Card Design and Some Exciting News to Share

Ooh, ooh, ooh!  Oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.  I can finally check off one of the items on my card making bucket list.  I have been approached by the uber fabulous Paulette from Create with TLC and asked if I'd be interested in joining her design team.  Interested?  Try ecstatic, delirious, elated, overjoyed and euphoric to name a few.

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Paulette's creations and use her word art designs as often as I can.  I've been very lucky to amass an extraordinarily diverse collection completely due to Paulette's generosity (and to a special friend who signed me up to receive several images from one of TLC's holiday clubs).  For the past couple of years, it has been an absolute pleasure to share projects made with her creations and to introduce this wonderful lady and her company to the few of you out there who didn't know about her yet.  It is sooooo awesome, that from now on, I will be doing so in an official capacity.

Today, I'm going to share with you a card that I made a few weeks ago, that I just haven't had time to post yet.  I thought it was perfectly suited to the occasion.  Check it out...

Digital Sentiment: 

• This is one of my 'go to' sentiments for several of the thank you cards I have done in the past.  It is such a great creation that can be used over and over again.  To find more fabulous finds be sure to go and have a look:  Click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store. 

Digital Image Details:

• Girl holding Flowers:  This sweet image was a freebie I picked up eons ago, created by the talented Nikki from MelonHeadz Illustrating.  The image is pre-coloured.  Be sure to go over and check out Nikki's fab blog.  She still has a number of great freebies available.

Embossing Folder:

• The card base was embossed using a folder from the Sizzix, Doilies and Roses set. 

INSIDE

Other Notes:  

• I kept the inside very simple to allow for a personal message and to also allow the embossing to be the focus.

OVERALL  
  Paper Products:

• Card base:  From Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Pink Buttons collection. 
• Image and sentiment base:  Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Matting:  From Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Passion Fruit collection.

Challenges I hope to enter...

• http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Thank You
• http://hambochallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Thank You
• http://www.gloriadesignschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Thank You (my hoarded items are the image and sentiment, I have had each printed out and in a pile for over a year now and I finally took the time to use them!)
• http://avenue613.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes with Optional Theme: Holiday Thanks
• http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.ca/ -- Thankful Thoughts

Oh and be sure to come back next Sunday when I will be taking place in my very first TLC Blog Hop...

THANK YOU

to Paulette for making my day, my month, my year!

THANK YOU

to all my wonderful readers, followers and friends for allowing me a safe place to share, explore and grow in this wonderful card making and scrapbooking community!

THANK YOU

last but not least, to my ever patient hubby for putting up with all my craziness and the time spent away from him so I can work on my passions! 

Well that is it for this one.  Until next time, the newest Design Team member of Create with TLC...

 

Card Design: Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge #45

Oh goodness.  I'm going to be rather busy creating cards this next week and a half.  Having had to spend so much time working on my computer system has left me with a short window of time to get at least seven more projects created in the next week.  Man, I better get moving!

Thankfully, at least my entry into the latest Doodle Pantry challenge is complete.  This month I created another thank you card.  I have so many generous people in my life now and I need to create a few more thank you cards for recent gifts.  Once again I have relied on two separate kits that I have received from Doodle Pantry.

Remember, Doodle Pantry challenges are unique.  If you use a Doodle Pantry image (not just a sentiment) then not only will your name be entered for a final prize coupon BUT you will also get the featured product for free.  That is pretty darn incredible!!!  Now of course, you are welcome to submit cards following the rules and theme using an image from any digital company but you will only be entered into the draw for the final prize coupon.

Check out the amazing featured product up for grabs in this month's challenge, for those who do enter using a Doodle Pantry image... 

This set is going to have so many uses.  Everything from more thank you cards to sympathy cards and everything in-between.  Flowers can be used on almost any kind of card!  Doodle Pantry offers up such fabulous incentive to create a card and enter the challenge.  Everyone is a winner AND unlike progressive challenges where if you miss a challenge you lose the opportunity to play in future ones, the challenge at Doodle Pantry is set so that ANYONE can enter at ANY time, and still have the opportunity to earn the freebie package (following the rules of course). 
 
Here are the great kits I worked with for this month.  Check them out...

The pre-coloured image and sentiment I used on the front of the card, along with the paper used in the background, are available in the Goose Me set which I received for taking part in a previous challenge.  To purchase it, click HERE or on the watermark above to head its location in the store.

