Saved the Best for Last

Mike and I celebrated our birthdays early today. Griffin and Christina took us to eat at 5 Guys, one of Mike's favorite burger places. The food was good, and the company better. I love spending time with my special guys.

Day 31 Influential People:
  Mike Cummings and I have been married 30 years. He is the most generous person I have ever known. When Griffin was young, Mike worked 3 jobs so I could be a stay-at-home mom. He drove a jeep without a heater to work in the winter so I would have a warm car to drive in case I wanted to go somewhere. Often he gave his lunch money to Griffin so he could get a treat after school. Mike has bought Griffin and me more toys than we ever deserved.
  I am proud of Mike. He is resourceful, courageous, and intelligent. He has the ability to fix anything, and it is usually something I have broken. More than once he has fixed flat tires for me without fussing or suggesting I call TripleA. He does the grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and makes sure my car has gas.
 Mike has always been supportive of me. When I wanted to go back to school to be a counselor he said, 'go for it'. He said the same thing when I decided to sell Mary Kay. He even made deliveries for me. When I wanted to attempt the state's Career Ladder process, he typed many pages for me while I prepared for evaluation visits. The day I came home from work upset, he said 'quit', and I did. It was a good decision.
  Mike accepts me as I am. It has never mattered if I wore a size 9 or an XL. When I told Mike I had been sexually abused as a child, he told me it didn't matter to him. (I had waited to tell him until we went fishing at Percy Priest. I was thinking he wouldn't throw me overboard, but was concerned he might take me to the bank and leave me...he did neither).
  I have had more surgeries than I care to count, and Mike has been a great nurse during all of them. There were about 7 years before one of my surgeries when I could have easily given Lizzie Borden a run for her money. Once a month I was awful to live with, and Mike never knew if he would find June Cleaver or Lizzie when he came home from work. Poor Griffin suffered from my wrath also. When I wore Depends after the botched surgery and later had a catheter strapped to my leg Mike reassured me of my femininity.
  Mike has driven me all over the South looking for scrapbook stores. He has waited patiently while I shopped and always said, 'buy what you want', as I got out of the car. He has accepted my tendency to adopt a new craft...cross-stitch, smocking, sewing, scrapbooking, card making, photography, etc.....
  Those of you who know me or have learned more about me through my blog know there have been several times in my life when I was homeless...at 12 when our house burned, at 13 when I became an orphan, and during my college years. Mike knows that my greatest fear is of being homeless. We have a nice home that is paid for. Thanks to Mike's hard work I have a place where I belong.

   I cannot finish this 60 Influential People without mentioning Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Putting Him last, instead of first, may seem to be in poor taste; however, I believe He can be seen in the people I have mentioned. There have been so many kind, generous, caring, supportive people in my life. It was never an accident.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

January 30

Here we are at the end of January with only one more day left before the big 60 birthday. This month has gone by quickly, as have the last 59 years. Time really does move faster the older one gets.

Day 30 Influential People:

Sandra Carroll was the first BFF I had. She lived next door to my Grandma and Grandpa Griffin. I don't remember when we met; it seems like I have always known Sandra. I probably knew her before I went to school. I am glad we have been able to reconnect through the wonders of modern technology.

John Scott, my senior English teacher, gave me good advice when I asked for it.

Diane Foust shared her teen magazines with me when I visited her house. It was after my momma had died, and I learned how to wear makeup from reading those magazines.

Janet Spruill, the most organized teacher I know, is fair and kind to her students.

Connie Edwards has a gift for making every child in her classroom feel special.

Penny Gregory welcomed me into her classroom. I enjoyed being with her students.

Diane Major, one of the hardest working woman I ever met, was the epitome of a parent volunteer.

Alpha Delta Pi Sorority gave me a place to belong when I was in college.

Jane LaFevers has a sweet smile that goes well with her sweet spirit. She and I had a bumpy start because of a misunderstanding, but I grew to respect her, and we became friends.

