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"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul or brings joy,
care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life."
Jean Shinoda Bolen
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August 13, 2009

Montana Hiline - Relay for Life

I forgot to post this earlier! The Highline Relay for Life crew did a super bang up job raising money for the American Cancer Society on August 1st - nearly $30,000! (Not bad for a couple of small towns in Montana!) At first, Gary and I just went to show our support for all the participants. First, I sent him home for our sneakers so we could walk. Then, water, then snacks, then warm clothes! For the first three laps, I cried my eyes out, but we walked 10 miles each in memory of my late husband, Larry, who died June 3, 2005, of brain cancer after a 6-month battle. It meant more than I can express in words that Gary walked with me. We walked around the football field on the high school track, and around 11:30 p.m., the luminaries around the track were lit in memory of all those who lost their battle with cancer. On the actual stands, the luminaries were arranged to spell out "HOPE" and started my tears again. At midnight, I left to let the dogs have a break outside at home, and when I got back, Gary did a "Lap for Larry" and RAN around the track (1/4 mile). Some of the participants walked 30 miles! I saw lots of friends and renewed many friendships that night. Many in Cut Bank knew Larry and cheered us on throughout the entire walk. Also, all night we had music to walk to, furnished by a local DJ and some other musical folks. It was a wonderful time and we've decided to walk in the Relay for Life every year, and next year, we'll have a whole team walking!

August 12, 2009

Bear in the Woods Trifold Card

This is one of my favorite stamps sets from the Close to My Heart Summer Catalog - bears and more bears! (Beary Best stamp set). This card is just 3"x3" and is really fun to make! The front of the card has a cut-out so the trees show from the second layer.

6 Love Notes to Gary

Below are 6 Love Notes, all 3"x3" and ALL layout designs are from the Originals Book from Close to My Heart

Love Note #2

#2 in the series of 6 Love Notes

Love Note #1

First in the series of 6 Love Notes

Love Note #3

#3 in the series of 6 Love Notes

Love Note #4

#4 in the series of 6 Love Notes

Love Note #5

#5 in the series of 6 Love Notes

Love Note #6

The last in the series of 6 Love Notes

Celebrate Today - Gary's Happy 4th of July Card

Very simple to make - super fast, too! Here is the card I made Gary for the 4th of July.
Original layout design by Close to My Heart (Originals Book)

Lattes!

As many of my friends know, I can't get through my day without at least 2 double shot iced vanilla lattes. But, it's 110 miles to buy the bottles of flavoring, so I decided to work on a recipe for latte flavoring. Here's what I came up with: 4 cups filtered or bottled water 3 cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract (not imitation!) In large sauce pan, heat water and sugar until sugar dissolves and is very hot (NOT boiling). Stir in vanilla, allow to heat an additional 5-7 minutes, but do not boil. Remove from heat, allow to cool. This recipe makes enough to fill 2 quart canning jars.

Sassy Suzie Card

Here is a card using an older stamp set, Sassie Suzie, offered by SU in one of their mini catalogs. I made this card for Crystal & Lloyd, as their friendship is very dear to me - thanks to both of you!

One of a Kind #2

Here's another, larger version of the "One of a Kind" card. Same color scheme and supplies as for the original "One of a Kind" card.

Way too long!

It's been almost 7 weeks since I've had any internet at home and I'm back on line! So, I'll download all I've been working on while away from the internet! I hope you enjoy it all!