brain overflow... artful antics and other shenanigans

Lomo Saturday

2012-02-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Fisheye 2.

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Friday Archive Dive

2012-02-17T21:17:00.000-05:00

Sketch - October 2006

"A Brick Wall"

Watercolor - December 2007

Lomo Saturday

2012-02-11T07:01:00.004-05:00

Black & White Fisheye

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Friday Archive Dive!

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Sketch - September 2007

"Elena" AKA "Catching Innocence"

16"x20" Acrylic on canvas

December 2007

What's in my bag 2012

2012-02-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

It's been over a year since I posted "Whats in my bag." I never thought that /what/ was in my bag was very exciting. . . but for some reason I get views on this post all year. Weird? I'd say.

So here's what's in my bag this year. A lot of the things are the same as last time...some different.

1. iPhone 4. LOVE this phone so much more than my Droid X.

2. Zipper pouch for misc things. This is pretty much my portable medicine cabinet.

3. Pen, pencil & hand sanitizer. Gotta have a million pens at all times.

4. Catalyst Tattoo sticker. Best.

5. Hello Kitty wallet. A gift from my hubbie!

6. 2nd Hello Kitty wallet. This one is for holding business cards.

7. Small zipper pouch for all my random credit cards/shopping cards that don't fit in my wallet.

8. Coupons.

9. Big Red. My favorite gum for winter. I don't like it when I'm chewing mint gum in the winter. My mouth gets SO cold when I breathe in! LOL!

10. SIX different lip products? Yea...I think I have a problem.

11. Sour mints I bought at Aldi. They are ok.

12. Mark compact.

13. Keys to Travis'c car, Dustin's car and other random things.

14. Keys to my car, house and an attached zipper pouch for my YMCA card.

15. Caribou coffee java jacket? Yea, I collect those for some unknown reason.

16. Lotion.

There you have it. Fascinating right?

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh.

These winter months are hard to take new lomo photos. . . never going outside and all.

Somehow I have to get another roll filled!

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Friday Archive Dive

2012-02-03T08:44:00.000-05:00

Sketch - July 2008

Painting - March 2010

"Firmly Rooted"

8.5" x 11"

My kitchen...

2012-02-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

Honestly, my house is usually a bit messy. Not like crazy messy...but not always organzied either.

Today, some friend were supposed to come over to do a 50's photo shoot in my kitchen, but suddenly one of their boys got sick. Poor little guy! So I thought, why waste a clean kitchen?

I've always wanted to post pictures around my house, so what the heck!

My kitchen is actually still "in progress." There's no ceiling right now, and the tiles are coming up and breaking (that's not in the picture). So hopefully within the year, we'll get that fixed up! I can't wait!

Lomo Saturday

2012-01-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Holga Lens for DSLR

Friday Archive Dive

2012-01-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

August 2007

Painting November 2008

For Crystal...

2012-01-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

A little painting I did for my sister-in-law. . . just cause.

11x14

acrylic on canvas

Lomo Saturday

2012-01-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Archive Dive

2012-01-20T09:13:00.001-05:00

Sketch August 2007

Painting February 2008

Sew and Grow

20x24

Acrylic on Canvas

Lomo Saturday

2012-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Another series with my Holga Lens for DSLR.

Friday Archive Dive

2012-01-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

Original Sketch August 2007

Painting August 2008

"Resistant"

16"x12"

acrylic on canvas

Lately I've been...

2012-01-11T11:15:00.002-05:00

Reading: The Hunger Games. Well, actually I finished the first book last night. This is the first time I've ever read a book BEFORE the movie comes out. I'm stoked! I'm also reading a book called "Made to Crave". It's about satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food. It also teaches healthy eating and lifestyle. It's quite fantastic.

Watching: 80's movies. Sometimes I like to watch Netflix on my phone while working out at the Y. I've been catching up on some movies that I've heard about my whole life, but never watched...such as Heathers, and Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Also, at home we've been watching Portlandia.

Listening: Ok fine. I've been obsessed with a few mainstream artists lately. I don't know why I have such a phobia against this (Dustin would say it's because I'm a hipster...LOL)! Anyway, I can't get enough of the new Florence + the Machine and Adele. Both of them have amazing voices that move me.

Eating: Super healthy. I'm tracking everything I eat on MyFitnessPal, and totally loving it. I've been doing Weight Watchers since 2005 and just really needed a change. I kept ketting off track. Travis has lost 40 lbs with MyFitnessPal. Now that Travis and I are on the same plan, it's making life so much easier!

