Scrapbooker's Club House has chosen its new Design Team for the August to November term.
Our fab new team is Lynn Marsh, Mary Chong, Allyson Bright Meyer and Jenifer Cowles.
Here are their Blogs, too:
Lynn Marsh: http://www.lynner22.blogspot.com/
Mary Chong: http://www.marys-creative-zone.blogspot.com/
Allyson Bright Meyer: http://www.allysonbrightmeyer.com/
Jenifer Cowles: http://creatingfool.spaces.live.com/
Enjoy your term ladies!
Can't wait to see what you bring to our wonderfully friendly and creative Club House!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Noah at Primary Orientation Day~ May 2007
Well, this proves to me how much our little man has grown and changed (in his looks and his learning) and also how FAST a year can FLY!
Thanks to teacher Suzanne W. and the wonderful EAs for this photo of Noah at age 5 years, 1 month old!
All sorts of scraps were used here, the number paper on the bottom central area is by Dream Street Papers, and is from SBCH. It's by Tracy Whitney Designs called Clubhouse- High 5!!! Too funny, as this is a social gesture Noah learned this year, and I "work" at the Club House! HAHA!
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Wedding Card
(Just click on card to make it bigger)This card was created especially for my sister Alex and her husband to be, Cody.
Wishing them all the best as they embark on their life together next Saturday!
Wishing them all the best as they embark on their life together next Saturday!
Inside is a long pocket made from the feathery Mulberry paper and brads to hold their gift safely.
Patterned (embossed) and Mulberry papers: The Paper Company
Swirl punch: A Hudson's Bay import
Patterned (embossed) and Mulberry papers: The Paper Company
Swirl punch: A Hudson's Bay import
Scroll punch out adhered to Mulberry paper greeting: Darice
Stamp: Anita's 2002 Sugarloaf inc. Size D
Large Diamond-shaped Jewelled Brad: Karen Foster
Ribbon: American Crfts Elements Premium Ribbon
Dye ink~ Ink it up! Khaki Green
Chalk: Provocraft (Behind punched Scroll openings)
Tools:
Bone folder
Paintbrush
Sponge-tip applicator for chalk
Glue dots
Stamp: Anita's 2002 Sugarloaf inc. Size D
Large Diamond-shaped Jewelled Brad: Karen Foster
Ribbon: American Crfts Elements Premium Ribbon
Dye ink~ Ink it up! Khaki Green
Chalk: Provocraft (Behind punched Scroll openings)
Tools:
Bone folder
Paintbrush
Sponge-tip applicator for chalk
Glue dots
Card is based on a Sketch by Noella Arsenault, from her sketch Blog (Sketch #9): creativelyyours.wordpress.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Journaling Junkie Nickname Challenge!
Click on photo to make it bigger so u can read the journaling, and Thanks for checking out my creations!This fun challenge came from: http://journalingjunkie.blogspot.com/
Oh My Daniel!
Photo of Daniel by Kate MacD., July 2007.
Page Supplies:
Page Supplies:
Patt paper from BasicGrey:
Infuse collection~ Invest inf-827
~ Introduce inf-833
Recess Collection~
Teacher’s Lounge REC-870
Patt paper from Scenic Route:
Salem Collection~ (Stars) Peabody Street SR880
~ (Circles) Webb Street SR878
Lettering~ BasicGrey Blush Collection
Pumpkin Sticker: Salem Hallowee’n Cardstock Stickers SRS920
Brads: American Traditional Designs CA-0009 Dec Brad Ant Silver Round
Dye Ink: Ink it up! Khaki Green 1027-14 Darice Inc
Yellow Tag (on Kilroy tag) Making Memories GBTag Square VPK1 Item # 26011
Satin burnt orange ribbon: Atlantic Fabrics
Font: free~ Century Gothic
Kilroy Graffiti from~ http://delontin1.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/kilro_28_173.jpg
Pen for doodling: Chestnut ~ American Crafts Slickwriter
Holes for Brads done w/ Silent Setter by Provocraft
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Two Choices...
Here is something we all can learn from... Thanks to my friend Jane for sending it.
Two Choices
What would you do? You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one.
Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart.
The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!' As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
Two Choices
What would you do? You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one.
Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart.
The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!' As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
"Dream Fiddle"
"Dream Fiddle"
This page was done for the **Music Fest Challenge** for the SPF Crop over at Scrapbooker's Club House.
The journaling reads:
"Grandma brought her new Fiddle to show us at Easter. She played Happy Birthday and Twinkle, twinkle for the kids! So very sweet! "
On the left of the page. I wrote the first lines to "Twinkle, twinkle little star."
"Grandma brought her new Fiddle to show us at Easter. She played Happy Birthday and Twinkle, twinkle for the kids! So very sweet! "
On the left of the page. I wrote the first lines to "Twinkle, twinkle little star."
Based on a sketch by Noella Arsenault: “Creatively Yours, Sketches by Noella” blog, the 12x12” sketch for Saturday July 19, 2008.
Here's the link to Noella's sketch! http://creativelyyours.wordpress.com/category/12-x-12-sketches/
Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill; Chatterbox Dark Scarlet**
Miniature Floral Pp behind all photos~ Dream Street (?)**
Burgundy distressed pp (photo mat) ~ Enchanted, Once Upon a Time, Item # ENC-361**
Dotted pp: BasicGrey Infuse “Introduce” inf-833**
Striped pp: BasicGrey “Infuse” inf-827**
Burgundy Velvet Ribbon: labeled R0478 unkn. brand
Black double face satin ribbon: Supreme Laces inc. Montreal
“Dream” twill: Scrap left over from a RAK (TY)
Flocked Swirl pp: Dollarama
Dye Ink: Ink it Up! Khaki Green #1027-14
"Fiddle” title lettering: BasicGrey Motifica**
Musical notes~ Pam’s Metals (TY Pam!)
Heart shaped button: TY to my Mom
Embroidery floss: DMC # 3012
Fiddle Applique: Atlantic Fabrics
Buttons: All from Frenchy’s button bin (Wilmot, NS location)
Journaling Stickers: Date and rectangular swirl: “Remarks”American Crafts, Book 1
Tools:
Glue Dots**
Journaling pen: American Crafts Slickwriter: Chestnut (brown)**
Hope you liked this creation!!
Splashin' Sparkly Water Challenge
Splashin'!
An SPF CROP Challenge Layout
Supplies:
Papers used here are A2Z Dulce Island Blossoms (stripe and 2 medium sized flowers)
Scenic Route: Sentimental Garden, Terrace Coral (BIG flower)
Scenic Route: Salem (orange wavy strip w/ diamond shapes)
Buttons are all from Frenchy's, Wilmot, NS location.
Pens:1- American Crafts Slickwriter (blue) and 2- Uniball Signo Gel Pen (white)
Remarks journaling stickers: American Crafts
Lettering from BasicGrey Oh! Baby! collection
Friday, July 18, 2008
A New Family Member...
Our family has adopted "Mittens" a 6 week old TINY kitten from the Barn where our pony, Oakley, is boarded.
Mittens' Mommy, Dora, was killed when he was just a newborn. She was likely taken by an eagle or falcon, right from the yard. We have many birds of prey here. I call them "Pterodactyls. " (I know they have to eat too, but taking a cat is nuts.)
Anyway, two barn cats (beautiful healthy mackerel striped tabbies Dora and Corona) had litters in May. The other Mommy cat (Corona) took on all the babies and nursed them after Dora went missing. Two of the babies died soon after birth... they were Mittens' siblings. He was a fighter and has made it. However, he is VERY tiny and of small build... with a tiny, tiny face and blue eyes. (BTW, he's black with a white tummy and tiny tail.)
Our kids' riding coach said that they were looking for homes for the 6 or 7 kittens... the kittens were soon to be released into the barnyard as they had pretty much been weaned by Mommy-some of the kittens still were nursing a wee bit and I had considered leaving him there as long as possible to be nursed... But the coach told me that Mommy cat would hardly let Mittens nurse at all anymore... and he was eating wet kitten food, as were they all.