I used a sentiment from the So Thankful set for the inside of my card.  To purchase it, click HERE or on the watermark above to head its location in the store.

Here are my card and details, hopefully I haven't forgotten anything...

FRONT

Digital Image and Sentiment Details: 

• Both from the Goose Me set.  Details included above.

Digital Embellishment: 

• I used a tag shape template from Marisa Lerin, a designer with Pixel Scrapper.  

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment Details:

• One from the So Thankful set.  Details above. 

OVERALL

Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.  

Digital Paper Products: 

• The paper in the background on the front and inside is one the papers from the Goose Me set.  Details above.

Challenges I am entering: 

• Doodle Pantry -- Challenge #45--Any Digi Goes
• ...more may be added to this list later

Well guys, that is it for this post.  Thanks for popping over!  I'll see you all real soon!!! 

Until next time,

Card Design: Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge #42

It is high time for me to post the card I made for the latest challenge going on over at Doodle Pantry.  It has been made for over a week but I just have been so busy, I haven't had the time to post it.  However, since the challenge ends in four short days, it is time to get to it.

This month, I decided to create a Thank You card.  I mentioned yesterday that I have a few of these to create and a couple of the kits that I have from Doodle Pantry were perfect for putting this card together.

Remember, Doodle Pantry challenges are unique.  If you use a Doodle Pantry image (not just a sentiment) then not only will your name be entered for a final prize coupon BUT you will also get the featured product for free.  That is pretty darn incredible!!!  Now of course, you are welcome to submit cards following the rules and theme using an image from any digital company but you will only be entered into the draw for the final prize coupon.

Check out the amazing featured product up for grabs in this month's challenge, for those who do enter using a Doodle Pantry image... 

Look at all those goodies!!!  Perfect for all those love themed cards that you'll need to work on in the next couple weeks.  Now I don't know about you, but for me that it is darn good incentive to create a card and enter the challenge.  Everyone is a winner AND unlike progressive challenges where if you miss a challenge you lose the opportunity to play in future ones, the challenge at Doodle Pantry is set so that ANYONE can enter at ANY time, and still have the opportunity to earn the freebie package (following the rules of course). 

Here are the great kits I worked with for this month.  It is actually the set I received last month for entering.  Check it out...

The image I used on the front of the card is the one of the great precoloured bird/birdhouse images available in the Tweet House set which is still available for free over at Doodle Pantry.  You can click HERE to grab that freebie or on the watermark.

I also took advantage of one of Doodle Pantry's digital papers which I got from the Choo Choo kit.  This kit is also still available for free.  You can click HERE to grab this particular freebie or also on the watermark.

Here are my card and details, hopefully I haven't forgotten anything...

FRONT

Digital Image: 

• Tweet House Coloured:  Aren't those birdies just so adorable?!  I chose once again to use a pre-coloured image to help save me a little bit of time. 

Digital Sentiment:

•  The sentiment I used on the front was created by Phooka.  Unfortunately though, the address I had is no longer valid and it gets rerouted somewhere else and since it is in a different language and I can't seem to find any images anywhere I don't know if that is the right spot.  Additionally, when I did a search, I found Digis by Phooka listed in the top 100 digital listings but the blog it lead me to was some music review blog that had nothing in it.  Not sure what is up there.  Anyone know where Phooka went?

 Digital Embellishment:

• I created this frame using a shape and a layer style from Shelby Kate Schmitz (SKS) of graphicssoft.about.com.
• The strips on the front are just shapes I created using the colours found within the paper.
• The flowers are ones I created using a template from Marisa Lerin, a designer with Pixel Scrapper.  The have been altered using layer styles from the Scrappin' Cop. 
• The tag shape for my sentiment is also a template from Marisa Lerin.  This time altered with a layer style from SKS.

INSIDE  

Digital Sentiment:

• For the inside of my card, I went with one from Create With TLC that I have used before.  This is such a versatile sentiment that it can be used over and over again for many different occasions.  Click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store. 

OVERALL

Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, cream.

Digital Paper Products: 

• I used one of the papers in the Doodle Pantry Choo Choo set.

