The Memory Bee

California adventures ahead!

Once again the Craft and Hobby industry rolls out the new products for the first half of the year in Anaheim, California! It's exciting and fun and will make my mind swirl with ideas for new classes for later in the spring and summer! I love seeing all the products that the manufacturers have come out with and it's especially fun to see lots of friends in the industry and get to chat and catch up.

I fly out VERY early tomorrow morning... I get to Los Angeles by 10:30am so you know I'm leaving early! On Saturday Michelle and I are taking two classes at French General in Los Angeles. I'm excited to be a student for a day! I'll take lots of pictures! After the trade show, I'll be heading down to San Diego for classes the next weekend at Michelle's store Paper Tales. I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone there... a little birdie told me that there may be some who are coming from across the country for the classes!! We're going to have a great time in their new space and I've heard that there is a very special cupcake bar planned! Hope to see you there!

I've gotten all my work done here at home getting ready as much as I could for my upcoming classes in France! As soon as I get home from California, I'll be packing the kits and then they'll start their trip across the ocean. AND just a few days after I get home, Brandon and Alicia will be home for two weeks leave!! Can't wait to see them!!

Here's two of the new classes I designed for Version Scrap in France...

This first one is called the Altered Fabric Photo Album and I'm teaching it in Lyon (and will bring any extra kits to Paris!)

and the second one is the 7gypsies Memory Collector Portfolio that I'll be teaching in Paris. I'll let you know if I have any kits leftover!

"Snow much fun!"

I've used that title before on scrapbook layouts... pretty corny I'd say, but true this weekend! I made it in to Chicago just in time before a storm came through! About 650 flights were canceled at O'Hare on Friday, so I was really glad that I was on the first flight of the morning and safely there before the cancellations "snowballed"! The snow made it hard for a few people to make it to class Friday night but by Saturday we had a very full house and lots of creativity and fun! Once again I say a huge thank you to all the students for all their kindness... I am SO blessed. Thank you too to Claudia and LInda for their hospitality... they have a wonderful store and a great community there. I was so impressed by how friendly all the "regulars" are to the new people. It really is a special place! I can't wait to return next summer! :)

This week is going to be busy getting ready to leave for California on Friday! Can't wait to see everyone at CHA and in San Diego at Paper Tales!

Love...

Lots to love these days! But one of those things is NOT the snow! I was going to run errands today until I looked out the window and saw this!...

We've been so spoiled this year and this is our first real white-out type storm, so I guess I can't complain too much! I just need to fly to Chicago in the morning, so I hope I get out! I'm on an early flight so I have most of the day to get there. I'm looking forward to my first classes of 2012 at Creative Cuts and Crafts. Once again it's great to get to see lots of friends there!

This morning I found this "word art" on the table in the family room... I think two of my favorite sweethearts were watching a movie in there last night! Love is in the air! (Last Saturday he took her snowboarding for the first time... trying to find something fun to do in the snow!)

Another thing to love... I'm seeing lots of previews of new products that will debut at CHA (the Craft and Hobby trade show) next week! Yesterday was a live preview online for the new 7gypsies release. I loved what I saw and am so inspired for new classes later this spring! I especially loved the Trousseau collection that comes out in late April. I couldn't resist taking pictures of my computer screen during the preview! This is a picture of some of their inspirations for this collection:

LOVE!! Here's a couple of the papers...

I really love the new book covers with the window in them and the new journaling cards (and lots more!)

Paula Cheney made a gorgeous shadowbox using the 7gypsies 4x6 tray using pieces of this collection...

They give prizes during the preview and I was lucky enough to be the first one to answer a question correctly (What store was 7gypsies products first sold in? ... Memory Lane in AZ) and won a fabulous prize! I won a pack of each of the papers in the Trousseau collection and so you know I'll be dreaming of the class I'll create with it!

Do you like this new collection as much as I do?

Paris is ours

I have France on my mind these days! I've been designing my classes, working on instructions, ordering product, making reservations, and gearing up for two upcoming trips to France in March.

I can't wait to read this book I got for Christmas! Thirty-two writers reflect on their experinces in the city of Paris and how it changed them forever. I just finished reading Peter Mayle's book, "A Year in Provence," which I loved! It has inspired our next adventure...

I'll be flying to Lyon, France, the first weekend in March to teach at Version Scrap, and then I'll be going back a couple weeks later to explore Provence and the South of France with my husband before teaching in Paris. We are so excited to explore the villages and flea markets and the countryside of Provence! We have our plane tickets to Paris, our TGV tickets (the double decker high speed train) from Paris to Avignon, and our reservations at an enchanting apartment in Apt. Now all we need is to find a good rate on a rental car and to learn some French and we'll be all set!