Our family has been given the gift of being able to take animals who are in need of rescue and of a good home. We have 2 cats and 2 dogs, all rescues, ALL SPAYED/NEUTERED. They are a blessing.
Anyway, I told Peter that I was very afraid that Mittens would meet the same fate as his Mommy. He is not much bigger than a well-fed field mouse and so this was a likely scenario- a Pterodactyl would grab and then kill and eat him. Horrible scenario and an awful death for a small kitten who has fought so hard for his place in the world.
Peter was as horrified at the thought as I was. UGH!
SO: Peter agreed that we could take the baby. Mittens will be an indoor cat [as our two cats are,] and would thus be safe from the eagles and falcons.
Kate and Peter went to the barn and brought Mittens home last evening. So far all is well although our Border Collie (Ocean) is not only very curious, but would like to boss her around (he has that very strong herding instinct.)
I am keeping the baby in the new laundry room (10x10') for now so he feels safe and is warm and cosy and has not too much involvement with the other pets til I get him to the vet for a chck and a Feline Leukemia test.
Our other cat, Tootsie, is mothering the baby. So sweet. She is a year old, a rescue from last Spring. She is also herding the baby a bit, and has given him a thorough bath and washed his face! SWEET.
Mittens weighs only 9 ozs and is SUPER-super-tiny. He is 6 weeks old.
Our BIG Tootsie was 2lbs 2 ozs when we adopted her. Do you remember "Little Tootsie??" Well she is now a very long and fancy looking tortoiseshell cat: HUGE fluffy tail and looks like a mountain lion (cougar) with fluffies (tufts) between her toes and everything! She is a typical female spayed cat- a bit aloof. She sure likes the baby though. Jessie, our other cat was fine with the new addition, as was Lucie-Honey, our other dog. Yes: we have 5 pets. Ocean, Lucie-Honey, Jessie, Toosie and Mittens. I'm glad our Pony does NOT live with us.
Mittens sees the vet on Monday AM. I'll keep you all posted! Thanks for reading!
PS~ I've also included a photo of Tootsie taken a month ago, for you to enjoy.
Cracklin' Snappin' Campfire Challenge
This layout was created for the Cracklin' Snappin' Campfire Crop Challenge over at Scrapbooker's Club House! We are having SUCH a blast over there this week!
TY to my sister Mary (a French Immersion Program teacher at that time) for asking me to come with her classes to Kingswood Camp as the Camp Nurse last Spring. It was wonderfully fun!
SUPPLIES:
**= from SBCH
Lettering: BasicGrey Motifica**
Daisy Bucket patt paper scraps ** Cool Dude Line (Various patterns)
Decades by Cactus Pink scraps** Art Deco line, Zap #1003
Dye Ink: Ink it up! Khaki Green
Hand drawn swirls Pen: Uniball Signo (white) **
Background CS: Yam, Bazzill**
Scallop and waves/peaks doodles created with the Paper Pizazz "Easy Stitches" template**
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Laughter Overload
Here is the fun Striped Awning Challenge I did over at Scrapbooker's Club House for the July online crop.http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8767&highlight=
If you have not been over to check outthis fun and productive event, please do, it's AWESOME~! Here's a link directly to the forum where you can find the "crop" we have goin' on, so just jump right on in!
http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=30
The 2 striped patt papers's I used to meet Tammy's challenge are from Recess collection by Basic Grey and the Cogsmo Collection by Cosmo Cricket.
That's my dear Dad BTW, with Noah. He just looks so proud of Noah.
Dad's an engineer. I think he wonders which of our boys will also become one!!
He and Mom have 3 girls, NO boys, and none of the girls are engineers... they are an RN (me), a Teacher and a Human Resources gal for a bank... my daughter is going to be an equine massage therapist... so ONE of my boys better be an engineer for Grandpa! [I am putting that info on the back of the LO] ----> PS the kids call my Dad their "Grandpa Critter!" LOL!
