(43-345) INDEPENDENCE

This month's kit theme at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is INDEPENDENCE.  Not the kind of Independence that we celebrate on the fourth of July, but the kind that should be celebrated every day.  The ability to be our own person, stand on our own two feet and to succeed based on our own merit.

Rachel wrote a fabulous post about the Independence kit for the Creating Keepsakes blog and I highly recommend that you check it out.  If you leave a comment, you'll actually have the opportunity to win this fabulous kit, in addition to gaining some great perspective.

After reading Rachel's article, I reflected on my own independence.  Unlike most, independence was not something that I opted for.  Instead, it chose me.  Since I lost both my mom and dad by the time I was 19, I had no choice but to make my own way.  Sure I had friends to encourage and love me, but I had no safety net.  No security, no one who was going to tell me what I had to or needed to do in order to take care of myself.  I just had to wing it.

From an outsider's view, I suppose I would have appeared very independent; but I knew the truth.  I kept wishing, hoping, searching for some guy to take care of me.  Not to tell me what to do, but to make me feel important, worthwhile, and loved.  It was my desire to be validated by another person that truly meant that I was not independent, because my belief in myself was not enough for me.  And I believe that this is true for most women.

RuPaul is known for saying "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?"  And I couldn't agree more.  I know so many people who will tell others that they like themselves, they love themselves, but just because they can say the words, it doesn't make it true.  You have to know that you can and will be happy regardless of if you have a partner to share your life with; as a partner is not a guarantee.  And if you spend your life searching for one, you may miss out on some of the most fantastic experiences that would have been just as spectacular with or without someone to share it with.

Trust me when I tell you that I'm speaking from experience.  I can look back now at some of the schmo's that I dated and convinced myself were "the one."  Quite honestly, I even had a bit of a nervous breakdown at the end of my senior year of college because my boyfriend had broke up with me and I had really believed that we were in it for the long haul.  I kept thinking that he was supposed to be my happily ever after, and if I blew it then I would never be happy.  It wasn't until several weeks later that I had an epiphany and realized that if he didn't stay with me, then he couldn't have been "the one", and I still had a chance at finding my Prince Charming.  How sad is that?  I mean bravo for me figuring this out on my own, but yet I was headed back to the drawing board in my all important quest for security, which I had been providing for myself all along (but didn't realize it at the time.)  

I love Disney movies as much as the next person, but all this talk about Princes rescuing the damsels in distress is really setting up our daughters to believe that every girl needs a man to rescue them, to complete them, in order to live happily ever after; and that's just not true.  I know a lot of happy, single women who are doing great things with their lives.  Do they wish that they had a partner?  Perhaps, but they don't let that stop them from living full and rewarding lives.

On the other hand, I also know many women who were like me.  They wanted to believe that "someone" loved them, and that they would show them how much they loved them by committing the rest of their lives to them, but then ultimately they got divorced because they really weren't right for each other.

By the time I met Luis, I believe that I was independent which is why we were able to have a successful relationship.  I had already decided the ways in which I was going to move ahead in my life, regardless of having a boyfriend or husband and I figured out what was going to make ME happy.

In true Bumpy Ride fashion, I've gone all around the mulberry bush with this one.  So what's my point?  Well, it's that if you are not your own person, you can never really be someone else's.  You need to walk the walk not just talk the talk.  Because if you were faking your independence, and your self-confidence, it will leave room for others to control you rather than respect you. It will not turn out to be exactly what you're searching for, because you were looking way too hard.  In order to have a truly rewarding relationship, whether it be with a partner or with a friend, I honestly believe that one must be independent in both words and actions. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING                                     

                                                                                 

(43-306) Optimism

If you've ever read "The Bumpy Ride" before, then you know that I'm a big (yes) HUGE fan of OPTIMISM!  You know that I'm all about the greater good, and positivity, and all that shiny, happy stuff.  So it should come as no surprise that I am OVER THE MOON for next month's kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out - OPTIMISM.

A couple of days ago, Rachel K emailed me and her staff, a sneak peak of the June kit, and it's so sensational, that I HAVE to share it with you.  My apologies to all my non-scrapbooking riders, but this kit is too good to be missed; so I really wanna help spread the word. 

I'm busy, working on the song, play list that will go along with this kit.  If you visit Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, next month, you'll be able to listen to it, as well as gain inspiration from quotes and images that are also provided.  By the way, there are several monthly challenges, so you might actually win a prize for doing something that you love.  Not to mention the opportunity to chat with a wonderful community of women.

