(43-258) CRAFT Beach Retreat

Don't let the title fool you.  Even if you're not a crafty guy or girl, this post isn't ALL about the CRAFT Beach Retreat per se.  In a nutshell, it's also about courage, fortitude, vision, entrepreneurship, and friendship.  It's about my AMAZING friend, Rachel K.

I have written about Rachel K numerous times, since "The Bumpy Ride" began; as we've been friends for almost 20 years, she was in the delivery room with Luis and I when I gave birth to my oldest daughter, Lyndzi, (and she is one of Lyndzi's Godmother's.)  Rachel helped me plan and execute my 40th Birthday Scrapbooking Extravaganza Weekend and she invited me to work with her when she developed her business, Scrapbooking From The Inside Out.  It's been my pleasure to watch Rachel fulfill her dream with her Scrapbooking kit club and online community and now she is ready to take her business to a new level, by offering an exclusive experience which she is calling CRAFT Beach Retreat.  

CRAFT is an acronym for Creating Reflective Art For Transformation, and the very first retreat will be held in beautiful, Santa Monica, California on November 11-13, 2011.  I'm so excited that Rachel has asked me to be a part of her Retreat team, and surely I'll have more information to follow. If you're already interested, you can sign up on CRAFT Beach Retreat so that you'll be updated with information as we share it.

I can tell you that this event will be like no other of its kind, because Rachel is one of the most thoughtful and thorough women that I know; and she likes to give people experiences that are nothing short of perfection.  I make these claims as someone who has been blessed to be on the receiving end of Rachel's gracious, generosity countless times; and someone who has been cheerleading her vision since inception.

I am so very proud of Rachel and all that she's accomplished thus far, and I feel privileged to be working with her on CRAFT.  Rachel has taught me many valuable lessons through the course of our friendship, and she was instrumental in my decision to start "The Bumpy Ride."  Rachel is a shining example of what one can accomplish when they dare to pursue their dream; and she inspires me on a daily basis.

I look forward to telling you more about CRAFT in the future and I encourage you to follow Rachel's example and pursue your passion.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-212) Brave Girls Club

Sometime during this past summer, my friend Rachel K, forwarded me an email called "A Little Bird Told me...Your Daily Truth from the Brave Girls Club." Now trust me when I tell you that this club does not need my endorsement, as they are known far and wide, especially in the scrapbooking community. But; I've decided to write about Brave Girls Club today, because I really loved the "daily truth" that I received last night; AND, because I believe that receiving these emails is actually in the best interest of your (say it with me,) "Greater Good."

I am definitely of the opinion that if it ain't broke; you shouldn't fix it. So rather than try to explain what the Brave Girls Club is or "Your Daily Truth," for that matter; I'm just going to copy and paste, the founder's (Melody and Kathy) explanation:
"This is a crazy world that forces confusing lies upon us every day -- lies about what is most important, who we are, who we can become, what we can accomplish, our value, our potential, our worth, what makes our lives meaningful, how and where we can find true happiness, and on and on. So we've decided to wage our own little war against those lies by sending our brave friends a daily truth. Think of it as a little bird delivering your truth -- and imagine that this truth-teller is someone who loves you and understands you completely.
Our daily emails are a free gift that is sent most weekdays, Monday through Friday, with all our love and wishes for everything joyful and brave and true.

"With that being said; here's the daily truth that they sent out yesterday:

"Dear Creative Girl,
Did you know that being creative is simply making something that did not exist before you made it? We are ALL creative, and being creative is a very important, wonderful part of being alive.
You can be creative with your meals, with your clothes, with your parenting, and with your job. You can be creative in friendship, in gardening, in the books you choose. Anything!
Please don't EVER tell yourself that you are not creative, or that others are more creative than you are. Creativity is a tremendous gift that was born into all of us and that keeps our lives interesting. It is a gift that helps others because we can all think of new things that others would not think of themselves.
Share your creativity today. It is healing, it is exciting, and it is essential for forward progress. We believe in you and all that you do. Don't let the world miss out on your creative ideas!!! We need you!"

The "daily truth" is not always about creativity; not by a long shot. That just happened to be the focus of last night's message. So trust me when I tell you that you don't have to think of yourself as a creative individual in order to benefit from these emails.