SUPPLIES:
This LO was for created for "Striped Awning Challenge" at the July Crop at SBCH
**= From SBCH
Used 2 different striped papers were used as per Challenge~ BG Recess Collection & scalloped edge in stripes (C.C.'s Cogsmo Line)
All pp and CS/sticker embellies are from Cogsmo line by Cosmo Cricket**
Small striped pce of paper w/ journaling--> under Grandpa's photo is by Basic Grey~ From Recess line (scrap I had from that collection) **
Buttons all vintage
Journaling done in green American Crafts Slickwriter**, on "Remarks" Journaling Sticker by AC **Teal and turquoise CS: Scraps
Dye ink: Ink it up! Turquoise #1027-12
Thanks for checking out my creation!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Squishy Toy - April 2006
This is Noah with his new squishy toy in April 2006. Cute, eh?
At age 2.5 when we began private therapy for our little boy, our therapist, Shawna, baseline-assessed him and he would not even TOUCH this type of toy.
I specifically remember it. (CAUSE: Sensory issue r/t ASD.)
I specifically remember it. (CAUSE: Sensory issue r/t ASD.)
Here, at age 4, on his April 2006 birthday, he clearly LOVED it and was playing with it like any typically developing child would.
Bravo Noah! He looks so happy!
The info I just typed here is on the back of the page.
The info I just typed here is on the back of the page.
Supplies:
Page was done for Heather's "Super-Hot BBQ Coals Challenge" at SBCH
Page was done for Heather's "Super-Hot BBQ Coals Challenge" at SBCH
Mainly scraps adhered and used as Background
Red CS: Unkn
Some scraps from Accord Publishing Sb'ing calendar,
Blues and reds from Pam (TY)
Lg daisy Floral patt paper scrap: from a RAK
Layered Flowers: Primas
Lettering stickers: ProvoCraft
Yellow photo mats: Basic Grey
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
We made it!
This is a Layout from July 2007 photos. The journaling was written yesterday, in my voice, as if it was indeed last year~ from the perspective I had then.
Journaling reads:
We made it!
Noah, I can’t even begin to explain what the 2.5 years since your diagnosis with ASD have been like, learning from experience that we would have to fight for every last minute of the minimal therapy you got, and for every gain, every leap of learning you made. It was hard finding a way to pay for ABA therapy before the EIBI program came into being, hard to bite our lips when we waited to hear whether you would be accepted into the program by your name being drawn from a “hat…” Hard to be involved in a provincial therapy program that was a ‘pilot…’ hard to become your therapists when all we wanted to do was be your Mommy and Daddy and hear you say “I love you.”
Honestly, it was just tough! We would have to fight with every ounce of the strength we had as your Mommy and Daddy, for therapy hours, for understanding, for balance in life and the equilibrium to remain standing. We knew that a pattern was being set: we gained the knowledge that we would be fighting for you as long as we were by your side. We wrote letters and galvanized others to do so. Daddy became president of Valley Autism Support Team. I wrote articles. I answered questions about autism to enhance understanding. We read. I “scrapbooked” the pain and the gains of our reality.
Nothing came easily, not any sort of a therapy program (which is in its’ infancy in NS but which is your due as a citizen of Canada), not decisions about starting school… NOTHING. But we made it Ok and your smiles in these June 2007 pictures prove that the decisions were the right ones and the therapy we learned to provide 24/7 was the right “way to go.” We fought our way through it…
And… we made it through. There was no path to follow but we made it, intact, and more experienced, beside you. Seeing you at 5, with the smile in your eyes and on your face that shows you as the happy little being you are, makes all of it, every step, every one of my tears, worthwhile.
You are a precious child, you are with us because we are the family you needed, and because WE needed YOU to love. That’s a certainty.
Now it’s on to the next challenge: Big school in the Fall…
The tag says:
June 2007; Zoo photos Noah~ 5 years and 2 mos old
Written in July 2008 in my voice, from the perspective I had in 2007.
Memories of Victoria Beach
As part of the Online Crop we are hosting at Scrapbooker's Club House this week, July 14-20, I had to post a challenge for our members, new faces and guests.... Here is the link to that challenge.
Above is the layout that I did as well as some closeups.
The Journaling, which is the "real" challenge, follows right here:
What’s Behind the Screen Door?