Snowy Day

Wow, we finally got some real snow today. I took this photo early this afternoon. It has continued to snow all evening. I can hardly wait to see what the countryside looks like in the morning. I am always amazed at how quiet it seems after a snowfall.

Day 29 Influential People:
Roy Cummings was Mike's dad. He was an extremely hard-working man who worked 6 1/2 days a week operating a service station. I was impressed by his work ethic.
Mrs. Slayton taught English at Murfreesboro Central when I was a junior. She was a kind teacher, and I enjoyed being in her class.

In the Mall

I made this card for Twisted Thursday Challenge #40, sponsored by Shirleys2Girls at Paper Craft Planet  S2G has sassy images of ladies, purse, shoes, shopping, and parties. These are great images for rhinestones, pearls, and flowers. I printed the image and sentiment from my computer on Neenah paper and then colored the image with Copic markers. The sentiment was cut with a Nestabilities. I purchase my Copics, Neenah, and Nestabilities at Stampingscrapping.com  The owner of StampingScrapping.com has just returned from CHA and has listed new products in her store. Check out the latest items from the trade show.

Day 28 Influential People:

Susan Casner and I became friends when I worked in Wilson County. She was there the first time I 'put my foot in my mouth' at SS. We still laugh at that situation. Susan and I rode together to school, and we worked together to help students and families. Susan truly cares for the children in her classroom. Along with being a good teacher, she is a good person and friend. I enjoy spending time with her.

Melissa Oates is a friend that I met through scrapbooking. I had gone to Arkansas for an event and met her there. Several years later I traveled to Arkansas and spent a couple of days with her and her family. She was an excellent hostess. We went to a family birthday party, shopped, ate, had a pedicure, and spent 2 days at a scrapbooking event. Melissa is a delightful person. She is generous, fun-loving, and adventurous. Melissa taught me that it is possible to make a new friend when you least expect it....even if she is 20 years younger and a state away. I am glad we met.

Magnolia Sketch Challenge

There is a new challenge at Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge Blog, and the prize is awesome. First place is a year's subscription to Magnolia Magazine ($60 value). Hurry on over (after reading my blog, of course) and check out the requirements. Magnolia stamps can be purchased at StampingScrapping.com .

Here is my sample for the challenge. I used Copic markers and Nestabilities. I even got out my sewing machine to add a few stitches around the edges.

Day 27 Influential People:
Dr. Price delivered me in Wynne, Arkansas, on February 1, 1950. I am a Wednesday's child.
Melissa Shipper and I became friends when I worked at the FRC at WES. She and I 'hit it off' right away. Melissa is a kind-hearted young woman who loves her family. She is a good mother and well as a good daughter. She is as beautiful inside as she is outside. I enjoyed working with her, and I am glad we are friends.

Pop-up Tutorial

The tutorial to make this pop-up card is now on Whimsie Doodles Blog.
I have listed the supplies needed along with the directions. Although it may look difficult, it is unbelievably simple. Give it a try.

Day 26 Influential People:
Janice Pittard was my Sunday School teacher at FBC in the 80's. She was prepared and focused. It was obvious that she took her responsibility seriously. She taught us Bible study strategies and encouraged us to study and pray. She was also a good listener.
Nancy Poe introduced me to Americana decorating in the 70's. Her home was like stepping into a Country Sampler magazine. I learned about calico fabrics, braided rugs, and cross-stitched samplers. I still love that type of decor. Thanks, Nancy.

Monday, Monday

The end of January is approaching which means Valentine's Day is not far away. Here is another

Whimsie Doodles card.

Day 25 Influential People:

Mary Dee Francis has been my friend for over 30 years. She has been supportive, caring, and generous. I have spent a great deal of time in her home and can say she is the epitome of 'southern hospitality'. She has hosted events for me and my family with the charm and grace of Paula Dean and the flair of Martha Stewart.