If you're a scrapbooker and you haven't checked out Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, there's never been a better time to do so.  I have to say that when I got this sneak peak, I thought that it was the BEST kit that I'd ever seen.  And with the current prices of scrapbooking supplies; it's a phenomenal value.  If you want to do something nice for yourself (or a fellow scrapbooker,) consider The OPTIMISM kit.  It's all about your (say it with me) "Greater Good". 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-279) The FRIENDSHIP Kit

I've written many, many, times about my amazing friend, Rachel K; and tonight in honor of her birthday, I'm going to do so again.  Rachel is an extraordinarily, busy woman.  In addition to her job as a fundraising consultant, Rachel operates the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out kit club and online community, and is currently planning the CRAFT Beach Retreat, which I previously mentioned in a blog of the same name.

When I wrote about the retreat, I told you how honored I was that Rachel had asked me to be a part of her team; and I am equally thrilled to be doing some more work for her on her website.  If you're not familiar with the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out kit club, each kit is based on an emotion, and you may find inspiration for your lay outs through various quotes, images and a song play list that are provided on the website. I am delighted to announce that after offering my assistance to Rachel, she asked me to create the play list for May's brand new kit FRIENDSHIP and it was my pleasure to do it.

As soon as I started thinking about friendship themed songs, I immediately thought of Lucy and Ethel's "Friendship song" from "I Love Lucy."  I suggested it to Rachel, and she thought that it would be fun to share the video; so we did.  In honor of FRIENDSHIP, I'm also going to share this classic clip with you.  If you'd like to hear the play list, or check out the kit club to see what it's all about, please stop by Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.   And just to peak your curiosity further, I'll tell you that "The Friendship kit includes a carefully curated selection of paper from four different manufacturers’ lines – American Crafts’ joyful and feminine Peachy Keen, Basic Grey’s playful Hopscotch, Crate Paper’s homespun Neighborhood and Cosmo Cricket’s colorful Saltair." 

12 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper: * American Crafts Peachy Keen Thing of Beauty *American Crafts Peachy Keen Heavens to Betsy * American Crafts Peachy Keen Mother Always Says * American Crafts Peachy Keen Easy as Pie * Basic Grey Hopscotch First Dance * Basic Grey Hopscotch Tire Swing * Basic Grey Hopscotch Monkey Bars * Crate Paper Neighborhood Chores * Crate Paper Neighborhood Friendly * Crate Paper Neighborhood Together * Cosmo Cricket Saltair Coral Bloom * Cosmo Cricket Saltair Seagarden

Embellishments: * AC Thickers Sunset Printed Chipboard - Blush * AC Peachy Keen Bits, Decorative Tags, 4 pcs * AC Peachy Keen Flair - Good Golly, 2 pcs * Basic Grey Hopscotch Chip Sticker Shapes, 1 sheet * Crate Paper Neighborhood Border Stickers, 1/2 sheet * Jillibean Soup Corrugated Shapes, Houses, 5 pcs * Maya Road Zipper Trim, Sky Blue, 2 ft * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose - Gertie You and Me Title * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose - Gertie Friends Forever Journal Card * Prima Soft Rose Trim Aqua 14 inches * Sassafras Mini Alphas Yellow Paper
* Websters Whimsies Roses in Bloom - Periwinkle, 3 pcs * Websters Yacht Club Princess Petals Florettes, full package

Technique: * Cosmo Cricket Glubers, 3 pcs, one of each size

Cardstock: * American Crafts Mint * American Crafts Blueberry * American Crafts Charcoal  *American Crafts Parfait

Color: * Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Spun Sugar

Now if you're not a scrapbooker, I know that the contents of the FRIENDSHIP kit may not be of interest to you, and I thank you for indulging me; but if you scrapbooking is your thang, then you KNOW that the FRIENDSHIP kit is something special.