When I was 10 years old, I traveled from Montreal to Winnipeg on the train. I was going to visit my Nana at her cottage. It was a long three-day and two-night trip. The pullman porter was paid by my Mum to help me during the trip, probably about three dollars back then, and he took great care of me. In those days, everyone traveled by train: that was the way that people traveled across Canada. There was no airline travel yet, really.
I remember that my Auntie Nina, who was in the Salvation Army and was stationed in Montreal at the time, had given me a box of chocolates when I got on the train. A whole box of chocolates, all to myself! After the train started rolling, I opened the chocolates and was enjoying them when the porter noticed and said “Now, little Missie, you can’t eat all those, you gonna be sick! I’m gonna take those and give them back to you in Winnipeg.” And, he did!
The porters took really good care of their passengers. My porter pulled the curtain in my sleeper berth at night, and in the morning, he’d come tell me “First call for breakfast, Missie!” when it was time to eat.
The passengers went to the dining car for meals. It was pretty fancy, with linen tablecloths and silver service. But then, that’s how things were done at that time. It was 1951.
While I was on the train trip I read and did some embroidery. My Mum used to iron the embroidery patterns onto tea towels for me to stitch. I used to give them to my grandmothers as gifts, oh, I imagine they must have had piles of them! I also think I did some knitting, because I knew how, and was always knitting squares for afghans and things.
I looked through the window at the scenery: I remember thinking how ugly the view from a train was when you came into a big city: rail yards and rail cars and oh, just very ugly. I remember thinking “THIS is Toronto?”
The scenery changed a lot when we got to the prairies. So flat!
I was also a people watcher, and still am. I remember watching the other people on the train. I don’t remember talking with anyone, but I must have!
The train had a little bathroom where you could go wash up, and I remember that the hardest part of getting to the different cars was the sort of accordion-like canvas that attached the cars to one another. That was hard to walk over! And, for days after I got to my destination on Lake Winnipeg, I continued to feel the lurch of the train when I walked!
It was a mystical, magical summer at Nana and Granddad’s rented cottage at Victoria Beach. My Granddad had gone on a business trip, which I was glad of. He always said I was “too fat” and wanted me to do exercises. I didn’t like him very much. Anyway, he went away, which made me happy. That gave my Nana some time to focus on me. It was really special because I adored spending time with her. She was a wonderful person: a British cockney!
I loved the water…swimming was my favourite thing to do. Nana and I went to the beach every day. Nana would wade out to a big rock and sit on top of it, watching me swim. I can remember us walking together up the sandy road back from the beach, Nana saying in her sing-song voice “I see a green fence, I see a green fence!” when our cottage came into view. It was just a little game we had established as “ours.”
While we were walking, Nana would also say “We’ll stop at the top of the hill…” Well, I remember that, to me, the hill was just a little bump! That was the prairies…! I also remember riding an old bicycle along that sandy road. It had a metal basket between the handlebars.
After swimming, we’d head back to the cottage and have cold lemonade that Nana concocted from delicious syrup that she’d made of freshly squeezed lemons and citric acid from the store. She had a tin of special shortbreads and licorice allsorts and black current jelly that she ordered from England. (Of course a kid would remember the food!)
Nana was also the one who started me on the soft-boiled egg with cut up “toast fingers” to dip into the yolk. I remember that I got very homesick at one point. I couldn’t eat and of course, I couldn’t go home! Nana made those soft boiled eggs for me, and I did eat them. They just tasted soooo good. I love them to this day.
The afternoon was spent quietly, with knitting and reading. Nana would sometimes have a little nap, I think. I read Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mysteries, which were my favourite things to read. Sometimes Nana and I would do some crafts.
It was the most magical summer of all and I loved every moment with my Nana. I adored her.
That was what was behind my Mom’s… your Grandma Grierson’s… screen door that summer of 1951 when she, at age 10, stayed with her Nana at the Victoria Beach cottage on Lake Winnipeg.
Information taken from telephone interview by Ali (Grierson) MacDonald with Cari (Pride) Grierson on July 8th, 2008.
When I was 10 years old, I traveled from Montreal to Winnipeg on the train. I was going to visit my Nana at her cottage. It was a long three-day and two-night trip. The pullman porter was paid by my Mum to help me during the trip, probably about three dollars back then, and he took great care of me. In those days, everyone traveled by train: that was the way that people traveled across Canada. There was no airline travel yet, really.
I remember that my Auntie Nina, who was in the Salvation Army and was stationed in Montreal at the time, had given me a box of chocolates when I got on the train. A whole box of chocolates, all to myself! After the train started rolling, I opened the chocolates and was enjoying them when the porter noticed and said “Now, little Missie, you can’t eat all those, you gonna be sick! I’m gonna take those and give them back to you in Winnipeg.” And, he did!
The porters took really good care of their passengers. My porter pulled the curtain in my sleeper berth at night, and in the morning, he’d come tell me “First call for breakfast, Missie!” when it was time to eat.
The passengers went to the dining car for meals. It was pretty fancy, with linen tablecloths and silver service. But then, that’s how things were done at that time. It was 1951.
While I was on the train trip I read and did some embroidery. My Mum used to iron the embroidery patterns onto tea towels for me to stitch. I used to give them to my grandmothers as gifts, oh, I imagine they must have had piles of them! I also think I did some knitting, because I knew how, and was always knitting squares for afghans and things.
I looked through the window at the scenery: I remember thinking how ugly the view from a train was when you came into a big city: rail yards and rail cars and oh, just very ugly. I remember thinking “THIS is Toronto?”
The scenery changed a lot when we got to the prairies. So flat!
I was also a people watcher, and still am. I remember watching the other people on the train. I don’t remember talking with anyone, but I must have!
The train had a little bathroom where you could go wash up, and I remember that the hardest part of getting to the different cars was the sort of accordion-like canvas that attached the cars to one another. That was hard to walk over! And, for days after I got to my destination on Lake Winnipeg, I continued to feel the lurch of the train when I walked!
It was a mystical, magical summer at Nana and Granddad’s rented cottage at Victoria Beach. My Granddad had gone on a business trip, which I was glad of. He always said I was “too fat” and wanted me to do exercises. I didn’t like him very much. Anyway, he went away, which made me happy. That gave my Nana some time to focus on me. It was really special because I adored spending time with her. She was a wonderful person: a British cockney!
I loved the water…swimming was my favourite thing to do. Nana and I went to the beach every day. Nana would wade out to a big rock and sit on top of it, watching me swim. I can remember us walking together up the sandy road back from the beach, Nana saying in her sing-song voice “I see a green fence, I see a green fence!” when our cottage came into view. It was just a little game we had established as “ours.”
While we were walking, Nana would also say “We’ll stop at the top of the hill…” Well, I remember that, to me, the hill was just a little bump! That was the prairies…! I also remember riding an old bicycle along that sandy road. It had a metal basket between the handlebars.
After swimming, we’d head back to the cottage and have cold lemonade that Nana concocted from delicious syrup that she’d made of freshly squeezed lemons and citric acid from the store. She had a tin of special shortbreads and licorice allsorts and black current jelly that she ordered from England. (Of course a kid would remember the food!)
Nana was also the one who started me on the soft-boiled egg with cut up “toast fingers” to dip into the yolk. I remember that I got very homesick at one point. I couldn’t eat and of course, I couldn’t go home! Nana made those soft boiled eggs for me, and I did eat them. They just tasted soooo good. I love them to this day.
The afternoon was spent quietly, with knitting and reading. Nana would sometimes have a little nap, I think. I read Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mysteries, which were my favourite things to read. Sometimes Nana and I would do some crafts.
It was the most magical summer of all and I loved every moment with my Nana. I adored her.
That was what was behind my Mom’s… your Grandma Grierson’s… screen door that summer of 1951 when she, at age 10, stayed with her Nana at the Victoria Beach cottage on Lake Winnipeg.
Information taken from telephone interview by Ali (Grierson) MacDonald with Cari (Pride) Grierson on July 8th, 2008.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Design Team Call!!
Scrapbooker's Club House is seeking a new 4-member Design Team!! Here is a link to the information you'll need to apply!
http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8470
Please do consider it... being on the DT for SBCH is the BEST!
http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8470
Please do consider it... being on the DT for SBCH is the BEST!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
"I not have a scratch!!"