Mary Dee has many fine qualities; she is compassionate, loyal, intelligent, and hard-working. When I think about Mary Dee and how she has lived her life Proverbs 31 comes to mind. I feel privileged to call her my friend.

Frances Jenkins was a substitute mom to me when I was a teenager. Her daughter and I were close friends in high school, and I spent a lot of time at their house. She was a good listener when I needed to talk.

Bildmalarna

I want to introduce a stamp company that is new to me. Bildmalarna is a Swedish stamp company, and StampingScrapping.com is selling them. Bildmalarna is Swedish for 'picture painter'. Here is a card I made with Mimosa, a Bildmalarna image. It is a pop-up card that will fold flat to fit into an envelope. I plan to post a tutorial on this card in the near future.

Day 24 Influential People:
Deannie White taught me that kindness is possible even when divorce is involved. Mrs. White (Meme) was my daddy's second wife and the mother of 2 of my half- brothers and 1 half-sister. She and my daddy divorced when their 3 children were young. Some time later, my daddy married my momma, and I was born in 1950. Momma died in 1961 and Daddy died in 1963. I lived with a family in Arkansas, and then later lived with Polly, Meme's and Daddy's daughter. During the entire time that I lived with Polly, and even after I was grown, Meme always treated me like I was one of her grandchildren. I had a great deal of respect for Meme and Mr. White because of how they treated me.
Dr. Jack Arters asked me to help him write his memoirs. I learned a great deal during the process.

Gal Pals

Several readers commented on my 'Bird Watching' layout because I had a Magnolia stamp image on it, so I thought I would post another layout with stamped images. These images are from Magnolia stamps also. They can be purchased from StampingScrapping.com

Day 23 Influential People:
Mrs. J. Cotey provided a place for me one night when I needed it.
Janice Rochelle was a supportive friend when I worked at WES.

Transparency

  Today I received a comment from a reader who complimented me by saying I was good at writing my thoughts and that I was transparent. Just out of curiosity I grabbed old Webster just to see what he had to say about transparency. Since I can't be seen through, I decided the reader meant that I was honest, open, and candid.
  While writing about my 60 Influential People my intent is to be honest, open, and positive. Just like everyone, there have been people in my life who have had negative influences on my life; however, when I think about each one of them, I realize that I learned from the situation.

Day 22 Influential People:
Tracy Shuey introduced me to Susan Smith by inviting me to a Bunko party.
Susan Smith and I began our friendship by discussing scrapbooking at a Bunko party. We went from being Bunko partners to scrapbooking pals. Soon we became friends. I am 20+ years older than Susan, so sometimes she was my 'little sister' and sometimes my 'daughter'. I have learned a great deal from Susan being my friend.

Friendship

A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."
- Arabian Proverb

Day 21 Influential People:
Linda G. Allen and I have been friends for a long time. As I sit here typing I really don't know where to start because we have shared so much. Her home has always been open to me, and I have spent a great deal of time there....often wallpapering and painting. But it never felt like work because we talked and laughed the entire time. Linda is independent, intelligent, hard-working, and beautiful inside and out. She is a good mother, caring teacher, and an awesome friend. She has helped me through some awfully dark days. She knew the song of my heart and sang it back to me when I had forgotten the words. I love you, Girl! LFC
Jim McCarrall keeps my hair looking good! Thanks, Jim!

Happy Birthday Friend

"May there always be work for your hands to do,
may your purse always hold a coin or two. 
May the sun always shine on your windowpane,
may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you, 
may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."
- Irish Blessing

 This image is from Whimsie Doodles.

Day 20 Influential People:

Mary Kumpf showed me the business side of scrapbooking when she took me and other employees to Memory Trends in Las Vegas and CHA in Chicago. Although attending a trade show involved long days on concrete floors, I loved every minutes of it. I was in my element. All work and no play makes for whiney gals, so Mary encouraged  us to play. We celebrated my birthday at Jimmy B's Margaritaville in LV, we attended a "Beatles" concert in Chicago, and enjoyed a "Taste of Chicago" with ball park franks and Italian pasta. Thanks, Mary, I had a blast!