I'm so happy to take a more active role at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out; and I hope that you will visit me there.  In the name of FRIENDSHIP, I would also like to say that I wish Rachel the happiest of birthdays.  My dear friend has had a year of devastating losses (some of which I've told you about before,) and it is my fervent hope that this year is her best yet.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rachel!!  I love you MY FRIEND!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Discovering HOPE

Although I am NOT the Queen of Self Confidence, there are a few things that I believe that I was born to do ~ be a mother, be a writer, and a contributor to the betterment of this world; and I can honestly say that I do believe that I am currently doing all 3 and I will continue on this path for as long as I draw breath. To be a mother was my hearts desire, there was no way that I was going to miss the opportunity to share my life with children, and all that entails. I believe that it is my calling to be a writer; to communicate and share ideas both for the purpose of entertaining and for being socially responsible; which lends itself as well to contributing to the betterment of this world; and I don't mean that arrogantly; I mean that EVERYONE should do their part from picking up garbage in the street, to showing compassion for man and animal kind etc. Now all 3 of these things require a certain amount of courage; and a certain amount of courage is about all I've got; but yet I am putting myself out there.

It is intimidating to say the least to actually share your thoughts and feelings and risk criticism and disapproval; but when I receive your thanks and your praise; it is the SWEETEST reward; so PLEASE keep those cards and letters coming; and by cards and letters I mean comments on "TBR" on Facebook and your emails. I am on a literal high from the outpouring of encouragement and support that I've received over my last post and it only fuels my fire to write, write, write; so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

May's theme for the "Scrapbooking From The Inside Out" kit club was Hope. Now although the kit was delightful, I have currently made zero lay outs with it due to an extraordinary lack of time. Nonetheless I have come to realize that if you don't have HOPE ; you don't have anything and that ALL THINGS are possible if you have HOPE. I have also discovered that hope can be contagious and it is something that people love to be inspired to feel. Now, I don't necessarily write my posts to share constant sweetness and light; and I've told you before that Mary Sunshine I am NOT; but when I feel things, I feel them strongly and therefore I can be extremely positive or a caustic biotch and that's just how I roll. It seems that the people that I'm hearing from love to read about accentuating the positive and pursuing your dreams and if that makes you happy; then I am more than ready to take this journey with you.

When I was growing up, Paige was NOT a popular name; in fact I was teased mercilessly throughout elementary school and junior high. Of course I'm sure that it didn't help my cause when one day (in I can't remember what grade,) someone asked where my parents had gotten my name from and I replied "in a book." OK, well of course I meant a book of baby names, but it was TOO late; the damage was already done and would linger for many years to come. (Now of course I can't go into a play place or store without hearing 10 moms calling out "Paige, Paige;" Oh if only those Paige's knew how easy they had it... They're the new Stacey's and Brittany's.) Interestingly enough; my ENTIRE life, if someone called me by the wrong name; they ALWAYS called me "Hope." I always thought that it might have had something to do with the fact that both Paige and Hope were old English names; but now I'm starting to think that there may be something more to it. Maybe people were seeing something what I've been waiting to discover. I have mentioned before that writing a book at this point in time seems a bit too far out of my reach and part of this belief stemmed from the fact that I am my character. I write about ME and I believe that I need to find a way to develop a fictional character who has my traits; and thus today "Hope" has been born and I couldn't be more thrilled. I have often wondered if there was any rhyme or reason as to how authors decide what to name their characters but for me this is an obvious choice for I AM HOPE. And so this is another step in my journey and I feel so blessed that you are coming along this Bumpy Ride with me.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

My Guilty Pleasure

Disclaimer: Rest assured, this is not becoming an all scrapbooking blog; nor is it becoming an all Maks loving blog and while I'm at it - it's not becoming an all anti-Palin blog - yet all will be mentioned here and now...

This months theme for The "Scrapbooking from the Inside Out" kit club is JOY. Now, since it's "Inside Out," you're encouraged to explore your feelings. Everyone knows my kids bring me joy, and my husband brings me joy; so we try to delve a little deeper and for me I didn't have to dig too far to be able to say "Maks brings me JOY!!" OH BOY, does he bring me joy. As soon as I decided to scrapbook the picture of me and Maks; I knew what the title would have to be; so I now present to you;
my "Guilty Pleasure."

When I made this lay out, it took a lot of thought before I finally came up with my Garden of Eden theme.

The journalling reads:

I've had a shameless crush on Maks from "Dancing with the Stars" for a few years now. I know it's beyond ridiculous; but what can I say - looking at him is like looking at a piece of art. To me, he is PERFECTION; and undeniably MY GUILTY PLEASURE.

As much as I LOVE to admire Maks; seeing this picture of us together DELIGHTS me NO END. I smile from Ear to Ear every time I look at it because he brings me JOY.