Other Notes: 

• Once again, I have relied on digital creation for putting this card together.  Precoloured images just lend themselves so well to this kind of creating.  This card is 100% digital and then printed off as a one layer card that technically has 5 different layers. 
• Once again, since all the depth is achieved digitally, it is a bonus as it doesn't create any extra bulk or weight, keeping the mailing cost down!

Challenges I am entering:

• Doodle Pantry -- Challenge #42--Any Digi Goes
• http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Spots and Dots
• Avenue 613 -- Anything Goes with optional twist
• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.ca/ (2E) -- Anything Goes
• http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.ca/ (2E) -- Anything Goes
• http://nutcrafters.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/challenge-59-anything-goes_8.html -- Anything Goes
• http://ladybugcrafts.blogspot.ca/ -- Give Thanks (While I technically don't have 'thank you written on the card, it is still a thank you card)

Well guys, that is it for this post.  As soon as I enter some challenges, it is time to go and make supper.

Until next time,

The Generosity of Others

I have a story I want to share with you this evening.

I am a very luck lady.  When I espoused on my first year in blogging (you can click HERE to see that post if you missed it), I mentioned how lucky I was to have made so many friends during this past twelve months.  I also alluded to how incredibly generous some of these people have been to me.  Well, I'm here today to share a little bit more about that.

From time to time during the past 9 months, I have been lucky enough to become the recipient of a variety of gifts.  Some were for my birthday and others have been just because.  I have received a care package filled with crafting goodies, some of which were homemade.  I have also received bags of charms, packages of flowers, a pretty scarf and other goodies along the way.  I have also been lucky enough to receive numerous digital gifts. Additionally, I received a gorgeous unique handmade paper creation that truly is stunning.  Each of these gifts has meant so very much to me.

Well today, I am also going to talk about another incredibly generous gift that I received from one of these new found friends.  If you have been following me for awhile now, you will know how much I have been wanting a die cutting and embossing machine.  You will also know that our financial means don't allow me to go out and get everything I'd like to have--mind you, whose does with the length of some of our wish lists.  I have been saving my pennies but was torn between getting a Bamboo Create Tablet for doing some digital drawing and of course the die cutting and embossing machine.  The initial price for both is about $200.00.  Of course with the die cutting and embossing system. that is simply a starting point.  

One day, one of these new friends read in a post that I didn't have a die cutting or embossing system; so, I received an email telling me that if anyone deserved to be working with this kind of equipment, it was me.  She herself had a Cuttlebug , a Cricut and a Big Shot and decided that she was going to send me her Big Shot.  That I would get more use out of it than she did.  Of course I protested, telling her that it was much too generous a gift but there was no dissuading her from her choice.  She was determined one way or another that I was going to become the owner of her Big Shot.

So within an extremely short period of time from that initial conversation,  I can now say that I am the proud owner of a very gently used Big Shot die cutting and embossing system.  Now not only did she send me the machine itself and the multipurpose platform required to use it, but she also threw in a silicone pad and went out and bought brand new cutting pads because she didn't want me to start off using all scratched up ones.  To top it all off, she threw in a gorgeous stamp set and a '100% Canadian Made' stamp as well.  Then, less than two weeks later, 3 Cuttlebug embossing folders arrived in the mail too.  Check it out...
\

I still can't quite believe that someone would so generously gift me something of this nature.  It just goes to show you that in a world where it seems to be all about take, take, take, there is still some give.  Throughout this all, my benefactor has asked that I don't reveal her name.  She is simply happy knowing how much enjoyment I will receive from her gift.  The fact that she wants to remain anonymous is just another indication of how modest and truly generous of spirit she really is.  Now you also have to understand that this is a woman on a very limited budget herself, which just makes all of this even more incredible.

Now of course, I had to go out and get a few extra items to start using the machine.  So armed with about eight 40% of coupons and a hubs who was willing to keep lining up to use them, I purchased a few other accessories.

I purchased two double pack folders and one quadruple pack (all in back row).  Thankfully the Cuttlebug was on sale because of course you can't use coupons with Cricut products.  The dotted embossing folders in the front row were from a purchase awhile back.  Some of you may remember my hilarious attempt to have my hubs down on his hands and knees with the rolling pin trying to emboss some paper for me.  It obviously didn't work like You Tube predicted.  Thankfully I have a hubs who is a really good sport!

Of course, I also needed some die cutting shapes so purchased these two.  I would have loved to have also picked up an oblong and a circular set but I had to stop somewhere.  Even at 40% off, these puppies are still expensive.