Larolin D. Weisinger chose me to be on her Paper Dillies' design team several years ago. It was my first DT position. I gained experience, confidence, and knowledge from that DT term. Thanks, Larolin, for believing in me.

Bird Watching

Mike placed bird feeders and a birdbath in the backyard so that I could watch the birds from the kitchen. This winter I've seen cardinals, blue jays, finches, wrens, woodpeckers, robins, etc. One cold morning there were ten male cardinals taking turns eating from the feeders. I get a great deal of pleasure from the simple act of watching birds. Yesterday while sitting on the porch in the sun I saw a blue bird perched in one of our trees. I find that sometimes joy comes from the simplest of things.

Day 19 Influential People:
Ann and Charles Nored have been our neighbors for 25 years. Ann and I have laughed and cried together;
we have shopped, eaten, and had the ultimate American Idol experience together. She is the quiet Mary to my hustling-bustling Martha. Ann is a kind, compassionate lady and a great neighbor!
Several years ago I asked a favor of Charles. It wasn't one of those easy favors like pick up our mail or feed the cats. I asked him to officiate at the memorial service for a close friend's baby boy. He never hesitated. He put his arm around me, let me cry on his shoulder, and said 'yes'.

Sunshine

Today I sat on the front porch in the sunshine. It felt good to have the sun shining on me while I sipped my coffee and read a paperback that Griffin loaned to me. He and I have the same taste in books....science fiction and horror. A little later Mike joined me on the porch; we sat in the rockers soaking up the sun grateful for our blessings.

Day 18 Influential People:
Griffin Ashburn Cummings is our son. I could write a great deal about Griffin, as could all mothers about their children, but I want to tell you about a particular situation in which Griffin made me so very proud. In May of 1990 when Griffin was 10 years old I had a surgical procedure that was botched. The result was that I was forced to wear Depends, the adult diapers. That situation was bad enough when I just sat at home, but it was summertime and there were places to go. Griffin and I had season tickets to Opryland that summer just like we had in previous summers. When I took Griffin to Opryland that summer I also took along a bag full of diapers. Griffin would ride a ride or do an activity, and then I would have to take a bathroom break. All day long the routine was ride, bathroom break, ride, bathroom break. Griffin was too young to leave alone, so he had to accompany me to the bathroom. He waited outside the bathroom patiently while I took care of my personal needs. Not once did he complain, fuss, or argue about the situation. He showed such compassion toward me, and he was just a little boy. I will never forget it. Thanks Son, Love You Forever
Dr. Dray repaired my bladder. He is an awesome doctor, and I could never repay him for what he did for me physically and emotionally. I believe he saved my life.

A Rainy Sunday

Today's card is the one I promised in yesterday's post. It is the pop-up card technique that I learned at my stamp club. I paper-pieced the penguin and cupcake. This was done with the new rubber stamps from Whimsie Doodles.

The penguin section slides down inside the card so that it fits into an envelope. Neat, huh?




Day 17 Influential People:
Sharon Warren is a teacher I worked with in Wilson County. She is one of the most conscientious people with whom I have had the privilege to work. She is hard-working, wise, creative, and loyal. Sharon truly wants children to learn to read, and in turn, read to learn. Sharon taught me a great deal. The time I spent with her made me a better teacher and a better person.
Jo Anne Harrell was the best supervisor I had during my career in education.

Stampin' Up! Saturday

The stamp club I belong to met today. It is a great group of women who enjoy being together. Not only do these women stamp, snack, and make cards, they support each other. I joined in Dec. '08 and appreciate how they have welcomed me into the group and made me one of them. We made a pop-up card today, and it was a new technique for most of us. I plan to make another one and post it tomorrow....you wouldn't want to see my first attempt!