Loving: Drawing every day. Well, it's a love/hate thing. But I'm definitely loving it more than hating. Sometimes I feel like there are no ideas left in the world...which is ridiculous! This is helping me get my creative juices going and flowing for good! I'm really loving this "group" that I'm in with other artsits who are also doing daily drawings. We share them and keep each other accountable. It's fantastic. (want to see my daily drawings? click HERE)

Looking Forward To: The Dominican Republic with MGM. From March 31st to April 7th, 2012, Dustin and I will be going on a missions trip to The Dominican Republic. When we're there, we'll be doing things like Vacation Bible School, medical and optical clinics, along with fixer-upper help...and I'll be painting a mural!

Daily Drawing from December 31, 2011

Lomo Saturday

2012-01-07T12:41:00.000-05:00

Taken with the Holga Lens for DSLR, with yellow filter.

Trying some different exposures.

Friday Archive Dive

2012-01-06T08:51:00.000-05:00

I recently went through all my old sketch books. It was crazy to see how many of the sketches I've turned into paintings, and the ones that didn't make it. Some sketches I still would like to paint in the future. I thought it would be fun to post some of the old original sketches with the end result.

So every Friday → Archive Dive!

Sketch - August 3, 2007

Painting - November 2008

"Selfish"

18x18 Acrylic on Canvas

2012 Goals

2012-01-04T11:57:00.003-05:00

I love goals!!!

Goals are so much better than resolutions.

They are just that...a goal.

Do your best. Challenge yourself. Improve. Have fun!

I have to write them down...it keeps me going.

This list is not complete.

I can add to it at any time, or make adjustments.

Seeing this list makes me so excited for the coming year.

Bring it on!

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Wonderful Things of 2011

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

The last few years I've got in the habit of reviewing the year, and writing goals for the next. I t has been very rewarding. Instead of typing it all out...I thought I'd just share my actual list of "Wonderful Things of 2011." It's messy and probably has a billion spelling errors, but that's who I am.
I'm the transparent type ya know?

I'm still forming my goal list for 2012. These things a lot of pondering.

Looking at this list, I feel SO very blessed.

Blessed in ways I can't believe are actually true, and blessed beyond what I deserve.

It's the Lord's work in me. None of it from myself.

So very thankful.

Burgatory.

2011-12-29T21:46:00.002-05:00

Burgatory.

Helluva Burger. Heavenly Shakes.

Instant food coma. Instant bliss.

A year in puppy pix.

2011-12-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Dogs are so cute...and so silly at the strangest times. I think that's why I have a plethora of puppy pix from the year. Enjoy!

2011 in cell phone pix.

2011-12-28T18:22:00.001-05:00

What a fantastic year.

Christmas Commission...

2011-12-26T14:28:00.003-05:00

Laurel & Ian

18"x18"

acrylic on canvas

::blessed::

2011-12-25T23:13:00.001-05:00

Let the festivities begin!

2011-12-24T12:18:00.001-05:00

Dustin just got his present from Holly!! She MADE it! LOVE!

Have a fantastic Christmas!!!

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Let's try this again.

2011-12-21T21:53:00.001-05:00

Starting January 2011, I embarked on a journey to draw a tree every day. Well...sadly that lasted until May. It was a great experience, but just got burned out on trees. Maybe I just got burned out in general.

Whatever the case, I'm back on the band wagon thanks to Bryan Collins and a group of other artists. We're all doing it together, and keeping each other accountable. This time, it's not just trees. It's whatever. I know not every day is going to be a masterpiece, and I'm ok with that. Some days will be better than others I'm sure. As long as I'm drawing, then I'm accomplishing my goal! I'm continuing on with my 365 blog. I'll be posting my drawings daily. Feel free to come along if you like.

Lomo Saturday

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

"because you are with me"

2011-12-15T14:06:00.000-05:00

"because you are with me"

(based on Psalm 23)

16x20

acrylic on canvas

Created for Discovery Christian Church for their "God the Artist" series.
Original painting and limited edition prints available Christmas Eve services.

All proceeds go to http://eat-art.org/ feeding hungry children around the world.

Tattoo of "Under His Protection"

2011-12-14T22:21:00.002-05:00

Meet Lillian from Brazil!

Tattoo of "Under His Protection"

♥♥♥

My weekend in photos & music

2011-12-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://nathanstiteler.bandcamp.com/album/deathbed-flowerbed"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;deathbed. flowerbed. by nathan stiteler&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Lomo Saturday - Holga lens for Canon DSLR first attempt!

2011-12-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt using my Holga Lens kit for Canon DSLR.

I really only had a few minutes to play with it. . . it's gonna be tricky!