Thus far, I haven't participated in the Brave Girls online community; but they do have one if you're interested. I can and will say, that I have found great comfort and encouragement from receiving the "daily truths" email. Sometimes I feel as though they've read my mind. They let me know that certain feelings, thoughts or behaviors, that I may have felt were uncommon are really VERY common and they inspire me to be who I am. Do I always love them? No. But there are "daily truths" that I've saved and re-read when I've needed a reminder that I am brave, I am special, and I am worth it; and I think that you're worth it too. You are all unique and wonderful; and a daily reminder of that is an excellent thing; so I encourage you to check out. "A little bird told me" - your Daily Truth from The Brave Girls Club."
Till next time...                                                             
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-187) "Get A Job" By Nicky Ramos

My emotions were all over the place today; and why wouldn't they be?  The past two days had been both joyful AND stressful; and I was tired physically AND emotionally.  I ran a couple of errands and suffice it to say that nothing went smoothly.  Then to top it off, Kelsie was getting on my last nerve; and yes, I did just say that.

When I returned from my errands, I was frazzled. I'd had enough; but then Nicky told me that he'd used his cell phone to make some videos of his Lego's. I told him that I'd love to see them; but I had no idea what to expect.  When he showed me the videos, I laughed and laughed.  I couldn't believe how creative Nicky had been; and I was astonished by his work.  I mean, I know that Nicky is an extremely, intelligent guy and that he's not your average 11 1/2 year old boy; but theses videos really took me by surprise.  He'd shot 3 videos that were between 1 to 2 minutes long; but in order for him to text it to me; so I could then email it to my account and post it to my blog; he had to make a shorter one; and that's what I'm going to share with you now.

Without further ado; I present "Get A Job," by Nicky Ramos.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-139) Shabby Blossoms

You know when I like something, I promote the heck out of it.  I'm always happy to tell you about a great find, because I believe that it contributes to (say it with me) "The greater good;" so tonight, I'd like to tell you about Shabby Blossoms.

Last Sunday, I took my kids over to my friend Mari's house for a play date.  Yes, the Mari that was the subject of "There's Something About Mari."  My wonderfully, creative friend Mari, who made me that BEAUTIFUL "Memories and Thoughts" jar.  Mari had suggested that we could scrapbook while the kids played, and I welcomed the opportunity, but I had been so busy prior to going over to her house; I didn't check my tote to see what was in it; and ultimately; I didn't scrapbook at all; BUT, I did learn a new craft; which was even better.

Whenever I go over to Mari's house, I am always awestruck by the amazing projects that she has created.  Mari is a craft goddess; and I always want to make EVERYTHING that she shows me.  Well, Mari was working on some fabric flowers and they were just stunning.  It was a pleasure just to sit and chat with her while she crafted away and I filed some scrapbook magazine pages that I'd been carrying around forever.  Anyway, I asked the craft goddess to suggest a craft that I could do with my girls and their couple of friends that were going to come over for their birthday; and Mari offered to teach me how to make her fabulous flowers. Mari taught me how to make two, and I decided that I would do this craft with the girls; however, if I'm being completely honest (which I always am;) then I must admit that even though making the flowers wasn't difficult; Mari's were far better than mine.  Mari just has this special touch that turns EVERYTHING into magic.

I had previously asked Mari if I could showcase her and her crafts on "The Bumpy Ride;" but she was shy about letting me do so.  UNTIL, she informed me last week that she decided to try and sell some of her fabric flowers for the holidays.  I encouraged her to do so; and she told me that she'd already thought of a name for them; "Shabby Blossoms."  Mari told me that she was going to send an email to her friends, letting them know that she was selling the blooms; and when I received her email; I was blown away.  I don't know why I was surprised at how professional Mari's photos looked; after all, this IS Mari that we're talking about; but man oh man, I think she's ready for the big time!!


Matty

Mari's Shabby Blossoms are available in 3 sensational styles Matty, Taylor and Makayla.