Day 16 Influential People:
Konnie Kress Streeter and I became friends in the summer of 1961 or 62 when I was visiting in Murfreesboro. In 1965 when I moved to Murfreesboro we reestablished our friendship. We spend a great deal of time together listening to music and doing our hair. We even had matching outfits. Konnie is a couple of years older so she had a car first. During the 'flower power' days we adhered large flowers on her VW bug which later was damaged when a tornado hit her home on Bradyville Pike. I remember us huddling in the hall listening to the wind and hail. Konnie had a job before I did and was always generous with her hard-earned money. Later when Konnie married I would visit her in FL. She was an excellent hostess.  I will have to say that Konnie has always been a top-notch friend, and I will have to admit that I have not always been the friend that I should have been. I have made some mistakes and errors in judgment during our 45 years of friendship. Through all of that Konnie has remained my friend. Thanks for being my BFF even when I failed! Love you!
Dr. Berry was the doctor who delivered our son, Griffin. It was a difficult delivery, and his knowledge and experience saved both of our lives. Thank you.

Thanks for Reading

Today I spoke with two ladies who read my blog. I appreciate them for spending time with me; I know they have busy lives of their own. Thank you for your kind words today.

Day 15 Influential People:
Edith Foust Brown took me to have my eyes checked when I told her I couldn't see clearly. I was 13 when I got my first pair of glasses.
Janet Walls gave me several cans of soup when we were in college during a time when I had little money and no food. Thanks, Janet!

January Birthdays

Today I made a birthday card for a young lady. She reads my blog when she has time. Will she realize it's for her?

 

Day 14 Influential People:
Kip Puryear and Sue Young hired me for my first job as an elementary school counselor.

Window Wednesday

  Today's card is called a 'window card'. It was made with an image from Whimsie Doodles , Copic markers  and  Nestabilities . This card is for a challenge on Paper Craft Planet , WWC#14. I didn't have a piece of transparency or acetate so I used plastic from a package of pencils. It worked just fine.

  If the thought of making a window card scares you, there is a sketch challenge at Magnolia Stamp Lovers .
The prize is a Magnolia stamp and Scent My Cards . 'Scent My Cards' are fragrances for paper. There are many scents...baked good, florals, fruits, manly, feminine, spices. They are all wonderful, and there's a scent for every card you make. Wish I had 'smell-a-puter' so I could send you a whiff. :)

Day 13 Influential People:
Lynn Hanes and Dean Hanes treated me like a big sister when I went to live with them. They accepted me openly, even sharing a bedroom so that I could have one of my own. Thanks, Guys, Love you!

Purple Onion Designs

Today's card was made using an image from Purple Onion Designs  The stamp is called Love Noteblock and was designed by Stephanie Wheeler of The Living Room Floor. I used a Fiskar border punch for the fancy edges and Riding Hood Red ink from Stampin' Up!. Making valentines is enjoyable for me since I love the colors red and pink; I also like glitter, rhinestones, ribbons, and pearls. I like the challenge of making valentines with non-traditional colors also.

Day 12 Influential People in my Life:
George Griffin, my maternal grandpa, who made me laugh.
John Alex Foust, my daddy, who took me to the beauty shop after my momma died.

Girls Love Bling!

This sassy card was made with a Whimsie Doodles digital image and Copic markers.

Day 11 Influential People:
Paul Turner hired me for my first teaching job.
Sue Simpson introduced me to the art of scrapbooking.

Class of '68

Day 10 Influential People:
Benja Ballentine Morgan was a great friend in high school. She was the first person I got to know when I enrolled in Murfreesboro Central. We spent hours listening to music, riding in 'Bonnie', putting on makeup, fixing our hair, and talking about boys. Benja and I had many sleepovers during high school, but spending Friday night at her house was not a good idea if you wanted to sleep late on Saturday morning. I remember her mother started rattling the pots and pans about 7 AM on Saturday morning, and Benja's bedroom was next to the kitchen! She was an important part of my high school days, and even after high school she continued to help me through some difficult days. Thanks, Benja, for being my BFF!
Randy LaFevor was my high school boyfriend....enough said!