I know - I've said it before, "I just can't help myself." Hello, my name is Paige and I'm a Maks addict.  I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH. In fact; you know you have a problem when you rewind the intro of "Dancing with the Stars" just so you can see Maks on the screen one more time. Yep - a PROBLEM; I know. BUT, I do have a new goal, OK, fantasy - whatever. It goes something like this (English accent - Announcer's voice) "And now dancing the samba (and you have to say it like him; Sam - like the name; Samba,) "AND now dancing the Samba, Observational Humorist, Paige Ramos and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy." Ahhh! I can hear it now. Maybe if we all visualize it enough; it will come true. What? Weirder things have happened.

I could make a breakthrough; just picture me in that Samba costume - LOL

Now, while I'm on the topic of guilty pleasures; I'd be remiss if I did not mention Facebook (again). OK I admit it; I'm LOVIN me some Facebook. In just a couple of weeks I have reconnected with several people from "The Condo," (The development where I grew up. Hey, I was even invited to join the alumni of the New City Condo ASSOCIATION; and ya, know I did.) Then there's my pals from Elementary school, High School x 2 (The school I should have gone to because of my address & the school that I went to because I LOVED IT!) College, The Pines (And ya know that if Speedy Garfin wants to be my "friend," I'm DEFINITELY sayin YES.) LOL

Facebook has helped me reconnect with people who were REALLY important and special to me. Yes me; Queen of MAINTAINING FRIENDSHIPS OVER LONG PERIODS OF TIME (not to mention Queen of LONG ASS TITLES) it has even helped me. So I highly recommend that you join up; and then add me as your friend (if you haven't already.)

And so we move on...

Oh what would my blog be these days if I didn't take a jab or sixteen at Sarah Palin. So under the category of "Let me state the obvious" - Just because Sarah Palin went on "Saturday Night Live" (under the guise of) showing what a good sport she is - it still does not and I mean DOES NOT qualify her to be the Vice President of the United States. Sorry Sarah but the last time I checked; being a good sport wasn't a criteria that people looked for in a VP - sorry, not gonna buy it. Now, I thought that would be the only comment that I was going to make about her - but wait... there's more. How fortuitous that I've taken to writing my blog on Wednesday's (have ya noticed?) Because now, I have more fuel for my fire. Like the fact that Gov. Palin doesn't even know what the job of the VP is; and if she does, she got REALLY confused when she tried to explain it to a class of third graders. I'm SURE that you've already heard that she told them that the Vice President is in charge of the Senate... Um, NO Governor, the VP is NOT in charge of the Senate. You need to get that nasty little idea out of your head. UNLIKE me &; my " DWTS" fantasy, no mater how many times YOU say that - it's not going to come true. God forbid you were to win, you are not and yes; I REPEAT; NOT going to be in charge of the Senate. You'll only break a tie vote if and when you have to. Deja vu - haven't I explained this before. And of course, I must mention the $150,000 that the Republican National Committee spent to make over Hockey Mom; Gov. Sarah Palin. Oh, she was EXACTLY what they were looking for. EXACTLY the person that America was going to relate to. But I guess Ma and Pa sittin around the table just couldn't realte to her unless she had a new $150,000 wardrobe; so the RNC went on a spree at Neiman Marcus for a mere $150,000 and bought her one. Yup - you read me. Oh and she wasn't the only one who got outfitted. Baby Trig got (The EVERY Baby needs one) pacifier from Neiman's now ain't that real down home?? What do ya think of that Joe Six pack?? OY!

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

What A Wonderful World

Remember when I said that "The Bumpy Ride" was NOT becoming a scrapbooking blog? Well, it's not. I just thought that I would share my latest layout, completed with the September "Comfort" kit from Scrapbooking From the Inside Out ." I truly went WAY out of my comfort zone for this layout, and did things that I NEVER do; and you know what... I loved it. Now, I am NOT fishing for compliments, but I will say that I think this is one of the best lay outs that I have ever done. Not only because of the design, but because of the message. It is GREAT to remind yourself of what you have to look forward to; ESPECIALLY when things aren't feeling so hopeful.

The journalling says:

I see trees of green... and I think to myself What a Wonderful World. I'm comforted by the endless possibilities of what has yet to come: Becoming a professional writer, watching my children fulfill their destinies, growing OLD with my husband (my Love) and living in a world that is safe and peaceful; where EVERYONE is free to be who they are. I take a deep breath and I hold these dreams close and tight; and I think to myself - What A Wonderful World!