I love the illustrations in the old book I found at Goodwill to help me!

Have any of you been to Provence and have some suggestions?

My London and Paris 2012

The sky is gray and it's freezing outside, but I'm dreaming and making plans for my upcoming ladies' shopping trip to London and Paris this April, and YOU can join me! Registration for the trip is open and all the information can be found on the trip blog which you can find by clicking here. You can either do London or Paris or both and make it an eleven day trip of a lifetime! Just like my annual shopping trip to New York City, this trip is sure to be filled with discoveries of the quaint shops and the flea markets of both cities. We'll spend some time seeing the sights, but also just sitting at cafes sipping our coffees and watching the people go by. Just a head's up though... you have to be able to walk a LOT... we'll have lots of ground to cover! Email me if you have any questions!

I LOVE the Eiffel Tower ornament that Michelle gave me for Christmas! Isn't it the sweetest thing?

And we have a winner of the J.Crew planner! I used the random number generator and Debbie R. was the winner. I've already emailed her and the planner is on it's way! Thank you for all your comments... I hope that all your dreams for the new year come true and that at the end of the year, you'll reflect on all the blessings that have come your way.

Happy new year!!

Just like most of you, I do a lot of reflecting this time of year... thinking about the events, challenges, and mostly the blessings of the last year and wondering about the year to come. I face the new year with a sense of anticipation and excitement, not knowing all that the year will bring but knowing that God is good and by my side makes every day something to look forward to!

(Do you like my 2012 album? It's a new class I designed over the last few days! More details at the end of this post!!)

2011:

• My travels took me on and off planes over 80 times last year. Teaching and traveling to South Africa and Paris, visiting Paris and London twice, criss-crossing the US several times from New York City to California to Texas to Florida and many places in between has been loads of fun. I truly love it. I love my students and the new and "old" friends and collegues that I have all because of this little thing called scrapbooking!
• Brandon and Alicia deployed to Iraq and thank God left Iraq safely. Please continue to pray for them as they spend the next 6 months in Kuwait. It's dismal and awful but relatively safe. I'll keep praying that nothing happens in Iraq or the Middle East that would require their units. I'd much rather have them bored and miserable than in harm's way!
• Jeremy got a job, although not the engineering job he needs, but it's a job. God also blessed him (and us!) by bringing Rebecca, his girlfriend, into our lives. Sooo thankful for her!
• Dave's job continued to keep him very busy! The Verizon strike in August was a bump in the road! We loved being able to travel together too!

2012:

• I'm looking forward to upcoming store visits and teaching across the country! If all goes as planned, I'll be taking four trips to Europe this year... France twice, England twice, and Italy.
• I'm planning two shopping trips for ladies... one to London and Paris in April and one to New York City next November. I LOVE sharing the places I love with others!
• Brandon and Alicia will be coming home for R&R hopefully in February and then finishing their deployment in June or July.
• Jeremy will hopefully find the electrical engineering job that he trained for and longs for. This may be the year he moves away when he finds that job! (Rebecca too? :)
• We're so thankful to all be healthy!

This year has had its difficulties... there have been nights that I've cried myself to sleep, kept a penny right at my side, prayed and tried not to worry, got stressed out and tired, but in the midst of it all, I can say that God answers prayer and that I trust Him.

Now about this new class! It's a chubby little 2012 album that we're going to make using a Melissa Francis calendar album, 6x6 page protectors, and darling October Afternoon products. The 36 pages of this album include a divider for each month, a pocket with a calendar printed on it for each month, and a page protector layout for each month. There are pockets and flaps and fold-outs and lots of different ideas for altering the page protectors to include several photos for each month.

I'll be teaching this class the first time on Friday night, January 20, at Creative Cuts and Crafts outside Chicago, and then again at Paper Tales in San Diego, the weekend of February 3 and 4. I don't sell the kits myself, so if you're interested in one, you can call those stores and order it. OR take a trip and come take the class at one of those stores! I'd love to see you there!!

As a thank you to all my blog readers and friends, I think we should start the new year with a present! I have a beautiful 2012 leather planner that J.Crew sent me, but I don't use a paper planner like this, and so I thought I'd give it away to one of you! Just leave a comment on this post and tell me what you're looking forward to most in 2012. I'll choose a name randomly on Tuesday, January 3, at 9pm EST.

Happy new year... may it be the best one yet!!

December 25, 2011

It was a very merry Christmas celebrating family, love, and Jesus' birthday!

Rebecca gave me this beautiful ornament... she doesn't know about choosing a word for the year and that my word for this year was "peace." How cool is that and a perfect way to remember it!

I got concerned during the day that we weren't hearing from Brandon and Alicia and were missing them so much since they are in Kuwait, but they finally were able to come online (from Starbucks on their base) and Skype with us.

It was the best ending to a really good day! I've so much to be thankful for... I feel like I got all the gifts!!

December 24, 2011

Catching up on my December posts! I just couldn't do it on Christmas!

We had a yummy Christmas Eve brunch with my parents and opened presents before heading to the airport to fly home. We're so thankful for them and the time together! I love flying out over the Gulf of Mexico and seeing familiar sights below. This is Sarasota and the bridges to St. Armands Circle and Lido Key. The dark green wooded area on the left is where we kayaked the day before in the mangrove tunnels.

Here you can see Anna Maria Island below. This shot is great because it shows the entire island from tip to tip and shows how narrow most of it is!

It was so good to get home and head straight over to the Russells' house for our Christmas Eve celebration with them!

The next two pictures cracked me up... check out Chelsea's face!

It's tough to have scrapbooker moms! Too many photos???

Rebecca was able to join us after some time with her family. We love having her with us this year... it helps fill the hole left by not having Brandon and Alicia home for Christmas!

Aren't they cute?!!

Keith and Chelsea too!

December 23, 2011

Today we went on an adventure... kayaking through the mangrove tunnels off Lido Key in Sarasota Bay. It was our first time ever in a kayak and we loved it! It was so easy and relaxing and beautiful!

The couple that owns Biotica EcoTours love what they do and shared that love with us! I highly recommend them if you are looking for something really fun to do!

On the way there we made a stop at the Bargain Barn again... today I again spent less than $10 and got some good stuff!

I love the color and shape of this lamp... don't you love that cloth cord? I think it will need a little electrical work!

2 cute little bowls and a bone china English cup and saucer for 50 cents...

The book of stitches is pretty cool with lots of stitching and embroidery ideas. I also love this little book called God Calling by Two Listeners... it was published in England in 1953. It has meaningful daily meditations... the two ladies that wrote it wanted to stay anonymous so they just called themselves two listeners who listened when God called.

We're heading home tomorrow and will be home by evening to celebrate Christmas Eve. We'll be sad to leave the sunshine and my parents but so thankful for this get-away and time to relax!

December 22, 2011

The biggest decisions of our days are to choose where to eat and where to go to the beach! It's tough but we're managing! Today we had breakfast at the Riverside Cafe at the marina on the Manatee River. Each day is just as gorgeous as the day before! We have had the most perfect weather... so thankful for that!

Then we went on to our spot on the beach on Anna Maria. The wind makes it too hard to look for shells but makes it just the perfect temperature for laying out and reading and resting.

For dinner we went to downtown Sarasota to the Two Senoritas Mexican Restaurant and then walked around and people-watched and window-shopped. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

December 21, 2011

We visited the GW Bargain Barn again today and didn't find as many goodies as the first day. The "treasure" I found is right up there with my "KISS" boots!

Isn't she a beauty? LOL! Someone has taken the time to crochet this lovely outfit for Miss Piggy along with crocheted white underwear! I just couldn't resist for 50 cents. My parents are also acquiring a lovely assortment of musical stuffed animals including this pig that plays "Jingle Bells" while walking and snorting and this squirrel that plays "I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas."

After lunch at Five Guys, Dave and I headed back to the beach for a few hours. We found our spot out of the wind (nice, warm wind, but still...) We split a cinamon roll and Ginny's and Jane's and then sent Dave to jail and finally watched the sun set at Bean Point and the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island. The waves were crashing together from the Gulf and the Bay... wild and beautiful!

After dinner (does ice cream at Sweetberries count for dinner?) we went to see the Christmas lights display is along the riverfront in downtown Bradenton. Pretty!

Are you finding time to do anything fun as we count down to Christmas day?

December 20, 2011

Today was a delightful day! It started at Goodwill (no treasures at this stop) and ended at the International Mall in Tampa with the day at the beach in between. Talk about extremes!

It was windy so we set up our chairs behind a grassy little sand dune and it was just perfect! I worked on my Christmas cards (better late than never?) and took a little nap. I'm very thankful for this break!

We had lunch at my favorite place... The Sandbar... I love eating with my toes in the sand. Just heavenly!

And then the mall... I think the beach is much prettier!