This has been an exciting craft week for me. One of my cards was recognized by "Just Us Girls" Challenge , and I have a tutorial on Purple Onion Designs. What a great way to start the year!

Day 9 Influential People:
Dr. Greever, my advisor at MTSU, was understanding, kind, and wise.
Dr. Ginanni, English professor at MTSU, had compassion for me when I was struggling. During a brief time when I was homeless, he gave me extended time for an assignment. He took time to listen to my plight and was understanding and encouraging. What may have seemed like a small concession on his part was a huge gift to a young woman who needed a break. Thanks, Dr. Ginanni.

Valentine Blog Candy

Valentine Magnolia Stamps are available to win at http://inkedinspirations.blogspot.com/
They are SO cute.

Stayin' in, Stayin' warm

Here is another card made with a Whimsie Doodles image. Isn't he cute?

Influential People Day 8:
Nonita Griffin, my aunt, gave me money for Fair Day to take Ricky to the fair. I remember having so much fun. 'Aunt Shortie' had an infectious laugh that was more of a giggle. My momma and Aunt Shortie were good friends, and when we went shopping in Jonesboro Aunt Shortie had to drive because my momma couldn't parallel park. I still think that is funny. Like Aunt Cora Mae and Momma, Aunt Shortie was a good cook. I loved her dearly.
Ricky Griffin, my cousin, who I loved like a little brother.

Global Warming?

Brrrrr....it's freezing in TN....so much for 'Global Warming'!

This card was made using two Magnolia stamps, Copic markers, and Nestabilities (snowflakes).
All items can be purchased at Stamping Scrapping.com .

Day 7 Influential People:
Mrs. Crook (Nina's mother): She fed me many meals when I was at her house even though she had several children of her own to feed. Not once did she suggest that I go home and eat. Maybe she knew my mother was deceased, my daddy was an alcoholic, and there was little to eat at our house. Her kindness nourished my body and soul.
Mr. Hulsey: Mr. Hulsey taught at the junior high level in Harrisburg, Arkansas. I remember him as a kind teacher who was an encourager. I don't remember what he taught (I think it was science), but I do remember him being supportive and helping me feel successful. Thanks, Mr. Hulsey.

Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. Stay safe and warm! Linda

Cousins Make Great Friends

Day 6: Donna Neal Bachman for letting me tag along everywhere she went, for providing a skirt when I had a 'female' accident at school, for staying with me when I had the mumps, and for being an all-around great cousin and friend. Love you, Donna!
          Cora Mae Neal for being a substitute mom after my momma died. She was a good aunt, and I loved her.

Today's card features a digital image from Whimsie Doodles . There are many valentine images from which to choose.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and be safe. Linda

Make New Friends, Keep the Old

The 60 influential people of my life:
Day 5:Jimmy Dale Butts was my first friend; his family lived beside mine from the time I was born until I was 13. My first remembrance of Jimmy Dale is sitting with him in our living room watching Saturday morning cartoons in the early 1950's when television was new. Although I don't have younger memories of him I do have photographs of my 2nd birthday, and Jimmy is in a photograph with me. Jimmy was several years older than me, and I remember crying when he went to school and I couldn't go. I can remember wondering what I would do all day with him in school. Jimmy was patient with me and let me tag along when he wandered in the woods. I loved him like a brother.
            Clyde Ford, the band director in Harrisburg, who gave me a place to belong. He showed compassion for me and will never know the impact he had on my life. Thanks, Mr. Ford, for being kind to me.

Whimsie Doodles Blog Hop

Welcome Whimsie Doodles Fans! Thank you for visiting and playing along in our Doodlelicious Blog Hop!

My project features the letter E, which is for ENVELOPES. For my project, I used the new Whimsie Doodles set, Lil Cupid, which is available in the Whimsie Doodles store , starting today!