In this campaign season, it is often hard to believe that we have a future to look forward to. Luis and I watch CNN all the time and we actually get panic stricken when McCain and Palin seem to be doing better than we can afford them to be doing. Luis has been a HUGE Obama supporter from day one; and at this point I invite anyone who has any question about Obama and what he stands for or what he intends to do for this country to "Ask Luis;" he is SO informed that it's actually a little scary. He told me the other day that he thought he might be watching TOO much CNN because he was getting physically ill when McCain and Palin would speak. I myself was a Hillary supporter but when she didn't get the nomination, there was no doubt that Obama would be my candidate; as I do believe that he represents all of my families best interests.
We are so hopeful for the changes that are SO necessary in order for us and our friends to continue pursuing our American dreams. We truly want to believe that the WONDERFUL WORLD that I have described in my layout is possible; and I believe it can be if you VOTE OBAMA / BIDEN!!

Now, IF by chance you are a McCain / Palin supporter; we can still be friends, but I don't want to know about it - so PLEASE no comments talking smack about Obama and Biden; and definitely no Pro- McCain / Palin BS either. Sorry folks but that's how I roll.
Till Next Time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Serenity

The other day I posted about the September kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside out; and I shared the photo that I planned to use in my first (hopefully not only;) COMFORT lay out. So tonight I went over to Michelle (I'm not sure if she's really ever going to become legally) K's house and we scrapbooked; after having Luis' wonderful Carne Asada, world famous guacamole, and a Starbucks run. Anyway, whenever I do a lay out I tend to be overly critical of myself (BIG surprise there I bet;) and it's not often that I love EVERYTHING about it; but this time, the simplicity of it all speaks volumes to me - as sometimes truly less is more. Now, because I'm all about the Greater Good (ya, ya, I know you know, but I have to point it out or I wouldn't be me and this wouldn't be "The Bumpy Ride." Don't you know by now that one of my very FAVORITE hobbies is beating the dead horse - LOL) Anyway, I want to say that for all of you folks who have thought that scrapbooking might be fun; but you don't think you are creative enough or artsy enough, just create from your heart (Inside - Out) and you can't go wrong. Just give it a try and I'm sure you'll be glad that you did. And if you do; of course I WANT to know about it.

In case you were wondering; the journalling on my lay out says:

My little spitfire, sleeping soundly in my arms; no arguing over what you're going to wear, doing your hair, or choosing your umteenth snack of the day; JUST; rest. Time to reflect, time to relax, time to be thankful for ALL that you are and ALL that you give to me. A sense of purpose, a sense of pride, a sense of fulfillment because YOU complete me. I know that I'm the one who's supposed to comfort you and make you feel secure, but you also do the same for me. Holding each other, breathing together - all is right with the world. There are no bills to pay or dishes to do; there is only time for love, for peace, for serenity; for "To love and be loved is the GREATEST gift of all."
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

"Comfort" - Sept Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out

For all of you scrapbookers, who read "The Bumpy Ride," I just wanted to share the brand new kit that has come out from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out - THE inspirational source, kit club, and online community for scrapbookers who want to explore their inner lives and deepest thoughts and dreams.. The theme for September is Comfort; and I myself cannot wait to get started. Michelle (...)K took this wonderful picture of Kelsie and I last night, while we were at our friend Lori's house. Our families went over to Lori's along with our friend Jessica's family and we had apps, dessert and played karaoke Revolution. A great time was had by all, and since I'm ALL ABOUT THE GREATER GOOD, which is why I'm posting the pic of this kit; I should give you the recipe for the ice cream cake that I made. That's right I said I MADE an ice cream cake. So here it is:

Layer a pan with ice cream sandwiches, it will be 8 whole ice cream sandwiches, and then 2 more cut in half. Then put hot fudge on top of the ice cream sandwiches (Yes, I'm STILL going to the gym;) then put cool whip on top of the hot fudge, then the recipe calls for crushed up Snickers, but I put Crunch since Nicky is allergic to peanuts, and I'm sure that you can put any candy of your choice. Then you repeat, layer of ice cream sandwiches, layer of hot fudge, layer of Cool Whip, Candy and freeze for at least a few hours. EVERYONE loved this dessert and my kids are already requesting it for their birthdays. It's a far cry from Diet Coke chocolate cake - but hey, we all gotta live a little. Here's the pic of Kelsie and I that I plan to use on my first "Comfort" layout.Till Next Time..

Queen of EVERYTHING