"Retro-sketch"

2011-12-09T15:36:00.001-05:00

I just found all these drawings from elementary school!

I used to take stickers from my collection (ahh! The 80's!) and re-draw them.

I'm really not sure how old I was when I did these...but I'm thinking second grade?!?

Hehe!!! I remember that mermaid one being SO HARD.

Lomo Saturday

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

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Thrifty Wall Decor!

2011-12-01T13:45:00.001-05:00

I'm SO excited about this project!

Since summer I've been collecting mirrors for some thrifty wall decor.

I finally got enough mirrors, and put it all together. Check it out!

(Ok...Obviously, I don't have pictures of the next step.

But for the record, I took apart the mirrors and spray painted them. Easy enough right?)

Postcards galore!

2011-11-30T10:55:00.001-05:00

I have two brand new postcard packs available in my Etsy shop!

"This and That" Postcard pack:

"Fanciful Forest" Postcard pack"

And don't forget...

www.cinamonsquirrel.etsy.com

Lomo Saturday!

2011-11-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Camera: Holga 120N

Film: Lomography Redscale

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Small Business Saturday!

2011-11-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

Lomo Saturday!

2011-11-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Susan Randall: Album Art!

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am excited to announce the release of my friend Susan Randall's debut CD featuring my painting

"Firmly Rooted." Susan is super talented. This CD has seven original songs, in which she wrote and performed herself! She sings, plays guitar and piano. So pretty!

You can listen to some of the songs HERE.

If you'd like to purchase a CD, visit her blog for more info.

Big shop update!

2011-11-16T12:38:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I updated my shop with a bunch of new prints, originals and my new 2012 Calendar!!

"Electric Youth" Original HERE - Print HERE

"O Sweetness" Original HERE - Print HERE

"Rorschach Tree" Original SOLD - Print HERE

"Fingerprint" Original HERE - Print HERE

2012 Calendar HERE

Handmade Arcade = Fantastic

2011-11-15T13:32:00.001-05:00

I had such an amazing time at Handmade Arcade for the Holidays. This is the only picture we took!

I wanted to take more, but it was insanely busy the whole time.

Sadly, I didn't really have time to shop at all.

Hubbie did pick up a print for me from the fantastic Kathleen Lolley!

I love this print so much...I can't wait to frame it!

Isn't it gorgeous?

Lomo Saturday: My first redscale negative roll!

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt with Lomography's Redscale Negative film. I used my Holga 120N with the 35mm adaptor. When I first picked up the pictures, I was a little upset. They only developed about four of the pictures. I don't know if they thought they were bad or what? Anyway...I went home and scanned in my negatives. So dreamy! I'm going to try one of these rolls with my 35mm Canon Rebel. I bed the pictures will look amazing.

Because the camera is SO "manual" I frequently screw up the winding of the film, and something like this happens. Sometimes I like it...sometimes I wish I would of just payed a little more for the better Holga. Whatevs! It's fun either way.

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Childlike inspiration: I can't stop...

2011-11-11T10:16:00.001-05:00

I can't stop watching kids shows with guest performances!

This one is my favorite: Tilly and the Wall. Best ever!

Feist!

Adam Sandler:

Thrifty Thursday: My Mantle

2011-11-10T13:25:00.000-05:00

I have definitely posted pictures of my mantle before, but it was time for an update! I recently rearranged some things. I have a bunch of new thrifty finds included of course! I love my mantle. It's what is directly in front of me when I'm sewing, or doing other crafty fun. I like to keep it bright, colorful and inspiring!

These two guys (along with the next colorful owl) were thrifted by my Brother and/or his girlfriend Heidi! They know what I like!

I got this cute little birdie scene at the Sal-vo on a trip to Erie, PA. LOVE that thrift store!

This amazing owl needle point was given to me by Dustin's girlfriend Holly!

She thrifted it in Grove City, PA. For further fun.... Holly is also the sister of Heidi.

(yea...if Brian and Heidi get married, and then Dustin and Holly...Heidi will turn into Holly's aunt! LOL!!!!)

First in this picture, is my very first painting. Well, my first painting on canvas.

I think I was 7 years old. On the right, Mario & Link made from Lego's! Dustin made that!

Do you have a little spot in your house for your extra special finds?

Handmade Arcade is this Saturday!

2011-11-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited that I'll be a part of Handmade Arcade for the Holidays this year!

It will be held this Saturday November 12th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

There are going to be so many amazing artists and handmade goods. I really would love to actually go shopping...but I'll be lucky if I get out of my booth at all. ^_^

I've been sort of quiet here on the blog, simply because I've been so busy getting ready for these shows. Hoping to get back with it soon. My life has been pouches. Pouches, pouches, pouches. I finally finished them all up last night! Don't they look cute stacked so neatly?

What kind of projects have you been doing lately?

2011-11-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

blessed...

2011-10-31T11:14:00.002-04:00

❤

Lomo Saturday

2011-10-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

Well, these pictures are the last of what I have developed.

I guess I have to make it a goal to have some more ready by next week!

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

A walk on the trail...

2011-10-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

There were a few pretty trees left. Most of them have just turned brown though.

Every year it's hit or miss with the tree brilliance. This year was over all a dud.

Yay! My iphone case changes color in the sun.

This hasn't happened lately with all the dreary days.

Of course I had my holga, fisheye and Canon DSLR with me. HA!

(Don't forget my ratty old painting jacket and Pittsburgh Roller Derby fanny pack!)

Lomo Saturday

2011-10-22T08:56:00.000-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

For your entertainment...

2011-10-18T09:53:00.003-04:00

My son Dustin, has been making a lot of videos for school & contests lately.

Here are a couple funny ones I thought you'd enjoy! HA!

The next video is for a contest. They had 24 hours to made a 5 minute video. It had to have the line "It's not cheating unless you get caught," and they had to use a wig. I laugh so hard every time I watch this...

"Free" as a tattoo!

2011-10-17T17:42:00.000-04:00

Bekka Leichliter got "Free" tattoo'd on her!

(Tattoo done by Heather Scherrah of Jesters Court in Pittsburgh, PA)

This made my day! That's #3... who's next?

Lomo Saturday

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

And There I Stayed

2011-10-14T09:16:00.001-04:00

Last year Miss Hannah discovered my art at Franklin Applefest. Since then her class had to write poem based off a piece of art that inspired them and she picked "Carved!"

I'm honored. (Thank you so much for sending this to me Hannah!)

Divine Intervention

2011-10-12T20:26:00.000-04:00

"Divine Intervention"

12"x12"

acrylic on canvas

Yea. There's a story behind it...but I think I'll leave it for now.

Applefest Shenanigans...

2011-10-10T14:36:00.001-04:00

Applefest was amazing this year! The weather was perfect...high 70's-low 80's.
The autumn leaves were in full effect and the place was packed!

I came with a full stock of pouches...and ended up almost selling out!

Travis came and helped me on Saturday... what a nice hubbie!

Look at this AMAZING business card holder my brother thrifted for me! THANKS Brian!!!

Also, I finally got to see Tia's tattoo of "Rooted in Love" in person! She is the cutest!

I had such a wonderful time meeting new friends, and seeing people that I met last year!

Love you all!

Ohhhhh...I can't forget this! Crystal helped me out on Friday
...and we made this video in our "downtime!"

LOL!

Thanks to Katie for helping me on Sunday too!!! ❤

Lomo Saturday

2011-10-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Hello...I'm still alive.

2011-10-06T11:45:00.000-04:00

I've been super busy getting ready for Franklin Applefest, so I do apologize that I've dropped off the face of the earth. At this point, all the loose ends are being tied together, and I'll be leaving tonight.

This year I'll be camping out for the weekend (in a hotel) with my friend Diane, of Harlyn Designs! Should be lots of fun times, and shenanigans of course.

I have some new pouches...and hopefully if I don't sell out at Applefest, they will be up in my Etsy shop soon. I'll keep ya posted.

I also have some pretty new pendants! Look for those on Etsy soon as well!

If you're in Western Pennsylvania, maybe I'll see ya this weekend? Come over and say hi! I'll be in the Bandstand Park area.

Lomo Saturday

2011-10-01T09:15:00.001-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Well, this is it.

2011-09-30T13:37:00.000-04:00

As a lot of you have heard, my time with Bare Branches is coming to a close. As I sit here and try to type out my feelings...I don't know where to start. My time with this band has been sweet. We had some wonderful times, and just like any other band of brothers and sisters, had some hard times. I will always cherish the adventures we had.

I know, I know...you're all asking WHY? Well, I can't give a real answer. Sometimes in life, God leads you in different directions. Sometimes, he opens and closes doors...and we're not sure why. All I know is, making the decision to leave the band was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but I know it was the right one. I don't know what God has in store, but he has a plan and only time will tell.
Thank you so much to all my friends and family that continually support me, and my brothers and sister within Bare Branches. I love you all SO much!

My Memories Suite Review and Giveaway!

2011-09-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

Stephanie and Caleb

I was recently contacted to do a review and giveaway on My Memories Suite, which is a digital scrapbooking software. It also does things like cards, calendars and more! I decided to do this review with guest post with my dear friend Stephanie, who is an avid scrapper! She is a proud mom of twins, so she has a lot to scrapbook about! :]
Here's what she had to say:

I have been scrapbooking since I was 17. I LOVE scrapbooking. I know it isn't everyone's forte but there is just something about it that I really enjoy. In recent years I haven't really had the time to scrapbook and my craft room often becomes the "catch all" room instead of the inviting crafting room I always dreamed of. So when Marcia asked me if I would be interested in trying out My Memories Suite I was delighted. I was very pleased to see how easy it really was to use. They have two options on how to make a digital scrapbook, design your own or designer template. In the designer templete they have available to you a ready made template and all you need to do is click the pictures that you want and it fills it in for you. When I used this option just to try it, I had a complete scrapbook in less than 10 minutes. I also really like that you can also embed video and sound into your scrapbook for the option of making a slide show. It really is a nice program for these features.

Some of the cons are that I wasn't thrilled with the graphics that they have. They seemed a little juvenile to me. But they do have a lot of graphics available to choose from all varying in prices. They even had a lot of free graphics to choose from that you can download. The other con I had was while they made it easy to burn your scrapbook onto a CD/DVD I had wanted to email the completed project to someone and I was unable to do so. This may partially be because I am not very computer literate but when everything else is so easy I wish this feature was just as easy to use.

While there are some cons I believe that over all My Memories Suite is a nice program and had some features that I really appreciate.

Here's where the giveaway part comes in!

Win your own copy of My Memories Suite, a $40 value.

Here's how:

Visit www.mymemories.com, and leave a comment on this blog

telling me your favorite digital paper pack or layout.

Be sure to leave your email address so I can get ahold of the winner!

More entries? Of course!

Do each of the following and leave a separate comment for each,

stating you did so. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you!

Follow the My Memories Blog

Like My Memories on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

That's it! Winner will be announced Monday October 1st.http://twitter.com/#!/MyMemoriesSuite

Random acts of inspiration

2011-09-26T19:23:00.001-04:00

I hope something this beautiful is sent your way today.

Lomo Saturday

2011-09-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Six years ago today.

2011-09-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

❤

2011-09-22T08:56:00.000-04:00

Donora! They make me so incredibly happy. Last Friday was their CD release show at the Rex Theater.

It has been over a year since I saw them last, so I was extremely excited. If their music doesn't make you smile and want to dance, I don't know what does!

Here's their latest music video...I can't get this song out of my head!

Here's my other favorite videos of theirs. SO CUTE!

Lomo Saturday

2011-09-17T21:34:00.001-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

New "Untitled" Painting - HELP!

2011-09-16T10:02:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone!

Remember THIS post way back in April of 2010? Well, the painting is finally here.

Talk about a long time coming. I'm so excited...but what should I name it?

"Untitled"

18x18

acrylic on canvas

Please post your title ideas in the comments!

If I choose your title, maybe I'll send you a prize! :D

From the sketchbook...

2011-09-13T08:22:00.000-04:00

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Lomo Saturday

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

18 years ago...

2011-09-07T07:44:00.000-04:00

Dustin was born!!!

September 7, 1993

7lbs 15oz

19" long

1:07 pm

Ok...I couldn't resist this picture with Dustin and his "Uncle Brian"...CUTEST EVER!

Dustin a few weeks ago, with his sweetie, Miss Holly!

Talk about feeling blessed. Dustin is my one and only child...and I couldn't ask for a better kid! He's loving, kind and confident. He's turning out to be a wonderful young man, and I couldn't be more proud.

❤❤❤

a relaxing weekend...

2011-09-06T10:13:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

We went to Seneca Hills Family Camp, which is always wonderful.

Long walks and beautiful scenery. . .

I can't believe how many different mushrooms there were! So many colors and textures. It's been really wet around here lately, so they were plentiful. :D

Lomo Saturday

2011-09-04T05:00:00.000-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Happy Weekend!

2011-09-02T13:29:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I'll be camping at Seneca Hills

...doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I can't wait.

I've been obsessed with this song lately...and today I came across this video. Adorable!

shirt surgery!

2011-09-01T07:56:00.001-04:00

The other day I bought this terribly large and ugly shirt at the thrift store. The floral pattern was really cute...but the shirt was not. So, I decided to try and make it into a dress!

I don't have a step by step tutorial, because I really didn't know what I was doing.

Basically, I just found some other dresses I had, and used them as templates!

Ugly shirt:

Cute pattern:

Using another dress that fit me well, I just used it as a template and cut around it.

I cut it slightly bigger for seam allowance.

Next I finished off the edges.

I realized I would never wear a dress with a button up collar top, so I decided to cut that off too!

I found another dress I had to use as a template.

Trust me, I did not know what I was doing.

I just took those two dresses, and tried to duplicate them.

Cut, and finish off edges.
I added some elastic in the back of the dress...just like the template.

Next, I took the left over sleeves, and made the straps!

Attach straps!

So, after I constructed it...I think I tried it on, and did revisions at least 10 times.

Mostly around the top, so it looked and fit right.

I also ended up sewing the entire dress shut where buttons were. It's just safer that way! Haha!

Add belt, and there you have it!

Dustin took the pictures for me...so he wanted to show what he was wearing too. ^_^

Dustin is a SENIOR!

2011-08-31T07:43:00.000-04:00

*sigh*

The fact that Dustin posed for this picture makes me the luckiest mom on the Earth!!!

♥

I just had to pull out the old Kindergarten scrap book page...

And now... obligatory cheesy first day of school pix!

*tear*

Artist Interview: Christas Designs

2011-08-30T09:17:00.000-04:00

Christa has been a good friend of mine for years and years. A few months ago, she basically erupted with these beautiful doggie portraits, and she's been busy as a bee ever since. Her heart is as equally beautiful as her art. Check out my interview with her below.

Where are you from and how did you get started doing art?

I am from the rural farmlands outside of State College, PA. I grew up in a little town called Bellefonte. It's a beautiful little town with amazing and inspiring historic architecture. Currently I live in Butler, PA a town about an hour north of Pittsburgh.

I grew up drawing. In fact one of my very first drawings at the age of three, was of a cat. My mom says I titled it "fat cat". It's funny: looking back on my childhood, my primary subject of choice was dogs, horses and cats (...and if I wasn't drawing a horse or a dog I was acting like one. Another story for another time.). So, it's kind of ironic that my subject matter has carried over into my adult life and now I get the privilege of painting others beloved animals. It's pretty great!

When did you first discover your creative talents?

My family says that I have always been an outside-of-the-box kind of thinker; even as a little girl. I would always find ways to creatively use normal objects in a different ways.

The latest light bulb moment occurred late this spring while laying in bed . My friend had suddenly lost a Great Dane and I was heartbroken for her. She was one of the very first people to help me and introduce me to Great Danes. So I knew I wanted to do something nice for her in remembrance of her sweet dog. I laid there thinking and it was truly a lighting strike moment. After a sleepless night of thinking thru the process I sat down the next day to execute painting for her. It turned out great and she and her family loved it. Since then it has spiraled out of control (in a good way). That one creative idea has lead to so many incredible opportunities and I am thankful.

What inspires you?

Life. Love. Loyalty. There is something so fascinating to me about the bond that we have with our animals. The unconditional love between human and animal is so pure and so real that it blows my mind.

What is your favorite thing about being an artist?

I love being able to share and express a piece of my heart and mind with others in a creative format. I also love creating art out of something that is old and unwanted. I like giving purpose to broken-down material, allowing it to serve as a canvas for a painting of someone's beloved, furry family member. It brings me great joy.

What is your dream project?

Honestly this might sound cheesy...but anytime I can help someone cherish or honor the life and love they have shared with one of God's creature is a dream project.

Professionally, what is your goal?

I want to work hard, have integrity and execute my art with excellence. Wherever that takes me is great-- I am along for the ride.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

A client telling me that the commissioned piece of art I painted replaced the family photo on the wall. That made me smile!

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you.

I shared in a previous answer about my friend that lost a Great Dane. That is one of the reasons I have started this; to honor and remember our special friends. I have also been inspired by my own animals past and present. Almost four years ago my husband and I had to lay our first Great Dane, Amelia to rest. That was one of the most difficult things I have had to do. So, I want to help others through that pain and grief by creating a special piece of art that they can connect with on a soulful level.

Why do you do what you do?

I do this because it brings me joy and gives me another meaningful creative outlet.

Lastly, any advice for an artist just starting out?

Be inspired by the simple and pure things in life.

♥♥♥♥

Christa is such an inspiration to me.

I hope you got to know her a bit in this little interview!

Be sure to join her on facebook HERE.

Also, visit her etsy shop HERE, where you can get a hold of your own print or original!
Christa also does custom dog portraits! If you are interested contact her at christasdesigns@yahoo.com or christasdesigns@gmail.com

Joel Quiggle Solo Show

2011-08-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend we took a jaunt up to Erie, PA for Joel Quiggle's first solo show! It was held at the wonderful Urraro Gallery. I've always loved his artwork, so when Travis asked me if I wanted to go, of COURSE the answer was yes! Deadhorse was also playing, and I've been wanting to see them for a long time! They are an amazing instrumental band from Erie.

It was pretty cool because I got to meet Joel Quiggle and Brian Morgante (of Deadhorse) in person. I've talked to them several times online, which is the way I usually meet people. I'm very shy in person, so it's common occurrence for me to people online, and them and then meet in later in "real life."

It was a good day.

Downstairs was Joel's new stuff...

...and upstairs was his older stuff. Both equally amazing.

Dustin and Austin came along for the ride.

Deadhorse

Deadhorse ended up playing two shorter sets. Boy was I thankful, because we missed the first set. They only split them up because some complained it was too loud, so they decided to wait and do more later. :D But yea...they were so good. A fantastic wall of sound. Listen to them HERE.

Well Erie, it was nice to see you again. Until next time.

Lomo Saturday.

2011-08-27T08:45:00.001-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Thursday Infatuations ...wait. it's Friday!

2011-08-26T08:42:00.002-04:00

Well, I totally dropped the ball on posting this yesterday. It's all good.

I've been obsessing over the fact I haven't changed my hair in well over two years. That's VERY unlike me. My hair grows extremely slow, so once in my life I wanted to have long hair. It's finally there and, I love it!!!At the same time I would like to do something a litte more fun with color. The problem is, my hair is also fragile, if I bleach it at all, I'll eventually have to cut a good bit off. I've been afraid to make the jump because I can't afford to damage my hair if I want it to stay long. So I've been slow to make the jump. Anyway, I've been dreaming of these styles. Maybe I'll end up doing it. What do you think? The first one is my favorite.

Source: haircolorsideas.com via Marcia on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Marcia on Pinterest

Source: haircolorsideas.com via Marcia on Pinterest

Yard Sale Score!

2011-08-24T08:00:00.002-04:00

Yay! I've been wanting a Polaroid with a rainbow! This one actually had an old pack of film inside...sadly it was all decayed and wouldn't work. Dangit! Either way, the camera is so cute!

(Picture by my Ansco 1065)

What I Wore

2011-08-23T09:40:00.001-04:00

headband (floral scarf) - thrifted

polkadot dress - thrifted

blue cardigan - thrifted

blue leather woven belt - thrifted

black flats - thrifted

pendant - I Made It Market

pictures take with my Ansco 1065 AKA "crap cam"

Some days...

2011-08-20T20:32:00.002-04:00

Lomo Saturday.

2011-08-20T09:36:00.001-04:00

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

Craft time!

2011-08-19T08:00:00.004-04:00

Thursday Infatuations

2011-08-18T15:14:00.000-04:00

This A-maazing one of a kind jewelry by Margaux Lange.

...and this great collaboration by Maurizio Anzeri and Richard Burbridge.

Brilliant!

From the sketchbook...

2011-08-17T08:00:00.010-04:00

Attic Treasure

2011-08-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

We got our roof replaced last week, which is a huge relief. What stinks is, it caused tons of soot and yuck fell into our attic. So Travis cleaned it out and ended up finding this really old wooden crate!

Says something like "Birds Eye...Double Dip Matches"

Inside was some old newspaper. I couldn't find any actual dates, but there were ads that gave some clues.

A while back, we gutted our kitchen and found this in the wall. A razor blad labeled 1915...this was in the part of the house that was the ADDITION! So yea. We don't know how old our house is.

Fun!

Thrift Score!

2011-08-15T08:00:00.011-04:00

A few of us took a little adventure to a thrift store about an hour away from home. . . Franklin, PA!

This thrift store was amazing, packed full of stuff.

We didn't find many clothes, but the "things" section was plentiful.

The staff was super friendly too!

Here's a tiny little video Dustin made showing a snippit of our trip:

Here's what I came home with:

I was soooo excited to find this floral fabric! Perfect for inside my pouches!

...and then a few days after we got a butt-load of Atari games for .50 each!

OH Joyous occasion!

Lomo Saturday.

2011-08-13T08:00:00.006-04:00

Since I love toy cameras so much...and was inspired by Liefgeval, with her "Lomo Saturday" posts, I decided to do the same. I have so many pictures I'd like to share...so why not on Saturday eh?

More Lomo Saturday here:

Initiator Anki - Nikki - Casper - Iris - Mireille - Marrit - Aujke - Judith

20 mile bike ride...

2011-08-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hubbie and I went on a wonderful bike ride yesterday. About 20 miles on the Butler-Freeport Trail.

It was lovely!

The Farm Show

2011-08-11T16:06:00.000-04:00

We went to the Butler Farm Show yesterday. It was ok.

I like the bunnies most.

I seriously almost cried from the cuteness. I felt like the EHarmony Cat Lady! LOL.

I mean...what in the world is going on here? SO CUTE.

Dustin and some of his friends tried "Fried Kool-Aid"...

Here's the report on their experience.

I mean really... I didn't want to wait in line for any of the rides.

We finally rode the ferris wheel so we would at least feel like we got our $7 worth.

I was so excited to bump into my cousin Jessica from Slow Fashioned! Why didn't I get Travis to take a picture of us? Oh well. She's going to be in Pennsylvania for the next month so we'll have another chance. I'm really hoping we can make time for a thrift store excursion together!

Death Cab For Cutie!

2011-08-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I got to see Death Cab For Cutie at Stage AE! This was the first time they had been to Pittsburgh in over five years, so it was pretty darn exciting. I had never seen them before, so it was one of those long awaited concerts for me.

Photo Credit: Hugh Twyman

I didn't get to take any real pictures, because all I brought was my phone. I did end up getting some video though! They actually played "Some Boys" which was not on the anticipated set list! WOOHOO!

I think that is my favorite song off the new album.

They were ...amazing.

The night of this show, the new Batman movie was being filmed in Heinz Field, along with a sold out Pirates game at PNC Park. Stage AE is sandwiched in between these two stadiums pretty much. Pittsburgh was NUTS that night! Needless to say, I did a foursquare checkin to "Gotham Stadium" because I COULD! Buahha!

food on the brain.

2011-08-10T13:35:00.000-04:00

Ever since I went on tour late June, I've been out of whack with my diet. I totally let loose, and ended up gaining 8lbs. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it definitely is for someone who is only 5"0' tall.

Well, I'm back on track. Eating right isn't that difficult to me...it's portion sizes and fast food that get me every time. UGH!

Here we go!

Anyone else struggle with maintaining their weight? Any tips they'd like to share?

14 years ago...

2011-08-09T20:16:00.001-04:00

I became Mrs. Travis Furman, and thus became the happiest girl on the planet.

(Happy Anniversary my love!)

last week...

2011-08-08T12:12:00.000-04:00

Last week I was away with the youth group. . . so I've been quiet here in blog land. Just wanted to say that I'm alive and will be back in business this week. I just need a few days to recover!

Here's a few pix from last week.

Went to a Pirates game and got free hats!

PNC Park - Pittsburgh

Pirates.

click to enlarge! love panoramic pix!

Two lovelies I got to spend the week with.

the lost holga pix...

2011-07-29T00:52:00.000-04:00

When I got my first roll of Holga pix developed, they were a little screwed up. Since mine is the super manual wind version, somehow I got messed up on the numbering. When the store printed them, some pix didn't come out at all, and some had halves of two different pictures on them. Today I got a new scanner that scanes negatives! So, of course I rescued the pictures that were messed up. (somehow the negatives were right...just the prints were wrong.)

This was the original that I came home with:

And here are the /actual/ pix:

...and a few more that didn't get developed at all.

Currently I'm giving "Crap Cam" another try.

This time I'm using color film...and I think I did a better job at feeding the roll in. We'll see!

Cedar Point...

2011-07-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Best amusement park EVER! If you love roller coasters...seriously, you need to get there asap. HA! This year, we had full intentions to follow the recommended plans for getting the most out of your day. This means, as soon as you get there, go to the very back and work your way back. This also means not necessarily riding in the order that you'd want. As soon as we got there our plans were foiled, because the Maverick's line was out of this world! Also, the Dragster was closed and we didn't know if it would even open. Somehow we ended up riding every ride we wanted to...in the best order possible: from least thrilling to greatest. (like any of them aren't awesome in the first place.) The Dragster ended up opening sometime while we were in line for the Millennium Force. So we hopped on over for the last ride of the day, which was perfect. Milennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster...best rides ever ever ever.

Crystal as we went up the first hill of The Millennium Force. 310 feet high. 80 degree drop. 93mph. YEA!

Dustin and Holly suffering from extreme boredom in line.

Ah. Top Thrill Dragster. Best. Ride. Ever. 420 feet high. 120 mph. 17 seconds.

Double rainbow all the way!!!

Super pretty ferris wheel!!!

I was just thinking how happy I am that we live driving distance to this park.
What would we do if we lived out west or something? ^_^