Matty - available in two sizes small (3 in.) and large (4 in) and can have custom center of fabric, button/bling or pearl.  Priced at $ 2.25 sm and $ 3.25 lg

Taylor

Taylor -available in two sizes small (3 in.) and large (4 in) with coordinating center. Priced at
$3.00 sm and $4.00 lg

Makayla

Makayla - available in two sizes small (2 in.) and large (3in.) with coordinating tulle and center. Priced at $ 2.25 sm and $ 3.25 lg.$ 3.00 sm and $4.00 lg

Each Shabby Blossom can be used as a hair accessory/clip or a corsage. Mari can make any of the styles into a custom piece including the color, size, center and theme. The possibilities are endless!

If you're interested in purchasing any of Mari's original, Shabby Blossoms, just email me and I will be delighted to get you in touch with her; so that you can have some of her gorgeous creations for your very own.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING


Taylor



 Makayla

(43-82) The Hostess With The Mostess

You were introduced to my friend, Mari; when I wrote the appropriately, titled "There's Something About Mari."  In this post, At the risk of sounding disrespectful, I told you  that "Mari is the BEST scrapbooker that I know."  And I also said that Mari is remarkably creative; and she is.  So suffice it to say, that a crop at Mari's house isn't your run of the mill crop.
I consider myself a very detail oriented individual, but I must give credit where credit is due and admit that I pale in comparison to Mari.  I could go on and on about Mari's special talents but I think I will just describe the crop to you, so you will have a better understanding of why I lavish so much praise on Mari.

Mari has an EXTRAORDINARY, home; and when I say it's extraordinary; I'm not referring to the architecture but the way in which Mari has created an warm, loving, immaculate, family friendly home, and adorned it with tasteful and creative accents for the different seasons or holidays.  I have never been at Mari's home when it didn't look like it could be photographed for any number of magazines.  Honestly, it's the kind of place that I'd love to live and I admire her immensely because of it.  From the fall garlands and wreaths that trim her front door, to the candy corn wreath that she made for her formal, living room.  As soon as you approach Mari's home; you are captivated by the spirit of the season.
Other than using the rest room a couple of times, ( I know, tmi;) I didn't spend much time in Mari's house last night; because her crop was being held in her hobby house.  Yes, I said hobby house.  A number of years ago, Mari had her own little craft retreat built in her backyard.  Last night there were six of of us there including Mari; but she can comfortably seat eight.  Now when I say hobby house; let me tell you that if this conjures up the image of the most perfectly decorated, shabby chic haven; you'd be correct.  As usual, Mari hasn't missed a step.  From the curtains on the windows, to the crafty decor; Mari's hobby house is a place I always enjoy spending my time.  It's a girly getaway, if only for an evening.

Now I don't call Mari the Hostess With The Mostess, just because she shares her hobby house with us; oh no.  What would you call someone who sets out Styrofoam cups with each of her guest's names on them, each one hand designed and inclusive of pumpkin bendy straws.  Then she provided a favor for each guest. We were all presented with a little, pumpkin purse that contained a Stickles, a spool of ribbon, a crysta,l spider sticker and a pumpkin sticker.  As if that wasn't enough, Mari had set up a candy bar; (in addition to the dainty, dishes of candy that she had placed on the table.)  The candy bar, had various sizes of glass containers and canisters, filled with everything from Lemon heads, to orange and white Nerds with a scooper, my fave; pretzel M&M's, as well as Halloween gummies, Jelly beans, 2 kinds of candy corn (regular and caramel,) Hershey bars, Mr. Goodbar, York Peppermint Patties, Reeses's  Peanut Butter Cups and Halloween themed lollipops; and as if that wasn't enough; she also had some gorgeous, Halloween cupcakes for dessert.  The candy bar was an awesome, array that made you smile just to look at it.  Mari provided plastic bags (and I'm not talking ziplocs;) with lush pipe cleaner ties; and being the Hostess With The Mostess; Mari's generosity and ingenuity didn't stop with the candy bar, cups and favor; NOOOO; she also provided an opportunity to do a make and take of a fabulous necklace; using a washer (not a dishwasher or a washing machine of course; but a washer from something that I can't explain because I was too busy focusing on writing my blog last night; to be able to give you that information.)  But what the washer is from isn't the point; although I'm sure that some of you would like to have instructions for this craft and see a picture of the final product (which maybe I can provide at a later date.)  How's that for A Bumpy Ride?  Let's round the curve... 
Besides for the make and take; Oh yes; there's more... Mari devised her own version of "Let's make a deal;" the only catch was; we didn't have to provide anything (like a nail file from your purse;) we just got to pick gifts.  Mari's teen daughter, Taylor; served as host for this game; and one at a time she would offer a woman an item, or give them the opportunity to choose what was in a purple bag or a green bag.  On my first round, I won a chipboard, FAMILY album.  On my second try, I won a Heidi grace 347 piece card stock punchout of numbers and symbols; and on a subsequent turn, a flower shaped chipboard album with paper.  It was at this point the we took a brief intermission from the game; because Taylor had to excuse herself; and upon her return, she was dressed in her prom gown and did her best Vanna White impersonation.  Taylor gave us all such a great laugh; and she was a beautiful, and charming hostess; following closely, in her mother's footsteps.  The game resumed (I know; hard to believe) and on additional turns I won, rhinestone brads, shimmery pumpkin stickers, Bazzil jewelry boxes; and an acrylic, picture cube; which Mari assures me will look adorable, once I adhere some rub-ons.  Now is it any wonder that it took me 5 hours to write my blog last night?  Between trying to catch up with friends; enjoying all that Mari had offered us; and playing umteen rounds of "Let's make A deal," I got very little done other than my blog; but I had a terrific time.
I finally finished the layout that I started when Jenny and Tina had come over.  The one that I had written about in "Calling All Scrappers;" since I was looking for advice about photographing my layouts and how to get rub on letters off."  Well, I went with Julie's suggestion and covered the rub-ons with a piece of the same color paper that the layout was done on; and it turned out just fine.

