Inky Impressions

Benton's Heart

2012-02-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Here it is barely February and I've already turned into a blog slacker. Even though I haven't been posting regularly I have been staying busy crafting, reading and spending time with my family.

I've decided to jump back in to learning the piano.... serious this time. It's been about a year since I quit lessons, I figured I would save the money and practice sight reading on my own... that didn't work out like I planned. The last few months I rarely touched the piano... except to dust it, I would open it, play a piece and then close it until it needed to be dusted again. I'm determined to learn some new pieces on my own and not get discouraged.

On to Benton...

The image is from one of Inky Antics new clear stamp sets, Heart Benton. Benton was colored with Copic Sketch Markers. For the layout I used another fabulous sketch from The Sweet Stop (SSS143)...my favorite sketch challenge blog.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Heart Benton (Inky Antics/ Clear Set 11079MC) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Real Red (SU), Enchanted Woodland (Martha Stewart) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Lace Heart Edge Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Red Heart Ribbon, Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Inky Antics Spring 2012

2012-02-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

If you've been visiting Inky Antics blog this week, you've had a sneak peek at some of the new sets that Inky is introducing at CHA. Great news... today is the day you can start ordering these fabulous stamps, the Spring 2012 Inky catalog is now posted on the main Inky Antics site.

Grab yourself a drink and take a peek through the Inky Antics Spring 2012 flyer.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Birthday Dog

2012-01-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Another birthday card to share that I made for my dear friend Betty. I had to wait to post it on my blog, at least until it arrived at her house.

The image Birthday Dog is from Inky Antics Delightful Dogs #1 clear set, he's so adorable with that cupcake on his head.

I've been trying to use colored pencils without blending with Gamsol, something to learn and I just like the look. I did most of this image without blending but I had to finally break down and use some Gamsol around the edges. What I really should be doing is spending less time with the pencils and start using the Copics I have.

Until next time, thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Birthday Dog/Delightful Dogs #1(Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Papertrey Ink), Petunia (Bazzill), Juniper (Close to My Heart), Happy Go Lucky (6x6 Pad/My Mind's Eye) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Sky (Close to My Heart) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Prisma Glitter, Liquid Appliqué, Clear Glass Beads, Glossy Accents, "Hello" Twine (My Mind's Eye), Scalloped Edge Punch (SU), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

Music Saves My Soul

2012-01-18T12:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we took a trip to Cheyenne to spend time with my parents, it's about a 3 1/2 hour trip from Colorado Springs. Bryan and I are in the front seat rocking out to Matchbox Twenty, we must have easily listened to all their albums. My son is in the backseat playing a video game on his ipod, my sixteen year old daughter is updating her Facebook status with "they should play Matchbox Twenty to prisoners because this is torture"... sixteen years old can be so dramatic!

Being the great mom that I am... I've been "torturing" her the last few days in her little prison (she's grounded because of her Math & Chemistry grades) by playing Matchbox Twenty songs/videos louder than normal (inserting evil laugh here), she needs to appreciate great music when she hears it!

If you would like join in Music Saves My Soul Saturday, it can be any day of the week, not just on Saturdays, head on over to Marcea's blog and link up.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Birthday Hugs

2012-01-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today to share the card that I made for my sister's birthday. I have no idea what took me so long to make my first Popcorn the Bear purchase, I've seen this little bear for years in the galleries and on blogs and I always thought he was so adorable.

Popcorn the Bear is easily turning into my favorite beary images. I just need to figure out a way that I like to see him colored, blending him more and try to make him look furrier... I better start watching those You Tube coloring tutorials.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Birthday Hugs (Popcorn the Bear/Crafter's Companion) ~ Paper: White (Papertrey Ink), Juniper (Close to My Heart), Springtime Collection (Echo Park Paper Co.) ~ Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Paper Flowers (Bazzill), Princess Brad, Pinking Hearts Border Punch (SU), Ultra Fine Prisma Glitter, Mounting Tape ~ Card Size 6 x 6

Music Saves My Soul

2012-01-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday Marcea shares her favorite music on her blog and I've been wanting to join in with her Music Saves My Soul Saturday for a few months now... all you have to do is post your favorite song at the moment on your blog and link up at her blog. Easy peasy... right?

Here it is, an older Coldplay song but is still one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it.

If you would like join, it can be any day of the week, not just on Saturdays. Just head on over to Marcea's blog and link up... if you need help with embedding a video into your blog post she has instructions there as well.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday 135

2012-01-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to 2012 .

It's been awhile since I updated my blog and do you believe I've actually been crafting the last couple of days, what a great opportunity to participate in What's on Your Work-desk Wednesday. Although I am a little embarrassed to share my workspace today... for me it's pretty messy.

I've been working on cards using new Inky Antics images... unfortunately I had to hide those because those sets are not released just yet, but soon. To the right I have out my little Janome Sew Mini, I've decided that I like stitching on cards... only because I'm getting better at sewing a straight line!

After all these years of stamping I finally purchased my first Whipper Snapper image, Yin & Yang... I'm so looking forward to using it. I'm sure next time I make it back to Archiver's I'll come home with another one.

This is the other side of my room, my cutting area. I usually clean up between card making but today I was out of practice and paper collections just ended up mixed together, it was not fun cleaning up.

Make sure to stop in over at Julie's blog, Stamping Ground to see more work-desks and thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Inky’s “Wrap It Up” Blog Hop!

2011-12-08T03:00:00.021-07:00

Welcome to Inky’s “Wrap It Up” Blog Hop!

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, December 11th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

If you've been following from the beginning and you’ve come from Trudy's blog, True's Gift's From the Heart, you're in the right spot. If not, be sure to start at Inky Antics blog so you don't miss out.

I created two gift boxes using the stamps Joyful Elsie (0706J) / Holiday BaZooples #1 Clear Set (11061MC) and Gingerbread Man (2900E), which you can find on this Inky Antics page. These gift boxes are the perfect size for those smaller gifts and are quick and easy to make, although Joyful Elsie did take a bit longer because of the coloring. You can find the complete step by step tutorial here at Splitcoaststampers.

Here is my short version:

For the box bottom, cut your cardstock or designer paper to 7 3/4" x 9". Score at 1 1/2" on each side.

Cut the flaps on the long side to meet with the lines on the short side of your paper, then fold all your score lines.

Flip your paper over and apply adhesive to the outside corners.

Remove paper lining from adhesive and fold in the corners, you have created the bottom of your box.

For the box top you will need to cut your cardstock or designer paper to 6 7/8" x 8 1/8" and then score at 1" on each side. If you like you can punch the edges, make sure to trim off the extra from the corners. Cut the flaps, fold score lines, flip over and apply adhesive, fold in corners...

...and you have now created your box top and it's ready for embellishments.

I used Prismacolor Pencils to color both the gingerbread man and Elsie, and used Gamsol to blend the gingerbread man. After coloring the images I used mounting tape & pop dots to adhere them to the box and then embellished with ribbon, Stickles and metal accent Christmas lights.

Thank you for joining us and I hope you enjoy all the wonderful "Wrap It Up" creations from the Inky designers. Your next stop will be back to Inky Antics blog.

~ Jovi

Joyful Elsie:
Stamps: Joyful Elsie (Inky Antics/0706J) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Papertrey Ink), Cranberry (Close to My Heart), Christmas Cheer Light Loops (TPC Studio), Clover Dot (Bo Bunny) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Diamond Stickles, Christmas Cheer Metal Accent Lights (TPC Studio), Lacy Square Nestabilities Die, Scalloped Edge Punch (SU), Mounting Tape ~ Finished Box Size: 4.75 x 6

Gingerbread Man:
Stamps: Gingerbread Man (Inky Antics/2900E) ~ Paper: Cream, Cranberry (Close to My Heart), Cozy Little Christmas (the Paper Studio) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Cranberry Grosgrain(Close to My Heart), Oval & Oval Scalloped Punches (Marvy), Eyelet Border Punch (SU), Mounting Tape, Pop Dots ~ Finished Box Size: 4.75 x 6

Eat Your Cake & Nap Too

2011-11-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was at Hobby Lobby picking up supplies for an Inky project when I came across this cute little House Mouse stamp, Eat Your Cake & Nap Too. I knew that this little chubby guy would be perfect for my niece's birthday card. I'm sure it will get used plenty in the future and it was 40% off ... couldn't pass it up.

I normally don't use these kind of floral embellishments on cards, I'm always worried about how they would look once they arrived at its destination when mailing. Since this card would be hand delivered I thought I would give them a try and because I have plenty mulberry flowers to use up. Before placing any flowers I had to visit Vicki's blog, Stamped Smiles, Vicki always has wonderful floral arrangements on her cards. After looking at my card I think I should have used more flowers... lol

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Eat Your Cake & Nap Too (House Mouse/Stampabilities) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: Cream, Bamboo (CTMH), Smokey Plum (CTMH), Garden Green (CTMH), Sonoma (My Reflections/CTMH) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Frosted Lace Stickles, Mulberry Mini Roses & Cream Rose (Recollections) ~ Card Size 5.5 x 5.5

Inky’s Homemade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

2011-11-17T03:00:00.004-07:00

Welcome to Inky’s Homemade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, November 20th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

If you've been following from the beginning and you’ve come from Michelle's blog, Inspiration Blooms, you're in the right spot. If not, be sure to start at Inky Antics blog so you don't miss out.

For my gift I used the stamps Soupy Snow (5060F) and Snowman Soup (5061G). Both stamps can also be found in the Snowman Soup Clear Set (10936MC), which you can find at this Inky Antics page.

Mostly everyone has seen or made Snowman Soup... right? I made a gift set of four with tile coasters to match the gift tag.

Let's start with the tiles: I used 4x4 white tiles that I picked up at Lowes, although after finishing my tiles I think red would have been a better choice. After coloring the Soupy Snow image I layered it onto red cardstock. I applied a layer of Mod Podge onto the tile and then placed my image onto that, making sure to add a little extra to the corners. After the Mod Podge was dried completely, I then applied a few more coats to the image. After more drying time, I sprayed a layer of Krylon Matt Finish over the image. Once it was all dried I cut a piece of cork smaller than the tile and hot glued it onto the back.

Onto the yummy part: I filled Wilton Pretzel Bags with Swiss Miss Cocoa, Chocolate Chip Morsels, Marshmallows and Andes Peppermint Crunch. For each mug I used four baggies and then used silver cording and ribbon to tie them closed. To finish the mug I added a Candy Cane for a stirring stick!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy all the wonderful Homemade Holiday Gifts from the Inky designers. Your next stop along the hop will be to Keri Lee's blog, Pink Lemonade.

Tile Coasters:
White Tiles (4) = $1.36
*Krylon Matte Finish = $6.99
*Mod Podge = $8.99
*Sponge Brush = $0.79
Cork Roll = $9.99

The Goodies:
Glass Mugs (4) = $4.00 / Dollar Tree Store
Clear Tray = $1.00 / Dollar Tree Store
Cellophane Gift Bag = $1.00 / Dollar Tree Store

*Wilton Pretzel Bags (20 bags) = $3.99
*Christmas Ribbon = $0.79
Swiss Miss Cocoa = $3.58
Chocolate Chip Morsels = $2.28
Andes Peppermint Crunch = $2.50
Candy Canes = $0.98

*Items that I already had on hand from previous projects.

Sweet Finds

2011-10-16T20:29:00.000-06:00

Three posts in two days... something must be wrong with me! Don't worry I'll keep this post short. I'm pretty excited to share this House Mouse Halloween card because it's one of my favorites and I'm sending it to my parents... my mom always enjoys the cards I send her that have a House Mouse image.

I'm adding this card to the House Mouse & Friends Challenge. Challenge #106 is a color challenge, create a project using Black, Orange, Yellow & Green. For this card I used the image Sweet Finds, which was colored using Prismacolor Pencils and blended with Gamsol. The layout is an older sketch challenge (#127) from The Sweet Stop.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Sweet Finds (House Mouse/Stampabilities), Trick or Treat (Halloween Hijinx/Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Raven (Bazzill), Yam (Bazzill), Halloween Designer (The Paper Studio) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Copic Sketch Markers, Black Brads (Close to My Heart), Black Plaid Ribbon, Nestabilities Oval & Oval Scalloped Dies, Diamond Stickles (Ranger) ~ Card Size: 5x5

A little of this and that...

2011-10-15T23:07:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I posted anything creative... October has been a busy month for me (if you don't want to read about it skip the following and scroll down to the card)... lol

My ladies motorcycle group held our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride (previous post) which was a huge success and it's also time for our group to nominate officers for next year, which I volunteered to Chair that committee. With the preparations and emails most of my free time is stretched thin.

Riley and Austin are on a two week Fall Break, we've had plenty of appointments (sport physicals, flu shots, doctor and hair appointments ...etc) and in-between all that one of them usually has a friend over. This coming week they're going to go spend time with my parents in Cheyenne, a much needed break before going back to school.

My sister and I have are still doing our morning walks (usually it's about 3.5 - 5 miles) which I enjoy but once the weather gets colder I may have to start using the treadmill. Why am I telling you about this??? Well I recently purchased a Nike+ Sensor, which is fabulous and I have no idea what took me so long to get one. I think I'm getting addicted to using it (or exercising)! I'm not sure if my sister likes me having it because every so often I yell out "pick up your pace" but I'm sure she likes the added miles that I push her. If you're a runner or walker I would totally recommend that you get one... here's a short video about it.

Somehow along the way I developed Tendonitis in my right elbow and I'm having muscle spasms in my back. After applying many ice packs, taking anti inflammatory meds, I couldn't take the pain anymore and finally had Cortisone injections and it seemed to relieve some of the pain in my elbow for about three weeks (no relief for my back), now that the pain is back I have to wear a crazy strap brace thingy around my arm. I'm going to quit the anti inflammatory meds (Celebrex) and change my diet to help control inflammation, I'm sure my doctor is going to love me telling him that!

With Breaking Dawn being released next month today I started reading the Twilight series once again (something I always do before seeing the movie). Turned on my Kindle and had a critical battery message, thank goodness I also have them all in print!

Okay onto the card...

Last month I was determined to make a bunch of Halloween cards. I didn't get as many made as I would have liked... just enough to send to family. I'll have a couple more to share in the next few days and then I'll move onto Thanksgiving.

For this card I used the image Kitty in Disguise, the cute kitty is also available in Inky Antics Halloween Hijinx Clear Set. The image was really quick to color, for the kitty I used Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol and Copic Sketch Markers for the shading around the image... easy peasy! Not sure if you can tell from the photo but the spider web in the upper corner is very glittery.

I better get back to stamping, thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Kitty in Disguise(also available in Halloween Hijinx Clear Set (Inky Antics)) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Raven (Bazzill) For Get Me Not (Bazzill), Haunted Hallows (Teresa Collins) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilities Oval & Scalloped Oval Dies, Spider Web Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Glittery Spider Web (Recollections) ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Save the Twins

2011-10-15T20:55:00.000-06:00

On the first of October the Mountain Shadow Riders held our 11th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Ride "Save the Twins". It was a huge success, so much so that we were able to break our previous year record of $14K. This year we raised a total of $22,500... not too bad for a bunch of women who ride motorcycles! 100% of the amount raised will be donated to our local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

We couldn't ask for better weather, upper 80's and I'm so glad the weather held out because the following weekend we had our first snowfall. We had over 600 participants and one of those participants was Cris Baldwin, the President of Women on Wheels, Cris and her husband rode their motorcycle from Missouri just to be with us for our big event.

Thanks to the MSR gals and guys for making this year’s ride a huge success and a huge thank you to all our sponsors and to those that came out to support us, we couldn't have done it without you... Colorado bikers are the BEST.

We made the evening news, a really short segment... you can watch it here on KRDO. If you would like to see more pictures from the ride, you can find them in my MSR BCA Ride-October 2011 Flickr album.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Inky's Fall HoneyPOP Blog Hop!

2011-09-28T03:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Inky Antics Fall HoneyPOP Blog Hop!

For today's blog hop my talented Inky colleagues and I are sharing cards/projects made using stamps sets from the HoneyPOP Collection.

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, October 2nd at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). One person’s name will be drawn at random to receive a fun Inky prize pack. The winner’s name will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

If you've been following from the beginning and you’ve come from Trudy's blog, True Gifts From the Heart, you're in the right spot. If not, be sure to start at Inky Antics blog so you don't miss out.

I used the Harvest Mouse HoneyPOP Clear Set to create this card. I stamped my image using Tuxedo Black ink and then colored the cute little mouse using Copic Sketch Markers and Prismacolor Pencils which I then blended with Gamsol. I cut and matted her using Nestabilities Classic Circle and Scalloped Circle sets and then added a touch of white Liquid Appliqué to the pumpkin pie to give the whipped topping more dimension...yummy!

the inside SURPRISE ...

This is the second project showing how you can use the same HoneyPOP set/honeycomb pads to make something completely different. I created Thanksgiving Placecards using the orange honeycomb pad and the 1/2 pumpkin stamp. All the beautiful Fall colored cardstock (Truffle, Orange & Amber) is from Bazzill. Once again I used Nestabilities Classic Circle and Scalloped Circle sets to mount the honeycomb pumpkin onto. I added four Amber Rhinestones along the side and used my computer to print all the guests names.

I also made another card using only the pumpkin from the Harvest Mouse set. I first stamped the pumpkin image onto a sticky note, cut it out and then used it as a mask for the other pumpkins. I then stamped a single pumpkin onto white cardstock, colored it, cut it and then mounted it with Pop Dots onto the center pumpkin. I colored all the pumpkins using Prismacolor Pencils which I then blended with Gamsol. I used the Bow Easy template to create the brown gingham bow which I attached to the Autumn Terracotta spiral clip. I mounted the main image using Pop Dots for that extra dimension.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy all the wonderful creations from the Inky designers. Your next stop along the hop will be to Debbie's blog, The Paper Garden.

Jovi

Harvest Mouse Card:
Stamps: Harvest Mouse HoneyPop (11052MC) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Truffle (Bazzill), Orange (Bazzill), Thanksgiving Words (The Paper Studio), Plaid (Imaginisce) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Copic Sketch Markers, Brown Button, Sheer Ribbon (CTMH), Waxy Flax (CTMH), White Liquid Appliqué, Nestabilitlies Circle & Scalloped Circle Dies, Word Window Punch (SU) ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Thanksgiving Placecards:
Stamps: Harvest Mouse HoneyPop (11052MC) ~ Paper: Cream, Truffle (Bazzill), Orange (Bazzill), Amber (Bazzill) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilitlies Circle & Scalloped Circle Dies, Rhinestones

Pumpkin Card:
Stamps: Harvest Mouse HoneyPop (11052MC) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Truffle (Bazzill), Plaid (Imaginisce), Falling Leaves (Imaginisce) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Autumn Terracotta Spiral Clip (CTMH), New England Ivy Brads (CTMH), Brown Gingham Ribbon (SU), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 119

2011-09-14T13:33:00.002-06:00

It's Wednesday and since my workspace has exploded with Halloween today would be a great day to play along in What's on Your Work-desk? Wednesday #119. I didn't even attempt to take a picture of my other side (where I do my cutting), Halloween papers spread out everywhere... all I need is a little candy corn to go with that mess and I'll be very happy.

