God Bless the Soldier!

That soldier on the left is my oldest son, Thom, with his best buddy from Boot Camp, Mikey. Thom, the "old man" in the class, took a liking to Mike like a younger brother. This pic was taken on 'Family Weekend' last year when we could visit them at Boot Camp in Ft. Knox, the weekend they were awarded their berets.

Today, although details are still sketchy, we learned that Mikey was killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. This young man was barely old enough to vote, not even old enough to legally enjoy a cold beer and so young that he still used a "y" at the end of his name. But he chose to enter the Army to make a better life for himself (and his brand-new wife and a baby due to be born any day now) and get away from a potential life of drugs and gangs. Thom often wrote to me about how much he admired Mikey for pulling himself out of his surroundings. They were truly brothers-in-arms.

Please Don't Weep

If from this conflict I do not return,

Do not cry and weep for me,

But know that in God's plan,

His Heaven is where I should be.

I know that God did not wish me harm,

Or this wound inflict upon my frame,

But long before the earth was formed,

The Father knew my name.

I choose the path that I would take,

Of my own precious free will-

It was the one that I had to take,
And I would choose it still.

It matters not that I went sooner,

Than some would wish for me,

For all of you I dearly love,

Will join me for eternity.

I made the choice to be the one,

To offer my life this way,

In order to protect the land I love

And keep the enemy far away.

                     -Thena Smith

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand, Mikey!

You're So Cute!

Happy Thursday everyone! Whew.. did this week fly by? It's been a busy week here. I didn't get to post everything that I intended, but I have some really good excuses...does that count?

Sunday was a stellar day...I completed Copics Certification on Sunday, my oldest son was awarded a promotion in the Army, we had a handful of weekend houseguests, including a young soldier that turned 21 while visiting (remember that age??) and my great friend Sally!! So a little birthday cake and some champagne later, I'm back. And it's been super busy since!

This is one of the newest digital images from Mo's Digital Pencil... it's "You're Kinda Cute".  This is the near-sighted hedgehog who fell in love with a pin cushion.. a real hot tomato!! Our February hostess, Dawn, put together this great sketch challenge... hope you will have the time to play along with us.

There's a lot going on at Mo's challenge this week.. we are about to announce our first Guest Design Team member.... so stay tuned for more information.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and for your kind comments.. I read each one of them... 'Til next time, be safe in all you do!

Easter Greetings & a Mini Tour!

Happy Wednesday everyone... it's a beautiful sunny day here in the Mid-west...just warm enough to get all that snow melting before temps drop to single digits and everything freezes up again. Yikes! Hurry up Spring!

Here's a card that is definitely Spring... this adorable bunny is an image from Daisy Dee that I colored with Prisma pencils and added some glaze pen to the polka dots and for accent on the sentiment. His cotton tail is puffed up with Liquid Applique and a touch of glitter.

These cute little props that I've been adding to my photos all come from the miniature general store that I created over 30 years ago with the help of my sons. My sons were just little tykes and they were so enthused about creating all kinds of furnishings.. even things like eggs, pickles, potatoes and cinnamon rolls out of Fimo clay.

Even the country mouse wants some of those cinnamon rolls..

One day my oldest (seven years old at the time) surprised me with this doll house for the store. He made it out of scraps of balsa wood, paint, fabric and bits of wallpaper. 

Two years ago, for Mother's day, that same son found this stashed away in the box in the basement, revived it with new wallpaper and electrical wiring.. and bought some new additions, including this dress for the sewing section. What a wonderful Mother's Day that was.. I hadn't had this out for at least 20 years when the electrical wiring stopped working. And don't even ask how much that dress was...!! Money is no object when it comes to my oldest son.

In it's new spot in the house, I see it every day.. the lights stay on all the time and it's a great nightlight. It conjures up such great memories of my innocent little freckled-faced boys. Today, I appreciate this creativity even more.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a terrific day full of fond memories.
'Til next time, be safe in all you do.

More From Mo!

Hi everyone.. it's hard to believe that we are already at the 15th challenge at Mo's Digital Pencil. Doesn't time just whiz by? It will be February and Valentine's Day before we know it. Whew, I just got all of my Christmas decorations organized and packed away!!

This week, our January challenge hostess Lisa, created a great color combo for us...

So I whipped up this card using the digital image "Hoppin' Happy" with Bella and Bronte celebrating... the images just cried blues and purples!

I also followed the sketch this week from Mercy's Sketch challenge, #57 and included a punched edge for the challenge at Simon Says.

I can't end this post without sending out a huge 'thank you' to my friend Sharon for sending me the new Happy 101 'friend' award that I have on my blog. Sharon is a new and very special friend that I met through this wonderful world of blogging. She's got a terrific blog and tremendous talent! Hugs to you Sharon!