Journaling reads: “I not have a scratch!”
Daniel, this picture of you in Spring 2006 sporting a big scratch beside your nose reminds me of an incident when you were in Grade Primary (@ age 5).
You came home from school one day with a HUGE ragged scratch down one cheek. In your backpack was a note from the teacher, a sub… saying that she’d tried to clean the scratch after recess but you hadn’t allowed her to. She sounded frantic. Of course you’d also refused to tell her how you got the scratch,
Daddy and I asked you what had happened. You remained mum on the cause of the injury. In fact, you also vehemently told us “I not have a scratch!” Nothing we said or did netted us the story behind the scratch.
Eventually, we had to accept that you were in total “Scratch Denial!”
I was able to ascertain, however, that during recess, you had NOT been attacked by an alien, a mountain lion or a T-Rex’s claws. I wrote the teacher a note saying that. I hope she felt better when she saw that even Mommy couldn’t get the WHOLE story out of you!
SUPPLIES:
Various patterned papers from "Cool Dude" collection by Daisy Bucket~ SBCH
ie: "Radical Ryan"
Label from American Crafts Journaling Sticker Book~ SBCH
Font: Century Gothic; free; title was in bold
Rub ons: BasicGrey 'Wholy Cow' Black Paisley Border www.basicgrey.com
Floral medallions: cut from scrap of Dream Street "Trunk Full of Batik Collection" ~ SBCH
Buttons~ Vintage
Tools:
Corner Rounder: Creative Memories
Around the Block Antiquing Tool~ Dye Ink: Brown~ SBCH
Adhesives:
Mini Glue Dots
Glue stick
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Evangeline Pony Club Scrapbook: A Title Page
+%234.jpg)
Top Photo: Layout for title page of Alissa's Evangeline Pony Club Scrapbook. Scrapbook was a gift made for her by her EPC members.Bottom photo: Here's the sketch that I used to guide the creation of this layout. It's from Monika Martinson in Sweden, whose sketches have provided me with MUCH inspiration. Monika goes by "Moma." Link to her fabulous sketch blog is: http://scrapsketches.blogspot.com/
This sketch was used and the EPC Layout created for a "beyond-the-norm" July Sketch Challenge I set up for the gals over at at Scrapbooker's Club House. Thanks to Moma for helping us out!!
Below is the link to the SBCH challenge; please feel free to join us! You are ALWAYS welcome at SBCH. I'd love to see what you can create!
http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8587
NOW... on to the story behind this special layout...
The photo at the top is the title page I made for the scrapbook that the Evangeline Pony Club kids made for their leader, Alissa. Since there is always a "lonely" single page at the beginning of every scrapbook just begging to be filled, I knew I should create something special. The above photo shows how it turned out. I was thrilled with it, and every moment from conceptualization to late-night creation was a pleasure. The scrapbook the kids made for Alissa was very special. She told me she was impressed with all the work the kids put into it! Bravo kids!
Alissa held a Day Camp for the kids over the week of June 31-July 4th that included Canada Day and the kids all had a blast. Lots of fun and learning at Rohan Wood Stables in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, where the camp was held. On Canada Day, as with every day of camp, the kids rode, learned to make treats for the ponies, did crafts such as T-shirt painting, making horseshoe frames and jean bags, and played games (with water!!!) One night they had a bonfire and a sleepover, too! Oh My, Canada Day Week was HOT! The kids also learned braiding and bandaging on the ponies. There were some pretty fancy-looking horses by Friday's Show when the families came to see the kids ride! Wow!
A HUGE kudos to Alissa, her friendly, welcoming family and a group of VERY dedicated volunteers who ran a wonderful Pony Club Camp full of learning and fun over Canada Day week.