As you can see in the photo I'm in the process of making a Halloween card using some of my new Inky Antics stamps that came in earlier this week. I'm sharing I card that I finished yesterday, the image is Cauldron Time (also from Inky Antics).

Recently I purchase quite a few Nestabilities at Hobby Lobby while on sale for 40% off. Last night I went to use a couple of the dies and was really disappointed that I wasn't able to get them to cut through Bazzill or Papertrey Ink cardstock, I should mention that I've never had problems before using Nestabilities with Bazzill or PTI. I also tried using the dies with thinner cardstock, Close to My Heart,... no luck, now I have to return two sets. I noticed that these metal dies are a lighter shade than the others... has anyone of you had this problem with Nestabilities?

Make sure to stop in over at Julie's blog, Stamping Ground to see more work-desks and thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Cauldron Time (1261G) also available in Halloween Hijinx Clear Set (10919MC) (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Raven (Bazzill), Sunset (Close to My Heart), Mischief (My Reflections CTMH) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Autumn Terracotta Brads (CTMH), Nestabilities Label Four, Diamond Stickles (Ranger) ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Dressed to Scare

2011-09-08T20:09:00.001-06:00

These Autumn like temperatures that Colorado has had the past few days have me spoiled and wanting more. Although my morning walks have been on the chilly side I will definitely take that over the heat anytime!

Last week I pulled out some of my favorite Halloween & Fall stamps and hopefully I'll have plenty more cards to share. Today I'm sharing a card that I made using a sketch from last week's Penny Black Saturday Challenge (#166). The image is Dressed to Scare, it was colored using Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Dressed to Scare (Penny Black) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Raven (Bazzill), Yam (Bazzill), Haunted Hallows Designer Paper Pad (Teresa Collins) ~ Other: Eye of Newton Brads (Imaginisce), Black Button, Black Waxy Flax (CTMH), Piercing Tool, Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Black Grosgrain Ribbon (SU), Black Organdy Ribbon (CTMH), SU Corner Punch, Foam Squares, Nestabilities Circle, Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol ~ Card Size : 5.5 x 5.5

Inky Antics “Stamping Spaces” Blog Hop!

2011-08-23T03:00:00.013-06:00

Welcome to the Inky “Stamping Spaces” Blog Hop!

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, August 28th at midnight Central time. Please visit each Inky DT members’ blog to view their stamping space and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win, (limit one comment per blog, please).

One person’s name will be drawn at random to receive a fun Inky prize pack. The winner’s name will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

I wasn't too sure about making a video of my stamping space. I actually videoed my son giving a tour of my room... it was comical watching him give descriptions. Maybe one day I'll share some of those excerpts. Please excuse my slip-ups... I was very nervous and I felt like I rushed it.

For those who rather not listen to me ramble, I also took pictures. This is the view as soon as you enter my stamping space, then the right and left side of the room.

This is how I store Reflection Kits from Close to My Heart. I take them out of the original packaging, place them in 12x12 storage folders and label them with each collection name. I also store Close to My Heart cardstock the same way and it is organized by season.

This little container holds 6x6 paper pads (My Minds Eye, Basic Grey, etc.). If you watch the video you'll see these pads in a basket my sister made. I keep the scraps from each paper pad separated in baggie, in front of the paper pad.

I absolutely LOVE Bazzill cardstock. This is how I store my scraps... the colors are so pretty! I also have another container of scrap storage for Close to My Heart cardstock (the containers on are the tall book case, bottom shelf).

More ribbon, Copic's and buttons.

If you would like to see more photos of my stamp room or storage you can find them in my Flickr collection: Stamp Room , for the update photos make sure to look in the August 2010 albums.

Your next stop will be to see Crystal's stamping space, Crystal's Crafty Creations. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Roses

2011-08-17T18:52:00.000-06:00

Every Spring when I visit our local nursery I spend a good amount of time in the greenhouse with the roses, the fragrance is just wonderful and I can't get enough of it. Each Spring, for the past six or seven years, I would bring home at least two rose bushes and plant them in our backyard. One would think with as many that I've purchased I would have the most excellent rose garden... I don't and it's so frustrating. I currently have two planted and those two look like twigs sticking out of the ground, no greenery whatsoever... ugh!

I'm staying positive and I'm determined to have roses in my backyard, one year I'll get it right, until then I have to settle for rubber stamps with rose images!

For this card I used the image Everything is Coming Up Roses and I think I finally found the perfect rose color, Henna (Prismacolor Pencils). I added Diamond Stickles to the rose bud to give the card that little extra touch since I added no other embellishments.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Everything is Coming Up Roses (House Mouse/Stampabilities) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Sky (Close to My Heart) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Desert Sand (CTMH), Twilight (CTMH), Simple Pleasures (CTMH) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Give it a Swirl Punch (Fiskars) ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

May - August Reading

2011-08-16T20:59:00.000-06:00

As you see I haven't read much this summer, hopefully that will change in the upcoming months.

City of Fallen Angels
(The Mortal Instruments #4)
by Cassandra Clare
(Hardcover, 424 pages, Young Adult)

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

The Mortal Instruments series is one of my favorite Young Adult series since Twilight, unfortunately, City of Fallen Angels didn't hold up to the previous three books in the series. It was a good book and I liked the majority of it but I was really disappointed with the cliff hanger ending. It's going to be tough waiting for City of Lost Souls (May 2012).

Love You More
by Lisa Gardner
(Kindle Edition, Mystery/Thriller)

Tessa Leoni would do anything to save her six-year-old daughter, even if it means confessing to murdering her husband. Now the child is missing and the state police trooper is the accused in what appears to be a slam-dunk homicide case. Called to investigate, veteran detective D.D. Warren senses something amiss, but as officials race to find the girl, he and his partner (and former lover) Bobby Dodge are forced to improvise almost every step of the way. Another compelling series novel by the author of Live to Tell and The Neighbor.

Love You More is an interesting thriller that is fast paced. Almost from the beginning things are not as they seem and the story is full of twists, some are unbelievable but, it still held my interest until the end. Tessa Leoni is a fabulous character, she is a determined woman and an even more determined mother who will go to any lengths to save her child. If you like mystery/thrillers with strong female characters, this one is for you.

The Kitchen House
by Kathleen Grissom
(Kindle Edition, Historical Fiction)

When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family.

Orphaned while on board a ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin.

Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk.

The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail.

I really, really enjoyed The Kitchen House. It is a story of a little girl from Ireland, who has lost her parents during their voyage to America. The Captain of the ship brings her home to his plantation in the south, to pay off the debt of her parents she is indentured until she is eighteen years old. She is given to Belle, the slave who runs the kitchen and so the story unfolds of life in the Kitchen House.

This novel was a quick read, especially since the reader knows from the very beginning that there is a violent death coming. The characters are so well written that you care about them or really dislike them. At times the story is heartbreaking because the characters go through their share of hardships. It's not a happy book, but it's well worth the read.

Fatal Liaison
by Vicki Tyley
(Kindle Edition, Mystery/Thriller)

The lives of two strangers, Greg Jenkins and Megan Brighton, become inextricably entangled when they each sign up for a dinner dating agency. Greg's reason for joining has nothing to do with looking for love. His recently divorced sister Sam has disappeared and Greg is convinced that Dinner for Twelve, or at least one of its clients, may be responsible. Neither is Megan looking for love. Although single, she only joined at her best friend Brenda De Luca's insistence. When a client of the dating agency is murdered, suspicion falls on several of the members. Then Megan's friend Brenda disappears without trace, and Megan and Greg join forces. Will they find Sam and Brenda, or are they about to step into the same inescapable snare?

Vicki Tyley is a great mystery writer and I have enjoyed all of her novels that I've read to date and once again she did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story itself and especially found it more interesting because I have a couple friends who are currently using a dating service to find that special someone... they definitely need to read this novel.

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
(Kindle Edition, Historical Fiction)

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step. Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

I'm currently reading The Help once again since I'm going to see the movie this weekend and I wanted to be familiar with the characters. If you would like to read my original comments/"review" you can find it here: January Reading (2010).

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Independence Pass

2011-07-27T10:50:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since I posted anything motorcycle related, today I'm going to share a ride that Bryan, my daughter and I took Saturday to Independence Pass.

Since I received my motorcycle endorsement many of my experienced riding friends told me that riding Independence Pass is a must because it's absolutely beautiful, and they were right. They also mentioned to make it an overnight trip, we rode there and back the same day, 450 miles, it was a long day but well worth it.

The pass is at the summit of the ridge of the Sawatch Range between Aspen and Leadville (Colorado State Highway 82). The scenery at the pass and all along the 44 mile route is some of the most spectacular in all Colorado and the road runs right beneath many great mountains including the highest in the state (14,433 ft) Mount Elbert. I can't forget to mention that the road is very twisty, often narrow, with only one lane in some places and a few switchbacks thrown in there. The summit reaches a high point of 12,095 ft. and it is the second-highest paved mountain pass in Colorado after Cottonwood Pass. Because of the higher elevation, weather only allows the pass to be open for several months of the year. I would like to visit again in the autumn and before the snow falls, I'm sure it's just as beautiful with the changing fall colors.

Independence, Colorado is a ghost town located just west of Independence Pass and served as a mining town in the 1880′s. Because of the harsh and long winters and the bust of good mining opportunities, the town was eventually abandoned, with many seeking better mining opportunities in Aspen and elsewhere.

I only wish I had more pictures to share, once again I had camera problems and had to resort to using my cell, which actually takes great photos. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Tulip Mice

2011-07-26T14:25:00.000-06:00

I took some time to color more with Tombow Markers and for this card I used the Great Impressions image Mice Carrying Tulip. Now that I have the card completed I'm not quite sure if I like it... the tulip is a little too red, maybe pink would have been better and the background rose paper seems too much for such a small image... what do you think?!

Riley and Austin go back to school on Tuesday so hopefully I'll find more time to be creative and maybe pick up playing the piano some more... I can't believe how much I've forgotten from not playing every day. Maybe I can convince Bryan that I should go back to weekly lessons!

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day ~ Jovi

Stamps: Mice Carrying Tulip (Great Impressions) ~ Ink: Black (ColorBox) ~ Paper: Watercolor (Canson 90lb), White (Neenah), Smoothie (CTMH), Uncommon (Authentique) ~ Other: Tombow Markers, White Gel Pen (Sakura), Gray Ribbon ~ Card Size: 4.75 x 4.75

Inky/Tombow Blog Hop

2011-07-19T04:00:00.030-06:00

Welcome to the Inky Antics & Tombow Blog Hop! My talented Inky colleagues and I have teamed up with the nice folks at Tombow, and we’re all featuring projects made with Inky Antics stamps and Tombow products.

It’s likely that you’ve come from Michelle's blog, Inspiration Blooms, if not, you’ll want to go there in order to have another chance of winning.

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, July 24th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their project and leave feedback. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win (limit one comment per blog, please). One person’s name will be drawn at random to receive a fun Inky/Tombow prize pack, similar to what each of our designers received to make their projects! The lucky winner’s name will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back there and see if you’ve won.

Today I'm sharing a card I made using Inky Antics clear stamp set, Delightful Dogs #2 (10978MC). I stamped the image onto 90lb watercolor paper using black pigment ink and then embossed it using clear detail embossing powder.

I then used Tombow Markers to color in the edges of the image and used a waterbrush to spread out the color. I have been a fan of Tombow Markers for years and especially enjoy using them with watercolor paper to give that watercolored look.

I used both Tombow's Mono Multi and Mono Aqua liquid glue to adhere all my papers together. Why both glues? I LOVE the Mono Multi (it's another Tombow product that I've been using for years) and my package included Mono Aqua of course I had to give it a try... now I love that too!

I also used Tombow's 3D Foam Tabs to pop my puppy image up from the card. In the package you get both a large and small sheet of foam tabs.

This is the inside of the card.

Now that you’ve probably visited all of the stops along the hop, be sure to visit the Inky Antics blog for the final details on your possibility for winning your own Inky/Tombow prize pack! To check out what the Tombow designers have made and get another chance to win prizes, please visit the Tombow Blog.

Also, Inky Antics is still running our HoneyPOP Summer Challenge (until 23 July). To play along, you can make a card, a 3-D item, or whatever else you dream up using a HoneyPOP creation. We'll be giving away THREE $25 gift certificates for Inky stamps. Prizes will be awarded to (1) our designers' favorite project, (2) the project that receives the most votes during the last week of July, and (3) a participant's project that is chosen randomly from a drawing at the end of July.

Best Wishes to each of you and thank you for visiting!

Stamps: Delightful Dogs #2 (10978MC/Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Black (ColorBox) ~ Paper: Watercolor 90lb (Canson), White (Neenah), Walnut (Bazzill), Sweet Threads Paper Pad (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Tombow Markers, Watercolor Brush, White Brads (CTMH), Foam Tabs (Tombow) ~ Card Size: 5.25 x 5.25

WOYWW #110

2011-07-13T20:22:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday, time for What's On Your Work-desk Wednesday (WOYWW). Once again time has gotten away from me and I haven't did much crafting. This past weekend I decided it was time to paint two of our bathrooms, one took much longer because of the many coats of primer I had to use to cover up the red. Now that the bathrooms are done I still need to paint the trim and doors, of course that will lead to more painting. In between all the painting I'm running from store to store to find a dress to wear to my nieces wedding next week, I even took a trip to Denver today... no luck.

So here's what is on my work desk today:

Almost everyone has a wonderful color chart for Copic markers, but today I thought I would share the chart that I use for Tombow Markers. Since I've kindly received another set of markers it was time to add those colors to the chart. Too keep me from purchasing duplicates, which I've done, I keep a printed chart (using copy paper) in my purse for when I'm out shopping and keep a printed cardstock chart next to my work desk to help me pick that perfect color.

You can download the chart here at Stamper's Dream (thank you Michelle) and hopefully if you have a collection of Tombow Markers you will find it as useful as I do. Eventually I would like to purchase another Marker Tower from CTMH to store my Tombow's, you can barely see the tower on the right of the picture.

I finally did get the Gardening Bear card completed, I was working on this card for last week's WOYWW and I think Juniper is easily turning into one of my favorite colors. That's it for me, make sure to pop in over at Julie's blog, Stamping Ground, to visit other WOYWW participants work-desks and hopefully I will get a chance to visit and comment on more blogs this week. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Gardening Bear (old PSX stamp G2051) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Sky (CTMH) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Juniper (CTMH), Hopscotch Paper Pad (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Daisy Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Sage Shadow Grosgrain (SU), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

WOYWW

2011-07-06T08:41:00.002-06:00

Today I actually have something on my work desk... now I can play along in What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday (WOYWW), it's been awhile since I last posted a WOYWW.

I have a teddy bear card that I'm working on, it's an older stamp from PSX called Gardening Bear (G2051) and it's one of my first rubber stamps that I purchased way back when. I also have a Happy Hoppers image that needs to be colored, that will be used for the House Mouse & Friends challenge.

I have some new goodies, yesterday my TAC (The Angel Company) order came in along with the new catalog, my demo included a little goody bag with buttons, die cuts and such and I've already mounted those stamps. Yesterday I made a quick trip to Archiver's and ended up coming home with four paper pads from Basic Grey, Authentique and My Mind's Eye. I also picked up some twine "lime twist" from My Mind's Eye and I'm looking forward to playing with that.

That's it for me, make sure to pop in over at Julie's blog, Stamping Ground, to visit other WOYWW participants work-desks. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Independence Day

2011-07-04T06:00:00.010-06:00

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Happy 4th of July and thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

Patriotic Wrap (House Mouse/Stampabilities) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Outdoor Denim (CTMH), Cranberry (CTMH) ~ Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Copic Sketch Markers, Big Gold Brads (CTMH), Yellow Stickles (Ranger) ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

Bunny Cruise

2011-07-03T22:50:00.001-06:00

Summer is the theme for the House Mouse & Friends Challenge, Challenge #98, which ends this evening... and here I am posting at the last minute, hopefully I'll get an early start on the next challenge.

For this card I used the Happy Hoppers image Bunny Cruise, which I colored with Prismacolor Pencils and Copic's. I added a touch of Glossy Accents to the water ripples and to the refreshing glass of pink lemonade.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

Stamps: Bunny Cruise (Happy Hoppers/Stampabililties) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Juniper (CTMH), Smoothie (CTMH), Pocket Full of Posies Stack (DCWV) ~ Other: White Grosgrain (SU), Sage Shadow Grosgrain (SU), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Sanding Block ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

Inky Antics Binding System Blog Hop!

2011-06-30T06:46:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Inky Antics Binding System Blog Hop! The talented Inky designers are featuring projects made with the CarlaCraft Binding System. If you've been following from the beginning and you’ve come from Debbie's blog, you're in the right spot. If not, be sure to start at Inky Antics blog.

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, July 3rd at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their project and leave feedback. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). One person’s name will be drawn at random to receive a CarlaCraft Binding System and coil assortment. The lucky winner’s name will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

I created two birthday calendars for this month's Inky Antics blog hop. For the first calendar I used the image 10503H Birthday Petey which was colored using Copic's. I added Glossy Accents to the ice cubes and Stickles to the birthday hats and then mounted the image using Pop Dots. The wording "birthday wishes 2012" was computer generated. All the designer paper is from the Journey paper pad from Authentique, loving the pretty shades of blue.

For the second calendar I used the image 10654K Marlene. I paper pieced her dress using the same designer paper as the lower section and Marlene was also colored using Copic's. All the designer paper is from the Basic Grey's Hopscotch paper pad.

You can download the "Create a Calendar" 2012 template HERE at SCS and for other calendar templates make sure to visit Cat's Creations for more feebies, thank you Cat.

You have to watch the video to see how easy this binding system is to use. It's portable, inexpensive, and one of my new favorite gadgets. Thank you for stopping by, your next stop will be to visit Crystal's blog.

Stamps: Birthday Petey (Inky Antics/10503H), Birthday Wishes 2012 (Computer Generated) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Sky (CTMH), Smokey(Bazzill), Journey (Authentique) ~ Other: CarlaCraft Binding System with Charcoal Gray Coil, 2012 Calendar Template, Copic Sketch Markers, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Baby Blue/Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger), Stormy Brads (Bazzill), Blue Ribbon (SU), Xyron, Pop Dots ~ Size: 3.75 x 8

Stamps: Marlene (Inky Antics/10654K) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Juniper (CTMH), Hopscotch (Basic Grey) ~ Other: CarlaCraft Binding System with Gold Coil, 2012 Calendar Template, Copic Sketch Markers, Pearls (Mark Richards), Dotted Scalloped Punch (EK Success), Sage Shadow Grosgrain (SU), White Gelly Pen (Sakura) ~ Size: 3.75 x 8

Wonder & Joy

2011-06-15T22:20:00.000-06:00

Isn't she the cutest? The image is from the set Wonder and Joy from The Angel Company, this set has some other cute images of as well and I'm so looking forward to getting those inked. The card is pretty simple with not a lot extra's added, I didn't want to take away from all the sparkle... okay that's not true... it took me forever to decided on what embellishments to add and after quite some time of pondering I gave up and decide to make it as simple as possible. Embellishments' are always the hardest part for me and it's so discouraging!

