For the Art of it ...

Books, books and more books ...

I woke up early this morning to rain ... actually it was the thunder that woke me up and I laid in bed and listen to the rain for half an hour or so, then I proceeded to get up and start the day.

So, what did I do today ... I don't exactly know but I spent all day doing it.  I looked down at the clock and realized that I had about 10 minutes to get ready for church ... where did the day go? 

After church I headed to Barnes and Noble to check out the latest books.  Here is a picture of the books that came home with me ... notice any trends?

Well, the trend is ... all of them are to help me learn some new skills ... can't wait to get started!

I also spend some time this evening working on my bookbinding class project and here is where the project is right now ...

Tomorrow I will put the finishing touches on it and will take pictures of it so that you guys can see what I have learned thus far in my class.  But let me just say ... love it!!!

A great way to start the week ...

Usually I have to drag myself into the office on Monday and while I was a little late today ... it was a great day all the way around.  I got everything crossed off my to do list at work ... okay at least the list of to dos that I had for today!

I had lunch at Tasty Thai with a group of co-workers ... yummy Pad Prik King ... doesn't get much better than that for lunch on a Monday.

When I got back to work I started searching the internet for airfare and hotel information for my trip to Italy next month.  I am going to Florence for business, but am planning on staying a little while longer to do some of the touristy things.  So, if you have been to Italy and more specifically Florence and have a good hotel recommendation or must see sites ... please drop me an email!

After work I met up with Petra at Baja Fresh for a quick bite of dinner before heading off to Big Valley Grace to start the new Beth Moore series ... Esther.  Here is a quick synopsis of the study: 

Esther may have been a queen, but her life was no fairy tale. An outsider, a foreigner, and an orphan, she found herself facing an evil plan to destroy her people. And you thought your life was hard! The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for today's overloaded and stressed woman. You can share Esthers destiny even if your glass slipper no longer seems to fit.

If you live in Modesto or close by and are interested in participating in the series, please contact Diane at 209-571-4381.  It is not too late to sign up and I just feel that this series is going to be an amazing one.

After I got home, I finished up the last couple of chapters in my latest book ... The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.

 

Another wonderful book ... but read with a tissue in hand!

To round out the day, I am in the studio making a few more A Muse cards.  I promise that I will be back to regular cards real soon ... but I am just so loving the newest line of A Muse stamps that I just can't get enough of them.  So, here is another card for you to enjoy!

 

supplies:  A Muse Pink notecard, A Muse Lime Green Gingham paper, cardstock – white and turquoise, A Muse Black ink, A Muse stamps – Open Palm Tree, Cabana and Ready Set and the following Copic markers

Happy Birthday Deanna!!

Today is my Mario's birthday ... hope you had a great day Deanna!!

I got up this morning and finished the book that I have been reading ... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks and if you are looking for a good summer read pick this book up.  It is a good one!

 

After finishing the book, I cooked some chicken breasts on the grill and had an amazing lunch ... yum!

Next up ... making cards in the studio and boy did I get a lot done today.  Here is an electronic A Muse card to wish Deanna a very Happy Birthday! 

Let the Christmas Season Begin ...

Today I truly felt  that the Christmas season began for me as I attended with Petra, Lyndsay and Ivan the amazing Christmas service at Big Valley Grace called Behold the Lamb of God.  The Worship Team, Choir and Orchestra told a fresh and unique historical perspective of the story of Christmas.  It was an amazing service and I encourage you to attend if you are in the Modesto area.  Click the link picture below for more service information:

I finished up the latest in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich this evening ... Fearless Fourteen and plan to start the book Epicenter by Joel C Rosenberg at bedtime tonight.  Can't wait!

I also spent most of this evening continuing to work on Kate's album ... is it ever going to be finished?  Boy, I sure do hope so ... maybe tomorrow???