I had a glorious, time at Mari's; just as I always do.  I mean how could you not.  When I told you that Mari has a way of making you feel special; I meant it!  It is an honor to be one who she bestows with her thoughtful ways.  I love to look at all of her latest craft projects and I am just blown away by her imagination and her perfection.  I encouraged Mari to submit her work to various magazines and blogs; but she's so modest about her creations, that she's reluctant to do so.  I wish that i'd taken pictures of Mari's hobby hideaway, so you could experience the loveliness for yourself.  But I hope that my description of Mari, her hobby house, and everything that she did last night; have done her justice.  Just imagine the most special scrapbooking experience that you could ever have; and you'll know exactly what it was like to be there.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-48) For the Love of Art

When I wrote "Art Imitates Life" on August 29, 2010 I shared a drawing that my 8 year old daughter, Lyndzi had done and entered in the MIX 96.9 Fridge Art contest.  At first I shared the link to the contest because I thought that you could vote; but I had jumped the gun a bit, because this was not the case.
I edited the blog before you'd even had a chance to see it; so that you wouldn't know that I had NO IDEA what I was talking about.  No offense to MIX 96.9 but the rules of the contest weren't very clear.  The only information that the website provided was:  Round 1 Voting runs from 9/13 - 9/27 @ 8:00am
Top 50 Voting runs from 9/27 - 10/11 @ 8:00am and Top 25 Voting runs from 10/11-10/25 @ 8:00am

There are 3 age categories and in 8-10, where Lyndzi is entered, there are actually ONLY 25 contestants; so really they're already in the top 25 and where exactly they go from there, I have no clue. 
So today we got an email from the radio station and they explained that each child had a link that we could share in social networks and blogs to encourage people to vote.  This process leads me to believe that sadly the contest really isn't about talent but about which child's parent can facilitate the most votes.  OY!!  I'm not really sure what to make of this.  I'm not going to say that Lyndzi's drawing is the best of the bunch; but I would certainly think that she was in the top 5; and yet, unless I can persuade people to vote for her on a daily basis, she might not do well in this contest at all.

Lyndzi is an artist down to her core, and she deserves to win this contest because, just like I know in my soul that I HAVE to write; at the tender age of 8, she KNOWS that that she HAS to create art.  Art is her passion and she takes great pride in her work.  I don't think that Lyndzi should win because her mom was able to solicit the most votes; but then again, if I don't try to secure DAILY votes, then she doesn't stand a chance; so, I HAVE to ask for your help.  Please take a moment to vote for Lyndzi; and then, even though it's difficult for me to ask this; could you PLEASE do so just once EVERY day until September 27th?  Now as if I haven't asked enough already, I'm gonna show some real chutzpah (fearlessness, balls, boldness) and request that you share the link with as many people as possible.  You might send a quick email to friends and ask them to vote for Lyndzi; even if they do so just once.) If you felt so inclined, you could also post the link in your Facebook or Twitter account.  I'm sure that sounds like a lot to do for a little girl that you might not know; but if you KNOW me; then you know that I would do it for you, and also that when it comes to my child I'll stop at nothing to encourage their dreams.