So there you have it.  You have now met all my new toys.  While I haven't done much playing around yet as I now have to find the time to sit and watch some more videos to learn how to use these items properly, I did manage to get in a couple videos about using the diecuts and tomorrow morning bright and early during my first post of the day, you will see the fruits of my first die cutting labours.

I am a very lucky lady, indeed.

Thank you so much to my private benefactor.  You literally have no idea how much your generous gift means to me.  I can promise you that I will love and cherish these items and put them to very good use.  I hope that the generosity that you have shown to me, comes back to you a hundred fold. 

Until next time,

Sunday Spotlight: April 7, 2013

If you haven't had the chance to check out this week's showcase, there is extra incentive to do so. There are two free digi files for one lucky winner up for grabs from My Paper Crafting.com.  Clicking HERE will take you directly to that post where you can learn how to link up for your chance to win.  Draw is open until next Saturday when the new Showcase is posted.

________________________________________________________

If you are just visiting for the first time, it is that time of week when I say a particular thank you to one of my readers acknowledging them for something thoughtful, inspiring, or mindful that they have said in one of their comments. It is not just about flattery [although that is nice sometimes too ;-) ]; it is about walking away from the comment and wanting to touch on and explore an idea they have presented.  Sometimes it might just be one or two words that they have said that reaches out and elicits a response in me.  

As a way of saying thanks, I will present this person with an advanced copy of a freebie that I promise, no one else will be able to get their hand on for at least three months and possibly longer.

So without further ado, the comment I'm highlighting and reflecting on this week belongs to...

MANDY

who said this:

This is such a positive and inspirational post and I couldn't agree more. The key to happiness is seeing the positives in every day things and drip feeding ourselves with a little bit of happiness every day. We need to be happy in our own lives and appreciate things we have, the new car or bright shiny object with not bring us happiness, only a large price tag and even worse debt. I think as crafters we get to play all the time and absorb ourselves in something that makes us happy, and we give to others in the process, thus spreading our happiness to other people. Have a wonderful day Lisa xxx (from Live Life to the Fullest)

Mandy's comment resonates so well with the point I was trying to get across in the post I did for a recent Motivational Monday (if you are interested you can see that original post HERE).  It is so wonderful knowing that people are reading these posts and walking away thinking about what I have said.  It makes the time and effort I put in to creating them worthwhile in so many different ways.  I also abide with what Mandy had to say at the end of her comment.  I completely agree that since we as crafters have the opportunity to do something we love and play a little bit--weekly for some of us, daily for the luckiest of us--we are in a unique position to pass the happiness we experience on to others.  Whether it is by visiting a favourite blog and leaving the author a little love, creating a special card for someone we love, or just passing on words of encouragement to the people around us who may be struggling, we really do have the capacity to bring joy to others.   We are obviously surrounded by people who support us or we could never spend the time that we do creating.  It is wonderful when we can turn around and support someone else in turn.  Happiness really is contagious!

Honourable mentions include:

• Oh, Lisa, I laughed out loud. Isn't it funny how we sometimes struggle so much with one particular project? No worries - you hit the ball out of the park - again. Deb on Card Design: Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge #2-First Card
• Wow, SUPERB POST Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!! Your showcase on all three is so detailed, appreciated by you (you can tell!!!, lol) and couldn't have been put together any better. I am a fan of both Vicky and Ike and I am certainly off to check out Hannelie!!! I enjoyed this post soooooooo much and I appreciate what you do Lisa, I couldn't even imagine working as hard as you do , on top of that you have the most amazing heart. Super big hugs Naomi on Saturday Showcase: March 23, 2013
• I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one spending hours and hours making one card! I do put a lot of time and thinking to chose papers and embellishments. I don't usually have a design in mind when I make a card, and when I do, it never ends up looking anything close to what I had planned for! Your coloring skills are great - you do shades and folds so well. Pia on Card Design: Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge #2-First Card
• I truly hope that you will take next weekend to rest!!! Take time with your hubby ;) And some for yourself as well! Hugs Vicky PS you could be a little less good at being promotional and that would be really awesome for MY bank account lol Vicky on Sunday Spotlight: March 24, 2013
• Lisa your card is lovely! So spring like and sweet. You are always so good about telling us how and where you got things. It blows my mind the amount of research and information you do for your posts. You are simply a gift to bloggers everywhere! ~Deb~ CDAC DT Member A Look Through My Eyes on Smiles & Laughter Are Good For the Soul
•  you are so generous with your fabulous images. THANK YOU. happy, happy easter. may your day be filled with wonder, love and blessings. hugs :) Stef H. on Holiday Handouts: Easter Goodies 
• Great post Lisa! I agree with Naomi! One learns so much from your posts! Sandy S on Holiday Handouts: Easter Goodies 
• Oh wow Lisa, you are one amazing lady. It must have taken you ages to put this post of achievements by your bloggy friends, together. You deserve a super gold medal for this. I just love the my 500 Follower badge you have created for me, and might just pull that rubber arm of yours, when I have reached 600 Followers, to the same for me, but would love to pay you for it. I am totally in love with the 300 Follower Badge you have created for my wonderful Tammy's Scrapin Corner design team mate, Vicky. I have already informed her about this, so I am sure she will be popping in here very soon. Trust you also had a blessed Easter. Lots of bloggy Hugs Desíre {Doing Life – my personal blog} on Congratulatory Considerations for March 
• I enjoy reading so much about the new releases. I know I will leave here smiling. Plus I get to see what is new with your friends. Thank you so much for the happy feelings. Edwina Brown on Promotional Post: New Digis at Fresh Brewed Designs & Scribbles Designs
• Impressive how you keep track of all our of doings and achievements. Someone should make you a badge too (I would have if I knew how to) - you deserve it :) Pia on Congratulatory Considerations for March
• Truly...your brain is amazing. :) How you keep track of everyone is beyond impressive. At this very moment, I can't even remember where I put my coffee cup at!! Isn't it a wonderful little family we have here in bloggy land? I just love it and you have certainly highlighted many of my favorites here on this post. Love Vicky's badge you made her. It looks so perfect on her blog. Thank you for all you do Lisa, it's mind blowing! big hugs, the other one (Lisa M.) on Congratulatory Considerations for March
• You are the worlds best promoter! No one could take your place even if we wanted to try which we don't (I'm speaking on behalf of Ike as well... because I'm sure she would feel like I do lol). Keep on doing what you do so wonderfully well. Just watch it that you don't totally exhaust yourself in the process!!! Hugs Vicky on Bit By the Bug Tuesday: Bouquet and Wine Bottle

 Also...

 A very special thanks to the members of the Design Team over at My Paper Crafting World who took the time to come over and read yesterday's Showcase.  Never in the history of showcasing a blog with an attached design team, have so many members come by to check it out.  I was very honoured that so many of them came!

Thanks everyone for your continued support.  Please know just how much all your comments mean to me.   Always know that I read every single one and respond when I can. Without you spending some of your valuable time coming over and leaving me comments, there would no incentive to continue doing what I'm doing!  So as always, thanks from the bottom of my heart for your continued support. 

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Until next time, 

Sunday Spotlight: March 17, 2013

For those of you with a wee bit of Irish blood in ye, or even those of you who just like the colour green, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

If you are just visiting for the first time, it is that time of week when I say a particular thank you to one of my readers acknowledging them for something thoughtful, inspiring, or mindful that they have said in one of their comments. It is not just about flattery [although that is nice sometimes too ;-) ]; it is about walking away from the comment and wanting to touch on and explore an idea they have presented.  Sometimes it might just be one or two words that they have said that reaches out and elicits a response in me.  

As a way of saying thanks, I will present this person with an advanced copy of a freebie that I promise, no one else will be able to get their hand on for at least three months and possibly longer.

So without further ado, the comment I'm highlighting and reflecting on this week belongs to...

HEATHER

who said this:

I giggled and giggled and giggled some more. I do treasure and love reading your posts!!! I esp giggled (literally out loud) about honey bunny eating too much chocolate ;) Thank you so much for sharing!!! Heather on Promotional Post: Fresh Brewed Designs New Spring Digis

One of the things I was afraid of when I started out blogging, was that people just woudn't get my sense of humour.  Either that or they'd think I needed to be locked up in a psychiatric ward since I 'hear voices', digis 'talk to me' and of course there are all those different 'people' that live in my head.  So, it is nice to know that I can make people laugh.  Heather isn't the first to comment on it, many of you have also mentioned it too.  It was just nice knowing that I managed to elicit a giggle fit and bring a tiny amount of joy to Heather if only for a few minutes.  Hearing that really touched me.  I am so happy to have found an incredible group of people that just get me and enjoy reading what I have to say regardless of the topic.  If I could physically do it, you'd all be seeing my happy dance about now.