Today a group of us went on a 6 mile hike through Williams Canyon, about 3 miles in and 3 miles out. Williams Canyon sits right below the ever popular tourist destination Cave of the Winds and is just North of Manitou Springs. It was a fabulous hike with great views of rock formations on both sides and some interesting caves. We climbed about 1400 feet in elevation but once we made it to the top it was well worth all the huffing and puffing because the view of Pikes Peak and surrounding was unbelievable.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Wonder and Joy (The Angel Company) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Martha Stewart Pastels Paper Pad ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Sassy Stand (Spring Harmony/Close to My Heart), Lily White Brads (Doodlebug), Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Oval/Scalloped Oval Nestabilities ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

The Sweet Stop with Fluffles

2011-06-08T12:41:00.001-06:00

Wow I can't believe it's been three weeks since I last posted. What have I been up to? Well as you can see not much creating. I've been out and about enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather, my sister and I have been walking every morning about 4 miles and last week I hiked Waldo Canyon (7 miles) with a group of my motorcycle friends. I think our group decided that we're going to try and do a weekly hike and with Colorado offering so many fabulous trails we'll have plenty to pick from.

I've washed and polished my motorcycle last week, it really needed it, I think it still had baked on bugs from last year... yuck. I've been taking short rides around town, nothing really exciting to blog about. I was planning a long haul trip to San Jose, CA in July, but those plans fell through... maybe I'll get a little adventurous and take the trip by myself or I'll plan a different trip all together.

Today I'm sharing a card using a sketch from The Sweet Stop (SSS111), I don't have any stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy, but that's okay you can still play along and they always have wonderful sketches... although I do see Cocoa the mouse in my future! For this card I used the image Grasshopper Fluffles from Stampendous and the sentiment is from The Angel Company's set Little Things.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

Stamps: Grasshopper Fluffles (Stampendous), Little Things (Sentiment/The Angel Company) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pansy Purple (Close to My Heart) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Petal (Close to My Heart), Sweet Matstack (DCWV) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Circle & Scalloped Punch (Marvy), Dotted Scalloped Punch (EK Success), White Paper Flower (Close to My Heart), White Ribbon, Princess Brad (TAC), Crystal Stickles (Ranger), Martha Stewart Scoring Board ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Inky Antics HoneyPOP Blog Hop!

2011-05-26T03:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Inky Antics HoneyPOP Blog Hop! The talented Inky designers are featuring the five newest sets from the popular HoneyPOP Collection.

The blog hop starts today and ends on Monday, May 31st at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their HoneyPOP creations and leave feedback for them.

At each stop along the way, you’ll find a SECRET WORD to collect. When you’ve gathered all six of the SECRET WORDS, return to the Inky Antics blog and rearrange the SECRET WORDS to complete the sentence in the entry form. Three winners will be drawn at random, and they will each receive one of the new HoneyPOP clear stamp sets and a coordinating honeycomb pad. If you've come here from Debbie Fisher's blog, The Paper Garden, you're in the right spot.

For this card I used the HoneyPOP set Pretty Posey. I colored the image using Copic's and add the same blue patterned paper to her dress (Paper Piecing) and for the inside of the card I used the other coordinating pattern paper for floral/petal background.

I used the HoneyPOP set Turtle for this card. I cut and mounted the little birdy with mounting tape to give him some dimension and for the inside surprise... I like the chubby turtle.

My SECRET WORD for you is "cards". Your next stop will be to visit the ever so talented Trudy Sjolander blog, True's Gifts From the Heart.

Have a great day ~ Jovi

Stamps: Pretty Posey HoneyPOP (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Sorbet (Colorbok) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Go Green Gems (Darcie) ~ Card Size: 4.25 X 5.5

Stamps: Turtle HoneyPOP (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Garden Green (Close to My Heart) ~ Paper: Cream, Walnut (Bazzill), Gecko (Bazzill), Chiffon (Bazzill), Hot Stone/Origins (Basic Grey), Hazel Papers (My Mind's Eye) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Mounting Tape, Scalloped Edge Punch (Stampin Up) ~ Card Size: 4.25 X 5.5

Re-leaf

2011-05-22T08:49:00.000-06:00

I wish I get some re-leaf soon from my allergies, the past three days have been awful. I'm sure it hasn't help any that I've been spending most of my time outdoors, walks, planting flowers and water sealing our pergola.

Today I'm sharing a card I made using Inky Antics clear Forest Friends set (#4), which I colored the image using Copics. I'm not sure if you can see in the photo that I've created clouds, my search for SU's Moon, Stars & Cloud template hasn't went well. I created my own cloud template using a large 3" scalloped circle punch from Marvy. I punched my scalloped circle, placed it over my image where I wanted clouds and then used a makeup wedge-y sponge thingy with Crystal Blue ink to sponge around my cloud template, in some areas I sponged darker than others.. and no messy clean up afterwards. Yeah, my search for the template is over.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Forest Friends #4 Clear Set (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Crystal Blue (CTMH), Nana's Kitchen Matstack (DCVW) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilities Ovals & Scalloped Ovals, White Ribbon, White Gelly Pen (Sakura), Aloe Vera Brads (Bazzill) ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

WOYWW

2011-05-18T21:41:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday, time for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday (WOYWW) and once again I'm posting late in the evening.

Not too much on my work desk, as you can see I was making the card below, it uses one of my newer sets from The Angel Company, Oh No She Didn't, I was so excited to use this image from the set because she's just so cute. Isn't the pink pattern paper so pretty? Today while I was out at Joann Fabrics I came across this Sorbet Paper Pad from Colorbok on Clearance for $2.97, what a deal... I couldn't pass it up so I bought all the pads that were left on the shelf.

If you would like to see more work desks, just pop on over to Julie’s blog Stamping Ground and thanks for stopping here ~ Jovi

Stamps: Oh No She Didn't (The Angel Company) ~ Ink: : Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Petunia (Bazzill), Sorbet Paper Pad (Colorbok) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger), White Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Punch (EK Success), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

May Flowers

2011-05-18T11:55:00.000-06:00

Blue daisies, I would love to see those in my garden! Today I'm sharing a card I made for the House Mouse & Friends Challenge #95, May Flowers. I used the House Mouse image Spring Blossoms, which I colored with Copics and Prismacolor Pencils. To soften the Copic petals I went over them with Powder Blue Prismacolor and then added Baby Blue Stickles.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

Stamps: Spring Blossoms (House Mouse/Stampabilities) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Sky (Close to My Heart), Nana's Kitchen Matstack (DCWV), Glittered Paper (Martha Stewart) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Baby Blue Stickles (Ranger), Mounting Tape, Eyelet Border Punch (Stampin Up), White Ribbon ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

Ribbon Challenge

2011-05-15T05:00:00.004-06:00

Today Really Reasonable Ribbon (RRR) is hosting a "Anything Goes" #24 Challenge and Inky Antics is co-sponsoring the challenge. Create a card, layout, multi media piece, tag, ATC, hair bow, you name it. Just be sure to follow the theme above and use ribbon/lace or trim somewhere on your project.

Make sure to stop in at Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog to join in the fun because RRR is giving a $10 gift certificate and Inky Antics is donating a $25.00 gift certificate good towards any clear or wood mounts stamps to one randomly selected challenge participant... awesome!! RRR will be announcing the winners on 6/1.

I'm sharing a card I made using Inky Antics image Hank and RRR's Checkerboard Satin White ribbon. I used DCWV Linen Closet Stack & matching cardstock, the darker green cardstock is glitter covered.. so pretty and sparkly.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Hank (10718H-Inky Antics), Hippo Birthday (10685D-Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Linen Closet Stack & Cardstock Stack (DCVW) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Checkerboard Satin White Ribbon (Really Reasonable Reason), Circle Punches (EK Success), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

WOYWW

2011-05-04T21:46:00.001-06:00

I had such a busy day I wasn't sure if I would get my WOYWW posted, I'll keep it short since it's close to my bedtime.

A couple months ago I unmounted all my wood mounts, today I finally finished making up the last of the covers/spine for the binders that hold my unmounted stamps. If you would like to see the inside of the binders, just click HERE.

I used repositionable adhesive for the cover images and for the labels because sometime in the future I'm sure my collection will grow and I would like to eventually have one binder for each of my favorite stamp companies... and now I have plenty of room to add more binders!

Well, that's what I worked on today. Make sure to stop over at Julie’s blog Stamping Ground to see more links to other work-desk. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

March & April Reading

2011-04-30T21:14:00.000-06:00

Two books in two months, at this rate I can't see reaching my 100 book goal for the year...ugh!

All That's True
by Jackie Lee Miles
(Kindle Edition)
"My life was close to perfect-until my brother Alex got killed and my mother started drinking and my father starting having sex with Donna, my best friend's stepmother, who's not even thirty years old."

After Andi's older brother dies in a fraternity hazing accident, her mother hits the bottle and her father starts sleeping with her best friend's stepmother. Andi, meanwhile, goes through the routine adolescent gauntlet of heartache, struggles with peer pressure, and learning a little about herself and her place in a difficult world.

I did enjoy Jackie Miles’ book, Roseflower Creek, that I wanted to read this book and once again I wasn't disappointed. All That's True is another beautifully written novel, this time about a young girl coming into her own throughout the midst of tragedy, family drama, and teen issues. The author does an excellent job capturing the strength of an adolescent and I would recommend All That’s True to anyone who enjoys coming of age novels.

Letters From Home
by Kristina McMorris
(Kindle Edition)
During WWII, three young women living together in Evanston, Illinois, are changed forever. Liz and Julie attend Northwestern University, and Betty works as a waitress and sings for the USO. While watching Betty perform, Liz meets Morgan McClain, who is on his way to the front. Having a boyfriend does not diminish the connection she feels with Morgan, until she sees him dancing with Betty. Without saying good-bye, she leaves the dance. Days later, Betty asks Liz to pen a letter to Morgan as a favor, and she reluctantly agrees. Through their correspondence, Liz becomes more attached to Morgan, even though she is still using Betty's name and now is engaged. Betty joins the WACs and is shipped to New Guinea. Julie is the one who has few doubts about life after the war with her fiancé. McMorris gives readers a poignant and resonant "Greatest Generation" story of love and loss during wartime.

Letters From Home is beautifully written and completely captivating. The author weaves together the stories of the characters perfectly, pulling me into their lives so completely that I really couldn't put the book down. I found this book to be very touching, there are some entertaining moments, heart wrenching moments and joyful moments. It's a wonderful romantic read.

Wagon Ride

2011-04-29T22:50:00.000-06:00

This week's House Mouse & Friends Challenge theme is Way to Go - Travel, Challenge #94, it could be anything that gets you from one place to another.

I used the Happy Hoppers image Wagon Ride and the sentiment is from Stampin Up's Friend to Friend stamp set, I'm not sure if it's still available but it's one that I grab for often. The image was colored using Copic's, I finally purchased enough brown shades to start coloring these little guys, now I just need to try them out on House Mouse.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Wagon Ride (Happy Hoppers/Stampabilities), Friend to Friend (Stampin Up) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Crystal Blue (CTMH), Nana's Kitchen Matstack (DCWV), Miracle (My Reflections/CTMH) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Eyelet Border Punch (SU), Gemstones (Hero Arts) ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

Inky Antics Box & Bag Blog Hop

2011-04-28T03:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Inky Antics Box & Bag Blog Hop! It starts today and ends on Sunday, May 1st at midnight Central time.

We invite you to stop and comment on each Design Team members’ blog, as there will be prizes given away. Three lucky winners (who visit and post at every stop in the hop) will be drawn at random to receive one of our template stamps. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please).

The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back there and see if you're a winner.

If you came here from the very talented Bev Gerard's blog,Savor the Journey, you are in the right spot. If not, you will need to start at Inky Antics blog and work your way through the group!

Today I'm sharing two items I made using Inky Antics Gifts in A Snap template stamps. For the cookie gift bag I used the Gift Bag Template and for the teacup mouse I used the Rectangle Box Template. As you can see when the rectangle box is open there is a window, which could be covered with acetate and filled with your favorite goodies. I used an individual tea pack to coordinate with my front image and sentiment. For both creations I used clear stamps from the Teacup Mousies sets #1 and #2.

Your next stop will be to visit Debbie Fisher's blog,The Paper Garden.
Thank you for playing along ~ Jovi

Gift Bag (Cookie)
Stamps: Teacup Mousies #2 Clear Set (Inky Antics) ~Paper: White (Neenah), Linen Closet Stack (DCWV), Linen Closet Cardstock Stack (DCVW) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, White Ribbon, Sage Stickles

Rectangle Box (Teacup)
Stamps: Teacup Mousies #1 Clear Set (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Linen Closet Stack (DCWV), Linen Closet Cardstock Stack (DCVW) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, White Ribbon, Sage Stickles, Frosted Lace Stickles

WOYWW

2011-04-27T19:33:00.000-06:00

Today I actually have something on my work desk... now I can play along in What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday (WOYWW), it's been awhile since I last posted a WOYWW.

As you can see I have a Happy Hoppers card that I'm working on, the image is finally colored and now all the pieces need to be assembled and then I'm sure to spend a good amount of time trying to come up with some kind of embellishment to add. That's always the hardest part for me when making a card. I also have a package from Really Reasonable Ribbon that I will be using on a upcoming project, I'm so looking forward to using the pretty ribbon colors.

Okay, so my work desk is pretty boring this week, hopefully next week I'll have more to share until then you can stop on over at Julie's blog, Stamping Ground, to visit other WOYWW participants work-desks.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Huggin' Bunny

2011-04-25T11:46:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter holiday. Today I'm sharing a card I made using one of my favorite Inky Antics images, Huggin' Bunny. I colored the image using Copic Sketch Markers and I did a little playing around trying to create a grassy texture for the bunny to stand on, I still need plenty of practice with Copic techniques but I'm really starting to like them.

Thanks for visting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Huggin' Bunny (Inky Antics), Bunny Hug (inside sentiment/Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Buttercup (CTMH), Autumn Terracotta (CTMH), Garden Green (CTMH), Tickled Pink (Fine and Dandy/My Mind's Eye) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Diamond Big Impressions Texture (Ellison Designs), Bamboo Brads (CTMH), Stampin Up Corner Punch, Spring Moss Grosgrain (SU), Sanding Block ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

eclectic Paperie & Inky Antics HoneyPOPs

2011-04-20T09:22:00.000-06:00

Do you like to win prizes? Make sure to head over to eclectic Paperie blog today to see all the fantastic creations that their E-Team has created using Inky Antics HoneyPOP collection.

Jackie from Inky Antics has generously donated a treasure trove of HoneyPop stamps and HoneyComb for you to win by participating in their E-Team Blog Hop with HoneyPop by Inky Antics and an eP gift certificate will also be given away.

All seven designers from eP's Blog Team came up with terrific ideas and here's a peek:

Latrice Murphy

Linda Duke

Don't forget that Inky Antics would love to see what YOU make, too! If you'd like to play along in our HoneyPOP Challenge, we're still accepting entries through April. Just upload a photo of the card(s) you've made with one or more HoneyPOP products to Inky Antics Facebook page.

Inky Antics we'll be giving away prizes for (1) our designers' favorite card, (2) the card that receives the most "Likes" during April, and (3) a participant's card that is chosen randomly from a drawing at the end of the month. Each of the HoneyPOP Challenge winners will each receive $25 in Inky stamp credit, so please join in the fun!

Jovi

Light as A Feather

2011-04-19T09:29:00.001-06:00

I made this card for a friend who recently weighed in almost 30 pounds lighter than she did when she started her weight loss journey. Losing weight has always been a struggle for me and I know how hard temptations can be. I wanted to pass along some encouragement to my friend as she continues her journey to reach her goal weight.

This adorable Happy Hoppers stamp is Light as A Feather and for the inside I used the sentiment "Way to Go" from Close to My Hearts Say It in Style set. I colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol and added Stickles to the clipboard and scale, I also add White Fun Flock to the bunnies tail... I should really pick up some brown flock.

~ Jovi

Stamps: Light as A Feather (Happy Hoppers/Stampabilities), Say It in Style (inside sentiment/CTMH) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Sweet Leaf (inside/CTMH) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Crystal Blue (CTMH), Sweet Leaf (CTMH), Miracle (My Reflections/CTMH) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Daisy Punch (Martha Stewart) , Baby Blue Stickles, Bundled Sage Stickles, White Fun Flock, Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

Hello Cupcake

2011-04-12T10:26:00.000-06:00

I've been a lazy blogger since I returned home from vacation, even though I haven't blogged I've been keeping busy creating... making thank you cards, covers for my stamp binders and I've started scrapbooking... gasp!

My neighbor has been trying to get me scrapbook for years and I always had no interest in it. A few months ago Bryan suggested that I should make a scrapbook, it would be something the whole family could enjoy and benefit from all my purchases. Then last month my sister was organizing her photos and decided she wanted to make scrapbooks for her children, we went shopping for materials to get her started and that's when the scrapbooking bug bit me. I probably wouldn't share any layouts anytime soon... I don't want to scare anyone away! ;)

Today I'm sharing a card that I made using Inky Antics clear set Baking Chef's. The card stock is Bazzill and the designer paper is from the Glitter Sweet Matstack (DCWV) which goes perfect with this stamp. For the background I stamped the cupcake image with VersaMark and then embossed with clear embossing powder. I colored the little girl chef with Copics and I outlined the image using Sakura Stardust Gelly pen, which leaves the image very sparkly.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Baking Chefs Clear Set (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), VersaMark ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Romance (Bazzill), Rosebud (Bazzill), The Glitter Sweet Matstack (DCWV) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Clear Embossing Powder, Pink Ribbon (Stampin Up), Stardust Gelly Pen (Sakura), Recollections Border Punch, Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 4.25 X 5.5

It's Great to be Back in Colorado

2011-04-05T20:08:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy two weeks and now it's time to relax at home. While Riley and Austin were on their two week Spring Break we spent time in Wyoming at my parents and in Illinois with Bryan's parents. It's always a joy to be with Bryan's family and this time we were able to visit with all his siblings, four sisters and two brothers, one of his sisters came in from Pennsylvania and his brother and his family drove in from Wisconsin. Unfortunately with everyone's schedule we couldn't all be together at once. Visiting Illinois is especially fun for Riley and Austin because they get to visit with their many cousins.

While in Illinois I was able to meet up with my blogging friend Sue Berker (Sharing What I Love) and her husband John. I was so thrilled to finally meet Sue, she is just wonderful.We spent the day at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, lunch at Panera Bread and we had a chance to visit a couple rubber stamp stores before I left back to Belleville. I'm already looking forward to seeing her once again.