What you might not know about The Wired Angel is that I am an avid and competitive golfer... and follow golf quite a bit. One of my all time favs is Retief Goosen from South Africa. And.. get this... since Sharon lives in So. Africa she has promised to give Retief a huge kiss from me.  Here's a pic.. this is definitely not the greatest pic of Retief cuz he's really an adorable HUNK...but look.. he's waving at ME!!

Before I forget, there's a blog hop at Mo's that began today.. so you should check it out.

Thanks for stopping by and taking time from your busy schedule. 'Til next time, be safe in all you do! Ciao for now!

Something for a little guy...

Hello everyone! Happy Thursday to you my faithful followers and friends. I hope you are having a terrific day and the weather is warming up a bit to something reasonable. Are you as ready for Spring as I am?  Phew.. I can't wait for bulbs to start their blooming! Come on daffodils!

Today my card is designed for the 14th challenge at Mo's Digital Pencil. I am so honored to be part of such a terrific group of talented ladies.You won't believe the creative projects that they do.

Lisa, our hostess for January, provided this terrific sketch for this week's challenge. So hopefully you will have a chance to play along with us at Mo's challenge.

And here's my interpretion of the sketch challenge...

This image is "Anthony" from Mo's Digital Pencil. Since I used a masculine theme, this also is for the challenge at Cards for Men -- it's a fairly new challenge that you should check out! I never seem to have enough masculine cards and stuff for our little (and big) lads when I need them, so, I'm planning to play along in this challenge more often. Thank you Design DIVA Linda P for heading me in this direction... it's terrific!

And a quick note from "The Wired Angel" before you leave to return to all of those things that occupy your day. Would you kind take a few moments to check out how you can help our fellow men and women in Haiti? The American Red Cross is currently in need of donations and supplies of all kinds... and these people, most of whom are already living in poverty, desperately need our help after this horrible disaster. Anything that you can do to help is most appreciated. But there's no pressure.. if you can, you can. Enough said!

I hope that your day is terrific and filled with everything you love. 'Til next time, be safe in all you do. See you soon!

Sending huge hugs from here.... to there!

Bits and Bobs... Odds and Sods

Well that's an English expression meaning a little of everything and that's what today's post is all about.

When I came downstairs to my craft grotto this a.m., I found this and just had to take a picture....

We move our potted hibiscus trees from our deck to the basement once there's a chance of frost. What a cheerful surprise to find this delightful flower on a cold winter morning in Kansas!

And here's how it's looking outside...Even in their matching coats they don't look too happy, do they? I think they learned how to feign shivering so I go on a guilt trip and let them back in. Yep.. there's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on!

I wanted to show you one of my more recent projects. A few friends have written and asked that I share some of the pictures of the purses that I sell. Thought you might like to see my little works of fiberart also.

and the reverse side...

These are a mixture of knitting, crocheting, some needlework, using silk, mohair, wool blends and various fibers. They are an awful lot of work, but really fun to create. I get compliments on the one I use everywhere I go... it's such a conversation piece and truly a piece of art.

Thanks for stopping by my little place on the web. I hope that your day is filled with sunshine and happy events. 'Til next time, be safe in all you do.

It was a Girl's Night Out

Last night at our Girl's Night Out we made several items that I'll be showing you over the next few days. We are always good for a few laughs here at the Craft Grotto and last night was no exception. It's fun to watch some crafters get very quiet as they color and move into a Zen-like trance... or was it the cocktails? HA!

This card might need a little background explanation to those of you who have never been to Kansas City. There's a 15-block district called the Country Club Plaza that is a collection of fantastic restaurants boasting the best KC beef and ribs, al fresco cafes, charming boutiques, dazzling jewelry shops, the most amazing water fountains (KC is the City of Fountains), museums and lots of fine art.

Beginning Thanksgiving evening (until mid-January) the Plaza is illuminated with small lights strung along the rooflines of each building creating a festive cityscape. It's a magical backdrop for the horse-drawn carriages and holiday shoppers. I heard there's almost a hundred miles of lights used and more than a half a million people will crowd the streets just to watch the lighting ceremony. In 2008, David Cook, American Idol, hometown boy (and cutie patootie!!) had the honor of flipping the switch. And the lights remain until mid-January.

I really try to bring something new and different to my Make and Takes.. and the ladies really like how we step things up from the ordinary. Since most ladies are KC born and raised I knew they would love this card.. and they did. The majority voted this card as their favorite of the night.

I used Prisma pencils to give the rooftops a bit of a copper feel and intended to mat the image on copper paper... but couldn't find my copper paper. So here's a little craft tip for me to pass on.. Using a ruler, and holding it very firmly in place, I colored the edge using a Sakura Permapaque copper pigment marker.

I left an edge of about 1/8" to create the copper trim

continued until all four sides were complete... and

 

Viola!!  Faux metallic mat!