Honourable mentions include:

• Lisa, one of the things that is so special and unique about you is how you promote others. You are like that angel we can always feel with us, even though we don't see them. You are that angel to me. Not only have you been my "bestest friend". I want to shout your name to the world, because of all the love you have for others. Thanks for being our "angel on earth". Hugs, Sue on Bit By the Bug Tuesday: Cuddle Buns Gets Squished
• Hi Lisa! Oh, I absolutely love this. Do you print and frame these? I could see this on my wall. Thank you for the sentiment .. it's so very true. Thanks so much for joining us at Digitally Sweet this week!! Karen on Digital Design and Follower Freebie All-in-One
• WoW - that is a really cool achievement. Fabulous Badges you made them Lisa :-) Oooooh ..... Cake....!!! ... I'll be right over :-D xxx Ike on Congratulations to Two More Blogs Reaching Huge Milestones
• I haven't reached the point in life where I've come to "embrace" the color green! I like the green colors of nature during springtime, but to work with green papers - horror! I think it's difficult to match different shades of greens, and I've tried to color up at least 10 images using greens the past week, but with no luck to achieve a look I'm happy with. Maybe I should have gotten myself some pre-colored ones too. Your card has a nice, clean look, and I like the image you've used! Pia on Card Design: Digi Darla's Challenges #52--Green Cards 
• wow not only is this a fabulous Saturday showcase... but I actually won the fabulous Camouflage chicken?!? OHHHHH wow this is totally awesome and will be perfect as an Easter card for one of my boys! Thank you so much...hmmm should I really thank you?!? I ended up spending $$$ after that last showcase lol Vicky on Saturday Showcase: March 9, 2013
• Queen of promoting is in her element again!!! Spectacular post and so captivating and funny I didn't miss a word, thank you for the laughs. hugs Naomi on Promotional Post: Fresh Brewed Designs New Spring Digis

Well, one more weekend is done; another week begins.  Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to come and spend some of it with me.  Your thoughts as always, mean a great deal to me.

I think it fitting that I leave off with these words this week to send you on your way:

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

~An Old Irish Blessing~

Until next time,

Sunday Spotlight: March 10, 2013

Before I start today's showcase, I just like to say that I think the world has gone wonky due to the time change.  I know I am feeling the difference of having lost an hour but apparently my computer is too!  I had switched to Firefox as my browser awhile back. I loved it; the ease, the simplicity, the extra features, the speed, everything! However, today when I opened it up suddenly I couldn't access my log-in button for my email program, I couldn't pull up blogger and the only way I could get into gmail was to view it in html.   I even reinstalled it to no avail.  So I went back to Internet Explorer but gmail doesn't support some of its features in IE.  So, left with no alternative I downloaded Chrome.  I'm not exactly pleased as punch at the moment but I don't know if it is Chrome's fault.   Everything I seem to be doing in Blogger just isn't working right.  For example, the size of this font is supposed to be normal.  I can switch it to small and it gets really tiny but I can't get it in normal size.  It stays large.  I even deleted the formatting altogether and then tried to rebuild it a step at a time: right font, right colour, right size.  Check on step one and two but phlbttt on three.  I even switched to a different font and STILL can't get it to normalize.  Yet, at the bottom of this post, you'll note the size is normal.  Well at least it all was until I tried to get rid of some spacing and now the one paragraph is all large again as is my closing line!  As it is, I had to delete my first attempt at this post because everything I put in bullet form centred itself in preview.  Oy Vey!  What is going on?????????  Anyways, thanks for listening to my rant, if any of you have experienced these issues and would care to offer some guidance, I'd certainly appreciate.   I want my Firefox back! Oh and sorry everything looks so wonky too.

_____________________________________________________________

If you are just visiting for the first time, it is that time of week when I say a particular thank you to one of my readers acknowledging them for something thoughtful, inspiring, or mindful that they have said in one of their comments. It is not just about flattery, although that is nice sometimes too. It is about walking away from the comment and wanting to touch on and explore an idea they have presented. Sometimes it might just be one or two words that they have said that reaches out and elicits a response in me.

As a way of saying thanks, I will present this person with an advanced copy of a freebie that I promise, no one else will be able to get their hand on for at least three months and possibly longer.

So without further ado, the comment I'm highlighting and reflecting on this week belongs to...

IKE

who said this:

Fabulous cuppy cake Lisa... it looks soooo yummy !! :-D Great colouring on there. I really hope you get picked for this DT. You would be an asset to them - definitely - and you are just the person that I would pick if I had a DT :-D Hopefully you will here soon coz she wants the Team to start in March !!!! I am excited for you :-D Hoping for you too Hun xxxxxxxxxxxxx Ike on Card Design: DT Application for San's Designs

Several people wished me luck last week when I put out the post applying for San's design Team.  I was very appreciative and added those comments in my 'honourable mentions' category last Sunday.  However, there was one that I didn't add because I wanted to highlight it in its own special category.  This of course is the comment I have posted above from Ike.  When I read the line "you are just the person that I would pick if I had a DT' it actually brought a tear to my eye.  Yes I am a sentimental schmuck, I freely admit it.  Reading this meant so much to me because Ike is one of the most gifted artists I've ever come across.  Her work is just incredible and she has more talent in her baby finger than I will ever have in my entire being.  So, the idea that if she had a team, she'd pick me to represent her artwork, well that is one of the highest forms of compliments I could ever receive.  Thank you Ike for believing in me.

Oh and by the way....I made San's design team!  YEAH!

Honourable mentions include: 

• Lisa: One of my favorite things about your cards is that you decorate the inside as beautifully as the outside. I guess that's what I like about you in general. You're beautiful inside and out. Thanks for sharing your sweet art with us each week. You are such a blessing to me. Karen Word Art Wednesday on Card Design: Scribbles Designs Challenge # 2 Midway Point
• already follow both of you so you know that I am going to stick around. :D I love these images. I'm going to have to take advantage of the 60% off! That is a great bargain! These are awesome stamps! Lisa & Heather together--A Match Made In Heaven! Hugs~Patti on Saturday Showcase: March 2, 2013
• Oh my goodness, what an incredible showcase! So much information and so much joy that you shared. :o) The crafting community is extraordinarily special and today you (and Heather) have perfectly portrayed that. Lots of love and hugs to both of you! Hugs and blessings! Karen on Saturday Showcase: March 2, 2013
• Ahhhh!!! Hi Bestie! You ARE certainly an extraordinary friend to me, I have never had a friendship like ours ever and I will cherish it forever for you are most considerate, kind and honest and you shine in so many ways you are not even aware of..... Most of all I love that you can be "You"!!! You are the most thoughtful person I know, I admire you. I can't get out what I really want to say but you know me and words, LOL Lots of love , Big Hugs Naomi on Blessed by Friends
• OMgosh, Lisa, this is just so cute. I'm still smiling at the cleverness (is that a word?) of the image. Your coloring is delightful - I especially like the way you've colored the ears. Your poem is fabulous. I shy away from the inside of my cards - I should have you creating my sentiments, you have a gift. Thanks for sharing with Digi Desserts Fridaze at My Paper Crafting. Hugs, Larelyn on Bit By the Bug Tuesday: Bun Bun Binges
• Wow you are really talented. I could never draw like that for the life of me!!!! Totally awesome! Vicky on Flashback Friday: March 1, 2013
• This is just incredible Lisa! I think you've done an incredible job at capturing her face! Jennifer on Flashback Friday: March 1, 2013

In general I also want to say thank you for those of you who left condolence comments regarding the passing of my Godfather. Your thoughts and prayers were much appreciated.

I know I keep saying this every week but that does not diminish its truthfulness.  It is so difficult for me to choose comments to highlight each week.  There are just too many wonderful ones to choose from.  Additionally, as much as I would like to, it is getting more difficult to respond to each individual comment coming in.  As my responsibilities increase with new DT and GDT obligations and with my effort to ensure that I keep up with all my weekly posts, the time I have available decreases.   I so, so appreciate the time and energy you put into visiting my blog and leaving me a note to reflect on throughout the week.  I ALWAYS read EACH AND EVERY ONE and don't take a single one of them for granted. I hope that you all have a wonderful week!

Until next time,