Lucky

So I'm a day late, but I hope everyone had a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day! I enjoyed a lovely computer-free day of sunshine, family, and green desserts! Cheers!

11 Questions

I was tagged by Mary for a list Q&A game, so here I go.

The Rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them.

(Very hard to find a decent photo of me without a kiddo in it too.)

Mary's Questions
1. What color was your room when you were a child?
White, until high school when my parents finally gave in, and my dad and I painted it sea mist green.

2. If you had to live in another country, which would it be?
If I HAD to live in another country, I would probably choose the UK. If it was all my choosing, I'd try France, though the little French I know comes out with a Spanish accent!

3. What snack or drink would you be ecstatic about a vending machine company carrying regularly?
I can't resist Orangina, and it's not so easy to find anymore. I discovered I can mix Five Alive with seltzer water for a tasty substitute.

4. What two colors should your birthday observe (ex: Christmas--red & green)
It's hard to choose just two, but I guess chocolate brown and frosting pink!

5. What's the most annoying thing to you about the internet?
Searching and finding too much.

6. What's your favorite type of chair?
An overstuffed armchair for reading, napping, and generally being cozy.

7. When was the last time you were on a trampoline?
Was I ever on a trampoline? It's been awhile (or I hit my head.)

8. What's your favorite animal print?
Not a big fan, but I'd choose zebra; black and white strip is a classic.

9. What's your favorite Arcade or Chuck E. Cheese game?
Skeeball, no contest.

10. How long was your longest romantic relationship?
13+ years and counting.

11. What's the most beautiful thing you've seen today?
Daffodils blooming in the backyard and then a few arranged in a chipped pitcher by my youngest daughter.

My Questions
1. What would your theme song be to the current period of your life?
2. What was the most unusual collection you had as a child?
3. How do you relax after a long day?
4. For what do you wish to be remembered after you are gone?
5. What is your favorite food to prepare and share with others?
6. If you could instantly acquire one talent or skill, what would it be?
7. Who is your favorite Muppet character?
8. If you had a day completely to yourself, how would you spend it?
9. What colors have you dyed your hair in your lifetime?
10. What books have you enjoyed so much that you reread them?
11. What was your most memorable vacation?

I tagged The Pen Thief, Becky the Snailmailer, and Lauren Nicole.

Of course I was a bit skeptical at first, that's just how I am, but I'm so glad I played. I hope you have as much fun as I did!

Two Takes on CPS 254

Caged Bird Sings
"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
Vintage book page, sheet music, and seed beads, recycled corrugated packing, denim, button, and snaps, K & Company Julianne patterned papers, Prima paper flowers, DMC embroidery floss, Sizzix Tim Holtz dies, Canvas Corp kraft card base and envelope. CPS 254

Enjoy the Ride/Joy Ride
"Life is a journey, not a destination. Happy Birthday."
Vintage bus ticket, twill tape, and buttonhole gimp, Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride patterned papers and button, Papertrey Ink cardstock and tag die, Dymo label. CPS 254

I'm still here! I realize I have been rather quiet both on the blogging front and the letter-writing front.

I'm currently obsessed with creating cards for spring and masculine birthdays, combining my collection of new and vintage supplies into pleasing designs, and updating my collection of card sketches (done).

My love-hate relationship with my old computer printer came to an end this week when it finally kicked the bucket. My sweet husband now had his answer for what to give me for my birthday! Thank you!

My Favorite Birthday Card

"We didn't come here to fit in.
We came here to be who we are.
We didn't come here to work.
We came here to live our dreams.
We didn't come here for the stuff.
We came here to love each other.
We didn't come here by accident.
We each came here with a purpose
that is uniquely our own.

Be
Dream
Love
Thrive

Always."

I received many beautiful birthday cards this year, but this is my favorite.
It almost made me cry. Thank you, Karen.

Arte Correo

Textured collage and envelope from Cernjul Viviana
Traveled from Argentina 12 Jan 2012 to USA 13 Feb 2012

Fluxus collage and envelope from Cernjul Viviana
Traveled from Argentina 11 Feb 2012 to USA 22 Feb 2012

Muchas gracias, mi amiga de correo.
Espero que reciba pronto mi primera respuesta.

I am, as always, late in posting most of the wonderful mail I receive. I replied to the first collage on February 18, and then another beautiful work arrived in my mailbox today. The travel time of mail fascinates me. I suppose its variability is part of the mystery and allure of corresponding by post, particularly overseas. (Unfortunately, this phenomena does not excuse the irregularity of my blog posts!)

Blue ATC Buddy Jam

C.Z., a new mail art friend, introduced me to ATC Buddy Jams, where two artists collaborate to create two identical artist trading cards and each keeps one finished card. I wanted to try my hand at ATCs for some time, but this was the nudge I needed to get started. (Sometimes getting started is the hardest part!)


C.Z. sent the above cards with the mason jar stamped in blue, and I filled them with blue bits from my overflowing workspace. I like that they are mirror images. I returned the card shown on the left to C.Z. and kept the one on the right (I had to fudge the plastic tag; I colored a white one with a blue Sharpie.) I was pleased with the results and so was C.Z. We're working on another set.

Many thanks to new friends for new ideas and inspiration!

Mail From the Heart

My love notes are all buttoned up,

hand-stitched with love,

and they make my heart sing.

Happy Valentine's Day!
May it be filled with sweet mail and semi-sweet chocolate!