Rebel

Did I tell you I got a new camera for Christmas? It's a Canon Rebel EOS xsi and I LOVE it. I'm still trying to figure out how to use it and it would be very easy to just ask Rachel to give me a down and dirty tutorial, but I want to figure it out myself . . . so it's taking some time. The pictures are great.

My day started with a cup of tea . . .

and homemade banana mini muffins . . .

I then sat outside and read the paper and thought I'd snap some of my flowers . . .

These marigolds are looking pretty this morning . . .

I love this little planter . . .

The day would not be complete if Rachel didn't feed the neighborhood ducks . . .

And now I'm off to a Symphony at the Kravis Center. Hope you're having a good day too!

Will Wonders Ever Cease??

Logan got a job! Finally!! He is now going to college full time and working practically full time. He will be 20 years old in April and I have made his life way too comfy for way too long so I must say that it is a true pleasure to see him emerge. He feels good, is having fun at work and making new friends and he's enjoying school. And now I've gone from being sometimes annoyed at him for not doing his share around the house and sleeping till all hours of the afternoon, to missing him because he's never around anymore. Next he'll want to go off on his own. I'll never be able to handle that!! Gosh, we want them to grow up and then when they do, we want them back. This parenting thing can be quite challenging at times!!

What A Deal

I got such a great deal this past weekend and need to share my jubilation!! I went to JC Penney on Saturday to check out a comforter set I saw in their flyer. It was a black floral and looked like it would work well in my bedroom. The set was on sale for $139.99. When I got there, it was pretty, but not as pretty as I thought. It was an American Living set, you know, the "economical" Ralph Lauren brand.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed another set. This set was $161.99 and I liked it so much better, but I was hemming and hawing about spending an additional $20. Then, on the bottom of this pretty set, what do I see but a green sticker with the reduced price of $81.99. I was sold, but that's not the end. I got in line and waited my turn. The cashier was so sweet in that she gave me a discount coupon that another customer hadn't needed.

So, this pretty set was originally $335.00 and with all sales and discounted coupons . . . I paid $41.97!!!! What a deal! Here is the reverse side and it came with a striped bedskirt.

I slept like a queen last night!!

Hooked On A Feeling

The New Year brings wonderful things to a wonderful state of mind. I am so pumped about this New Year. I have lots of things I want to accomplish and I'm off to a good start. I enrolled in an online art journalling class that runs from January 1st through June 30th. It's called "A Life Made By Hand" and it has been such an inspiration for me. I'll share creations as I go along.

I'm trying to make a sincere effort to make time for the things I enjoy doing, with creating being high on the list. I've been having fun with the local ATC club I'm in. The ATC below was for the November meeting. The theme was "Fall". I didn't want to do the traditional fall leaves or anything like that and was quite pleased with myself when I came upon the idea of time and how it changes in the Fall.

Our theme for January is "Family". I haven't come up with anything yet, but I think this will be a fun one. It's always great to see the variations from each club member.

I got a luscious new camera for Christmas and am having such fun trying to figure it out. Couldn't resist this cute little face on my Bella. I never thought I'd turn into a goofy dog person, but I'm totally in love with that little pooch.

Hope everyone is savoring the motivation a New Year brings. I want to hold onto this feeling for as long as I can. It's a glorious feeling!!