December 19, 2011

My husband didn't believe there were Amish people in Sarasota so we took him to the Amish area and stopped at Yoder's Amish Restaurant for a "little" piece of pie to save for dessert after lunch. It's just so funny to see them riding their bicycles in the traffic of a city with their flowing beards and plain clothing. Many of them are "snowbirds" that come to Florida for the winter just like everyone else.

Then we headed to St. Armands Circle to eat at the Columbia Restaurant, one of our favorites! I love sitting at a table at the railing and watching the people stroll by.

You know what "they" say... another day, another beach... so this time we went to Whitney Beach at the northern end of Longboat Key. This is one of our favorite beaches but today there were lots of dead fish and birds... very strange! We spent the afternoon watching the wildlife... the birds and dolphin and more birds. We even saw a model shoot. Never a dull moment!

and another beautiful sunset!

We ventured back to St. Armands Circle to see the Christmas lights on. So pretty!

But my favorite thing of all was Santa on his Harley with three sweet little doggies!

Somebody is enjoying life!!

December 18, 2011

Dave and I made the drive over the beautiful sunshine bridge to St. Petersburg and stopped to watch the windsurfers along the way. Looks kind of like fun! Then we had a delicious breakfast downtown at Cassis. Just a perfect Sunday morning!

It was great to be back at Whim So Doodle! I taught the class that I taught at Tinsel Trading Company in NYC... it was fun to see the creative ideas that the students were coming up with as they worked on their frames. I have just a few last extra kits that I'll list in my online store soon along with just ONE extra Christmas album kit. I'll have everyone's pictures in the sidebar soon too.

After class we headed over to Ft. DeSoto Park to the beach to watch the sunset. Soo gorgeous!

(I love the silhouette against the sunset of this Mennonite family with the ladies in their dresses.)

December 17, 2011

Another day of sunshine! We started the day admiring the hibiscus... as big as plates on the bushes outside my parents' house!

We had breakfast at the beach... seriously one of the best things in the world, I think!

Dave and my dad enjoyed their "all you can eat pancakes and sausage," while I enjoyed my veggie omelet!

The ladies at the next table were enjoying a game of Mahjong!

We spent a couple hours relaxing on the beach and searching for shells (didn't find any good ones today.)

Then we had Sweetberries ice cream for our other meal of the day. It's a rough life! :)

I took pictures of the goodies I found at the GW Bargain Barn yesterday...

Love the book of Pawky Scottish Readings!

Also love the walnut mouse and the sleigh made from a section of an egg carton and the darling little handmade mittens. How about Santa's clothesline?

Or this sweet Christmas girl?

I love the colors in this little painting (it's about 8x10".) And I thought this purse was cute... the label inside says "L.J. Simone New York, Genuine Leather."

The most expensive thing I bought was $1 (for the purse and the painting.) Mostly 10 cents though! Pretty good stuff, huh?!!

December 16, 2011

My day in photos...

And we're thanking God for bringing Brandon safely to Kuwait! No words can express how thankful I am for all your prayers and encouragement!!

December 15, 2011

It's done! I've got the class for France designed and ready to go... Love the mix of American Crafts Amy Tangerine product, October Afternoon, and Crate Paper collections!

My bags are packed, some presents are wrapped, lots of things checked off my list and now I'm ready to head to Florida for a week. Looking forward to sunshine and blue skies and time with my parents!

We still haven't heard from Brandon... just trusting that all is well. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!

December 14, 2011

I had a little "help" with my work today... well, maybe a nonchalant obsever would be more like it!

I actually got a whole album designed today! Now I just need to photograph it and finish writing the description and then I'll be sending it off to be posted on the Version Scrap website for my classes in Lyon, France, in March. I'll post a peek here too!

No word yet from Brandon in Kuwait... I assume he's there but it takes a couple days to get settled and get access to the internet. I'm so, so thankful for everyone's encouragement and prayers. Keep it up!! :)

December 13, 2011

No pictures today... just getting things done for classes and finishing up my Christmas shopping and praying for my boy as they are on their way out of Iraq. All day I couldn't stop thinking about how good God is... He knows just what we need.

December 12, 2011

After a day working at home, it was extra special to have dinner with Jeremy and Rebecca at Bravo!

We love her and are so thankful that God brought her into our lives and of course into Jeremy's life! Lots to be thankful for!!

I had my last conversation on Facebook with Brandon from Iraq. It was sweet... I just hope he doesn't forget to get Iraqi sand to bring me!

Brandon Schuh

• i have to go!

• this time until kuwait

• I love you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Ill call you when i get there!