Here's a close up...pretty hard to tell it's not a separate piece of paper, don't you think?

I hope you enjoyed today's post. Have a terrific weekend and be safe in all you do!

Who Let the Dogs Out?? Who... Who...?

Okay.. I know you are dying to know which one of these little angels has been convincing me to go digital and pass on purchasing more wood-mounted stamps.... Of the emails and comments I got...you said....

     *  10% said Mitzi was the guilty culprit
     *  20% said it was Buddy
     *  and a whopping 70% guessed that it was their offspring, Molly...

But it's BUDDY!  Yep... Daddy-O!!... Mitzi (middle) only likes to hunt for kitty cats.. Molly (on the right) is oblivious.. just wants treats... but it's Buddy (left) who is the culprit!

My DH caught Buddy in the act with the rubber stamp in his mouth.... But the FUNNIEST thing is that all we have to do is look at him and say 'what's this?" and he runs to 'time out'.. a little corner in the laundry room...seriously!  He knows he's guilty ... no questions asked.... and he's all over time out! We think he's a bit maso!! (I think he loves time away from the other two pups!). Wouldn't it be great if raising kids was just as easy!
Hope you are enjoying a special day with your pets if you have some.... Thanks for stopping by.. and 'til next time, be safe in all you do!

Another reason to go digital!!

Happy Monday everyone! It's been a busy week here in the Wired Angel's Craft Grotto... lots of things going on and lots planned for a very busy week ahead.

Here's a card I made using "Bismarck" from the very talented author/illustrator Maurie Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil.. Isn't this little guy adorable?

So where did I get my inspiration... from these little stinkies!!

Meet our Barky Von Schnauzers....(L-R) Buddy, Mitzi, and their pup Molly on the right (who turned one yesterday).

Well one of these little pups had a field day chewing up one of my newest stamps... (another reason to go digital???) Hmmm... I wonder which one of these little rascals it could have been??

Any guesses which rascal did this?  Leave a comment and let me know which of the Barky Von Schnauzers was the culprit..... and I'll let you know next week. Right now they are in doggy time out until one of them comes clean!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy a terrific week!

Remembering Our Military

This Saturday, June 6th commemorates the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied Forces' invasion at the beaches of Normandy, France. Two-hundred and forty-four rangers (most very young boys) scaled Pointe du Huc to take the cliffs for liberation.

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Normandy and most of the WWI and WWII sites in France, while treating my oldest son, Thom (a HUGE military history buff), to a vacation last Fall. The two of us covered most of the northern part of France from Paris to Normandy, to the German border, to the white cliffs of Dover, and onto London, seeing everything we could with cameras in tow. Normandy's beaches, the American Cemetary, and the surrounding countryside is all so very touching and I felt especially proud to be an American. I learned so much about the history, strategy and tactics of both Wars through the eyes and knowledge of my son.

Thom left for Boot Camp over three weeks ago.. and until today all we had was the brief, obligatory phone call to say he arrived safely at the Base. Today, FINALLY, there's mail, and it's such a pleasure to now have an address to send him letters and cards. I'm not sure homemade chocolate chip cookies are permitted just yet!! But you know once they're allowed he'll be getting care packages, just like his Dad and our cousins got during the VietNam war and since. The tradition continues.

Coincidently, I made this card today so I could send to him, knowing I would hear from him sometime soon. But with this anniversary approaching, I was also thinking of D-Day and the solemn, sobering feelings it brings knowing I walked on the same beaches where US and Allied soldiers were in combat 65 years ago.

Here's a picture of my own personal "Patriot". I wish him "God speed". At ease soldier!

Details: Jessica Lynn Original Digital image, copic markers, misc DP, white and black linen paper.

Upcoming Blog Hop and a Card for Father’s Day

Happy Friday stampers! Before I tell you about my card, I wanted to let you know what’s happening this holiday weekend. The Cards for Heroes Volunteers have a bloghop in the works and the response from the papercrafting world has been unbelievable… please check back here tomorrow, Saturday, after 2:00 CDT to see what’s in store. We are working to create a lot of attention about this important program and the need for donated cards, envelopes, and money to defray the expense of shipping cards to our service men and women. There are opportunities to win prizes along the hop. Check out my blog tomorrow to read my post and see how it works.

And now for a card. This is another Dustin Pike image that was released this week. Can you imagine that there are ten images for ten dollars again this week!  Wow… what a deal. I especially like that I can resize the image for the project I have in mind. That’s so cool.

This adorable dragon is a handy kind-of-guy…We all know there isn’t a whole lot in the way of masculine images, so this image is a very welcome addition to my collection.

 

Thanks for stopping by.. Enjoy your day and have a safe holiday… and please stop by tomorrow to check out the ‘hop’!

