Summer Silhouettes Thank You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Do you remember the U2 song "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For?"  I've been interpreting the refrain a bit differently these days.  I still haven't found what I'm looking for - literally.  Because how can you find something if you don't know what you are looking for?  Or maybe that's just it - maybe you find all that you need without even looking for it.  Do I have to decide where I want to live and what I want to do with my life?  Or do I just keep doing whatever it is that I am doing and somehow I will find what needs to be found?  As we discuss the whole idea of moving to the mountains I keep wondering - do I want to be a mountain woman?  or do I want to be a farmer?  or do I want to be an artist?  or do I want to be an author?  Do I have to decide before I can take action?  Can you tell I'm confused?  What I do know, is that I don't want to remain in a state of confusion and find myself still "spinning" these thoughts a number of years down the road to find that I haven't done anything at all.  Maybe a mountain top is just what I need - a place to go and be still - be with my thoughts and the sounds of my soul.  For now, that's exactly what I'm looking for :)
Today's card is simple and full of space (a theme of mine lately)!  I used Riding Hood Red ink at full and half strength with an image from Summer Silhouettes.  The sentiment is from From My Heart and was stamped with Early Espresso.  A simple neutrals button with hemp twine adds a finishing touch! :)  I hope you have a beautiful, creative and peaceful weekend!

Art Journal Pages

A Drive Into The Moutains

Today I thought I would just share a few photos from our drive up to the mountains this past weekend.

The driving was slow on the side roads when you find bystanders like these! :)  It was amazing to watch as these deer floated over fences as if they weren't even there!  So graceful!

We had never seen a black fox and this guy was gorgeous!  After doing a little researching and noticing the white tip to his tail, it seems that these rare black foxes are actually red fox with a genetic twist!  How cool that we got to see him!!!!!

There is something so beautiful to me about a boy and his dog :)  Michael and Buddy got out of the car for a quick leg stretch and I stayed behind and caught this photo :)  It makes my soul smile :)

Penant Parade Mouse Thumbprint Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Notice What Brings Lightness To Your Soul
I've been on a bit of an archaeological dig these past few weeks and I've gotta say I haven't been very successful.  What I'm looking for are the relics of who I am.  I'm not sure where I buried myself along the way, but for some reason I feel quite out of touch with what I want and who I am.  A lot of this has been brought up as we contemplate the possibility of moving to the Colorado mountains.  I know that when I was up in the mountains over the weekend, looking at the amazing scenery, I felt a lightness in my soul that I hadn't felt in awhile.  Could it be as simple as paying attention to what brings lightness v. heaviness to my soul?  Yes, as I look out the window of my craft room toward the small city oasis we have created in the backyard, I also feel lightness.  It is nature that I am drawn to - no matter where I am living.  I need to keep digging to see if I can figure out what choices to make.  In the meantime, I will notice what brings lightness to my soul because whatever I do, I need to nurture and sustain that :)
Speaking of lightness to my soul, I am having a lot of fun playing with my fingers are cards!  Today I created a small little love note (3x3) using a River Rock thumb print and some added permanent black marker doodles :)  I also used the sentiment stamp from Pennant Parade.  This is a great little love card to leave on a pillow when I head out on my travels :)  If you love River Rock, don't forget that this color is being discontinued as part of the Stampin' Up! color refresh and will only be available while supplies last!  Don't miss your chance to stock up on your favorites before they disappear!!!!  You can shop HERE if you would like :)

Fabulous Phrases Little Bird Thumbprint Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: It's Time To Regain Focus
I held out for a long time, but on December 31st of this past year, I decided to purchase a smart phone.  I held out for as long as I did because I was afraid that if I purchased one that I would become like all of the people I see around me - especially when I travel.  Head down, fingers moving, never focusing on where they are or what or who is around them.  And I must confess that my fear was properly placed.  Since I have purchased the phone I find myself checking email much more frequently.  I check the internet over and over during the day.  Worse yet, I feel like my ability to just focus on one thing and give that thing my undivided attention, has diminished.  When I read in the news the other day about the helicopter crash that was blamed on the pilot being distracted due to texting, the Universe was definitely trying to reach out to me to remind me that it is time to regain focus - time to work on immersing myself in what I am doing rather than trying to multi-task, simul-task - or whatever the heck you want to call it!  So I'm going to begin today - now - one thing at a time.

 Today's card is a build on the one I shared on Friday.  I had so much fun using my thumb print to create a bird I decided to create 2 :)  I once again used Bashful Blue for the birds and combined the birds with words from Fabulous Phrases.  I added the little heart from Itty Bitty Bits using Pretty In Pink ink.  Just a reminder...Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy and Pretty In Pink are all colors I used for this card and they are all being discontinued as part of Stampin' Up!s color refresh.  Don't miss the chance to purchase your favorite discontinued colors - they are disappearing fast!  Shop HERE now! :)  p.s. Happy Tax Day :)