To make this project I used coin envelopes.
These can be found at office supply stores.
All three Whimsie Doodles images that I used are from the Lil Cupid set.
I colored the image below with Copic markers:
                                                    Special Black 110
                                                    C7
                                                    B000,BG000
                                                    Y32, Y35, Y38
                                                    R24, R27, R29
                                                    E40, E41

Be sure to visit all of our Doodlelicious Design Team blogs today and comment on their projects and on the Whimsie Doodles blog for your chance to win some fantastic prizes! Have fun! Linda C

Monday, Monday

It is the first Monday of 2010, and my teacher friends returned to the classroom today. My thoughts are with them, and I will snow dance for them because I remember how exciting snow days are. Keep a watch for "Snow Bird" (local TV weather mascot).

Magnolia Stamp Lovers design team has issued its first challenge. Check it out and participate for a chance to win a great prize.
http://magnoliastamplovers.blogspot.com/

Bo Bunny has created an awesome Valentine's Day collection. Here are two layouts I made with the Bo Bunny kit from Sassy Scrapper.
http://sassyscrapper.net/services/kits/bo-bunny-kit/722768/

If you check back to Jan.1st post you will read I will be 60 in 30 days, and I am acknowledging the 60 influential people of my life.You may read about the previously listed people on previous posts.
Day 4: Palmer Foust, my uncle, who let me tag along with him on his farm in White Hall, Arkansas. I spent many wonderful summer hours sitting on the fender of his tractor as he plowed the fields. Sometimes we talked, but often we just plowed in silence. There was something magical about turning the soil getting it ready for seeds. I loved my Uncle Palmer so much.
            Reba Foust, my aunt and Uncle Palmer's wife, made the best bread and butter pickles. She was a great cook. After plowing all morning Uncle Palmer and I would come in for dinner (Southern lunch). Dinner on the farm was a feast, but the foods I remember most are cornbread and Aunt Reba's pickles...and sweet tea.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Have a good day and stay warm! LindaC

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Winter definitely has arrived in Tennessee, and I am staying inside to cut, color, and paste. I would like to go clothes shopping with my gift cards, but BRRRRR, even the sales cannot motivate me to go outside!

My post today is of different things. I have a project using Magnolia stamps and Copic markers, another Sassy Scrapper layout using the Bo Bunny kit, and my Day 3 influential people. I hope I inspire you to create and acknowledge those who are important to you. Thanks for following my blogging adventure. Stay warm! Linda C 

Day 3: Irene and Jimmy Dugger: They provided me a place to stay between semesters when I was in college.

http://www.stampingscrapping.com/category_460/Winter.htm

Sassy Scrapper Saturday

I spent today at the local scrapbook store, the Sassy Scrapper. http://www.sassyscrapper.net/
Mary had asked me before Christmas to put a kit together using the new Bo Bunny Valentine line and then to create layouts with the kit for examples in the store. Putting the kit together wasn't  difficult to do. The papers are beautiful so they needed little embellishment...a few pearls, a strip of ribbon, and a couple of flowers were just right. This layout is of my momma and me. I thought it was appropriate to show it today after yesterday's post.

As explained in yesterday's post I am going to take the 30 days before my 60th birthday to acknowledge the 60 people who have been influential in my life.

Day 2:  Bob and Polly Hanes: After my parents died I went to live with them and their two sons. They treated me like I was one of their children. I felt like I belonged. I was 14.

Birthday Countdown

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2010. In 30 days I will be 60 years old. Wow! Where did all that time go? As my birthday approaches I want to acknowledge 60 people who have made a contribution or have had an impact on my life. This is my way of saying 'thank you'.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. William Arthur Ward

Day 1:
1. Cordia Griffin Foust, my mother, who took me to church and taught me to love the Lord.
2. Jennie Griffin, my grandmother, who rocked me even when my feet could touch the floor. I knew she loved me.

This birthday card features two Magnolia images. The images are colored with Copic markers.

Check out  http://www.stampingscrapping.com/  for both.

Have a wonderful day! Linda