Details: Dustin Pike’s Digital Images, copper brads, prisma pencils, various Basic Gray DP’s.

Bear Hugs for Mom

This image from the Dustin Pike collection of digital images is adorable, and it’s so perfect for just about any coloring technique you enjoy, and so much fun to work with. I happened to use Prisma and Lyra pencils (were you surprised??).

My Mom 'graduated to heaven' several years ago, and she is terribly missed. She would have loved to see me enjoying this hobby of mine as she supported me through so many others throughout the years. I could picture her making cards right along side of me.. she would have loved paper art.

With that in mind, I’m still making Mother’s Day cards as it’s perhaps the biggest card-making event of the year and I see so many beautiful cards on all of the blogs I visit. Also, my son, being a little short on moola these days, might need to go ‘shopping’ in my Craft Grotto where my latest cards are always on display...and pick out a card that I made… to give back to me! He-he!

Dream Along With Me…

I think I’ve officially become a stamping addict. Do you know how I know…?? Last evening while trying to fall asleep, I was actually thinking of card ideas, layouts and techniques. I was designing them in my mind, in the dark, trying to keep still and not wake my husband, and trying to make sure that I would remember all of the ideas I had (and there were many!) once I woke up. Then when I finally fell asleep I had the greatest dream… I was coloring with pencils, blending and coloring every image I had in my Craft Grotto. Isn’t that just the greatest? (If you do not stamp on a regular basis you definitely won’t understand this…!! ).

I think I have to check out the Betty Ford Clinic to see if they have a special department for stamping addiction… I’ll keep you posted on what I learn! LOL. Stay tuned.. news at 11:00!

I'm a "Micro-preneur"

My darling (oldest) son (truly, no joke as I love him much), Thom, called me a name today... he said I was a "micro-preneur". I wasn't sure, initially, if he was giving me a hard time and some 'lip' about something or not. Yes, we banter back and forth, usually in good spirit. When he was the ripe age of 12 or so he changed the spelling of his nickname from "Tom" to "Thom".. and then I changed my name from "Mom" to "Mhom".. are we competitive, or what??? My notes to him still to this day say "with love, Mhom".. even if it's a request to pick up stuff at the grocery store.

And then, after a bit of discussion today, I realized that my son was talking about my Make 'n Takes, workshops, and various card-making ventures that I hold in my home or the projects I am asked to do for my friends. The initial discussion of 'micropreneur' really happened tonight in his business economics class. The important thing is that he does realize that my little business makes a difference to me, and to our lives. He sees such enjoyment in what I do with the ladies I meet.. and their creative card-making and paper adventures! He is my cheerleader and an advocate of my creative journey. (ya think there's a bit of role-reversal going on here?)

Thanks Thom for your love, and words of encouragement... With much love back to you, your "Mhom"

Simon Cowell... get a life!!!

Do you love to see the underdog get the upper hand?

Here's a tremendously beautiful opportunity for a lady who has very simple wants.. and a very strong voice, a tremendous God-given talent, and now, a phenomenal following. You have to see this to check out this lady's amazing voice.

Caution: it might bring you to tears! Click on the title of my post to hear this remarkable, angelic, symphonic voice.. and then pay close attention to Simon Cowell's reaction. But then also notice everyone to their feet... except the arrogant Simon! This is a quick view, but worth every single minute. I promise!

Would I love to have that talent! You betcha! Elaine Page, move over for the next star.

So, what do you think of Susan Boyle? I would love to hear what you think.

Note to self...

...husband going absolutely batty! Look for rest-home for him soon!!

Tonight, during American Idol, my husband decided that Paula Abdul has a VERY strong resemblance to Freddie Couples, American golf ICON... I had to ask twice what he said.

Here's a very current picture of Fred Couples, PGA Golf Pro... http://www.financialpost.com/scripts/story.html?id=1435632. If you know me, you know that I have been planning to have Freddie's baby for about the last twenty years. Fred just doesn't know it yet. But the resemblance to Paula Abdul??? Go figure!! After my husband picked me up off of the floor, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. p.s. they serve beer at the local rest home, so he might be agreeable!!!!

Hoo-Rah!

This is the kind of stuff that makes Moms have so many emotions.... you know what I mean... the roller coaster ride.

I'm very proud, yet as you might imagine, I'm concerned for my son's safety. This is my oldest son, Thom. He's just completed his first week of Army National Guard. It's only two months from now that he will go away to Basic Training and specialty training.

Both of my sons are very dedicated to their country, and they are true sons of the military families of their heritage -- keeping and holding very dear and close the traditions that have been part of the quilt that makes us what we are. They are true believers in our Country and our freedom. I am very proud of my son's decision to put his Country first!!

Isn't he handsome? Who can resist a man in uniform? "At Ease" soldier!