I also have a new scrapbook store to visit every time I visit Illinois, the Scrapbook Factory, which is in O'Fallon. I couldn't believe how much product they carry, it was amazing. I was overwhelmed with it all, I knew I just had to come back without Bryan so I could take my time going through each section. I returned the following day, purchased lots of goodies and even took a picture of their Volkswagen.

Time to get creative with my new goodies, thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Inky Antics HoneyPOP Blog Hop

2011-03-23T03:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Inky Antics HoneyPOP blog hop!

It starts today and ends on Sunday, March 27th at midnight Central time. We invite you to stop and comment on each Design Team members’ blog, as there will be prizes given away. Three lucky winners (who visit and post at every stop in the hop) will be drawn at random to receive a surprise HoneyPOP Clear Set and a coordinating Honeycomb Paper Pad.

If you came here from the very talented Trudy Sjolander's blog, True's Gifts from the Heart, you are in the right spot. If not, you will need to start at Inky Antics blog and work your way through the group!

Inky Antics HoneyPOP Clear Stamp Sets are available in 7 different themes. These new stamps sets can be used with coordinating Honeycomb Paper Pads to POP your card making into a dynamic 3-D surprise!

Here are my cards to share.... for the first card I used the set Cupcake Birdy. When I saw this set I just knew I wanted to use designer paper with cherries, and I was in luck when I found this gorgeous paper pad from My Mind's Eye. I also used the same paper pad for the Birthday Elephant card. For both cards I colored the images using Prismacolor Pencils and then blended with Gamsol.

Cupcake Birdy

Cupcake Birdy's 3-D Surprise!

Birthday Elephant

Birthday Elephant's 3-D Surprise!

Your next stop will be to visit Michelle Pearson's blog, Inspiration Blooms. Please consider participating in the HoneyPOP Blog Hop Challenge. You’ll find the complete scoop HERE.

Here is a fabulous video tutorial created by Jackie, showing how to use Inky Antics HoneyPOP Clear Stamp Sets and Honeycomb Paper Pads to create cards that fold flat for mailing but open to reveal a dynamic 3-D surprise! Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Cupcake Birdy HoneyPOP (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: Cream, Blossom (Bazzill), Fine and Dandy/Tickled Pink (My Mind's Eye) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Blue Ribbon (Stampin Up), Eyelet Border Punch (Stampin Up), Nestabilities Scalloped Oval, Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 4.25 X 5.5

Stamps: Birthday Elephant HoneyPOP (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Grey Flannel (Close to My Heart), Fine and Dandy/Tickled Pink (My Mind's Eye) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Paper Flowers (Spare Parts & Prima), Lily White Brad (Doodlebug), Scalloped Edge Punch (Stampin Up)

Bunny Love

2011-03-21T00:08:00.000-06:00

Today I'm sharing two cards using the set Bunny Love from Close to My Heart. For the first card I sanded the Crystal Blue on diagonal to go along with the pattern paper, which is from Stampin Up called Petal Pack... one of my favorites and I use it sparingly because it hasn't been available for years. I also sanded around the Garden Green border before stitching the edges.

For the second card I used a periwinkle plaid paper that I had since I started stamping, in the beginning it was tough finding cardstock to match it and then when I had the cardstock I forgot all about it. I really need to go through my single sheets of patterned paper and organize them somehow. Both cards were colored using Prismacolor Pencils and blended with Gamsol.

If anyone has any suggestions on organizing single sheets of patterned paper/cardstock please pass them along, since I'm much happier when things are organized! Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Bunny Love (Close to My Heart) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Garden Green (CTMH), Heavenly Blue (Close to My Heart), Petal Patch (Stampin Up) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, White Gelly Pen (Sakura), Sewing Machine Stitching ~ Card Size: 5x5

Stamps: Bunny Love (Close to My Heart) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Lilac Mist (CTMH), Crème Brulee (CTMH), Periwinkle Small Plaid (The Paper Patch) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, White Gelly Pen (Sakura), Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Pearls (Mark Richards) ~ Card Size: 4.25 X 5.5

Ride Like an Animal

2011-03-16T19:33:00.000-06:00

Today it was a record high temperature here in Colorado Springs, 75 degrees... of course I had to take my motorcycle out for a ride. It was a good day to get the garage dust blown off. Sorry no pictures to share, I just rode around town and tried to avoid the high traffic areas.

I was actually out and about looking for animals... why animals you ask. This year's Mountain Shadow Riders chapter ride contest is "Ride Like an Animal" and it's pretty simple, just get a picture of your motorcycle with a animal... live animal, location with a animal name, sculptures, street signs... pretty much anything related to animal. My friend Betty and I are going to ride together and rack up points.

After five months of Bryan's Harley being in the shop getting rebuilt after his motorcycle accident he was finally able to pick it up last week and he was extremely happy to have his Street Glide back. His enjoyment didn't last long, it's back at Pikes Peak Harley... one of the speakers inside his fairing wasn't working and the aftermarket windshield they ordered was the wrong height. Bryan ordered another windshield right away since it took HD weeks to get the aftermarket one ordered... the new one was delivered within three days. Once he gets his bike home he will replace the Hog Tunes speakers and amplifier... his bike is going to have great sound.

If you would like to see Bryan's wrecked motorcycle you can see pictures in this post, Street Glide Damage or if you would like read about his accident you can read this post, Road to Recovery.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

WOYWW

2011-03-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

Last week for WOYWW I was in the process of unmounting all my single stamps, which I finally finished yesterday. Today for WOYWW I'm creating covers for the 3 ring binders that store my stamps, the finished page will slide inside the protective area of the binder. After I complete the cover page I'm going to add a little something along the spine as well, not sure yet what I'm going to do with the back cover, maybe a piece of coordinating cardstock.

This page will be used for my Inky Antics binder, I picked out some of my favorite images and I'm in the process of coloring them. I just LOVE this paper, it's from Close to My Heart, the Mayberry paper packet... I must order more in-case I start a start a scrapbook.

As you can see the binders are very plain, this is one of six 3 ring binders that I'm going to decorate.

Inside the binder I used Sunday International's EZ Mount stamp storage panels, Stamp n Stor, to hold my rubber stamps.

I'm also using this binder to hold the Inky Antics clear stamps as well. I purchased these fabulous Paper/Stamp Organizer from Close to My Heart which are 8 1/2 x 11 and very sturdy. They fit Inky Antics bigger clear sets perfectly.

Well, that's what I'm on working on today. Make sure to stop over at Julie’s blog Stamping Ground to see more links to other WOYWW participants work-desks. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Birthday Cupcake

2011-03-13T22:21:00.000-06:00

I finished this card sometime last week and here I am barely posting it. My unmounting venture is almost complete, I probably would have finished it today but I need to order more EZ Mount... good thing I have a local supplier that I 'm able to pick it up from. So far I've gone through 22 sheets of EZ Mount, thank goodness I'm almost done I have a sore thumb from peeling rubber.

On to the card, I made this card for the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge, Challenge #90 Mulit-Fold. I used a Gate Fold, instructions can be found at SCS in Resources . I modified the folds to make my card larger than the instructions posted. After coloring the image with Prismacolor Pencils I added Frosted Lace Stickles to the frosting, when dried I added White Liquid Appliqué to create a yummy frosting look, before heating the LA I added gold micro beads to create sprinkles.

I'm going to change the inside greeting, once I took the photo I realized that I should have stamped it in brown and not black. The black stands out like a sore thumb! ;)

Thanks for visting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Birthday Cupcake (House Mouse/Stampabilities), Contemporary Greetings (The Angel Company) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Neenah), Chocolate, Buttercup, Twilight (all Close to My Heart), Good Times (My Reflections/CTMH) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Twill Ribbon, Frosted Lace Stickles, White Liquid Appliqué (Marvy), Gold Micro Beedz (Provo Craft), Ticket Corner Punch (Stampin Up), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

WOYWW

2011-03-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday, it's time to sneak a peek into other crafters work desks, hosted by Julie over at Stamping Ground, so come along and join in the fun.

I'm currently surrounded by wood blocks and loose rubber. I decided to finally finish unmounting my single wood stamps. A few years ago I unmounted most of wood mount sets but I didn't want to tackle the singles.... until this past weekend, I was using a cling mount set from The Angel Company and I remembered how much I liked using the clear blocks with rubber... so I went for it. I started with Gruffies, because I didn't have some kind of weird emotional attachment to those and so far I'm really happy with my decision.

Just a tip to share if anyone is going unmounted... instead of using Kai Scissors and baby powder use a Hot Knife. I picked one up at Michael's and I was so happy that I did so, the Hot Knife cuts through the cling mount like butter with no sticky mess, I only wished I had it when I unmounted last time... it is fabulous!

It's going to take me awhile to get everything unmounted and stored... as you can see I have plenty to keep me busy... this is only a fraction of what I have to look forward to. Thanks for stamping in for a visit ~ Jovi

Fluffy Bun’s Hug

2011-03-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

I just love little bunnies and this one that's upside down is too cute, I like his ear spread out. I used the image Fluffy Bun’s Hug & the sentiment Turn my World both from Inky Antics. I colored the image with Prismacolor Pencils and it was blended with Gamsol. The card is very sparkly, the flowers on the background paper came dotted with glitter, I added Stickles over the pink on the bunny and on the ducks bill. I also added white Fun Flock the to the bunnies tail, maybe I should have added more flock to make it more fluffy...

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Fluffy Bun’s Hug (Inky Antics), Turn My World (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Taffy (Close to My Heart), Buttercup (Close to My Heart), Amethyst (Close to My Heart), Background DCWV Glitter Stack ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Paper Flowers (Spare Parts), White Fun Flock, Princess Brad (The Angel Company), Cotton Candy Stickles & Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger) ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

WOYWW

2011-03-02T21:20:00.002-07:00

Here is what my work desk looks like today, not too messy... I'm currently working on a House Mouse challenge and a card for my mom, I just need to color my image and assemble. I did pick up some Neenah cardstock and so far I really like using it with Prismacolor Pencils and with Copics. I was stitching on a bunny card that I haven't finished which is why the sewing machine is still sitting out... good thing it's a itty bitty thing and doesn't take up much space.

My cutting area, papers are Good Times from Close to My Heart, which I'm currently using for the House Mouse card. I also found time to go through my retired CTMH ink pads and I added a silver star to those colors that are no longer available.

This is another reason why it takes me awhile to get anything made; I have to watch were I walk or roll my chair because my fur babies Jake (Labradoodle) & Toby (Cockapoo) like to hang out with me. Usually in the evening Toby would lay under the desk area.

If you like to snoop or you're just curious like me ;) make sure to stop over at Julie’s blog Stamping Ground to see more links to other WOYWW participants work-desks.

I'm off to visit other WOYWW'ers blogs... thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

February Reading

2011-03-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A Novel
By Jamie Ford
(Kindle Edition)
Henry Lee is a 12-year-old Chinese boy who falls in love with Keiko Okabe, a 12-year-old Japanese girl, while they are scholarship students at a prestigious private school in World War II Seattle. Henry hides the relationship from his parents, who would disown him if they knew he had a Japanese friend. His father insists that Henry wear an "I am Chinese" button everywhere he goes because Japanese residents of Seattle have begun to be shipped off by the thousands to relocation centers. This is an old-fashioned historical novel that alternates between the early 1940s and 1984, after Henry's wife Ethel has died of cancer. A particularly appealing aspect of the story is young Henry's fascination with jazz and his friendship with Sheldon, an older black saxophonist just making a name for himself in the many jazz venues near Henry's home. Other aspects of the story are more typical of the genre: the bullies that plague Henry, his lack of connection with his father, and later with his own son. Readers will care about Henry as he is forced to make decisions and accept circumstances that separate him from both his family and the love of his life.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a wonderful story that I enjoyed immensely. This incredibly sweet and touching novel brings an intimate look into the life of Henry Lee, a Chinese-American boy and an Japanese-American girl, Keiko, who befriend each other and then experience the confusing feelings and innocence of first love.

The historical and cultural aspects are very moving, although fiction, I did learned a great deal about the time before, during, and after WWII. Reading about the evacuations and the camps that the Japanese families were sent to made me sad. I guess not living during that time, I wouldn't fully understand the emotions that everyone was feeling then but I can't understand how something like that could happen. The word unfair kept going through my mind while I read these portions of the book.

This was a fabulous book that I would recommend to all my friends, and if I am ever in Seattle I would love to visit the Panama Hotel.

Her Last Letter
By Nancy C. Johnson
(Kindle Edition)
In the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs, not far from Aspen, artist/photographer Gwyn Sanders discovers a cryptic letter her sister Kelly left behind. The victim of a deadly hit and run, Kelly reveals she was sexually involved with her sister's boyfriend and is scared for her life. Both Gwyn and her remaining sister Linda have since married their boyfriends, so either could be guilty of murder. The sisters received a large inheritance before meeting these men, and know little of either man's background. Worse, both Gwyn and Linda love their husbands deeply, but steps must be taken to find the truth. And the truth is complicated, is it one of the two men, or another previous lover? Or none of them? Danger abounds and everyone is a suspect as Gwyn tries with the help of a gifted private detective to track a killer....

The story starts out drawing you in when Gwyn finds Kelly's letter in which Kelly reveals she was sexually involved with her sister's boyfriend. Then as Gwyn is trying to figure if it was her now husband, her sister's husband or an old boyfriend the story slows. The author spent an excessive amount of time describing the art exhibit, the ski trip and film developing process ... which didn't add much to the story. Once the killer was revealed it, it was pretty much over.

Wish List
By John Locke
(Kindle Edition)
Be careful what you wish for! When Buddy Pancake and his drinking buddies stumble across the Wish List website, they jokingly post their "impossible" wishes. Imagine their surprise when, one by one, the wishes start coming true! But Buddy and his pals neglected to read the fine print explaining the price they must pay for the wishes they've been granted.

Wish List is a quick read and a real page turner, the twists and turns are completely unpredictable. Be forewarned that it has a certain amount of crude activity and language but it also keeps you laughing at the same time.

Alone
By Lisa Gardner
(Kindle Edition)
It was bad enough that Catherine Gagnon survived a horrible childhood abduction where for a month she lived in a cave and was the plaything for her sicko abductor. But now, 25 years later, she faces tragedy again as she fights to keep her son, Nathan. One chilly November night, a police sniper kills her husband, Jimmy, in response to her 911 call claiming he was about to hurt Nathan. Jimmy's death means that his parents, an influential judge and his blue-blooded wife, are more determined than ever to take Nathan from Catherine, whom they see as unfit to mother their only grandchild. True, the birth of Nathan mentally paralyzed Catherine, who could not get past the memories of her abduction and her emotionally absent parents. But is she really the monster the Gagnons and their PI make her out to be? Massachusetts state police special-ops officer Bobby Dodge, the sniper who took out Jimmy, doesn't think so, and unwittingly falls under the spell of the manipulative widow. A twisted, effective psychological thriller.

Alone is a tightly written suspense novel containing interesting characters that I couldn't find myself liking, despite that fact I was drawn into the story. Intertwined into the unfolding drama is the presence of the serial rapist, manipulation by the late Jimmy's parents, Catherine's calculating nature and Bobby Dodge's determination to resolve the mysteries behind all the deaths around. It was a real page tuner and kept my interest to the end.

Tweet Kisses

2011-02-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

The House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge, Challenge #89, was to use your most favorite House Mouse, Happy Hopper or Gruffies stamp. It took me awhile to decide, I finally narrowed it down between Tweet Kisses or Snuggle Bunny. Tweet Kisses is what I decided to use because the little mouse giving the birdie a kiss on the head just seems so caring, compassionate and kind... at least that's what I see.

The card is pretty basic with not a lot of extra's added. I colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol and I added some gemstones to the background flower centers and that's pretty much it.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Tweet Kisses (House Mouse/Stampabilities), Dots & Daisies (Stampin Up) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) , Burnt Umber (Palette) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Sweet Leaf , Bamboo) (Close to My Heart) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Pebbles Chalk, Gemstones (Mark Richards) ~ Card Size: 5x5

Clean & Simple 128

2011-02-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my card for this week's Clean & Simple Stamping sketch challenge, Sketch 128. I must have stamped this flower at least six times and with each mess up a new die cut. I can't believe how long it took to make, it wasn't very simple for me!

I couldn't decide on what color flower to use, once I decide on yellow (buttercup & honey) it took me just as long to add embellishments... and I'm still not too sure about the button, maybe a cluster of smaller buttons would have been more appealing, embellishment time always is difficult for me.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Simple Blossoms (CTMH), For Every Occasion (CTMH) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink & Neenah), Honey (CTMH), Mayberry (My Reflections/CTMH) ~ Ink: Buttercup, Honey, Sweet Leaf, Garden Green, Dessert Sand (all CTMH) ~ Other: Labels Four Die (Nestabilities), Yellow Button, Olive Embroidery Floss (CTMH), Sweet Leaf Organdy (CTMH) ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

WOYWW

2011-02-23T22:28:00.001-07:00

I had such a busy day and wasn't sure if I would get my WOYWW posted today. I forgot that I had a dermatology appointment to get my face burned... okay well not really burned, I had to my reoccurring laser treatment for my Rosacea. I was rushing to get to the appointment on time that my stamping plans were pushed back... way back.

Finished my appointment as red as can be, came home and put together homemade dough for Calzones that I made for dinner... yummy. Finally this evening after moving computers I was able to get back to some of my stamping projects.

Here is what my desk looks like this evening. I'm currently working on this week's Clean & Simple sketch challenge. I'm using some Close to My Heart floral stamps, which I have plenty of... I love flowery images but I'm not good at creating cards using them.

Just a close up of what I'm stamping. I broke my Sweet Leaf stamp pad, the hinge snapped off... I tried taping it which isn't working very well. I guess I'll just have to order a new one, which is great because I like the style of the newer pads.

On the other side of my room I have a huge cord mess. Last August I gave my daughter my bigger HP laptop and purchased a smaller red Dell which I absolutely loved. Since I moved my stamp area upstairs I hated having a desktop and laptop taking up space. I refused to use the Dell desktop because it was so slooow it drove me nuts! I gave my son the red laptop and I purchased a new Dell desktop for me. My darling husband has been very busy this past week moving files from desktops and laptops. Now I'm stuck with a huge tangled cord mess... at least until tomorrow.

Make sure to stop over at Julie’s blog Stamping Ground to see more links to WOYWW participants or you can always join in the fun. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Inky Antics Blog Hop!

2011-02-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first ever Inky Antics blog hop!

It starts today and ends on Sunday, February 27th at midnight Central time. We invite you to stop and comment on each Design Team members’ blog, as there will be prizes given away. Three lucky winners (who visit and post at every stop in the hop) will be drawn at random to receive a new release Easter bunny clear stamp set.

If you came here from the talented Debbie Fisher's blog, The Paper Garden, you are in the right spot. If not, you will need to start at Inky Antics blog and work your way through the group!