SUPPLIES for above layout:
Webster's Pages; Parlor Collection, "Savory" Item # US 1578D (Floral cut-work by hand)
Paper Pizazz; 2004 HOTP- #20477 Charcoal faded (circle)
Paper Pizazz; 2004 HOTP-#20470 Belt (belt cut w/ craft knife & layered over circle)
Dream Street; burgundy floral behind EPC title and under Stamped image #1
Buttercup yellow: scrap
Kraft cardstock as background for horses
Cndn Pony Club Motto~ Century Gothic font, bold on Fiskars Country Collection: taupe
Small horses: scrap of cream cardstock; punch~Regal Greetings
Chalks: EK Success (earth tones applied to each cream horse w/ cotton fluffs, w/ postal tweezers )
"EPC" Lettering, BasicGrey: Blush
"Thank You Alissa" Lettering, BasicGrey: Motifica
Dye ink: Ink it Up! Khaki for horses and around circle
Stamp #1: Mom and lying foal~ "PSX" G1876 also labelled with "107 made in USA"
Stamp #2: Mom and exploring foal~ Mare and colt JR1029 Stampabilities 2002 (EBAY)
Chalks: EK Success (earth tones applied to each cream horse w/ cotton fluffs, w/ postal tweezers )
"EPC" Lettering, BasicGrey: Blush
"Thank You Alissa" Lettering, BasicGrey: Motifica
Dye ink: Ink it Up! Khaki for horses and around circle
Stamp #1: Mom and lying foal~ "PSX" G1876 also labelled with "107 made in USA"
Stamp #2: Mom and exploring foal~ Mare and colt JR1029 Stampabilities 2002 (EBAY)
Organdy dotted ribbon: SBCH
Black flowers: Queen and Co felt border
Buttons: vintage~ personal collection
Adhesives: Mini Glue Dots
Scotch photo splits
Scotch Scrapbooker's Glue
Black flowers: Queen and Co felt border
Buttons: vintage~ personal collection
Adhesives: Mini Glue Dots
Scotch photo splits
Scotch Scrapbooker's Glue
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Announcement: A Weeklong Online Crop at Scrapbooker’s Club House!
SBCH is doing it again: We’re having a “SPF Summer Crop!”
“SPF” is our theme, and it means “Scrapbooking Perfect Fun!"
When: One WHOLE WEEK, from Monday July 14 until Sunday July 20th!
We have an ENTIRE week of fun, games, prizes, Make n’ Takes, and challenges planned, so be sure to join the friendliest scrappers on the ‘net for this amazing time! Learn, scrap, gab and get pages done! Bring your flip-flops and beach umbrellie, you’re going to need them! Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Here’s the link: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8594 Join in the fun!
Scrapbooker’s Club House Homepage~ http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm
“SPF” is our theme, and it means “Scrapbooking Perfect Fun!"
When: One WHOLE WEEK, from Monday July 14 until Sunday July 20th!
We have an ENTIRE week of fun, games, prizes, Make n’ Takes, and challenges planned, so be sure to join the friendliest scrappers on the ‘net for this amazing time! Learn, scrap, gab and get pages done! Bring your flip-flops and beach umbrellie, you’re going to need them! Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Here’s the link: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8594 Join in the fun!
Scrapbooker’s Club House Homepage~ http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm
An Announcement!
Come check out the excitement!
Kah-Mei Smith, creative principal/owner of FontWerks, is the Celebrity Guest Designer at Scrapbooker’s Club House for the month of July! http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8638
Kah-Mei has already popped in to say hello and will be creating with the fabulous (but as yet unrevealed) August 2008 Scrapbooker’s Club House Kit.
You’ll be able to see Kah-Mei’s “Sneak Peek” layout along with those of our fabulous Design Team Members on July 15th! Be certain to come play at the Club House because the creations being shared from the 15-28th will be certain to knock your socks off!
Scrapbooker’s Club House Homepage link: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm
Kah-Mei Smith, creative principal/owner of FontWerks, is the Celebrity Guest Designer at Scrapbooker’s Club House for the month of July! http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8638
Kah-Mei has already popped in to say hello and will be creating with the fabulous (but as yet unrevealed) August 2008 Scrapbooker’s Club House Kit.
You’ll be able to see Kah-Mei’s “Sneak Peek” layout along with those of our fabulous Design Team Members on July 15th! Be certain to come play at the Club House because the creations being shared from the 15-28th will be certain to knock your socks off!
Scrapbooker’s Club House Homepage link: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)