PaperPumpkin

...With Faith & Trust

2012-01-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Being still & quiet.

Having faith and trust.

Feeling grateful.

Feeling loved.

♥

Thank you.

Dilemma, Decisions, Doors

2012-01-24T17:33:00.001-05:00

Facing the same dilemma over and over...

How do you solve a big life changing decision?

Wondering how to unload

something that is a big part of my life

but too big of a stresser.

Sounds easy, except not having it

could stress me as much...

or would it?

•

Thanks for visiting.

I love it when you do.

~Kathy

A Page and a Promise

2012-01-23T18:47:00.002-05:00

When I was nine years old,

a friend was instantly, tragically killed

when she was hit by a car.

In her diary, her family found these words,

"If you love someone, tell them today".

I have never stopped hearing

these words in my head.

I say these meaningful words often.

I probably mean them even more.

♥

Some Journal Background Play

2012-01-22T12:39:00.001-05:00

Just enjoying some collage

with my many piles

of paper love

and

doing some stamping

before writing.

I have been thinking

even more

about gratitude

and

about my many blessings.

♥

And I had such a wonderfully fun

birthday this year.

And the sun is shining again.

Beautiful.

I am even using yellow,

which I rarely do.

Hope your Sunday is sunny, too.

Permission Granted

2012-01-19T21:46:00.002-05:00

Every day has its ups & downs,

but today I granted myself

permission

to stop,

pause,

hesitate,

wait

and really feel the Ups

when four months of effort at work

paid off in two really big ways.

Two children

got what they needed.

So before any inevitable

swoops and downs landed,

I put my arms out wide

gathered in the shear Bliss

and

felt

grateful,

peaceful,

content.

Part of being

the

moment.

Just Thinking...

2012-01-18T19:18:00.001-05:00

...and writing it down in my journal.

It helps me focus

and relaxes me when the workload is great.

Do you do that?

There really is only so much

one can do in a day.

And then I can relax a bit, and play.

I'm in a pink mood now.

Gosh, I love vintage fabrics

like this floral one!

♥

"great Idea" stamp handmade by

the talented lori from elviestudio!

Birthday Happy

2012-01-16T20:37:00.001-05:00

A nice long weekend,

a party with family and friends,

triple chocolate cake,

so even though

I have to go back to work

on my birthday Tuesday,

I have the Happies.

I love my birthday, just like a little kid does.

Thank you for sharing it with me!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

2012-01-15T12:02:00.000-05:00

Woke up to this

Sun on snow, one of my favorite sights to see

(if I am not cold, and it sparkles, haha).

House guests, good friends, for the long weekend.

Getting ready for a big birthday party later today.

What are you doing this weekend?

♥

Unfinished Work

2012-01-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

I am not sure where this journal page spread is going

...or if it's ready for writing

but I smiled when I realized

that as I was dabbing white over the bright colors,

to blur the edges and soften it all a bit,

it reminded me of...well, me.

You see, my birthday is coming,

and it makes me think how some of my edges have softened

(Yes, I still need to lose that same 8 pounds).

And some of my edges need to be softened...

but we probably don't need to get into that right now!

Either way, I hope I am unfinished, too.

Happy weekend!

Moments. Journaling.

2012-01-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

So far, the short time we have been in 2012 has

proven to be a super charged space of extremes.

Very UP and very DOWN.

Very Positive. Yes, and Negative.

Always interesting.

{I wrote in dark brown at the bottom, then felt the need

to write some more. I used white to write on the top.

I like the white better.}

Take today for instance.

I have to go to a wake. A friend and colleague

just lost her father.

Today is Michael's and my

29th wedding anniversary.

♥

May your ups be many.

May your downs be slight.

May you appreciate the wild ride

and grow.

Yesterday's Journal Page

2012-01-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

I have been practicing "being in the moment"

...and I like it.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Journaling

2012-01-05T18:22:00.000-05:00

Back to work.
Breathe.

A Stitch in Time

2012-01-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

Many of you already know about Teesha Moore's Amazing Journal

made from one sheet of watercolor paper, in her YouTube Videos.

I actually went out and bought the large sheet of cold press 140 lb paper,

folded, cut and put together this journal for myself...in April.

The only problem was, ha, I didn't sew it together.

So, on January 1st, 2012, I did!

Yes, a small finishing step, but I completed it.

I am excited to do backgrounds next... I will keep you posted.

And, more importantly, have I told you how much I appreciate you?

Thank you one hundred times over

for being so wonderful

for being my friends

for helping me get through a tough time.

I did stay home again today

(hard, ugh) to recover properly

and am, so far, less shaky for it,

tomorrow will hopefully begin

a healthier year for me.

I will work harder at it

but

I will also take quiet time

be in the moment

reflect

focus

be kind to myself

and

be still.

CLARITY

so much I want to do

2012-01-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

My Word for the New year is Clarity.
I have a lot of work to do.

I must get healthy, and stay healthy for more than 4 hours this year.
After a ten-day Christmas vacation from teaching in school, my doctor actually made me stay home today...and tomorrow. Well, we'll see about tomorrow. I haven't thrown in the towel yet. C'mon, new antibiotics, kick in. My ears and sinuses have been infected since mid-November.

I have to visualize: physical health-with-creatively happy.
And GET there.
Eating better,
exercising again,
drinking way more water,
taking care of myself the way I would others.
Praying more.
Meditating.
Decluttering.

I need Clarity.

I need organization of body and mind....

oh, and clearly some more aquas.

•thanks for stopping by today. I was feeling rather lonely and yuk. ~k

2011 Completed in Full!

2012-01-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

Calendar Challenge 365 for 2011. Looking back over my year:

It went quickly...!
More here, with Kate.

Thanks for visiting!
~kathy

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome, 2012!

The Word that found me today

CLARITY.

Happy, blessed New Year to you!

Until tomorrow,

Kathy

Inn...and Back Out

2011-12-31T13:41:00.000-05:00

Did you warm up?

Coat? Check

Ear Muffs? Check.

Mittens? Check.

Scarf? Check.

Out you go.

And here we go, crashing into the new year.

Hang on.

It will undoubtedly be another wild ride.

♥

A Walk to Niagara Falls

2011-12-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

...come with me

It's really slippery as we get to the river

Here at the Rapids...

...the crashing waves are loud and thunderous,

but beautiful and strong.

It's hard to leave, even though it's so so cold.

The American side of the Falls, overlooking Luna Island...

I promise to show you some more,

but first, I have to warm up in a cozy old Inn.

This is our Day•cation.

A Gift

2011-12-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

Michael made some of my journaling pages into a collage

and had it framed

as a Christmas gift for me.

I was more than a little surprised.

It's already hanging in the hallway...

{watercolor flowers second up on the left,

and center "Life Stuff" journal cover,

both made by the wonderful Martha Lever}

♥

Hope your Christmas was a happy one.

Christmas Color Week Friday: Purples, Pinks...

2011-12-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

...and traditional red & green!

Wishing you all, all over the world,

a joyous weekend and a merry Christmas!

Thank you for another year of friendship

and sharing

and caring

and visiting me here!

Every day, I am thankful for the way you enrich my life.

Peace.

~kathy

Christmas Color Week Thursday: Green

2011-12-22T19:13:00.000-05:00

Some second grade activities this week

included these trees,

some Nutcrackers, Reindeer,

and Gingerbread men, my favorite.

Joy.
~k

Christmas Color Wednesday: Gold

2011-12-21T20:26:00.000-05:00

Peace.

Christmas Color Tuesday: Red

2011-12-20T17:09:00.001-05:00

Wishing you the merry warmth of red.

Christmas Color Monday: Silver & White

2011-12-19T17:42:00.000-05:00

May your week sparkle more than stress you!

For a beautiful treat, visit lisa's color week here!

Dear Santa,

2011-12-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

In second grade, students have to learn

how to write friendly letters.

We do a lot of them...

...but I bet that the letter to Santa is their favorite.

What do you wish for?

One more week of work, then I have a Christmas vacation!

♥

~kath

Sun on SNOW

2011-12-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

...and all that Glitter.

This is the new deck that I did get to sit on for a moment this fall!

It's off of the living room, which is almost done, too.

This is the view from the deck, on a good morning.

I truly appreciate the sunshine in winter.

Actually, it's not even officially winter yet, but I am tired of the darkness.

Pitch black when I leave for work in the morning, and

sunset when I return.

So, when the weekends give me a sunny sky,

I jump for joy...and for my camera!

If you are in gray weather, take this and enjoy!

It's for you, too!

♥

~kath

December is...

2011-12-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

...here already. And my final journal calendar of 2011 is here:

It's been an unseasonably warm and green December ( and November), but I was thinking about the flakes that will fly soon enough. Happy December everyone! And thank you for sharing in 12 months of calendars with me and with all of Kate's other challenge participants here. We'll show them all when December is written in, too!

~Kath

Settling in...

2011-12-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

...for the winter.

Tired hydrangeas, but still so very beautiful.

Sleepy Ellie. Sh-h-h

♥

We slowly get ready for the holidays.

Outdoor lights on the backyard evergreen,

to enjoy in the evenings.

My nightlight.

Beautiful December beginnings to you!

6 Answers for my Friend...and November Calendar Done!

2011-12-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

I am blushing and beaming. My dear blog friend, 'Kamana' (and most wonderful photographer!), from across the wide world has done an interview...of me! "Journalling Through Photos" is her beautiful daily blog. I would be most happy if you visited and wanted to read a little bit more about me. You'll love all of the photos if you browse all of Kamana's older posts and photos. I guarantee you'll enjoy the eye candy... and all of her beautiful written words. Please visit here! Thank you again!

And, I completed my November journalling calendar for Kate's 2011 Calendar Challenge. Wow, did November ever speed by!

I hope to post my new December calendar tomorrow...!

♥

Journaling...

2011-11-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

...and probably thinking too much.

Do you ever think about people from your past,

people you thought would be in your life forever,

but now aren't?

Friendships you thought would last forever,

but didn't ?

•

Thanks for stopping in my little corner

Think-Too-Much-Late-at-Night !

•

~kath

I Miss you...I'm Here...and etsy Shops SALES!

2011-11-28T19:09:00.000-05:00

Ack! I don't like it that I haven't been able to be around as much this past week! I miss you! Parent-teacher conferences went well, but with the holiday (Thanksgiving was filled with gratitude) and 4 days of migraines, I didn't get on my computer, nor did I work in my journal. Oh well, weeks are like this!

The good news is that our weather has been more spring-like than wintery so I feel like we cheated my least favorite season out of another month! yay!

More good news: Cyber Monday brings sales! Stop by and pick up a few gifts under $10 or $15 and avoid crowds... PaperPumpkin.etsy here...

...and my daughter, Mia/Michelle here for jeweled lovelies from LoveMiaShop!

Hope you are off to a wonderful new week...an almost farewell to November...{sigh}.
~Kath

Journal page painting and fabric love

2011-11-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

Some Monday grays on my page:

•And words of gratitude for the little things in life•

{though the ink shows up as orange when it really is RED}.

And then some crazy fabric L♥VE!

I fell head over heals for this turquoise floral!

You can take a peek in my etsy shop here.

Hope your Monday didn't feel gray, but rather bright and aqua with sunny skies...! ♥

Parent-teacher conferences tomorrow evening (11 of them)

after a full day of teaching...

Energy, stay with me.

♥

Journaling

2011-11-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

I am grateful for brand new days

and hopeful that I will do better.

These days are gifts.

♥

{inspire stamp handmade by the lovely and talented lori from elviestudio!}

May your tomorrow be special.

~Kath

November Journaling

2011-11-13T22:05:00.000-05:00

Still inspired by breezy blue skies and falling leaves...

...and the slow, sweet day I had today.

Journal Page

2011-11-12T13:18:00.000-05:00

May your weekend be just the way you like it.
Thanks for visiting~
Kath

Twilight in November

2011-11-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

I am a skywatcher.

I love to walk as the sun is setting.

Two bats always flit above me.

I watch the stars begin to come out

and find the moon peeking out from behind

the layers of clouds.

It's almost full-moon time.

I'm getting excited.

I open the shades at night

and use this

as my night light.

And only then

I am not

afraid of the dark.

In the Spirit of Things

2011-11-09T20:18:00.001-05:00

With busier days ahead,

hustle and bustle times upon us,

and rushed, dark evenings too,

it's more important than ever to stay healthy...

and to shop easily!

I thought I'd share some holiday hints

and

everyday pamperings with you!

•

"Rejuvenate your mind and refresh your body".

{Buttermint candy}

I re-visited one of my all-time favorite shops:

DancingMooney...on etsy!

And now I just have to share her

boutique-style shop with you!

{Emily. Teal Butterfly Charm Necklace}

Janell, creator of DancingMooney,

is the maker of beauty and natural goodness.

Her shop is irresistibly refreshing and pretty!

I can say first-hand that you'll feel better

when you use her homemade moisturizing soaps

and scrubs in soft, pretty scents...

{Lavender Pumpkin}

...and just as wonderful when you share them

and give them as gifts!

(My co-teacher wants the Buttermint Candy one next!)

{sugar cookie}

{Vanilla Mint and Oatmeal}

{Mineral Bath Salts}

Brand new lotions by Janell...

{Rosemary}

...soothe winter dry skin

and rejuvenate

with their skin healing properties.

I LOVE these!

♥

I am trying to declutter

and go with my mantra of Less is More,

so this year I don't want to give gifts of stuff, you know?

I want to give homemade, feel-good gifts

whenever I can.

Practical and useful.

Beautiful.

I like DancingMooney's clean, simple style

and natural goodness.

Need a small gift to pass or a hostess gift? Janell even offers a gift set with any bar of yummy soap you choose, with a natural juniper wood soap dish, all wrapped up pretty & ready to give, for ten bucks! (Wow. How could I NOT tell you?!)

Stop in by November 15 and you can even receive 15% off with code: EARLYBIRD15 !

Shopping in my jammies...

~Kath

Ready for November

2011-11-06T18:22:00.000-05:00

I watched the November skies these past few days, warmer and bluer than all of October, and was inspired. Here is my November calendar for the Calendar Challenge 2011 by Kate at TheKathrynWheel. I first painted blue skies of my own, with lots of golden leaves blowing...then cut them, alternating with strips of autumn colored papers.

So here it is:

Happy November everyone! May you have much for which to be grateful!

♥

~Kath

Gratitude Journaling

2011-11-03T19:41:00.000-04:00

This quote is by M. Eckhart

A tough week

a long day

a dreaded meeting

but

much to be thankful for.

♥

From My Halloween House, to Yours!

2011-10-31T19:04:00.000-04:00

HaPpY SpOOkY HaLLoWeEN !

It was a colorful October, wasn't it?
♥
Kath

Thought-filled, Thoughtful Sunday

2011-10-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

It's been a weekend of opposites.

Did you ever think: If I...then why don't I...?

As in: "If I believe that less is more, then why do I have clutter everywhere?"

How is your weekend?
Are you doing anything for Halloween tomorrow?

The Next Page...

2011-10-25T19:20:00.000-04:00

This is part of the next page. Thank you all so much for your comments and your kindness.
I have been praying. I do know that the last post was healing for me, though it was difficult.
I do know that if circumstances aren't going to change, I can work on changing my reaction and responses to them.
For my health.
For my sanity.
For my love of teaching.

Thank you for accepting me for who I am,
and maybe for who I am not.

And thanks for visiting. I truly appreciate you and know I am very blessed.
~Kathy

Journal Therapy

2011-10-23T16:26:00.000-04:00

It's been a while, but I am here. I've just been trying to get through some stuff. Life is like that.

Releasing pain through paint and pen.
The layers of life...

Journal Page

2011-10-12T19:26:00.000-04:00

...on thoughts, and their power.

I am currently reading The Power is Within You,

by Louise L. Hay.

It was recommended to me by a bloggy friend.

I like it. It makes me think.

It's not all new to me, but

it's a good refresher and it's definitely uplifting.

I do love the idea of putting positive thoughts out

into the universe.

Maybe they cancel out negative ones!

It's good to have some time to play with paper. Gosh, I do love paper. Holding it, tearing it, reading it, writing on it, drawing on it, stamping it...it feels so wonderful. Thank goodness we're all different, huh?!

Thanks for stopping in. Hope you are all having a good week. Tomorrow (Thursday) is Michael's first follow-up app't. with the doctor/surgeon. If all is going well, I think he'll get the hard plaster cast. No weight on it for at least 2 more weeks, but...it could be worse, right?

♥

Serene Sunday...and a Thank You!

2011-10-09T15:33:00.000-04:00

New! Lotus Flower and Leaf Push Pins

...inspired by these naturally pretty colors:

And a big, heartfelt thank you from Michael,

Ellie♥,

and me,

for your thoughts and prayers.

This Thursday is his follow-up appointment with the surgeon.

~Kathy

October Calendar

2011-10-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

I finally got a little time to color and scribble and glue and play...and make my calendar for Kate's Calendar Challenge! I'm feelin' a bit of that Halloween Spirit.

Some doodling on the left page:

And some more doodling on the right page:

And a few close-ups:

It was very relaxing to scribble and make the spookiness and vines and grasses...
Boo. And, thanks for looking...and being patient!

~Kathy

September Calendar Completed...But...

2011-10-01T14:06:00.000-04:00

...it went out with an unexpected emergency BANG.

Please keep my husband Michael in your prayers as he stumbled yesterday

and had an ambulance ride,

which led to emergency surgery on an ankle so badly broken and torn up

that his foot dangled from his leg.

Ugh.

He should be okay

...in time.

The good news is, it's October:

a beautiful,

beautiful month in Western New York.

♥

May your October be beautiful.

...and thanks.

Imagine

2011-09-29T17:39:00.000-04:00

My journaling from the other day...

when I had a lot on my mind.

Some things weigh heavily on the heart

and in the mind of a sensitive person like me.

And Now the Finale

2011-09-28T19:59:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are my social studies students'

Communities posters, all finished!

We did social studies at the end of each day

because it was just so relaxing...

coloring, drawing

to show what they'd learned...

after full mornings of lots of

reading and writing and pencils.

~aaah crayons, still kinda new...

I overheard one child telling another that I

"was going to be impressed"!

I am!

Thanks for looking. I hope you enjoyed second grade!

~Kath

Happy Is...

2011-09-26T19:00:00.000-04:00

...the art that the art teacher had students create in my elementary school!

As promised, here is what she did with a school-full during that first crazy week:

Now if THAT doesn't make you want to tear paper...!

Here are some close-ups of the letters.

♥

{sigh}

I just HAD to share that with you all.

Now I have to find my own time to make my own creations

and do some journaling...

I'm Back...and Here's Where I've Been...

2011-09-23T22:00:00.001-04:00

Here's one view of my 2nd grade classroom, all ready for last night's Open House.

Many of our teachers have adopted the "Daily 5" Method of fostering independence in literacy while having (teacher) guided reading with small groups of students.

Students receive direct instruction and coaching,

as well as practice time,

in HOW TO read with comprehension,
write, & listen.

Lots of reading and writing practice time...at the C.A.F.E. !

Then, of course, there's Social Studies.

Communities is a big unit of study in grade two.

RURAL:

SUBURBAN:

URBAN:

What better way to illustrate what you've learned

than to design, plan, and draw together, as a community of learners?

♥

So, anyway, I am sorry I haven't been around all week,

but I have thought of you and tried to pop in on your wonderful blogs,

if only for a moment.

You are my inspiration, afterall! And I miss you!

I'll show you the art teacher's amazing hallway really soon~

I promise you'll love it!

♥

HAPPY AUTUMN!

Love, ~kath

First Day of School: Memories

2011-09-16T19:54:00.001-04:00

...in my journal.

I signed up for Moira's art journaling course, Falling For You. It started yesterday! I am excited to learn new techniques and to discover new ways to use my masks and stencils in my backgrounds.

This first prompt about first day of school had to include a piece of notebook paper. It was relaxing to me late last night...

I just completed my first FULL week of school in my inclusion class, with my 23 students. It actually was quite a good beginning. I worked 55 hours and am now going to relax as I babysit for the sweet little 15 month old girl who was Michelle's flower girl a month ago...and get psyched for NHL Hockey (the Buffalo Sabres) to begin a new season, not that I've been counting the days or anything...!

Happy weekend to you all! Thanks for visiting! ~kath

As the Sun Sets this Evening

2011-09-12T19:04:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist a little walk after work this evening. But it was so beautiful everywhere, I soon ran for my camera. I just had to show you how lovely the hibiscus look in the sunset....just in case you need a breath of fresh air today, too.

I didn't edit these at all, because I love the memory of how the September shadows fall just before 7 PM.

Hope you enjoy these. Everything's better when shared.

♥

Have a good night.

Wednesday's Journal page

2011-09-08T21:44:00.000-04:00

It was a good second day of school.

Hope you're having a good week,
~Kathy

September Journal Calendar!

2011-09-04T14:24:00.000-04:00

This calendar journal was inspired by Back-to-School Time.

Even though we teachers no longer work in a little red schoolhouse,

and we don't have blackboards anymore,

the start of school brings red and black to mind.

On these white pages, I spread gesso, let it dry, then covered it all in deep red.

I set down a 12-inch mask/stencil, and spritzed a bit of water on the pages.

I then let that sit for a few minutes, blotted up extra water drops with a paper towel, then wiped the whole page with a baby wipe. It worked. It's a technique I just learned from Journalartistaart's blog. (Thank you, Paula). I need a lot more practice, but...I will. Practice. In my free time now that school has begun.

Students begin early on Tuesday, September 6th.

Everyone's probably a little nervous,

but we'll smile and help one another through.

It takes a village, afterall...

Have a happy Labor Day Weekend, all.

If I don't get to you in the next couple of days,

Best to all of you teachers and students out there!

For lots more calendar journals, check out Kate's Blog at thekathrynwheel !

Completed August Calendar

2011-09-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

August was wedding-wonderful and here is my 8th month of Kate's Calendar Journal Challenge for 2011, all completed...with love!

For more from Kate's Challenge, go to TheKathrynWheel ! My September calendar is...ahem...on it's way too, Kate!!

Inhale fresh hope, Exhale the old habits

2011-08-29T20:39:00.000-04:00

Every year at about this time, I feel the sad stab of loss. Loss of summer, bare feet, lazy days or just lazy moments, carefree habits even on Sunday Nights, ...and a new school year begins, lately with dread.

But today, I felt a change from all of that.

I like it.

This journaling spread was motivated by, not an end, but a chance for a brand new beginning.

Working with my special ed co-teacher is going to be exciting.

I feel positive, ambitious, and motivated again.

I needed a change.

Do you?

A Little Break and a New Journal and Page

2011-08-27T09:42:00.000-04:00

A time of breaks and a new beginning!

On Wednesday through Thursday of this past week, Michael and I took a little road trip to Canandaigua Lake, one of New York's Finger Lakes. Not too long of a drive, and a beautiful stay. My mother-in-law gave this overnight stay at the Chalet to us for Christmas last year, and we'd planned to get away after our daughter's wedding, so...

This is one of the gathering places.

The porch, where we had breakfast:

We took an hour-and-a-half boat ride/wine tasting, too! Very relaxing and I got to see how I'd feel on a boat...I did well. There was an acoustic guitarist playing and singing on this ride, too. Very nice!

The day we got home, I began this new handmade journal from aboutludid.etsy.

Here is the front:

Here is the back:

The pages are 6" X 9".

Thanks for looking! Enjoy your day!
~kath

Last Page in this Journal!

2011-08-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

For every ending,

there is a new beginning...

I will choose a new journal,

and show you soon!

I used new Ranger Distress Inks

but even though they are beautiful shades

of vintage browns,

here they photographed yellow.

This page is NOT yellow.

But I had fun.

This focal is an old print-out

from Kelly Kilmer.

The patterned stamp is from Alisa Burke.

The tape is from my delicious drawer!

I love tape.

Serious tape love going on here.

Thank you for looking at my journal pages!

~kath

...and Summer Fades Away

2011-08-22T18:21:00.001-04:00

...and I can hardly bare it.

Please August, slow down and wait for me,

just a little.

DIY Wedding

2011-08-18T09:55:00.003-04:00

Lemonade and iced tea were served

before the ceremony

amidst the vintage blue mason jars of fresh flowers:

From the save-the-dates, to the invitations,

to the decorations and bouquets,

all of the wedding was designed and created

by this bride, Michelle!

Very personal!

{sigh}

♥

Below are the table favors

which were the escort cards/ table seating:

Old photos of loved ones on a special table

and a banner of more B&W photos hung above:

Michelle's handmade bouquet was wrapped with linen

and next to the brooch you see here,

were two lockets that held photos

of the loved ones who were missed

but were our angels:

Michelle painted and antiqued this beautiful, old table

we found last summer at a flea market:

Head table:

Thank you for putting up with me as I share my joy!

I promise to stop now...I think.

♥

kathy

Wedding Photos!

2011-08-17T00:02:00.000-04:00

Thank you for asking for more! I am sooo excited!

It truly was a perfect day, a real fairy tale.

Here are a few before the ceremony, and at the beginning!

Our family of 4: Drew, Michelle, me, Michael!

The handsome Groom (Kevin) and his Groomsmen. (Drew is in the back)

Ariana, the cutest one-year-old flower girl! She did it!

Dad walks his baby girl down the aisle...

...and has to give her to Kevin.

With this ring...

♥

aaah, I am still crying and beaming.

I promise to show you reception party photos next!

Thank you for visiting and letting me share!

♥

♥ Just Married ♥

2011-08-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

Joy

♥Thank you for your warm wishes. I promise to show you more soon!

~kathy

Remembering...

2011-08-11T17:24:00.000-04:00

...that during all of the planning and itineraries, we still must
eat well

Hydrate...

Get plenty of fresh air

...and rest

...because the Big Day is almost here. ♥

Summer of Color: Finale!

2011-08-08T10:43:00.000-04:00

The finale is a presentation

of all of one's

8 weeks of color challenges

made into a colorfilled display,

so...

Here's mine!

♥A very, very special thank you out to our hostess, Kristin, for the beauty, the challenge, the inspiration...and the promise of next year's fun now too! yay!

Blue. These pages were filled with a need to find peace after a really tough school year.

Pink. I'm excited about a summer off to prepare for my daughter's wedding!

Yellow. (on the right) Remembering a wonderful family vacation when the kids were little.

Brown. (above, left)...a few quiet moments this busy summer...

Green. Seeing hope and inspiration when it's hard to sometimes in life (and health).

Purple. Magestic Perseverance. The Tenacity of a weed.

Red. Maybe my favorite pages...

Orange. When people work together, it's a good thing.

Pages of my journal

Remembering my summer

of color

of intense heat

and intense emotions

Thank you everyone for visiting.

Thank you old friends

and new friends from this challenge!

~kathy

Summer of Color...Orange!

2011-08-03T14:56:00.000-04:00

This is the final color week of Kristin's Challenge, after 8 wonderful, summery, colorful weeks. Wow, that means summer is on the downswing, too, ack!

Orange is not a color I use often (enough!). I rather enjoyed this. And since the bonus was to incorporate a favorite quote, I had to think for a while because I love beautiful quotes from smart people that make me think! Then I remembered this one, and how I use it often!

As a teacher and a friend, I say this to others that I care about, and I remember it for myself. I believe it is not only important, but necessary to share with and lean on others for help, strength, support, guidance, teachings, experience....

We need not ever be alone, nor feel alone.
Love always, ~kathy

PS. I used a card to smear and smudge luscious oranges, yellows and whites, then used a stamp by Teesha.

August Calendar Journal Challenge

2011-08-02T14:09:00.000-04:00

This is a very special, very emotional month for me, for us.

My daughter Michelle "Mia", is getting married in just a few days.

So, this month's calendar pages were created in Michelle's colors

to capture the feel of the planning and of the wedding!

Rehearsal dinner...picking up the cake...

...and the beautiful, long-awaited, big day. ♥

Vineyard, twinkle lights, fresh berry pies, lemonade, and

lots of love.

Friends, please think of us, pray for us, smile with us.

♥

Thank you so much for visiting

and for your kind comments

and well wishes.

To see more of Kate's 365 Journal Calendar Challenge 2011, go here!

These are the Days...

2011-07-30T22:12:00.000-04:00

...of the beauty of summer.

...and taking a few moments to visit

a favorite, colorful summertime spot:

the local Farmer's Market.

{Still looking for the elusive blueberry crumb pie...!}

Where do YOU like to go for a breather & a smile during the summer?

♥

PS. Our PaperPumpkin etsy shop is 3 years old today! I am continually amazed at how quickly time goes by, the older I get. It really has been a fun three years!

I've evolved to using more fabrics than paper lately, but I'm certain my love and devotion to all things paper will show up in shoppe again soon. My affair with fab fabrics is still running rampant, and here are some new magnets to prove it. Ah well...it can't be helped. Fabrics call to me.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, dear friends!

May it be colorful!

Persevere

2011-07-26T11:04:00.000-04:00

Kristin's Summer of Color led us to Purple this week, with some bonus shimmer, so...

To me, the color purple has always meant perseverance and strength.

Hanging on and forging ahead when it is so very hard.

Being tenacious when pushing that piano uphill

is all you can feel,

and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight...yet.

But...

then

there is

and it's beautiful.

and it was worth it.

Writing about a Girly Day!

2011-07-23T11:41:00.001-04:00

There's a first time for everything. Now that we are stepping closer to the Big Day, my daughter, her maid-of-honor, and I went for a trial run at a salon, to get up-do's. I wanted a natural look, with a little poof and body to it...

I was thoroughly excited to go with the girls, but nervous because I am simple and shy and... well, un-fancy! But it was loads of fun and I want to remember these special times, so I journaled about it briefly.

I did a little pretend stitching with my gelly roll markers.

... a simple, girly-girl page in my journal.

A New Journal Page

2011-07-21T13:48:00.000-04:00

The only thing good about feeling really down and out,

is that it can only get better.

After having a rough few weeks

in the beginning of summer,

I have been on the up & up lately,

and appreciating it.

So, as I feel better, move more,

and see what's ahead

in the next 4 weeks,

I SEE lots of good.

Really good!

Hopeful.

Inspired.

Grateful.

♥Wishing you that, too.
Thank you for visiting!
~k

Seeing Red, Thinking Positive

2011-07-18T09:17:00.000-04:00

Journaling for Kristin's Summer of Color in RED this week!

Here's the unwritten spread:

The bonus was to incorporate Wings.

I don't use wings very often, but I felt it yesterday.

...And even if I have a rough spell,

and don't necessarily feel positive at the moment,

I tell myself to Think Positive...

and then pray it helps!

I am open to miracles,

therefore I find them...

all the time...

everywhere.

Thank goodness.

Written, completed {red} journal spread.

Have a great new week, everyone!

2 years and a big thank-you to You!

2011-07-17T10:15:00.000-04:00

Big smile as I discover that today is my 2-year Blog Anniversary!
Thank you so much for the enrichment and encouragement in so many ways, on so many levels.
Thank you for visiting and for reading and for commenting. It's a fact that you do make my day.

Me blogging is a feat in itself because not only am I very shy, but I never thought I could use a computer to accomplish much! I am learning!

And, I celebrate a little over 2 years of visiting and loving and being inspired by all of you creative stars in my life! Yeah!

Thank you followers! Thank you, friends! ♥Love and my favorite hydrangeas for you to enjoy on this beautiful Sunday:

May you have peace and sunshine,

and a few moments to do whatever it is that you enjoy most.

...and isn't it a miraculous thing of beauty that all of these stages and colors are on ONE bush? Aah!

Very cool, But what is it?!

2011-07-16T10:41:00.000-04:00

This big guy (about 1 1/2") was in my flower barrel getting his lunch. He was kind enough to stick around so I could get my camera...but what is he? The consensus right now is that it's a moth, but at first I thought it was a bee, then a small hummingbird (because he has a nozzle nose!). It flew in midair for ten minutes to drink out of every purple petunia. Very Cool. Very unusual. If you know the name, feel free and please do tell!

Dog Days of Summer...

2011-07-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

Ellie is the best napper. We snuggle.

I did actually have a bit of a shop update, too. A few new things to pep it all up.

But for the most part,

I have been taking it kind of easy this week.

Enjoying July.

Grace and Peace

2011-07-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

I was sitting outside this morning with Michael and pup, Ellie, in the warm sunshine. Sipping coffee. Listening to U2 "It's a Beautiful Day" and the rest of that CD. Love it. My mind focused in on certain words...

Below, still doodling and some collage...

Completed page below:

...for Kristin's Summer of Color, Brown Week...with a pop of bold color. ♥Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for popping in.
~k

Starting on the Left Page...

2011-07-10T13:18:00.000-04:00

...and getting ready for Brown Week for the Summer of Color Challenge. The bonus this coming week is to have a hint of bold with one's browns! My left page is not yet finished, but it's drying...and waiting for more layering.

Hope you are having time to do what you'd like to do on this summery Sunday.

Sweetness into Saturday

2011-07-09T07:55:00.001-04:00

The evening sparkled with twinkle lights

and smiles,

pretty bows and flowers,

and mountains of frosted cupcakes

in vintage centerpieces....

Friends and family visited

in love and laughter,

and this mom-of-the-bride

is still glowing with sentimentality!

Here are the homemade centerpieces....

fabric, lace doilies, sweets,

flowers, and Michelle's own

table signs/cupcake keys!

Everyone took home a berry basket (left)

with handstamped linen bags of lavender,

a jar candle with a handmade

Thank You sticker,

and tied with twine,

and a package of cupcake wraps
...and hopefully a prize or two!

By the time I decorated cupcake 100,

I hope I could squeeze out prettiness...♥ !

The whimsical sugar butterflies, (etsy)

were such a lovely touch!

Maid-of-Honor (Sarah),

Junior bridesmaid (Chelsea),

and Michelle (Bride-to-Be!):

~All four bridesmaids~

And Groom, Kevin,

came near the end

to bring his Mom, me, and Michelle flowers,

share smiles,

and to take the beautiful gifts home!

♥

PS. We really did eat more than cupcakes!

We had appetizers and

stations with carved beef and turkey for sandwiches,

fresh tomato & basil pizzas,

salads,

and a make-your-own sundae bar!

♥

Thank you so much for sharing our evening and looking at photos!

I love when you visit.

♥Today's the Bridal Shower!♥

2011-07-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

It's tonight: Girls' Night Out Bridal Shower for my daughter, "Mia" Michelle!♥

I will be frosting cupcakes in a few minutes...lemon with strawberry icing, and fun fetti with pale turquoise icing(!) and will try to show you later! Mom of the groom is making red velvet cupcakes and chocolate. We are so excited! I even ordered edible sugar butterflies to put on some of them. It's a beautiful day! ♥

Golden Yellow Journaling

2011-07-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

An art journal page inspired by sunshiney yellows.

Though normally I don't do much with yellow, this was fun because the yellow paints and papers & metallic gold inspired the most wonderful flashbacks of a great family vacation when the kids were little...aaaah. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, after a friendly invite, to spend a week living on the beach. We packed up the car and went. Great decision. Life highlight.

What is your favorite vacation memory?

New "Fresh Lemonade" fabric push pin set for inspiration boards:

Use Coupon Code 15July at checkout for 15% off push pins and tack packs

at PaperPumpkin, our etsy shop!

I love July...

~kath

Check out Kristin's "Summer of Color" challenge here.
This week is yellow with metallics for a bonus.
Next week will be brown!!

15% Off PaperPumpkin Etsy Sale!

2011-07-04T20:56:00.000-04:00

Summertime Christmas in July Sale on all fabric push pin sets and Tack Packs in our shop! I thought it'd be fun for the next couple of weeks or so to celebrate summer with fresh inspiration board push pins or gifts for college students! Just use coupon code 15July at check-out!
♥Thanks for visiting!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! ~Kathy

A Page...

2011-07-03T17:37:00.000-04:00

~kath

Tiny Flowers, Soft Colors, Vintage

2011-07-01T09:29:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed making the new month's Calendar for the 2011 Calendar Challenge by Kate For July. I was thinking about vintage looks and little bouquets of garden flowers, most likely because of all of the floral ~wedding~ conversations floating about over here.

We are going to order the flowers online, have them delivered shortly before the wedding day, and make all of our own bouquets and arrangements!

Imagine ivory and yellow...ranaculus...garden roses...wildflowers...!

July is a big month for us with lots of birthdays and parties in the family, too.

♥

Of course, because I love to color,

I had to fill in the petals on the most important July days!

It was fun to use my new floral wreath/circle stamp.

I thought it was the cutest thing when I saw it in the shop,

but I didn't know at the time, what I'd use it for.

Perfect for calendar days, it turns out!

Happy of July to you all!

Thank you so much for visiting me!

You make me grin wildly!

♥

~Kathy

June is...

2011-06-30T12:44:00.000-04:00

...ending already. It was fast. It was a rollercoaster. It's leaving on a high note: sunny, warm, blue-skied, full of wishes for July.

Onward and Upward, I say!

~kath

Summer of Color...Pink!

2011-06-28T20:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I am rosy pink with happiness at being able to be so involved in my daughter's wedding planning and bridal shower goodness! Just in time for PINK week from our lovely hostess, Kristin, and her Summer of Color.

I painted, layered, doodled and wrote some memories and notes.

I want to capture all of these sweet moments...

Okay...but just one quick peek!

2011-06-27T21:14:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning knowing that my head definitely felt better, finally.

I tried to rest (bores me) but did actually go out for a while

to get my Michelle her wedding shoes!!!

'Got her gorgeous wedding earrings, too!

I'm so excited...can you tell?

So...here's your ~~one~~ two sneak peeks at the vineyard

where the wedding will be in August!

I snapped these photos last Wednesday evening

after we finalized the menu and other details.

oooh♥

This is before any decorations, but isn't it all just so naturally beautiful?

In August, the orchards will be even fuller, too.

The endless rows vines and grapes

(and flowers)

will be amazing!

♥

A Day of Rest

2011-06-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

aaaaah. It's been a crazy school year, a frantic month, and a full weekend. I just got back from the doc's with some antibiotics for a sinus infection, and I am going to relax today, feed a fever, and rest.

Wishing you all a healthy and peaceful Sunday, too. Take care of yourself.

♥kath

Tuesday Night...

2011-06-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

No need to read this boring journaling.

I shyly post it because it took me forever to make it!

I kept painting over it and starting over... I think I've learned a lesson:

Don't do art journaling with a fever.

I'll probably hate it in the morning.

Well, it's officially summer here!

Wednesday is my last day with students.

Our school does "The Wave".

All of the teachers line up along the bus exit and wave to all of our kids, wishing them a happy summer.

It's kind of emotional...

♥

The Final Week

2011-06-19T13:55:00.000-04:00

Up ahead is my last full week of work, Monday through Friday. It seems unreal. Every year it hits me differently. Not many other jobs/careers have such endings and such flagrant beginnings, I suppose.

This year was marked by such a staggering number of student attendance problems, that just not having constant make-up work to redo with them will be an immeasureable relief to me. My multi-tasking capabilities took on a new dimension that I hope I never have to duplicate (to survive in the classroom). I much prefer to creatively teach in a new way each day, according to every child's needs, not hampered by the repetition of 5, whose parents choose not to have them show up (There. I'm done ranting). And, splattering paint and inks felt great!

And, because I am enjoying participating in Kristin's Summer of Color...which is celebrating green this week, with a bonus challenge to include citron (!), this journaling page plays along!

I wasn't totally sure of citron, so when I Googled it, I got this (below) from homesweetbyhand.com/2010/03/subjective-color/ .

I am a lemon and lime lover, so this was right up my alley. Mmmmmmm. yummy colors! {I love green}.

Have a great week everyone, and thanks for visiting me. I do appreciate you.♥

The Sun is Setting on this Busy Week...

2011-06-17T21:09:00.001-04:00

...and I'm so glad it's Friday.

Here's to a relaxing weekend!

What do you want to do?

♥

Color Play: Blue

2011-06-14T20:11:00.000-04:00

Kristin's Color Play color this week is blue, and I am lovin' it. I enjoyed layering the blue paints, mixing in more blues and white, then scraping them with an old gift card. The scribbles of black ink stamped all over the place felt like me.

It all flowed right from my swirling head and hands. I enjoyed the process so much.

I must really be feeling the beautiful blues...I made this new push pin set yesterday

and listed it in my etsy shop.

I feel a mini PaperPumpkin update coming on!

Peace to you all.

You can visit other Color Play Blueness here at TwinkleTwinkleLikeaStar. ♥kathy

Forget Me Nots Always Help Me to Remember

2011-06-12T21:54:00.000-04:00

I remember to tell the ones I love, "I love you".

I remember that "This too shall pass".

So I move through the sad with hope and cherish the joys. ♥

And I remember to enjoy the sweet moments.

I promise to share some of the new wedding and bridal shower plans soon!

In a Quiet Mood

2011-06-10T20:53:00.000-04:00

Like Dust in the Wind

2011-06-07T17:41:00.000-04:00

There are times when we may feel in control of our lives.

Then there are times when we absolutely know

that we don't have control.

Work is overwhelming.

And when I come home, it is overwhelming right now too.

And I am just blowing around in the wind.

I was probably never in control in the first place, but now I really feel it!

Hangin' in there,

Workin' hard,

Taking photos for beauty,

and being grateful I can breathe,

~kath♥

June is Full of Surprises Already

2011-06-06T22:16:00.000-04:00

And here I thought that June was my "finishing" month! It has unexpectedly turned out to be filled with new beginnings already. I need to stay on my toes. Here goes.

What's new with you?
~k

Chestnut Tree Blossoms

2011-06-05T08:35:00.000-04:00

A view of my favorite tree in the yard.

It brings me happiness, it does.

And it's strong.

It survived all of the big storms that got to many of the others...

I really admire that.

Moving On...Moving Ahead

2011-06-04T09:14:00.000-04:00

If this journal page looks like it doesn't go together, let me briefly explain where it came from. The past few weeks and especially the past three days have been ~~dream-like~~ nightmare-like as, after almost a 2-year engagement with the wedding in about 2 months, the reception has had to be canceled because of this venue's very poor customer relations. I have flowed between problem-solving and disbelief. Doesn't this just happen in the movies?

But, my lovely daughter and I are a good team of creative problem-solvers, and Plan B is already in effect! The good news is the old setting has been canceled (as of last night), and the wedding day wonderfulness will be on a gorgeous farm and vineyard 2 days later than originally scheduled.

Do we send UnSave-the-Date cards?!!!

So, Compassion is easy when someone is easy to show love toward, but compassion is a challenge when people are cold and selfish and, yes, mean. But my daughter and I are showing compassion in the face of miserableness with this gorgeous wedding venue turned bad. "Everything happens for a reason". "It will all work out". "Be nice back, even if the owner is not". "Let it go".

Our new wedding setting is so wonderful and happy and twinkle light filled, that we are happier than ever.

♥