Here is my card... I had the little bunny holding everything from flower shaped suckers, a packet of carrot seeds and various miniature foam Easter decorations. I finally settled on the lilies, which can be found in the bridal area at Hobby Lobby. The image, Givin' a Squeeze , was colored using Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol. All the cardstock and designer paper is from Close to My Heart's paper pack Mayberry. I also discovered that the zigzag stitch is very forgiving of those of us who can't sew a straight line.

Your next stop will be to visit the ever so talented Crystal Irwin's blog, Crystal's Crafty Creations.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Givin’ a Squeeze from 11037MC Bunny #2 Clear Set, (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Honey (CTMH), Olive (CTMH), Bamboo (CTMH), Mayberry (My Reflections/Close to My Heart) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Twill Ribbon (CTMH), Oval/Scalloped (Nestabilities), Beige Thread/Sew Machine, Mini Floral, Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

WOYWW

2011-02-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today it’s all about organizing and finally getting my Close to My Heart order out of its bag and put away. As you can see I’m sorting my paper flowers, I was using the votive to store most of them but the votive became overfilled and I had to resort to dumping them all just to finds a specific color or flower shape. I had these little bead containers not being used and most of the smaller flowers fit perfect; I just don’t like having them in multiple containers. The larger flowers will go in another container… hopefully I could find one that would fit all the sizes while out and about this afternoon.

Onto my other work area, my CTMH order has been moved around the room for the last couple days, which is so not like me. As soon as I get an order I always take it out, make labels if need, and then put it away. Now I have some new goodies to play with.

Stop over at Julie’s blog Stamping Ground to see more links to WOYWW participants or you can always join in the fun. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Clean & Simple

2011-02-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in a Clean & Simple Stamping challenge and I this is one that I’m going to try to take part in weekly. I think clean and simple is pretty much my comfort zone when making cards.

I need to have things symmetrical and that’s not just with stamping, I think that may be part of my OCD… maybe I need to up my meds! LOL

Enough about me… and onto Sketch 127, this is the first card I made; the image is Watering Can Mousy from Great Impressions and the sentiment is Just for You from Hero Arts.

And for the second card, I used the image Bunny Wonders from Inky Antics, as well as the sentiment Sitting & Thinking. I figured I better make another one that was the same dimension as the sketch.

Thank you for taking the time to visit ~ Jovi

Stamps: Watering Can Mousy (Great Impressions), Just for You (Hero Arts) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Buttercup (Close to My Heart), Crystal Blue (Close to My Heart), Background DCWV Glitter Stack ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Paper Flower (Spare Parts), Flower Brad (Recollections/Michaels), Border Punch (Recollections/Micheals), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size 5 x 5

Stamps: Bunny Wonders (Inky Antics), Sitting & Thinking (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Sweet Leaf (Close to My Heart), Baby Pink (Close to My Heart), Background DCWV Glitter Stack ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Key Lime Button (Close to My Heart), White Embroidery Floss, Sanding Block, D’vine Swirl Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon, Cotton Candy Stickles (Ranger) ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Happy Valentine’s Day

2011-02-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to share the last of the Valentine cards that I made, I was hoping the recipients’ would have received them before today. Note to self… don’t procrastinate when mailing cards.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Tongue-tied (Penny Black) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Cranberry (Close to My Heart), Key Lime (Close to My Heart), Sparkle Circles of Love (Be Loved/Cloud 9 Design) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Large Oval/Scalloped Oval (Nestabilites), Spots & Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Paper Flowers (Spare Parts), Princess Brad (The Angel Company), Gemstones (Mark Richards), White Gelly Pen (Sakura), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

Stamps: Sniffing Treats (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Chocolate (CTMH), Cranberry (CTMH), Be Loved (Cloud9Designs), Eternity/Blush (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Sparkles/Holiday Red (CTMH), Red Ribbon, Lace Heart Edge Punch (Martha Stewart) ~ Card Size 5 x 5

Stamps: Take a Bite out of Love (House Mouse/Stampabilities) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Blush (Close to My Heart), Designer Paper ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Lace Heart Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Pearls (Mark Richards), Sweet Blush Grosgrain (PaperTrey Ink), White Sheer Ribbon, White Waxy Flax (Close to My Heart), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

More BaZooples

2011-02-12T16:27:00.001-07:00

Once again the following cards are made using BaZooples, which are now available at Inky Antics. Since these cards will be used for an Inky Antic display the designer paper and cardstock was all coordinated to be displayed together. I used Bazzill cardstock and the designer paper is from BasicGrey’s Origins collection.

For each card I colored the image using Copic’s, my first time coloring images with Copics!

Let me explain… In December I was at my local art supply store (Meininger) and they happened to be having a sale on Copic Sketch Markers, I decided to purchase some just to see if I liked them. I brought them home did some scribbling on cardstock, didn’t like them. About three weeks later and after watching numerous YouTube tutorials I gave them another try, this time blending… still wasn’t happy with my results. I made the decision to sell them, my stamping neighbor had ladies lined up ready to purchase what I had.

Two days before selling the Copic’s, Jackie from Inky sent me the BaZoople images and I just knew they would be perfect for coloring with Copics. I went out and purchased more and knew I had to learn fast how to blend; it was back to YouTube for me. I think my images came out pretty okay for being my first time actually coloring an image, I’m sure with more practice I can eventually get the hang of proper blending. That’s my Copic story.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful weekend ~ Jovi

Gertude

Lester

Ollie

Humphrey

Stamps: Gertude/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Walnut (Bazzill), Leapfrog (Bazzill), Sugar Pea/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Heavenly Blue Ink (CTMH), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), Crystal Stickles (Ranger), Eyelet Border Punch (Stampin Up), Mounting Tape, Pop Dots ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Lester/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Leapfrog (Bazzill), Aloe/Origins (Basic Grey), Brown Sugar Scrub/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Small Oval & Small Scalloped Nestabilities, Paper Flowers (Bazzill & CTMH), Princess Brads (TAC), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), Stardust Gelly Pen (Sakura), Pop Dots ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Ollie/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Walnut (Bazzill), Leapfrog (Bazzill), Sugar Pea/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Small Oval & Small Scalloped Nestabilities, Paper Flowers (Bazzill), Brown Brad (Bazzill), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), Stardust Gelly Pen (Sakura), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Humphrey/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Walnut (Bazzill), Aloe/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Large Circle Punch & Large Scalloped Punch (Marvy), Small Circle Punches (EK Success), Rhinestones (Me & My Big Ideas), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), White Gelly Pen (Sakura), Pop Dots ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Inky Antics

2011-02-12T00:20:00.001-07:00

I have some exciting news to share with you all; I’m an Inky Antics Designer!

I have always enjoyed Inky images, ever since those little turtles started popping up in SCS Gallery many years ago. In 2007 my very talented friend Keri Lee who was designing for Inky Antics at the time contacted me and asked if I could help Jackie (Inky’s Creative Director) with some designs for CHA, I was so thrilled, it was a great opportunity and of course I just had to do it because I loved Inky images. I stayed on with Inky until I took my break from stamping and now I’m so excited that Jackie brought me on as part of her team once again.

Inky Antics Spring 2011 Supplement is now available for download HERE, it has some really cute stamps… clear and rubber. The following cards are made using BaZooples characters, which stands for Baby Zoo People.

Clarence

Elsie

Wilbur

Zach

Tomorrow (which is later today) I’ll have more BaZooples to share, thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Clarence/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Walnut (Bazzill), Aloe/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Paper Flowers (Spare Parts), Rhinestone (Me & My Big Ideas), Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Elsie/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Walnut (Bazzill), Brown Sugar Scrub/Origins (Basic Grey), Hot Stone/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), Pop Dots ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Wilbur/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Walnut (Bazzill), Leapfrog (Bazzill), Sugar Pea/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Scalloped Edge Punch (Stampin Up), Green Ribbon, Pop Dots ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Zach/BaZooples (Inky Antics) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Lemonade (Bazzill), Leapfrog (Bazzill), Sugar Pea/Origins (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Labels Four (Nestabilities), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), Spring Moss Grosgrain (Stampin Up, Mounting Tape ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

Good News

2011-02-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Penny Black designers starting hosting weekly challenges for their blog readers. You’ll never know what you’ll be challenged to create and they offer a Penny Black prize to every challenge winner.

READER CHALLENGE: Create a card using white space as a primary element.

This is the card I made for this week’s challenge; of course I just had to use Penny Black hedgies (my all time favorite critter). Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Good News (Penny Black), Solo’s “T” (Close to My Heart) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (PaperTrey Ink), Amethyst (Close to My Heart), Amethyst Background & Texture (Close to My Heart) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Swirly Die (Sizzix), Circle Punches (EK Success), Amethyst Button (Close to My Heart), White Floss, Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger), White Ribbon, Glue Dots, Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

WOYWW

2011-02-09T21:00:00.002-07:00

I’m sure most of you that visit many crafters’ blogs have seen this fun weekly challenge called What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday. My stamping friend Sue (Sue’s Stamping Stuff) has been playing along for quite some time and I always enjoy seeing her WOYWW blog posts. Today I decided to take the plunge and play along. I always keep my work desk fairly organized, so chances are you wouldn’t see much.

Here’s a peek of what I worked on today (click on photo for a larger view). I finished up some Valentine cards, I had a couple images colored I just had to work on the layout for each card. Aren’t those bunny stamps the cutest? I will be using those real soon. If you look closely you can see that I made a pink paper rose… just not sure what I should do with it, you can find the tutorial here at Kaufman’s Cottage.

Look what I have sitting on my chair, a new Janome Sew Mini that I purchased last Thursday. I had every intention to take it out and play with it, but I only got as far as opening the top flap and then I moved it off the chair. Once I get it out I need to learn how to sew a straight line before I can sew on cards.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Card Request

2011-02-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

Recently my dear blogging friend Sue (Sharing What I Love) posted a request for anyone willing to send her husband a birthday card. On the 22nd of this month John will be celebrating his 90th birthday and Sue would love to present him with 90 cards on his special day. Sue is also planning an Open House and his cards will be on display at the celebration. If you would like to send John a card, please email Sue for her address at berkerster@gmail.com.

This is the birthday card I made for John. I always have a hard time coming up with masculine cards; maybe I need to challenge myself to make them more often.

Thanks for visiting and thank you, in advance, to those of you that send John a card.

Stamps: Old Truck (The Angel Company), Friend to Friend (inside – Stampin Up) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Pinecone (Bazzill), Splash (Bazzill), Background (Colorbok) ~ Other: Brown Brads (Close to My Heart), Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

With All My Heart

2011-02-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

I started this card on Monday when the House Mouse & Friend’s Monday Challenge #88 was posted and I finished it this evening. After coloring the image I wasn’t sure what kind of layout I wanted to use… that’s why it just sat at my work desk for the week. This evening I decided to go simple, very simple, no thrills or frills. This challenge was all about hearts, I used the House Mouse image With All My Heart and I added Glossy Accents to the candy hearts.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: With All My Heart (House Mouse/Stampabilities)~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Baby Pink (Close to My Heart), Blush (Close to My Heart), Key Lime (Close to My Heart), Maybe Baby Collection (daisyd’s) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Lace Heart Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

An Early Spring

2011-02-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

This morning the country’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring. The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in a German superstition that says if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend said spring would come early.

After many years of having this Inky Antic stamp, Groundhog Hollow, I was finally able to make a card with it. For the past few years I just completely forgot about Groundhog’s Day, but this year I was determined to use it. After making sure of the date, I placed sticky notes around my stamp area to remind me.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Groundhog Hollow (Inky Antics), Little Critter (inside/Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Buttercup (Close to My Heart), Petal (Close to My Heart), Paper Garden (My Reflections/Close to My Heart) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils blended with Gamsol, White Eyelets, White Ribbon, Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger), Mounting Tape ~ Card Size: 5 x 5

January Reading

2011-02-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Chicks On Bikes
By Christina Shook
(Hardcover, 155 pages)
This collection of images and stories is a fascinating and intimate dive into the lifestyle of women motorcyclists. The young, the old, the beautiful and the ugly, the tough and the delicate, the wild the sensible, brave and gentle, the factory worker and the corporate leader - united in the spirit of motorcycling. In these pages you'll find insight into how these women face risk and how they thrill to speed. They find beauty amidst grease and wind. They form sister hoods of like-minded women from outlaw style clubs to Christian riders. Here you'll hear tales of adventure and journey. You're invited for an up close stare at the amazing women who ride. They are both ordinary and extraordinary.

I would have enjoyed this more if the stories of the ladies featured were a bit longer than a paragraph or two.

Matched (Matched #1)
By Ally Condie
(Hardcover, 366 pages, Young Adult)
For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her.

I really wanted to like this novel. The book starts out well, Cassia is going to her Match Banquet and her world seems full of happy possibilities. During this evening she is matched to her childhood friend, Xander, which is unusual since it's rare that matches know each other. In some type of computer glitch the next day, another boy's face flashes on her screen and it's someone else she knows, a boy named Ky. Cassia decides she's in love with Ky at a point that doesn't make sense and too much of Cassia's story was centered around obsessing over Ky. There came a point early on where I stopped caring about her. I finished the book not really caring about the sequel, Crossed, due to come out November 2011. I may read the squeal, but I won't eagerly be anticipating it I was Matched.

Primal Wound
By Ruth Francisco
(Kindle, Mystery/Thriller)
A young woman sets out to find her birth-mother and uncovers a family saga of deceit, insanity, and murder.

When Cicely Scott volunteers to be a kidney donor for her father, she is shocked to discover she was adopted. Suddenly she has lost herself, her history, her identity, her family. But she gains something else. She is free to become whomever she wants to be, informed neither by genetics nor family, but by her own set of ethics.

Cicely leaves her privileged life in San Francisco to find her birth-mother, a frumpy beautician, who lives with her family in rural New Hampshire. Cicely spies on them, insinuates herself into their lives, and befriends her half sister. But her birth-mother is terrified when Cicely reveals herself.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Homicide Inspector Val Picard tries to track down the murderer of a young preschool teacher who worked with Cicely. Soon Cicely becomes a suspect. Lies and betrayal lead to the ultimate crime—murder.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it is a gripping and disturbingly good tale. The book leads you through both stories of the police investigation and Cicely’s search to find her birth-mother, slowly revealing details until everything fits into place. The only I disliked, I would have liked to see Cicely give her cheating boyfriend what he deserved.

My Perfect Wedding
By Sibel Hodge
(Kindle, Romantic Comedy)
Helen Grey is finally getting everything she wants. She's about to have the perfect dream wedding and begin an exciting new life abroad on the sunny Mediterranean island of Cyprus. But living the dream isn't all it's cracked up to be.

After a mix-up at the airport, Helen finds herself drawn into the midst of an elaborate plot to steal an ancient statue and assassinate a local businessman. And as if that wasn't bad enough, her wedding dress is AWOL, the statue seems to be cursed, and Helen is wanted by the police.

With the big day rapidly approaching, a roller-coaster of mishaps, misunderstandings, and disasters threatens to turn the newlyweds into nearlyweds.

Can Helen prevent an assassination, save the statue, and have the perfect wedding? Or will the day to remember turn into one she'd rather forget?

I don't read rom-com novels, but every now and then I like to read something different. My Perfect Wedding was entertaining and funny. The dialogue is sharp and witty, which had me laughing out loud at times. I did enjoy the unusual cultural twist of Kalem’s family and I had no idea that condoms are stocked in mini bars! If you enjoy chick lit, this book is for you.

Roseflower Creek
By Jackie Lee Miles
(Kindle, Literature & Fiction)
Thus begins the story of ten-year-old Lori Jean, whose short life and early death are woven into this affecting novel set in the 1950s rural South. Abandoned by her father when she was just five years old, Lori Jean's world consists of a weak-willed mother and an alcoholic stepfather who can't keep a steady job. Yet Lori Jean is filled with the curiosity and hope common to all children. When Lori Jean uncovers her stepfather's secret, everything spins out of control and she pays the ultimate price for what she knows. But through this heart-wrenching story comes surprising tribute to the human heart's ability to heal and love- despite the most difficult circumstances.

This is the most touching and heartbreaking novel I have ever read. From the moment Lori Jean begins her story, with "The morning I died it rained. Poured down so hard it washed the blood off my face”, I was emotionally attached and couldn’t stop reading. The story is told from the point of view of a recently deceased 10 year old girl who had been beaten to death by her alcoholic step father. Lori Jean takes you on a journey of her life, her love, her losses and ultimately her sad untimely death. You’ll feel sorry for her and her family, but you also feel her happiness and share in her excitement about things. I will remember Lori Jean for a long time and her outlook on life and forgiveness. This was a fabulous book that I would recommend.

Hugs Your Heart

2011-01-31T22:42:00.002-07:00

I spent yesterday making heart & love theme cards and this was a quick and simple one. I would have like to add a different pattern of designer paper to the background but I couldn’t find any other that I had to coordinate with this Basic Grey and I really wanted to use this up. Whenever I purchase designer paper I pick out 3 to 5 backgrounds that are in the same collection, but for some reason I couldn’t seem to find the other backgrounds, oh well I’m sure I’ll find them around Halloween!

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Fido & Fluffy’s Heart (Inky Antics), Hugs Your Heart (Inky Antics) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Blush (Close to My Heart), Cranberry (Close to My Heart), Crush/Blush (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Copic Sketch Markers, Cranberry Grosgrain (Close to My Heart), Holiday Red Sparkles (Close to My Heart), Eyelet Border (inside – Stampin Up), Clear Glaze Pen (Sakura), White Gelly Pen (Sakura), Pop Dots ~ Card Size 4.25 x 5.5

First Ride of 2011

2011-01-29T16:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, along my sister I went on my first ride of the New Year. It was a mild 62 degrees in Colorado Springs, we stayed local and were out and about for a few hours. It was a beautiful day to ride through Garden of the Gods, apparently many other bikes thought the same because we saw plenty while there.

I started keeping track of my riding mileage in 2007 when I received my motorcycle endorsement and it’s time for me to add up my mileage from 2010.

From January 10 – December 10 I rode 2,677 miles and I’m sure Bryan put at least 100 of those it when he borrowed my motorcycle after his accident. This year I really need to get out and ride more, I’m getting antsy to take an out of state road trip.

Starting mileage: 16,777
Ending mileage: 19,454

My Sister

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Party Hoppers

2011-01-25T19:42:00.001-07:00

My sister recently celebrated her birthday and this is the card I made for her. The image Party Hoppers was an unexpected find in my collection of stamps, it was hiding under another bunny stamp. You can only imagine my excitement when I found it. I should probably go through my other stacks and see what else find.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Party Hoppers (Happy Hoppers/ Stampabilities, Happy Birthday (CTMH), Sentiments (inside – TAC) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Chocolate (CTMH), Breeze (CTMH), Arizona (Bazzill), Blush/Fancy (Basic Grey) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Autumn Terracotta Spiral Clip (CTMH), White Grosgrain (SU), Gemstones (Hero Arts), Diamond Stickles (Ranger), White Fun Flock (Stampendous), Edge Distresser, Pop Dots ~ Card size: 5.5 x 5.5

Rotary Trimmers

2011-01-24T21:56:00.001-07:00

I mentioned to Bryan on Saturday that I was going to purchase a new paper trimmer… he asked “How many paper cutters do you need”?

These are the trimmers that I have. My first paper trimmer that I purchased was a Fiskars Rotary Trimmer (dark gray), it worked wonderfully and I still use at times for scoring my cards. I quit using it sometime ago for cutting because I could no longer find the replacement thingy that the blade cuts into. I purchased my second Fiskars trimmer (light gray) and after a few months of use it would no longer cut a straight cut. I contacted Fiskars to ask if I could purchase a new bar for my cutter, Fiskars sent me a free replacement trimmer (the black one), great customer service. Riley and Austin were using the light gray trimmer for their projects (which wasn't very often) and I’ve been using the black one for a few years now, but it was time for change.

I wanted something more compact that would take up less of my work area. A few weeks ago while at Hobby Lobby I came across the Making Memories Precision Paper Trimmer, it folded out to 12x12 which I liked. Purchased it, brought it home and unboxed it, made my first cut and hated it. When I pushed the blade across the bar, it was like fingernails on a chalkboard, Jake and Toby ran out my stamp room when they heard the noise. I did some research online about it, apparently you have to adjust the blade when this happens (which seems to happen quite often) and some even have to oil the trimmer bar. I returned it.

I went back to Fiskars. I purchased a Fiskars LED SureCut Folding Rotary Paper Trimmer
(with a Michaels 40% coupon). I love it! It takes up less work space when fully open, it also folds in half, the cuts are fantastic and it has a LED light to show where your cut line is.

Now I only need one paper trimmer and all the others will be given away, the one that was replaced will be trashed.

Hopefully I'll have a card to post tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

Time to Relax

2011-01-16T02:12:00.001-07:00

Every four months my piano instructor hosts a piano party. It’s an opportunity for her adult students that don’t participate in recitals to get comfortable playing for others. I stress the entire week before my performance and this week was no different. I played my piece (Moonlight Sonata (Op. 27, No. 2) by Ludwig van Beethoven) first; by playing first I was able to enjoy the others and not spend the entire time worrying about my performance. Once I started playing I was able to relax and focus, and I actually played better than I thought I would... now that I have that over with I can relax again.

After my scheduled lessons in February, I’ve decided to take a break from piano lessons for awhile. I’m going to continue to play and practice at home, I want to spend more time developing my sight reading… which I still struggle with. My piano instructor has been wonderful and has provided me with plenty of sight-reading exercises and I will eventually return to her for further instruction.

While in Denver last month we came across this piano, there is actually nine pianos that sit every block or so along the 16th Street Mall. Each is painted with bright, playful colors and natural motifs by local artists, the pianos invite anyone to sit and play, which Riley did. If the temperature wasn’t dropping that day I probably would have taken photos of each one that I was able to find… maybe in the spring I’ll take a motorcycle ride to Denver for piano pictures.

~ Thanks for visiting, Jovi

Tall Tales

2011-01-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

My stamp room is almost to the point where I can start stamping once again. Hopefully tomorrow while out and about, I’ll find some kind of ribbon storage. After viewing many photos and videos of other creative spaces, I have some ideas of what I would like.

This is a card that I made a few weeks ago for one of my favorite new authors, Vicki Tyley. I absolutely enjoyed the books that Vicki has previously written, and was thrilled when Vicki sent me advanced copies of her latest books. If you like mystery and suspense I would recommend that you read her books; Thin Blood, Sleight Malice and Brittle Shadows… you wouldn’t be disappointed.

For this card I used the image Tall Tales, I thought the little bunnies reading would be an ideal for Vicki. The image is colored using Prismacolor Pencils with no blending mediums, which as of lately is becoming a preferred method of coloring. I still need more practice with blending colors, but I’m getting there.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Tall Tales (Happy Hoppers/Stampabilities), For Every Occasion (inside/CTMH) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Burnt Umber (inside/Palette) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Petunia (Bazzill), Lemonade (Bazzill), Background (Making Memories) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Apricot Grosgrain (SU), Pearls (Mark Richards), Pop Dots ~ Card size 5.25x5.25

Stamp Room

2011-01-06T10:33:00.003-07:00

After seven years of having my stamp area in our unfinished basement, this past weekend I made the move upstairs to our spare bedroom which we used as our home office. In the basement I was able to expand my area or move to any location that I liked and in the past years I did move quite frequently, which was great. But, I felt isolated from the family being down there alone and it didn’t help that I don’t particularly like basements.

Initially I planned to make the move over the summer. Last Thursday, Bryan suggested going to Home Depot to pick what supplies I would need to make my move over the weekend, I was so excited and surprised. Bryan is so good to me, I wouldn’t have been able to get finished all that I did without his help and I felt so bad because at times he was in such pain (problems with his hip since his motorcycle accident). While Bryan was resting, Riley and Austin practically moved all my supplies up to the second floor, if it wasn’t for them I’m sure I would still be carrying rubber stamps up the stairs.

What my basement stamping area looked like before my move. Bryan installed a fake wall sometime ago so that I could hang an ink pad holder and ribbon storage.

This is the large storage cabinet from Lowe's that I used to store my wood mounted stamps, 12x12 & 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock/designer paper, clear stamps, punches and misc, I just recently added more shelving to the unit (the unit will remain in the basement). I use two cubes (8 drawers) to store my unmounted from The Angel Company and Stampin Up.

This is my new stamp room, before painting. I had already taped off the ceiling and filled the holes before I decided to take pictures. I’m keeping the large desk; it’s huge, heavy and a pain to move.

Here it is all painted with everything moved from the basement, now I just have to organize it.

I removed the closet sliding doors and shelving, Bryan is going to install wire Closet Maid shelves for me this weekend.

I will post more photos once I get everything placed where I like it… I’ll have to be creative considering the area will still be used as a partial home office and I’m sure I’ll move things around a few times before it’s workable.

If anyone has any great storage solutions for ribbon, please pass it along (links to pictures would be fabulous), I’m leaning towards not using the ribbon holder that I was previously using.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

100 Books in a Year ~ Reading Challenge

2011-01-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

My reading goal for this year is to read 100 books. Last year I read 55, hopefully I can do better this year! I will be joining in with the Book Chick City’s reading challenge for fun! The rules are simple:

• Read 100 books by 31st December 2011
• Only print books & ebooks count – (no audiobooks)
• Any genre counts!
• Twitter tag: #100booksinayear
• You can join along anytime

I will continue to post my monthly reads along with reviews, if you like, you can follow my updated reading list by visiting this page, 2011 Reads.

If you want to participate in this challenge as well just click the link above or the button in the sidebar. Thanks for visiting & happy reading ~ Jovi

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

Here’s wishing 2011 brings you bright hopes,

new success and many new reasons to smile.

Chester Muffin

2010-12-31T00:49:00.001-07:00

On Monday my nieces Netherlands Dwarf bunny, Chester Muffin tragically passed away. Chester Muffin was her faithful companion that followed her everywhere. He was only two years and in his short life he brought her great joy. He liked to run around her apartment and would kick up his back legs and twist in the air. Whenever she was watching TV he would always jumped onto the couch just to be with her, she misses him terribly.

I didn’t have a good picture of Chester Muffin, I was able to grab this one from my nieces Facebook album, it was cropped and then printed on to photo paper. The inside of the card reads:

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,

and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

-Kahlil Gibran

Chester Muffin

7 Dec. 2008 – 27 Dec. 2010

Jovi ~

Paper: Leapfrog (Bazzill), Saltillo (Bazzill), Red & Blue Daisy (Classic K Bailey –K&Company), Ivory Small Floral (Classic K Bailey –K&Company) ~ Other: Green Grosgrain (The Angel Company), Sheer Ribbon, Love Charm (Charm Me), Ivy Brads (Bazzill), Pop Dots ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

December Reading

2010-12-27T00:22:00.001-07:00

The Scarlet Letter
By Nathaniel Hawthorne
(Kindle Edition)
Novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850. It is considered a masterpiece of American literature and a classic moral study. The novel is set in a village in Puritan New England. The main character is Hester Prynne, a young woman who has borne an illegitimate child. Hester believes herself a widow, but her husband, Roger Chillingworth, returns to New England very much alive and conceals his identity. He finds his wife forced to wear the scarlet letter A on her dress as punishment for her adultery. Chillingworth becomes obsessed with finding the identity of his wife's former lover. When he learns that the father of Hester's child is Arthur Dimmesdale, a saintly young minister who is the leader of those exhorting her to name the child's father, Chillingworth proceeds to torment the guilt-stricken young man. In the end Chillingworth is morally degraded by his monomaniacal pursuit of revenge; Dimmesdale is broken by his own sense of guilt, and he publicly confesses his adultery before dying in Hester's arms. Only Hester can face the future bravely, as she plans to take her daughter Pearl to Europe to begin a new life.

The Scarlet Letter is definitely "heavy" reading, but worth reading. Take some advice: skip the introductory chapter "The Custom House" and just begin reading with "The Prison Door." Although I enjoyed this book, the descriptions were incessantly vivid and at times confusing but, it does add to the portrayal of society in the mid 1800's. This book forced me to look up many words that were used in Nathaniel Hawthorne's time, but are not used today. Once I was able to follow what Hawthorne was saying, I quickly got into the book.

This is a story you will long remember.

Not What She Seems
By Victorine E. Lieske
(Kindle Edition)
Steven Ashton, a billionaire from New York, and Emily Grant, on the run from the law... and when they meet he can't help falling for her. What he doesn't know is that interfering in her life will put his own life in danger. Not What She Seems holds you in suspense from the moment you begin down the path of murder and romance.

When billionaire Steven Ashton couldn't stand his high society social life anymore, he left the stress of New York on a vacation for his soul. The need to meet real down to earth people lead him to a small Nebraska town he remembered visiting as a child. He didn't want to lie about who he was, but he couldn't exactly tell them the truth. Emily could have easily fallen in love with Steven, under different circumstances, but her past was catching up with her and she needed a new life. If the authorities found out about her, she could lose the one thing that meant everything, her four year old son. This book is a "sweet" romantic suspense, appropriate for all ages.

Not What She Seems grabbed my attention from the beginning until its conclusion. The storyline was pretty fast moving the characters were very well developed and likeable. The romance between Emily and Steven kept me reading past my bedtime, it was a romance that was based on their emotions rather than sexual encounters, which was refreshing. The ending was very nicely done although I wish it would have been a bit longer… I want to read more about Emily and Steven. This was a great debut novel from Victorine E. Lieske, who also designs rubber stamps, Victorine Originals.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

May your home be warm with Christmas cheer,

and your new year bright with Christmas memories.

It's My Party

2010-12-20T22:00:00.002-07:00

Today is my daughters 15th birthday; I still cherish those memories of holding her in my arms while she was sleeping. How time flies, I can’t believe that soon Riley will be eligible for drivers permit. Next week while Bryan is off we’re going to celebrate in Denver, dinner at Hard Rock Café, shopping at 16th Street Mall and then dessert at the Cheesecake Factory… all her favorite places to visit.

This is the card I made for Riley using the image It’s My Party. One of Riley’s favorite colors is black and it was a challenge to come up with a cute card, using black and keeping it girly at the same time. I typically add Liquid Appliqué to cake/cupcakes for a more “frosting” look, but when I cleared out my supplies, Liquid Appliqué was in the giveaway box… oops. Instead I used Frosted Lace Stickles for sparkle.

This is the first time I used Memento Ink and I love it. It stamps a clear and crisp image compared to other ink pads I’ve previously used. I also colored the image using only Prismacolor Pencils; I’ve been busy watching You Tube videos on how to color/blend with Primsacolor Pencils without using blending mediums. I’m pleasantly surprised that I was able to accomplish blending without the use of Gamsol.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jovi

It’s My Party
Stamps ~ It’s My Party (Happy Hoppers/Stampabilities), For Every Occasion (inside – CTMH) ~ Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) ~ Paper: White (Paper Trey Ink), Black (Bazzill), Bamboo (CTMH), Silhouette Reflections (CTMH) ~ Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Sheer Black Ribbon (CTMH), Prima Flowers, Princess Brads (TAC), Yellow Stickles, Frosted Lace Stickles, Pop Dots, Scalloped Edge Punch (SU) ~ Card Size: 5.5 x 5.5

Snoopy’s Chopper & His Sidekick

2010-12-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago the Mountain Shadow Riders (MSR) held our annual Christmas party. Our Chapter has grown tremendously over the past year that we could no longer accommodate our large group in any member’s house. This year our party was held at South Side Johnny’s with over 80 members/family members in attendance. We all had a wonderful time chatting and exchanging gifts.

During the holiday celebration it is tradition to welcome the incoming officers and thank the outgoing officers. I received a beautiful engraved crystal with the MSR logo for serving as the Assistant Director along with Betty for the past year.

I made the cards for our outgoing Director, Carolee, and for our incoming Assistant Director, Paula. I wanted both cards to be motorcycle related and what could be better than Snoopy’s Chopper & Snoopy and His Sidekick for images. Carolee loves the color pink; it was fitting to make Snoopy’s chopper pink with a bit of purple. Both cards were embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder which adds plenty of sparkle and then colored using Tombow Markers & Close to My Heart markers, then blended using a Tombow Colorless Blender. While on a hunt for a blender (story below) I came across the fabulous little motorcycle charms in the jewelry isle at Hobby Lobby, they made a wonderful embellishment.

About the Tombow Colorless Blender: In my last stamping post I mentioned that my old blender tip was ruined by using the heavy weight watercolor paper and I wanted to use a blender for these cards… I need one in a hurry. I checked the Tombow USA site to find where to buy locally.

The hunt started at 10 am, first stop was Jo-Ann’s, which is where I originally purchased them, no blenders, and no markers. Onto Archiver’s, I asked the sales clerk, she heard “markers” and “blend” and tried to sell me Copics! Off to two Michael’s stores…ugh! Finally at the third Hobby Lobby there was a small pack of markers but no blenders, it was getting late and I was frustrated. I purchased a few Marvy Le Plume blenders, which, I don’t particularly care for; I tried them at a friend’s house and let’s just say I prefer Tombow over anything else.

As I was driving home I passed by our local downtown art supply store, Meininger Art Supply. I made a quick u-turn. At 5:30 that evening I had Tombow Colorless Blenders in hand! Meininger’s should have been my first stop; I was just there two weeks ago purchasing Copic Sketch Markers. I have to go back there soon; they have a huge selection of Tombow Markers that can be purchased individually. Finding the huge selection made up for all the frustration!

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Snoopy & His Sidekick
Stamps: Snoopy and His Sidekick (Stampabilities), For Every Occasion (inside – CTMH) ~ Ink: Black (Colorbox), Chocolate (inside – CTMH), Heavenly Blue (watercoloring –CTMH) ~ Paper: Watercolor (Canson 90lb), Chocolate (CTMH), Crystal Blue (CTMH), Caprice Reflection (CTMH) ~ Other: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (SU), Tombow Markers, Tombow Colorless Blender, Close to My Heart Markers, Twilight Brads (CTMH), Offray Ribbon, Gold Cord (SU), Waterbrush, Motorcycle Charm (Charm Me) ~ Card Size 6x6

Snoopy’s Chopper
Stamps: Snoopy’s Chopper (Stampabilites), For Every Occasion (inside – CTMH) ~ Ink: Black (Colorbox), Petal (inside – CTMH) ~ Paper: Watercolor (Canson 90lb), Wisteria (Bazzill), Baby Pink (inside – CTMH), Serenity (Karen Neuburger) ~ Other: Iridescent Ice EP (SU), Tombow Markers, Tombow Colorless Blender, Close to My Heart Markers, Oval/Scalloped Oval (Nestabilities), Gemstones (Hero Arts), Motorcycle Charm (Charm Me), Lily White Brads (Doodlebug), Spring Iris Grosgrain (CTMH), Silver Cord (SU), Pop Dots ~ Card Size 6x6

Books you can't live without: the top 100

2010-12-12T22:16:00.007-07:00

Have you read any of these books? I’ve been working my way though this list over the past two years, all my reading prior to 2008 was true crime novels. I challenged myself to start reading other genres and this was a practical list to start my challenge with. I don’t plan on reading every book listed, just those that interest me. I’ve read eleven from the list.

Instructions: Copy the list, bold those books you've read in their entirety, italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read an excerpt. After you post your list make sure to leave me a comment so I can visit your blog to see what books you’ve read.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma -Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - A.A. Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Inferno - Dante
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - E.B. White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Christmas Mice

2010-12-08T22:42:00.005-07:00

Here it is… my first card of 2010. Before House Mouse, I had a weakness for the little mice from Great Impressions, Christmas Mice is one of my favorite Christmas images. After not stamping for over a year, it took me awhile to get everything situated. I couldn’t remember what inks to emboss with or even what size cardstock to cut. After many mistakes things came back… slowly.

For this card I stamped the image onto watercolor paper, it’s a heavier weight than what I previous purchased. The colors didn’t blend as smoothly as I would have liked, I also think the heavier weight may have ruined the brush tip on the Tombow Colorless Blender, the tip widened and flattened as I blended; it’s no longer useable for detailed images. Hopefully I can find the lighter weight cardstock that I used in the past. If anyone has any suggestions on brands and weight, please pass it along.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Stamps: Christmas Mice (Great Impressions), Festive Thoughts (inside/CTMH) ~ Ink: Black (Color Box, Cranberry (inside/CTMH) ~ Paper: Watercolor, Cranberry, Bamboo, New England Ivy (all CTMH), Everlasting (CTMH) ~ Other: Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Cranberry Grosgrain Ribbon (CTMH), New England Ivy Brads (CTMH), Tombow Markers, Close to My Heart Markers, Tombow Colorless Blender, Sandpaper, Sakura Metallic Gelly, Eyelet Border Punch (SU)

Stamping ~

2010-12-04T01:20:00.012-07:00

(Warning: Long Post)

It all started for me in 1997, a good friend invited me to a Stampin’ Up party and at that time I had no idea what stamping was or what I was getting into. My collection slowly grew by visiting local stamp stores and attending stamp gatherings. Shortly after that we moved to California (military move), I remember searching for rubber stamp stores in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara and it was such a delight when I found one. While there making handmade cards was a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. A couple years later we made the move back to Colorado and my stamping came to a halt. I really didn’t have a need to make handmade cards since I was once again close to family and friends and I didn’t know about online stamp groups. I gave everything to my niece… stamps, inks, cardstock, papers, embossing powders… everything.