At this point in time, I'm still not sure if the decision making gets turned over to the radio station or to a panel on October 25th or what exactly what will happen at that juncture; but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.  For now I just want to get Lyndzi as far along as possible and I feel really confident that with YOUR help she'll have a great chance.  Our world will be a very dull place without new generations of all kinds of artists; so we owe it to the world to foster creativity in our children.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

43

Today is my 43rd birthday and though any birthday is a cause for celebration, and the 43rd may not be monumental for most; it's HUGE for me!
When I was younger, having a day of celebration on my actual birthday sufficed. If I was having a party and it happened to be on a day other than my authentic birthday, I then managed to eek out 2 days of jubilation; and as I got older, my birthday festivities grew into "My birthday weekend" and even "My birthday week."  Then just the other night, a wonderful friend advised me that she literally celebrates her birthday for a month. Well wonderful friend and readers alike; this year I am doing one better... I am actually going to celebrate my birthday for A YEAR; and I am so hoping that you will rejoice right along with me...
Now I know that a YEAR of celebration may sound extremely excessive; so please allow me to explain further (as if I wouldn't...)
On March 4, 2009 I posted a blog called "100 Random Things About Me," and #14 was: My parents and paternal Grandfather all died at the age of 43 and that WON'T be me.  OK, the gasps were deafening; but not to worry; I AM FINE!  Rest assured that other than being overweight and suffering from an occasional anxiety attack; I am in perfect health and I have no intention or expectation that I will be leaving this planet any time soon; HOWEVER, following my usual make lemonade out of lemons philosophy; I believe this needs to be a year of recollection, reflection, observation, appreciation, and change; and I plan to do this right before your very eyes.

In my last post, "For A Cause;" I wrote "I've got something planned that you're NEVER going to believe."  And  I have to laugh (lovingly) at how many people guessed that my news was that I was pregnant. Shocking really;  but in a sense, I am giving birth; NOT to a child; but to a creation nonetheless.  So, here it is.  In celebration of my life and all that I need to acknowledge, appreciate and be thankful for;  I am pledging to post a blog EVERY day this year.  (And again the gasps abound...)  Now I know what you're thinking; "THIS coming form a woman who said she was going to post twice a week or AT LEAST a minimum of once a week and then disappeared for weeks and months at a time?"  And the answer is "YES!!"  THIS from The Queen of DELAYS.   THIS from The Queen of PROCRASTINATION.  THIS from The Queen of COMMITMENT, The Queen of KEEPING HER WORD!    Am I fallible?  Absolutely, but hey if Julie can do it; SO CAN I...  I   HAVE TO!!  So yes, for the next 366 days (gotta include making it to birthday 44 of course;)  I am going to endeavor to write a post a day.  They won't ALL be my usual narratives or lengthy storytelling; (though some will - wink,wink;)  but at the very least, I will write about something that I learned, enjoyed, or recalled that day.  I may pay tribute to one of my MANY extraordinary friends, or write about how I reacted differently in a situation that previously would have driven me up the wall.  I am going to do my best to learn to be a kinder person.  A more patient person.  A person who really DOESN'T sweat the small stuff.  A person who can find the silver lining and can recognize beauty in unlikely places and predicaments. Oh don't get me wrong;  I know that life isn't PERFECT; but it sure beats the alternative!!!  I know that you can't ALWAYS find a positive when there are circumstances that absolutely suck.  BUT, in the face of all of that, I want to be A person who made the MOST of a year in her life, didn't waste a minute.; and reminded you that Life Is Beautiful.  AND who knows; maybe once I'm done commemorating my 43rd year; and 366 posts; I'll actually have a book...

So there you have it. .. My big news!  I hope that you continue to join me on this BUMPY RIDE and grow along with me this year.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING