Week In Review & New Blogs

Last week was a busy week for me. The whole family left for summer camp. All of them. DH and DD #1 volunteered while DD #2 enjoyed 3rd grade camp (I don't 'do' heat.) I had 4 whole days to myself, if you don't count the dog in heat and 2 whiny cats. Surprisingly enough, I barely did any art. I organized for the most part.

Remember the ribbon my friends were helping organize in June? I finally gave it all a home. Plus many other things that were sitting around, stuffed under the table (that used to be here on the left). All have homes now on the shelf. The shelves above my computer/art desk are now more uniform and full of the items I use the most. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to find things. My work is never done though. I have the 3 rolling carts to reorganize as they have been used to stuff extra things that didn't have homes.

My friend Trish came over one of those days and we played around with collage. I finished my 5th journal page seen on the previous post. We had the best time and some yummy tortellini and brushetta to boot! I'll have to share the recipes sometime. My favorite organizing project was of the 3 notebooks below. Do you know how easy it is to find sheets now?





I always love when new people visit my blog. I love sharing my new blog finds with you as well!
Visiting Bloggers & New Blogs discovered last week:
Crafting For Cheapskates
Artsyville
La Dama De Collage
Thread Banger
Bellydancing Karaoke Queen
Wild Gypsy Art
Craft A Day
Irish Coffeehouse
Liisa's Stamping Corner
ArtFandango
An Exultation of Larks
Premeditated Art
Blooming in Boulder
Art4Moi
RhondaMum
Eclectic Visions

If you don't see me around for a few days you know I have my head stuck in a homeschool planning book and my fingers on Ebay. Need to get ready for the school year that starts in 12 days! Help us Hannah! A 4th grader and a high schooler. If you're a homeschooler, I'd love to hear how you plan for the homeschool year, your favorite blogs to visit and any curriculum you recommend for 4th and 10th graders. Thanks!

Awards & New Art

Apparently I am loved this week. Wanna know how I know? I have had 17 posts on my dog post alone. No art involved! Just comments on my goofy dog. Believe me, it was mucho appreciated! (actually this might mean my DOG is loved and not me, but why split hairs? Hmm?) Also, I rec'd the same Brillante Weblog award from 3 different people; Trisha, Kersten and Lily! Now how's that for some love?!

Rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog.

2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4) Add links to those blogs on yours.

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

In keeping with the blog award rules I'm posting a list of 7 blogs I love:
(Just to clarify, It's so hard to pick, so these are just several from my list of 100's I visit. I didn't re-award people who awarded me, or people I know that they had awarded. That would be redundant, now wouldn't?!)

1 - Thrifty Collage Artist
2 - A Fanciful Twist
3 - Sandra Evertson
4 - E. Beck Artist
5 - Naughty Secretary Club
6 - Land of Lost Luggage
7 - Beate Knappe

ADDED: Before this post went 'to print' I found out that another friend had given me a new award. A BFF, or 'Blogging Friends Forever' award. Boy! It must be my lucky month! Rhonda on her blog said this about me, "Her stuff is so unique and artistic!! You never know what wonderful piece she is going to create next!" Wasn't that so sweet of her? I love Rhonda.



The rules are:
1. Only five people allowed
2. 4 of them have to be dedicated followers of your blog and 1 has to be new and live in another part of the world. ** Not sure if I have 4 dedicated followers but I'm gonna wing it. ** The '1 new', I took that to mean not a follower, but a new blog to visit.
3. You have to link back to who gave you the award. **Rhonda gave me this esteemed award. Thanks! **

If you think its too cheesy or corny, you don't have to play along.

Okay, here goes:
1 - The Artistic Diva
2 - Altered Gypsy
3 - Angela Harris
4 - Paula's Palace of AltAred Art
5 - (New) Paper Artsy in the UK

Yes, I am still working in the art journal, although its been a slow week. Last week I managed to complete 2 more pages in the book. Sorry about the flashes on the pics. They were taken indoors. It's 100 degrees out! I might melt before the pictures ever were taken!

Birthdays Galore

My baby turned 9 today. Am I really that old? Oh yeah, this post isn't about me. lol My sweet DD #2 is now nine. She'll be going into the 4th grade. What shall I do when my babies are all grown up and flying the coop?

She had the best birthday she says. Family lunch and pool party yesterday. And today on her official birthday we spent it with cousins, eating out at Red Robin and then home for more presents (her favs were Polly Pocket Yacht, Spiderwick WII game, cactus from grandma and her new pink roller blades.) Sigh. They grow up so fast!







On the other end of the spectrum, my friend, fellow homeschooler and Stampin Up demonstrator Rhonda celebrated a nice round number last Friday. We surprised her with a par-tay of presents, cake and lots of laughs. I don't think she looks a day over 29, do you? (I got a crack out of one of the 'over' the hill' gifts one of the girls gave her! lol)