. But my health issues have reared their ugly head and we will have to wait and see if I feel up to going out. My blood pressure is not cooperating with the new meds I am on and with a reading of 80/45 and sometimes lower I just don`t have the get up and go! And yes I have talked to my doctor and we are trying something different and I will be going to see him on Monday. But I am still so very thankful for so many things. And I hope to show that appreciaton in small ways to others. Reach out to others and see how something so simple can change your outlook on life! As that is what makes me happiest. So even though we may be eating a meal of whatever my husband thinks he can manage or gets us some carryout we will still be counting our many blessings. He is my rock and I love him more each day. We have been married for 39 years.I feel so fortunate to call him mine. :-)

And I have to mention man`s best friend. We have two fur kids as most of you know by now and they have stayed by my side during this entire ordeal. Unconditional love. And how true this quote is..."Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." - Roger Caras

And thanks to you sweet Peggy who has so enriched my life this year. Love and appreciate you girlfriend!

And I want to thank each and every one of you who stops by my blog and takes the time to just say hi! Hugs and the very best to all of you!! Judi :-)

Hi Sis!!!!!!! I know we would be celebrating with you and yours if we lived closer. Hoping that happens one day soon! Hope you are able to enjoy tomorrow as I know all the hard work you have done this past week to make it enjoyable for all. Love ya!!
And a Happy Thanksgiving to our kids...we now have to share them with in-laws which works out well. We will have you for Christmas! :-) Love to Andy, Kristine, Jason, and Jess. And we will see our darling Ariel on Friday!!
Enjoy your time with family and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Some days are better than others...

Ok...I know I said cards were coming. And they are...just not quite sure when. I had a 14 pound box of PTI goodies sitting on my porch swing this morning and did not have the energy to care. EXTREMELY unlike me. Well they are switching my meds around yet again so thought I may need to check my blood pressure. So 74/54 may just explain my slowness today. We started with a b/p of 200/124( quite some time ago) but somehow I don`t think it was meant to go quite this low!
Going for an echocardiogram in morning. Will bring memories of the jelly put on my belly for ultrasounds while pregnant. That was looooong ago! So will be telling them of my pressure while there. Sometimes its just hard to hit the middle road with things. So slow I may be for a bit longer and tired. But I am breathing so have to be thankful for that!
Spending time with my dh the rest of the week who has taken time off and we are so enjoying each other. So think I may have to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving now as I will probably be scarce on blogger the rest of the week. Eat, drink, and be merry!
Candy will be coming after Thanksgiving...a post about it sometime next week.
I am also thankful for all my blogger friends and that means you, and you, and you! Hugs, Judi
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Cards coming...

but off to bed right now. Nitey night. Since its 3 AM! Yikes!
Thankful post from yesterday should read...sleep when I can get it!
Good night Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Thankful Post ~ Carolina Blue Skies Again!

Hi All! Can you believe this is the same tree in yesterday`s post exactly one week later? Well it is! This tree lost its leaves just that quickly. This was taken today and our Carolina Blue Skies prevail once again. :-) No touch ups either! Notice the birds nest to the left? Many birds family in this tree. Such fun to watch!
So on to another thankful post again in no particular order!

A surprise John Stewart email (wink,wink), Fabriano paper, windy days, a great haircut, a clear starry night, the sound of our grandfather clock, 6 ounce cokes in bottles, seashells, hospice house, doctors who really care, people paying it forward, libraries, a noisy house, a quiet house, our vegetable garden, sheets on a clothesline, letting someone ahead of you in a long line at the grocery store and them thanking you with a smile, cotton candy, the memories of my childhood, the birth of a baby, hope, faith, and knowing I am enough.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! I have my dh home for the next 8 days!! YAY!!
May even have a card for you tomorrow...stay tuned.
And do share what you are thankful for! My followers are too quiet!!
I feel a giveaway coming soon. Hugs! Judi

320 Sycamore Lane ~ Favorite Things Party!!

 320 Sycamore is having a party and I decided to join in the fun! Thanks for having me!
A favorite blog!

I "heart" roses of all colors and varieties and have a special connection as our last name is Rose! Jackson and Perkins has many to drool over!


 Our dogs Taffy and Molly ~ :-) Always check your local shelters first for pets!!



My painting which nurtures my soul. Dick Blick carries many fine watercolors.

Falling in Love by Philosophy

All things beachy!! Try Oak Island Accomodations  for some great rental properties in NC.

Chinese and Sushi!!!!!!!!!! YUMMY! If in Charlotte, NC check it out!

This Crewel kit I just got from Purl Soho . Gorgeous!

Delicious and guilt free!


These really work! Better than having to have your pet put to sleep and pay a fortune for teeth cleaning!



Family is my most favorite and this is where mine started. My mom and dad on their wedding day. :-)

What are some of yours? Join in the fun here .

Friday, November 19, 2010

Carolina Blue Skies...


So I must be in a nostalgic mood...dreaming of holidays long ago. Thanksgiving will soon be on us and thought I would share some random thoughts each day until then as to what I am thankful for.

In no particular order!!

Carolina blue skies, the scent of fall with its drying leaves and crispness to the air, the most wonderful dh and my true soulmate who would go to the furthest moons and back for me, ladybugs, bluebirds, a drink of cold, cold Le Bleu water when thirsty, smiling at a stranger when out shopping and having them smile back, my sister Linda and Arthur her significant other, our sons who are as different as sauerkraut and chocolate pudding, sauerkraut, chocolate pudding, my morning conversations with Aunt Lillian, baby fingers and toes, a good book which is so good we don`t want it to end, the travel channel, the food channel, Turtle Watch Beach House, my little Canadian friend, the french language, Lithuanian descendants who are a strong and good people and who I am from, sushi and chopsticks, wool yarns, papers of all kinds, paintbrushes, the smell of puppie`s breath, flowers,the sea, and gasoline, cameras, vintage anything, snowflakes, Ariel our gd. And I can`t think of a better place to stop today. :-)
Hugs to you all and here is hoping you have a fabulous weekend! Tell someone you love that you love them!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Just to add...

Did not want you all thinking I was giving up my stamping. Guess my last post made it sound that way! I will continue to fit cardmaking in my days...I could never give that up! Just needed to take a breath and free up some time for classes, reading, crocheting, exercising. You get the picture! So I will still be seeing and visiting with you all over at SCS and your blogs. Thanks and have a beautiful and blessed day. Hugs, Judi
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

A Thank You!!

Hi All! Just wanted to give a huge thank you to Betsy of Innovative Stamp Creations and Faith of Mark`s Finest Papers . I will be forever grateful to you both for the opportunity to work for such fine stamp companies. I felt like it was time for me to move on to pursue my love of painting and to work through some health issues I am having right now. Both of you are talented and amazing women and I so enjoyed my time with you. I encourage all to check out both websites for your stamping needs! You won`t be disappointed! I appreciate you both!!
Hugs!!! Judi

Sunday, November 14, 2010

EXCITEMENT!! Dirty Dozen Gallery to be Revealed at Midnight!!

Hi Peeps! Have not meant to ignore you...have just been busy working on this month`s Dirty Dozen projects! The reveal will be at midnight tonight and I can`t wait for you to see this month`s new artists and our fun theme! Are you a fan member at Splitcoast? Because this is the only way to visit this gallery and get to see all the eye candy! The girls have really done a fabulous job this month!! So if you aren`t a member yet...what are you waiting for?? Go read about being a fan club member here. Hope to see you there!!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! Day 4!! Musical Holiday!!

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 6 NEW SETS!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

November 12  FRIDAY   Musical Holiday
I love this Musical Score stamp which is also a big trend right now! Great stamp to shab up and look vintage. I hope you have gained some inspiration during this month`s hop with the many different styles amongst the team members!
Please be sure to stop by all the blogs for some fabulous ideas today and a chance at winning blog candy!

Emily- http://mylittlesliceofbliss.blogspot.com
Mark’s Finest Papers - http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! Day 3!!

Hi! This is day 3 of Mark`s Finest Papers. I am featured on their blog today but wanted to share my card with you. This is from the set called Welcome Home. Who doesn`t love a lighthouse? I just love the ocean and anything related! This is a versatile set as you also have images that work perfectly for holiday cards! Please be sure to stop by and visit those on the blog hop (the list is on the MFP blog) and I will be back on the trail tomorrow so stop by again! Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! Day 2!! Chance at BLOG CANDY!!

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 6 NEW SETS!
And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.
Isn`t Santa cute? I used Liquid Applique on his beard and fur and stickles was added to the cap trim. Great set to also make notecards or postcards!
I just love the feather stamps from this set! Bold and free is the sentiment I used on the inside. I think this would definitely work as a guy card for just about any reason, don`t you? I used direct to paper technique with the envelope.
Please be sure to check out the amazing talent at Mark`s Finest Papers and visit everyone`s blogs for some great inspiration and a chance at winning blog candy!
Judi (you are here!)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

To-the-Top Tuesday Blog Hop! 11/09/10

Do you love finding new blogs to read?
Then link-up with us every Tuesday for
To-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!
  1. Follow (the first 3 spots) your hosts Nicole at One Little Mister, Jill at Frugal Plus and Traci at Traci66. (They WILL follow you back, please just leave them a comment!)
  2. Grab their Blog Hop button and post about the link-up on your blog.
  3. Add your blog to the linky list! And gets lots of new followers!!!
DO NOT LIST GIVEAWAYS!
They will delete them. Also, please don’t make duplicate links….link your blog ONE time pretty please!
Try to choose 4-5 other blogs to follow, tell them you found them at TTT Tuesday Blog Hop!  You are not required to follow back but it is nice to do so, and highly encouraged.
Please make sure you have a way for people to follow you, i.e. Google Friend Connect. 
The link-up will be open until midnight tonight (Tuesday) but will be visible all week!
You are also encouraged add the linky code (posted below) on the blog post you make.  It will show all of the blogs that have entered here, people can link-up through your blog, and it will update on all of the lists.

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! 11/09-11/12 Chance at BLOG CANDY!!

Welcome to the MFP November Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 6 NEW SETS!
And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released: Brick Wall, Bells on Bobtail, Christmas Postage Due, Bold & Free, Muscial Holiday and Welcome Home. For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (November 13, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day, you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning.

November 9  TUESDAY:    2 SETS:  Brick Wall; Bells on Bobtail

Isn`t this a cheerful Autumn card to let someone know you are thinking about them? went CAS with both my cards today.
Isn`t this a nostalgic card? It conjures up an old fashioned Christmas! You could easily duplicate this card for some fast and easy holiday cards! Thanks for looking!
Please be sure to check out the talented designers blogs here at Mark`s Finest Papers for some fabulous eye candy and  a chance at winning blog candy!
Judi (you are here)
 

Monday, November 8, 2010

Man`s Best Friend!

Taffy on the prowl! What a gorgeous day!!
Looking GOOD for a 13 year old dog!! Thanks for playing with us Mom!!
Molly Girl! While Taffy seems to pose for mom`s silly pics I am too fast for her!! She snuck up on me with this one...the rest of my time outside I was flying. :-)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Double Challenge Card 11/06/10

Hi! This is a double challenge card. First and foremost it is in honor of our QFTD who is Shellapoo aka Michelle!! You are such a sweetheart sending cheer to all these sick children. I just want to say thank you!! Congrats and wear your crown proudly! You are sooo deserving! Hugs! Read all about it here .This is the card  I chose and was inspired by in Michelle`s gallery.Isn`t her Wee Henry a cutie pie? His shoes reminded me of this great tennis shoe stamp I owned from Postmodern Design that always makes me smile. The sentiment is computer generated. And then I checked today`s Inspiration Challenge where Stephanie has sent us to this adorable website called Miyuki Sakai Sewing Illustration. This  is what was waiting there for me!Thanks for looking and have a fabulous Saturday! Hope you get to spend it with loved ones!!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

MMTPT118 Teaparty Card! 11/02/10

Hi! I am late but finally made it to the teaparty!! We are going to Colorado this week. I have no words of wisdom this week...just special thoughts of Mr. and Mrs. Cotton ~ Tracim aka Traci`s mother and father. Read about it here and join us won`t you?I used the black and white so I didn`t have to come in the backdoor and used Hero Arts stamps. Thanks for looking and have a great evening!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Color Challenge and Card Patterns Sketch! 11/02/10

Hi! This is a card I did for today`s color challenge brought to us by MaryR917 aka Mary who is not only on the color challenge design team but is hostessing her first challenge! Way to go Mary! Beautiful Autumn colors ~ Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, and Early Espresso. Congrats to you Mary and also to Joanne and Vicki for making the team! I used a HA script bg stamp and inked it with StazOn Timber Brown Ink. I then used Versamark on my HA floral image and embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then applied Distress Inks using a foam applicator from Ranger. My sketch is from this week`s  Card Patterns Sketch 88 .This week`s dessert option was ric rac and I made mine from cs and a PTI die. Hope you like it! Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Double Challenge Card 11/01/10

This is a simple double challenge card. First it is based on a card done by yesterday`s Featured Stamper ~ CherylQuilts.She will get your MOJO going! Congrats Cheryl! I am a long time admirer of your work and I appreciate your sweet comments. Enjoy your time in the spotlight! My card also qualifies for today`s CAS challenge to do Sympathy Cards. Not a pleasant task but always good to have on hand. I let the beautiful stamps from Mark`s Finest Papers and the Fabriano paper to do the talking and felt like nothing else was needed. Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day! It felt good to get in the craft room even if it was a quick card!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!