About two years later, in 2001 when we bought our house, I discovered that my next door neighbor was a Close to My Heart demonstrator. Shortly after that she started a stamp club with fellow neighbors as members, it was a wonderful opportunity for us ladies to gather and get to know each other while creating. In the beginning months of our club I kept my purchases to a minimum because I was undecided if stamping was something I wanted to commit to, plus Bryan wasn’t too thrilled that I joined a stamp club after giving away my first collection. Later, I also joined a monthly Stampin Up club alongside Close to My Heart… my commitment to stamping lasted until 2008, that was the last year that I attend any club.

Those of you that read my blog regularly know that by the end of 2008 I started losing interest in stamping; in 2009 I made a total of four cards… and that’s when I said “My Goodbye to Stamping”. I just didn’t have the ambition to make anything, but having this time away from stamping/stamping forums and some blogs, made me realize that I wasn’t having fun anymore because I was too busy trying to keep up with all the latest and greatest products, techniques and challenges. I didn’t think I had the ability to continue alongside other stampers.

Throughout this year I slowly began clearing out extra supplies, instructional videos, magazines, old catalogs, and in essence packed up my stamping area. A few weeks ago I was determined to downsize my collection even more, and eventually throughout this upcoming year I would have everything gone. That didn’t work out like I planned, once I started going through those cute little critters, I couldn’t do it. Instead I put those aside and began clearing out other sets from SU, CTMH & TAC, I’ve already sold a huge lot of SU cardstock and a few SU sets.

I felt relieved to have the excess gone, so relieved that this last week was spent moving furniture, cataloging, and organizing. Why? Because I’m going to start stamping again, and this time I’m going to do it for the fun of it!

This is my sell stack, the sets in jewel cases are unmounted Stampin Up and The Angel Company stamps. I also have a wood mount Close to My Heart and various single stamps. I have a great stamping friend who is selling all this for me.

This is my keep stack, most of these are sentiments from SU and TAC, it also includes sets that I won in demonstrator contests with The Angel Company.

My SU cardstock keep stack, the lot I sold was about the same in height. I did keep all my CTMH & Bazzill cardstock… love that stuff.

Toby was so exhausted watching me clean and organize that he took a nap on the loveseat I have in my area.

Thanks for visiting and thank you for sticking with me the last couple of years, hopefully I will have a card to share soon. ~ Jovi

November Reading

2010-12-02T19:56:00.003-07:00

Deceit: A Novel
By Brandilyn Collins
(Kindle Edition)
Sometimes the truth hides where no one expects to find it. Joanne Weeks knows Baxter Jackson killed Linda, his second wife and Joanne's best friend (six years ago). But Baxter, a church elder and beloved member of the town, walks the streets a free man. The police tell Joanne to leave well enough alone, but she is determined to bring him down. Using her skills as a professional skip tracer, she sets out to locate the only person who may be able to put Baxter behind bars.

Melissa Harkoff was a traumatized sixteen-year-old foster child in the Jackson household when Linda disappeared. At the time Melissa claimed to know nothing of Linda's whereabouts, but was she lying? What really happened in that household? In relentless style, Deceit careens between Joanne's pursuits of the truth which puts her own life in danger.

Deceit is two stories that are in different times that flow alongside each other. The current day story takes place in just a couple of days, but the back story takes place in the span of several months. The author writes in a way that it isn't confusing to switch back and forth between the two. It begins on a rainy night when a "hooded man" jumps in front of Linda’s car and tells her that he knows Baxter killed Linda and Melissa (the foster daughter) saw him do it, and Melissa knows where Baxter had buried the body. The story takes off from there with Joanne trying to find Melissa and finally getting the truth of what really happened to Linda. This was my first time reading this author, but it definitely won't be my last. This is a great book for people who enjoy a mystery, although religion was referenced throughout, it was written in such a way that anyone would enjoy this book.

October Reading

2010-11-01T22:17:00.007-06:00

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)
By Cassandra Clare
(Hardcover, 476 pages )
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Clockwork Angel, without a doubt, exceeded my expectations. Clockwork Angel is the first series in the prequels to The Mortal Instruments series. It takes place in the Shadowhunter world, but this time, instead of present day New York, the story takes place in Victorian London. Cassandra Clare was spot on in recreating the atmosphere and feel of the time period. She knows how to grab hold of her readers, leaving you satisfied in the end, yet driving you mad with anticipation for her next book in the series. Fans of The Mortal Instruments will absolutely LOVE The Infernal Devices, I know I did and I would definitely recommend this book, as well as her others.

Safe Haven
By Nicholas Sparks
(Hardcover, 352 pages )
When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

Safe Haven is a love story with a twist of danger and suspense. The plot was very similar to the movie Sleeping with the Enemy. The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was the ending, I felt like it was unrealistic. Although, it was not one of my favorites of his books, I did enjoy reading it.

Live to Tell
By Lisa Gardner
(Hardcover, pages 388)
At the heart of Gardner's outstanding fourth novel featuring Boston PD detective Warren are some very sick kids, notably Lucy, a nine-year-old feral girl who self-mutilates when any attention is given to her, and Evan, an eight-year-old boy who during fits threatens to kill his mother. D.D gets involved after two grisly family annihilations lead to the locked-down pediatric psych ward in Cambridge that specializes in Lucy's and Evan's types of hard case. When a child is too sick and the parent can no longer handle care, the child ends up in the acute care facility under the tutelage of pediatric psych nurse Danielle, the lone survivor of her own family bloodbath. Coincidence? That's for D.D. to figure out--in the midst of a budding romance with police academy professor Alex Wilson and infuriating encounters with Andrew Lightfoot, resident "woo-woo expert" (that's cop talk for psychic), who works in tandem with the hospital. Plenty of red herrings keep readers guessing, but Gardner always plays fair in this tight and consistently engaging page-turner.

Live to Tell is the first book by Lisa Gardner that I’ve read, and it will not be my last. Live to Tell is the fourth novel to feature detective D.D. Warren. It has several simultaneous stories, told from different perspectives and in different voices, which grabs you from the beginning and keeps you until the end. At times it’s not an easy book to read, the descriptions of the murders are vivid and what the children go through is heartbreaking. Reading about mentally disturbed/violent children who want to kill is not an easy subject to read about, but it made me realize what parents of these children go through.

I thought I had the killer figured out early on, but I have to say I was wrong. I liked the fact that I was left second guessing myself throughout the book. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries.

By Vicki Tyley
(Kindle)
When soon-to-be-wed Tanya Clark is confronted with her fiancé's naked corpse hanging from a wardrobe rail in the upmarket Melbourne apartment they share, her life is torn apart. Two months later, distraught and unable to cope, she drowns her sorrows in a lethal cocktail of alcohol and prescription drugs.
On the other side of Australia, a grieving Jemma Dalton struggles to come to terms with the suicide of her only sibling. Despite there being no evidence to the contrary, Jemma refuses to accept Tanya had intended to kill herself. Not her sister. Then the coroner's report reveals that at the time of her death she had been six weeks pregnant. That will, too, raises more questions than it answers. How did a young woman on a personal assistant's wage amass shares worth in excess of $1,000,000?

In a desperate bid to uncover the truth, Jemma puts her own life at risk and starts to probe the shadows of her sister's life. But shadows, like bones, grow brittle with age. The consequences can be deadly.

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Brittle Shadows from Vicky Tyley and I really appreciate her kindness. I absolutely enjoyed the books that Vicky Tyley has previously written, and this one was no different. The main character, Jemma, was very believable and likable even though she had me spinning with the many coffee, lunch and dinner dates she went on. With each twist and turn I felt right along with Jemma while she was uncovering the truth about what really happened to her sister. I was disappointed when I read the epilogue, only because I was hoping Jemma would end up with someone other than she did. I look forward to reading more books from Vicky Tyley and would recommend Brittle Shadows, it’s definitely worth the read.

Deed to Death
By D.B Henson
(Kindle Edition)
Real estate agent Toni Matthew's problems begin when her fiancé, Scott, is murdered. Having to bury the man she loves on the very day they planned to be married is almost more than Toni can take. Dealing with her loss becomes even harder when Scott's estranged brother, Brian, contests the will, threatening to take away her home.

After learning Brian is in deep financial trouble, Toni suspects he may be the one who killed Scott. Determined to find the truth and frustrated with the police, she begins her own investigation. Toni soon realizes she didn't know her fiancé quite as well as she had thought. Scott had been keeping secrets, secrets that make Toni the killer's next target.

Wow, what a great read! Deed to Death is an engaging mystery with more than a few people with motive to kill Scott. The author did a great job of creating a story line that kept me reading when I should have been doing other things. Toni’s investigation to solve the mystery of Scott’s death is well told and the day to day details are just right without being overwhelming. Throughout the book there were so many clever red herrings that it made it impossible for me to preconceive how the book was going to end, but everything tied together neatly at the end. I will be very interested to read what this author writes next.

Knife Music: A Novel
By David Carnoy
(Kindle Edition)
Shortly before hanging herself from a showerhead, 16-year-old Kristen Kroiter wrote in her diary about having sex with 43-year-old Ted Cogan, a senior trauma surgeon reputed to be a playboy. The doctor treated her in the hospital after she drove her father's Volkswagen Jetta over a curb and struck a telephone pole a few months earlier. Arrested for contributing to Kristen's death, then suspended from his job, Cogan begins playing gumshoe to clear his name. He eventually tracks many of the case's weak underpinnings to a fraternity at nearby Stanford University.

Knife Music is a good, interesting mystery and for the most part held my interest. The pace slowed at times with the descriptive details being too excessive and I didn’t particularly care for the multiple transitions from the past to the present. The author does a great job of creating characters you like and in this case dislike, most of the characters in this book are vividly drawn and easy to believe. The ending came out of nowhere, not anything that I expected… a shocker.

Murder on the Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
(Kindle Edition)
Just after midnight, a snowstorm stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks in the middle of Yugoslavia. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for this time of year. But by morning there is one passenger less. A 'respectable American gentleman' lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Hercule Poirot is also aboard, having arrived in the nick of time to claim a second-class compartment and the most astounding case of his illustrious career.

I had high expectations for this one and was disappointed. I’m sure this book was fabulous when it was originally written, but for me it was very slow and I found it tough to maintain interest in the characters and the story. It was very tedious to read through an endless recitation of interviewing everyone on the train, then searching everyone's luggage, then interviewing everyone again and again. The plot was simple, but it got confusing with all the different characters that were involved and at times it was difficult to keep everything straight. Murder on the Orient Express is considered a classic, by a successful author, I was expecting more from it.

Labor Day Weekend

2010-10-31T00:21:00.006-06:00

It’s taken me almost two months to get this ride posted… better late than never!

We had a nice relaxing Labor Day weekend and enjoyed a ride in Wyoming. While Riley and Austin were out shopping with grandma and the fur babies were enjoying running the acres with grandpa, Bryan and I took a 260 mile ride.

Our destination was Saratoga (WY) for lunch at Snowy Mountain Brewery. From Laramie we took Snowy Range Road (Hwy 130), which was designated the Second National Forest Scenic Byway in the United States, beginning in 1920, it took 6 years to complete and was called the "Great Skyroad". The Snowy Range Scenic Byway drives through the heart of the Medicine Bow National Forest and is sprinkled with crystal blue lakes and jagged gray granite peaks, Medicine Bow Peak (12, 013 ft) is the highest point in the Medicine Bow Forest and is immediately adjacent to the Byway. From Snowy Range Road's highest point (10,847 ft) pass is Libby Flats, there you'll have a stunning view of surrounding peaks and on a clear day a view of Colorado ranges to the south.

As we were leaving the summit of Snowy Range my camera battery died, unfortunately I didn’t get any more pictures. I would have loved to get pictures of inside the Snowy Mountain Pub and of our passing through Woods Landing (Jelm, WY) … it was just beautiful there.

It was a wonderful ride despite the windy conditions and my allergies were absolutely horrible for most of the trip. Hopefully I can make it back to Snowy Range next summer when a beautiful array of wildflowers can be seen from early June through July. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Taken going west on WY 210 (Happy Jack Rd) - Cheyenne, WY

Built in 1872 the Wyoming Territorial Prison, Laramie

Centennial, WY on Snowy Range Road (Hwy 130)

Summit (10,847 ft)

Libby Flats

10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

2010-10-26T21:02:00.002-06:00

Recently, Mountain Shadow Riders held our 10th annual Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Ride and once again it was a huge success with a great turnout. We had 412 registered participants, over 160 Sponsors, a packed house at the DAV Hall, over $5,000 in prizes given away and a free meal for everyone present. We raised a total of $14,000… Colorado bikers are the best! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Colorado Springs Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Breast Cancer Network of Strength Rocky Mountain Region.

It was a fantastic day filled with a lot of laughs and smiles. Thanks to the MSR gals and guys for working to make this year’s ride a huge success and a huge thank you to all our sponsors. If you would like to see more pictures from the ride, you can find them HERE in my Flickr album.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

September Reading

2010-10-05T20:34:00.004-06:00

Sleight Malice
By Vicki Tyley
(Kindle Edition)
One cold Melbourne winter's night a suburban bungalow goes up in flames. Despite their best efforts, firefighters are unable to save the home. When a badly charred body is discovered in the remains, web designer Desley James is devastated. Her best friend, Laura Noble, had been the only one in the house that night - her partner, Ryan Moore, is away in Sydney on business. Then Desley learns the unidentified body is male. But it's not Ryan. He and Laura have disappeared…

Not realizing until it's almost too late what some people will do to cover their tracks, Desley teams up with private investigator Fergus Coleman to search for the missing couple.

Another great read by Vicki Tyley, I enjoyed her first book (Thin Blood) so much that I downloaded Sleight Malice right away and I wasn’t disappointed. Sleight Malice is a page turned that kept me captivated from beginning to end. I wouldn’t give anything away but the ending had me surprised. Now I just have to wait for Brittle Shadows to be available for download at Amazon.com.

Accident & Street Glide Damage

2010-10-03T19:48:00.003-06:00

Bryan still doesn’t remember anything about his motorcycle accident, which is probably a good thing not to remember. That day he was riding to Bishops Castle which is in San Isabel National Forest, a gorgeous ride. As he was coming home he turned off of CO165 onto CO96, he was coming out of the last curve and crossed over into the other lane and apparently hit some large boulders. The Sheriff who responded to the accident said that there were only tire marks just before impact. She suspects that something caught his eye on the side of the road and he just fixated on that object.

Bryan was calling our insurance company from his hospital bed to make arrangements as to where he wanted his motorcycle repaired. Two weeks after his accident his Street Glide was towed from Canon City to Pikes Peak Harley Davidson. We were able to stop in and take pictures and hopefully by Monday he will know the full extent of the damage.

If you like, you can view more pictures in my flickr album: Street Glide Damage.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Road to Recovery

2010-09-26T18:07:00.004-06:00

Two weeks ago today I was in New Mexico, along with my sister and mom. We took a weekend trip to help my mom organize and pack some of my grandmas’ belongings (she recently passed). We normally leave New Mexico early afternoon to make it back to Colorado Springs by evening. That particular Sunday we decided to leave later in the evening since my cousin was coming from Albuquerque for a visit. I called Bryan to let him know of our plan of staying longer and I would make sure to call him when we did leave. Bryan had just finished doing some things around the house and was going to leave for a motorcycle ride; it was such a gorgeous day to be out on the bike. After having a cookout and enjoying catching up with my cousins, brothers and great aunts we decided it was time to leave, it was about 7 pm… no problem we should be home by midnight.

As we were leaving I pulled out my cell to call Bryan, cell service is hit and miss in Rociada. I had one missed call from his cell phone that came in about 6:30. I called his number back, it went to voice mail. I called home excepting him to answer and tell me all about his ride. Instead my son answered and said that Bryan wasn’t home yet and he hadn’t called since around lunch time… I knew then that something had happened, I just wasn’t sure what. Time to check my voicemail… that's when things turned bad. I had a message from an emergency room nurse that Bryan was there at the hospital (in Pueblo) and I need to call as soon I received the message.

So here I was in New Mexico on the side of a mountain road calling the hospital anxiously trying to find out what happened to Bryan before my cell service was lost again. When I finally got through to the hospital… it was a runaround, they didn’t have a nurse by that name and Bryan wasn’t there. After me getting angry with the lady on the other end, she was going to do some checking and would call me back. Waiting for her to call back was horrible, not knowing about Bryan was one of the worst feelings ever. Bryan was there and was being treated in the ER, she then transferred me to his nurse. She let me talk to him right away… after talking to him I knew he was confused about things and he couldn’t really answer my questions. He kept telling me he was fine and that his chest hurt when he would take a breath, but he couldn’t remember anything about what happened. I talked to his nurse once again she was able to tell me about his injuries. From what she knew Bryan and his motorcycle went over an embankment and he was airlifted (Flight for Life) to Pueblo. He had 9 fractured ribs (#2-10), fractured Scapula (shoulder blade), and they had just called in a plastic surgeon to clean out his right elbow which was pretty tore up and full of debris.

By time we made it to the hospital (quickest trip ever from New Mexico), Bryan was out of surgery and was in his room. I was really surprised when I saw him laying there; he had a lot of swelling, massive bruising and lacerations, mostly all on his right side and back. He was still pretty confused about what happened and kept asking me the same questions every so often, the nurse explained it was characteristic with this kind of trauma, and she reassured us that the scan showed no signs of injuries to his head or neck.

The next morning Bryan was in extreme pain and his breathing was very shallow, morphine wasn’t working to control his pain. It was heart breaking to see him that way and even worse knowing that I couldn’t do anything to help him feel better. After the doctor examined him it was decided that Bryan was going to have an external epidural, they wanted to relieve some of his pain but more importantly they needed Bryan to expand his lung with each breath to avoid pneumonia or a collapsed lung. After the epidural was inserted we thought things would be better… until I noticed once he was back in his room his nurse didn’t connect the pump needed to manage the block. When I told the nurse about it… her standard answer was “I’ll check on that”. Her shift was almost over and she just left, she never checked or passed along the information to the next nurse. I was so mad; Bryan went without any kind of pain meds for almost four hours. Another nurse was finally able to get Bryan connected and she apologized profusely, she couldn’t believe the other nurse left her patient like that. I was happy that I didn’t see the “I’ll check on that” nurse back again.

During the week Bryan had great improvement, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy started working with him getting in and out of bed, walking, up and down steps, reaching for objects, and grooming, they had a check list he need to complete before he could be released. On Friday they removed his epidural and his morphine pump and since the oral meds worked for him he was able to come home last Saturday.

He spent 6 days in the hospital (in Pueblo) and it is wonderful to have him home, I thank God every day. Monday he went to see the plastic surgeon and had his stitches and jp drain removed from his arm. His bruising on his back and hip is almost gone but, he still has swelling on his back and right hip. Sorry no pictures to post of injuries, I’m sure Bryan doesn’t want his back sided posted for everyone to see, hopefully I can get one of his arm when the bandage comes off in a few days. Bryan is still taking oral pain meds and with those fractured ribs and shoulder blade he can’t lay flat, so sleeping has been a challenge but after trying every chair in the house he found the comfy one. It’s a slow recovery, but he’ll get there.

