Good bye 2008...

...here we are the end of the year. I've been thinking back upon the events of the past year...and it's been a good year for the most part. I'm especially thankful for that because for many it hasn't been a good year. I feel I've become a bit of a better photographer over the past year. I've met new friends through different blogs and websites. (I love the internet because of that). I've become aware of things that need to change. And things I'd like keep nurturing. After reading Ali Edwards' blog today, I've been thinking about what my word for 2009 could be. For 2008 it was 'possibilities'. The possibilities came when I least expected them. Blessings.

I wish all of you a happy, safe New Year's eve and I wish you many blessings and delightful surprises, new possibilities in 2009. I'm thankful that I was able to "meet" all of you. :)

Hello 2009...

The Final Spy

Spy #47:

...time

A picture of my photo folders...all the pictures taken over the past year. A snapshot of time. Thanks again Beth & Nicole for challenging us to see the world differently. :) Blessings to you both. :)

Thanks for stopping by to check out my spy. I'm going to continue to post photos of the challenges I'm participating in so check back if you'd like! I'd love to hear from you :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Say it isn't so...

I've been following along with We Spy:You Spy for a while now (since Spy #13, something blue). I don't remember how I found out about it...I believe it was through my friend 'themathchick' (thanks Tara!). Today, I went to see what 2008's last spy was for the year and I read that Nicole & Beth are ending the We Spy:You Spy challenge blog. :*( But, I can totally understand. With families, work, LIVES in general, it takes a lot of diligence to keep up a blog and maintain some sort of balance & sanity to your life. ;) And that's coming from someone who doesn't even blog frequently. LOL But, here's a Very Big Thank You to Nicole and Beth...

(cute gals, aren't they?)

for sharing their creative thoughts, pictures, words & comments. Thank you both for being a part of my life. I hope to see you out here on the internet from time to time. :) I've thoroughly enjoyed taking a part in their challenges (and one of the main reasons I started my blog!) and thankful for all the wonderful people I've met through following along. I think I've become a better photographer, in part due to them and their challenges. :) Thanks gals! I wish you both nothing but the very best! I hope 2009 is a great year for you both...and all of you out there who drop by my little blog from time to time.

So, go check out this last spy....it's your last chance! Have fun!

We Spy : You Spy #46

...a gift

I received this birthday gift in the mail the other day, from my friend! Here's what was inside:A collection of Tazo teas in a pretty little bamboo box. I've tried a couple flavors so far - they're very good. It was a nice birthday :)

Hope you're all enjoying the holiday season. Thanks for stopping by for a peek!

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas...

...just a little note to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday :)

We Spy : You Spy #45

...a tree

(click the link to go to the WS:YS blog, here.)

This tree is at our local library, to help promote the drive for scarves, mittens, hats, gloves, socks, etc.

Thanks for stopping by & taking a look! Have a wonderful holiday season. :)

We Spy : You Spy #44

....a favorite
(click: We Spy:You Spy)
This Peppermint Mocha coffee creamer is my favorite. I like the coolness that the peppermint leaves in your mouth, even though you're drinking hot coffee. I wish they sold this all year long!

Thanks for stopping by & taking a look. Happy holidays to you & yours, however you celebrate this time of year!

12 of 12 for the Twelfth Month

*1/5/09 - Update! Here's my December edition of 12 of 12:(Used Holly McCaig's "Jingle Bell" kit - freebie).
Thanks for stopping by and taking a look!

Have a great day :)
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12/12/08:

Today is/was the 12th of the month and that means '12 of 12'! I forgot to post this at the beginning of the day, in case anyone reading this was interested in participating. Sorry :) If you'd like to participate, it isn't too late. If you took pictures today, pick 12 and put them on a layout page. Doesn't have to be fancy. A little journaling about what's going on in each picture is nice so you can look back at it months (years?) from now and you'll know what you did (or didn't do) on this day. Then, share your 12 of 12 over at the 12 of 12 blog - click here, and post a link in the comments. :)

Twilight

This week's challenge at ShutterSister.com is to capture twilight. Here's mine...

We Spy : You Spy #42

...gratitude

Among all the things I'm grateful for...family, friends are givens...I'm grateful for my son making a turnaround in his grades, attitude, etc this year. We've had a little bit of a rough couple of years and God has carried us through. I commented about this same gratitude over at Crystal's blog ( http://littlebitfunky.blogspot.com/ ) and won this darling set of feltie Christmas cookies from Becky ( http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5128266 ). I'm grateful too, for Crystal for hosting the giveaway on her blog and grateful to Becky for sharing her beautiful handiwork. :)

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek! Have a great day~

What I know...

I just wanted to share with you (whoever's interested) what I know now, after making my December Daily album. I {heart} my Crop-A-Dile tool (by We R Memory Keepers; they have another version too: Big Bite II). This isn't a new product by any means but I used it more making my December Daily than I had before. It punches holes through acrylic pages {almost} like but-tah! And it eats chipboard, cardboard, and multiple layers of cardstock for breakfast. If you don't have one, put it on your wish list so Santa can bring it to you. :) I'd like to know if you have one, and do you love it or not so much?

Gigi thinks it's pretty nifty too, as a head scratcher...

The Crop-A-Dile in action...

and once I got started... I. couldn't. stop.

So, that's just my two cents about it. I hadn't used it much before but it came in handy when I made this newest album. (btw, it also sets eyelets...no noisy setting with a hammer).

Have a super day! :)

December Daily Album

Hi :) Have any of you made a December Daily album, like Ali Edwards is doing at her blog? I thought I'd share mine (finally finished it up today!):

(click on pictures for larger views!)

If you've made one, I'd love to see it :)

Have a great day!

Welcome December

It's the first day of December, the holiday season is underway! I wish for you all a wonderful holiday season, whatever holiday you celebrate in December. I'm hoping I can keep things simple & pared down this year. Cozy & focused on what matters. :) Today I enjoyed a favorite holiday drink, a peppermint mocha twist. Sip a cup of your favorite holiday drink, listen to some holiday music (one of my favorite's is 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year') and take a moment to relax...before the hustle and bustle of the season sneaks up on you. :)