I’ll try to post more tomorrow (hopefully) about his accident and his motorcycle damage. Thank you for visiting ~ Jovi

August Reading

2010-09-01T19:49:00.006-06:00

Sh*t My Dad Says
By Justin Halpern
(Kindle Edition)
After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, 28-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his 73-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him:

"That woman was sexy...Out of your league? Son, let women figure out why they won't screw you. Don't do it for them."

"Do people your age know how to comb their hair? It looks like two squirrels crawled on their heads and started f**king."

"The worst thing you can be is a liar...Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is liar. Nazi one, liar two."

More than a million people now follow Mr. Halpern's philosophical musings on Twitter, and in this book, his son weaves a brilliantly funny, touching coming-of-age memoir around the best of his quotes. An all-American story that unfolds on the Little League field, in Denny's, during excruciating family road trips, and, most frequently, in the Halperns' kitchen over bowls of Grape-Nuts, Sh*t My Dad Says is a chaotic, hilarious, true portrait of a father-son relationship from a major new comic voice.

This book is hilarious and is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. I laughed so much (at times hysterically) I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing… my family probably thought I was crazy! Be forewarned… there is quite a bit of profanity in the book.

Flowers for Elvis
By Julia Schuster
(Kindle Edition)
Flowers for Elvis is quirky Southern fiction with a literary edge, surprising humor and an uplifting spirit. In 1956, Olivia and her twin sister are born to a nun in an old auto parts store turned convent in rural Mississippi. Little Olivia doesn't survive the day, but her spunky spirit hangs around and takes on the role of ethereal watchdog over her twin. When the Reverend Mother-and holy guilt-convince the nun's sister (a young pregnant newlywed) to secretly raise the baby as the twin of her own soon-to-be-born child, Olivia realizes the urgency of her presence and support. Not only is her aunt a fanatical Elvis fan, she's a renegade Southern belle, bent on self-indulgence and desperate to safeguard her multitude of sins. Without revealing which girl is her twin until the end, Olivia takes the reader on a flower strewn tour of misguided love and maternal betrayal which culminates at Elvis' funeral, where they finally discover the truth of their parentage and unravel the generations of secrets that shadowed their lives.

Flowers for Elvis is a heartwarming story about a very dysfunctional family, set in Mississippi during the 1950s up to the year of Elvis Presley's death in 1977. I was captivated by this story and I couldn’t stop reading. Flowers for Elvis is filled with quirky twists and characters you’ll never forget. Every chapter is headed with an Elvis reference, and while the King never makes an appearance, Genevieve does regard him as her patron saint and her ultimate love interest. I loved the ending; it was perfect in a strange and charming kind of way. I would like to read more from this author and would recommend this book.

Thin Blood
By Vicki Tyley
(Kindle Edition)
Craig Edmonds, a successful stockbroker, reports the disappearance of his wife, Kirsty. What starts as a typical missing person's case soon evolves into a full-blown homicide investigation when forensics uncover blood traces and dark-blonde hairs in the boot of the missing woman's car. Added to this, is Craig's adulterous affair with the victim's younger sister, Narelle Croswell, compounded further by a recently acquired $1,000,000 insurance policy on his wife's life. He is charged with murder but, with no body and only circumstantial evidence, he walks free when two trials resulting in hung juries fail to convict him.

Ten years later, Jacinta Deller, a newspaper journalist is retrenched. Working on a freelance story about missing persons, she comes across the all but forgotten Edmonds case. When she discovers her boyfriend, Brett Rhodes, works with Narelle Croswell, who is not only the victim's sister but is now married to the prime suspect, her sister's husband, she thinks she has found the perfect angle for her article. Instead, her life is turned upside down, as befriending the woman, she becomes embroiled in a warped game of delusion and murder.

This book captured me from the beginning and never let go. The story is full of interesting and believable characters that were well developed. The main character, Jacinta Deller, is endearing and believable as she's drawn into the secretive life of her new friend, Narelle. I never suspected the ending and was completely surprised by it. A very good read and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries.

July Reading

2010-08-27T21:14:00.006-06:00

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
By Stephenie Meyer
(Hardcover, 178 pages)
Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

I was expecting more from this novella. I found that Bree just isn't that interesting and at the end, we don't know much more about her than we did before.

The Apothecary’s Daughter
By Julie Klassen
(Kindle Edition)
Lillian Haswell, brilliant daughter of the local apothecary, yearns for more adventure and experience than life in her father's shop and their small village provides. She also longs to know the truth behind her mother's disappearance, which villagers whisper about but her father refuses to discuss. Opportunity comes when a distant aunt offers to educate her as a lady in London. Exposed to fashionable society and romance--as well as clues about her mother--Lilly is torn when she is summoned back to her ailing father's bedside. Women are forbidden to work as apothecaries, so to save the family legacy, Lilly will have to make it appear as if her father is still making all the diagnoses and decisions. But the suspicious eyes of a scholarly physician and a competing apothecary are upon her. As they vie for village prominence, three men also vie for Lilly's heart.

This was a wonderful story that I enjoyed immensely. This story is about family, responsibility, love, romance and friendship. The description of the era and information about apothecaries of this time period was fascinating. I liked all the characters and I especially enjoyed the romance that was pure and innocent. If you love Jane Austen or if you're a fan of fairy tale romances and happy endings, this book is for you.

Drowning Ruth: A Novel
By Christina Schwarz
(Kindle Edition)
Drowning Ruth opens in 1919, on the heels of the influenza epidemic that followed the First World War. Although there were telephones and motor cars and dance halls in the small towns of Wisconsin in those years, the townspeople remained rigid and forbidding. As a young woman, Amanda Starkey, a Lutheran farmer's daughter, had been firmly discouraged from an inappropriate marriage with a neighboring Catholic boy. A few years later, as a nurse in Milwaukee, she is seduced by a dishonorable man. Her shame sends her into a nervous breakdown, and she returns to the family farm. Within a year, though, her beloved sister Mathilde drowns under mysterious circumstances. And when Mathilde's husband, Carl, returns from the war, he finds his small daughter, Ruth, in Amanda's tenacious grip, and she will tell him nothing about the night his wife drowned.

The first half of the book was really good, so good I didn’t want to put it down. However, as the book evolved, it became predictable and tedious to finish. I had the ending figured out long before I arrived there and I was tired of the characters long before I reached the end of the book.

Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #2)
By Maggie Stiefvater
(Kindle Edition)
In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

It's a perfect follow up to Shiver and if you haven't started this series yet, you definitely should because it tells a beautiful story about love and loss. In this book the story alternates between four points of view: Sam, Grace, Isabel and Cole, which allows the reader to get to know the characters. While Grace and Sam are present throughout the book the real spark is between Isabel and Cole (a new wolf). There is definitely a sequel, Forever, which is scheduled for release in July 2011.

Lookout Mountain

2010-08-22T19:27:00.006-06:00

Even though I love to ride my own, it’s nice once in awhile to ride on the back of Bryan’s bike. Riding on the back I can sit back and relax, take in the scenery and snap a few photos along the way. On Saturday, Bryan and I rode to Lookout Mountain (West of Denver). Lookout Mountain is one of the larger foothills which overlook Golden to the North, high peaks of the Continental Divide to the West and the Denver metropolitan area can be clearly seen to the East. Its earliest know inhabitants were the Ute American Indian tribe, who used the mountain as a lookout point upon the surrounding region. It is known for its natural scenery and is famous for the grave site of Buffalo Bill.

"Buffalo Bill" Cody, who spent his final years living in Denver, was buried at Lookout Mountain Park on June 3, 1917. Louisa, who had married Buffalo Bill back before he became famous, was buried next to her husband four years later. It is disputed whether Cody was buried here by his own request or by coercion. In 1921 the grave site was joined by a Pahaska Tepee (large and rustic wooden lodge) which houses the Buffalo Bill Museum.

After leaving Lookout Mountain we made our way down into Golden on the very twisty Lookout Mountain Road. We enjoyed lunch a few blocks away from Coors Brewery and then home. It was an enjoyable 200 miles… although I think Bryan needs to invest in a Mustang seat, the Sundowner wasn’t all that comfortable!

More pictures can be seen here, Lookout Mountain August 2010.

High peaks of the Continental Divide

”Buffalo Bill” Cody Grave Site

Denver Metropolitan Area

Golden, CO – School of Mines and Coors Brewery

Twist-ies, Lookout Mountain Rd (darn guardrail, ruined the photo)

Riding with Bryan

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

Senorina M. Martinez

2010-08-17T21:08:00.009-06:00

My grandma passed away a few weeks ago, she was 96 years old… this Sunday (the 22nd) would have been her birthday. I visited my grandma at the end of June and it was heartbreaking to leave her. A week after I left she had a stroke and was unable to speak, a few days after her stroke her speech was limited but she was able to pray the rosary with family. My grandma always had a rosary with her and as a child when I stayed the night with her we would pray the rosary in Spanish. I miss my grandma terribly but I know that she is now out of pain and in a better place.

God’s Garden

God looked around his garden and found an empty place, he then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain, he knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So he chose your weary eyelids and whisperd “peace bethine”. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Senorina Maria (Chene) Martinez, 96, a life long resident of Rociada went home to be with our Lord on July 27, 2010, surrounded by those who loved her. Senorina was born in Gascon, NM on August 22, 1913 to Luis Martinez and Deloritas Trujillo Martinez. She was united in marriage to Juan Raphael Martinez on September 5, 1931 in Douglas, Wyoming. She and Juan Raphael moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1947, where they raised a family of five children.

Her dream was to return to the valley that she loved. She moved back home in 1990. She pursued her love of gardening. She was especially proud of her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed arts and crafts. She was a wonderful cook who never let a guest leave hungry. Senorina was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. We will honor her in the best way that we know how, by trying to follow her example of strength, dignity, and generosity. Senorina was deeply religious. She was a firm believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. Her greatest joy was to receive paintings and statues of saints and angels. She had a special sanctuary built to house her large collection. She was a member of the San Jose Mission Church in Rociada, NM.

Senorina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two children; Luis and Petra, one grandson; Juan Manuel Martinez, her three sisters; Rosario Garcia, Maria Garcia, Aurora Martinez, three brothers; Juan, Jose H., and Pedro Martinez. She is survived by sons, Teofilo (Ted) Martinez (Mary) of Las Vegas, NM., Jose M. Martinez (Catalina) of Rociada, NM., Louis Martinez (Gloria) of Cheyenne, WY; daughters, Henrietta Martinez (Moses) of Rociada, NM., Emma Esquibel (Ted) of Cheyenne, WY; two sisters-in-law, Ida Martinez and Encarnacion Martinez of Rociada, NM; grandchildren, Joe Mike Martinez (Christine), Tomas Martinez, Pamela Martinez Trujillo (Palmer), Joseph Ted Martinez (Delma), Susan Jacquez (Caesar), Jan Martinez (Jose Luis), Danny Esquibel, William Esquibel (Mary), Ernest Esquibel, Esther Esquibel Gerrish (Donald), Jovita Esquibel Kloess (Bryan), Guadalupe Martinez (Raymond), Louis Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Sandra Martinez Sanchez (Dwayne); 33 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren and two on the way; numerous nieces and nephews; and special daughter in law Vangie Martinez.

All services will be conducted at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday August 1, 2010 and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Monday August 2, 2010. Father C. John Brasher will celebrate the Mass. The interment will follow in the San Jose Cemetery in Upper Rociada. Casket bearers will be her grandsons, Joe Mike, Tomas, Joseph Ted, Anthony, and Louis Martinez, Danny, Willie, and Ernest Esquibel. Honorary pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and special nieces Dorothy and Flora Martinez. The eulogy will be delivered by her nephew Anthony Martinez of Rociada. Memorials may be made to the Heating and Air Conditioning Fund at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 403 Valenca, Las Vegas, NM 87701.

Ladies Run to Fairplay

2010-07-12T16:04:00.006-06:00

This past Saturday I rode along with a group of MSR ladies to the 24th Annual Ladies Run of Colorado, which was held in Fairplay. Even though we didn’t participate in the actual run, we did take enjoy a wonderful lunch and had time to check out what the vendors had.

Our original play was to take Hwy 24 to CO-9 (the quickest route), I suggested we take the more scenic route (Hwy 24 to CO-67 to US285)… we should have taken the quickest route! Huge mistake on my part especially since we had a few new riders and let’s just say it took us way longer than it should have to get to Fairplay. We ended up stopping just North of Deckers on Co Rd 126 to separate into two groups. I lead the group from Woodland Park until we decided to separate and it was a great effort on my part to go 10-20 mph less than the speed limit. I know I should have be more patience because I was a new rider once and at times I still consider myself a new rider, but I wasn’t out group riding after only two weeks of learning to ride. Lesson learned!

Before leaving Fairplay we had to put on our rain gear (ugh), we missed the heavy rain but had a few sprinkles along the way home. Once we made it back to Colorado Springs we stopped in over South Side Johnny’s for dinner. All in all it was a great day to be out and a learned a few things along the way. More photos can be seen in my Flickr Collection, Mountain Shadow Riders 2010. Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi

June Reading

2010-06-30T14:29:00.009-06:00

Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception (Books of Faerie, #1)
By Maggie Stiefvater
(Kindle Edition)
Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries. Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke, who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind.

Lament is a story filled with magic, mystery, and romance. Deirdre is an ordinary girl who is dealing with an over protective and controlling mother when she comes across a boy who truly sees her. Luke (the mysterious and dangerous guy) seems to know her better than most and wants nothing more than to love her, much to the disappointment of her best friend James. Deirdre goes from wallflower to a strong character that ends up saving the boys! I enjoyed Lament and would recommend it as a great read for YA fans of all ages.

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Books of Faerie, #2)
By Maggie Stiefvater
(Kindle Edition)
James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening. But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween-the day of the dead-draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.

While I was reading Ballad I kept comparing it to Lament… and Ballad came up short. Deirdre and James are living on the same school campus but are living separate lives. Be prepared to be disappointed with Stiefvater's portrayal of Deirdre, she is no longer the strong heroine… she’s now miserable, weak and mostly absent in Ballad. Anyone who was a fan of James (which I am) in the first book will be pleased; he is now the main character along with Nuala, the faerie that comes for James soul. Overall this book was enjoyable, but not as pleasing as Lament. I would recommend both books, especially to those who have enjoyed the Wicked Lovely series.

White Oleander
By Janet Fitch
(Kindle Edition)
Astrid Magnussen, the teenage narrator of Janet Fitch's engrossing first novel, White Oleander, has a mother who is as sharp as a new knife. An uncompromising poet, Ingrid despises weakness and self-pity, telling her daughter that they are descendants of Vikings, savages who fought fiercely to survive. And when one of Ingrid's boyfriends abandons her, she illustrates her point, killing the man with the poison of oleander flowers. This leads to a life sentence in prison, leaving Astrid to teach herself the art of survival in a string of Los Angeles foster homes.

As Astrid bumps from trailer park to tract house to Hollywood bungalow, White Oleander uncoils her existential anxieties. "Who was I, really?" she asks. "I was the sole occupant of my mother's totalitarian state, my own personal history rewritten to fit the story she was telling that day. There were so many missing pieces." Fitch adroitly leads Astrid down a path of sorting out her past and identity. In the process, this girl develops a wire-tight inner strength, gains her mother's white-blonde beauty, and achieves some measure of control over their relationship. Even from prison, Ingrid tries to mold her daughter. Foiling her, Astrid learns about tenderness from one foster mother and how to stand up for herself from another.

I absolutely loved this book and it was difficult to put down. White Oleander is a very intense story, at times so harsh that it made me cringe, not only is the writing very well done, but the detail illuminates the story but without slowing it down.

The characters are heartbreakingly real and their struggles are almost beyond imagination. On the surface this is a story about a mother and daughter, but not the usual relationship we have come to expect in a novel. Over the course of the novel, Astrid transforms from an innocent girl to an incredibly sharp, self-sufficient young woman who ultimately manages to gain the upper hand in this complex mother-daughter relationship. Astrid finds love as she learns (often the hard way) what love really is and that ultimately, she is a giver of love.

I can't say that White Oleander is a pleasant read, because the content is unbelievable depressing. However, it's an amazing story of struggle and survival, and this book should be on everyone's must-read list.

Eclipse (The Twilight Saga #3)
By Stephenie Meyer
(Kindle Edition)
As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob --- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Sage #4)
By Stephenie Meyer
(Kindle Edition)
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the date of two tribes hangs.

Now Bella has made her decision; a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life--first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse--seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed...forever?

I had to read Eclipse once again before I saw the movie, which I saw this morning on IMAX and LOVED it… and already have plans to see it again this week. Of course I couldn’t just stop reading after Eclipse; I had to continue with Breaking Dawn. Even though I have the all four hardcover books, I went ahead and purchased them for my Kindle so I can have the Twilight Saga always with me to read, what can I say… I’m a huge Twilight fan!

Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely #4)
By Melissa Marr
(Hardcover, 340 pages)
The fourth in Marr’s Wicked Lovely series focuses loosely on Devlin, the High Queen of Faerie’s advisor-assassin, and Ani, the half-mortal daughter of Gabriel, leader of the Wild Hunt. Characters from other books play roles of varying importance as Devlin and Ani meet, fall in lust/love, and foil another attempt to create unrest in both worlds. This is a convoluted story, and despite frequent interruptions detailing character back stories and the inner workings of Faerie courts, it is utterly dependent on the rest of the series. The story ends with balance restored to Faerie, an ominous sense of precariousness leaves room for more.

I have said before that I probably wouldn’t continue the Wicked Lovely series because I was disappointed in Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity. After reading the first few chapters of Ink Exchange it was disappointing to me when I realized that it was not exactly a sequel or a continuation of the story in Wicked Lovely. When I started reading Ink Exchange I enjoyed how the love triangle between Keenan, Asilinn and Seth is heightened, but after awhile it was redundant (Aislann loves Seth but is attracted to Keenan, Keenan loves Donia but wants Aislann), over and over and over and over with nothing really happening in the story.

When the fourth book Radiant Shadows came out I didn’t run to the book store to purchase it, until my daughter decided that she wanted to read the series…. and since it was in the house I thought I would give it a chance.

The beginning of Radiant Shadows began as pure confusion for me; it had been awhile since I'd read Fragile Eternity and the intricacies of the courts and the Hounds was lost on me totally and I also couldn't remember the story line of Ani from the previous book. Once again this book is not about Ash and Seth but instead about Devlin and Ani and her journey as she discovers who she is and how her life intertwines with Devlin's. I didn’t find Ani’s character very interesting, but by the end of the book, I grew to like Devlin a lot. I still can’t figure out the love triangle between Rae, Devlin & Ani. Overall, Radiant Shadows was okay and I enjoyed it somewhat but once again not much happens in this book and it feels to be more of a filler for the final book in the Wicked Lovely series, Darkest Mercy, which I’ll read just to finish the series. I hope that Marr brings all of the story threads to a definite and satisfying ending in Darkest Mercy.

Thanks for visiting ~ Jovi