tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78851086502015741822024-02-19T12:10:25.252+09:00Love 2 Scrap in JapanDigital Scrapbooking in JapanHolly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-54739808425515782512013-06-14T15:15:00.000+09:002013-06-14T15:15:10.977+09:00Oh the joys<br />
of parenting a teenager. a teenage girl and a tweenage boy. One of each, each with their own personalities, idiosyncrasies, pet peeves, breaking points.<br />
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My daughter has her first boyfriend. From what I can tell he seems to be a good boy. I say it this way because for the first month or so she completely hid the fact from us. I realized something was up and had to become "Mom the Investigator."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnMwrUDSkcCo1qSEoz7tq3wmN8c7woOGrTUu8_qKgtCfmEdAmcqN4TRjAiArI4OZJH8iZ88IR8tO-rr-D6QJ0Dltn59UiNgzBRlfqgNDFSmt2bozlmjWLJHGwjoKTtds2pMWZBA2t5CK-/s1600/ee+card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnMwrUDSkcCo1qSEoz7tq3wmN8c7woOGrTUu8_qKgtCfmEdAmcqN4TRjAiArI4OZJH8iZ88IR8tO-rr-D6QJ0Dltn59UiNgzBRlfqgNDFSmt2bozlmjWLJHGwjoKTtds2pMWZBA2t5CK-/s400/ee+card.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a hard, very hard couple of months. It has settled down and I'm hopeful that she has learned some lessons in truth telling and in what she can expect from her parents. I know I have. <br />
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Kindergarten: very hands on parenting and lots of parental involvement in education, friendships and activities.<br />
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Elementary school: still quite a bit of parental involvement, lessening over the years. At least I know who my children's friends are, where they are and what they are doing for the most part.<br />
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Jr HS: much less communication between the school and the parent. less communication between the parent and the child. I'm pretty sure of where my kids are, who their friends are and what they are doing. <br />
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High School: this will be new territory. <a href="http://www.education-in-japan.info/sub108.html">Just getting into a high school will be quite the adventure,</a> but most of it up to the teenager. Parents are pretty much hands off by this point. Schools are farther away, parents don't know or have the chance to interact with their friends' parents much. <br />
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In my ideal family my children would never tell lies, would always obey with a smile on their face (never a roll of the eyes), have wonderful friends and get straight A report cards. Ideals and reality are not the same.<br />
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Several of my pages recently have been inspired by these tumultuous past few months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXZmU0-sY4FHjLMUG0dhIzYpiFJNC-rq6LgDQE7twXUZUWFwR64bezJKX3TUINcp9gZss3tPp2Hx-ZmyiZ4hXf748xixXTj9n5bGzGV-l0Kl8GJQfRsOQ6LMtM839fLMRj3_ffLBf6A7x/s1600/Diva-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXZmU0-sY4FHjLMUG0dhIzYpiFJNC-rq6LgDQE7twXUZUWFwR64bezJKX3TUINcp9gZss3tPp2Hx-ZmyiZ4hXf748xixXTj9n5bGzGV-l0Kl8GJQfRsOQ6LMtM839fLMRj3_ffLBf6A7x/s400/Diva-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/The-Bard-Collection.html">The Bard Collection </a>by ViVa Artistry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuX464qix7UpChRCKiuz0z0EQSNkHHQuUvJdRYiUqBtHwoIzAir578F3jR_S0JWs3S3rAYUiMFAX6RRUvRl9f3v36UH2ytGkkjfAU5llGTKTWN7biqtT100dh2SPpm1AjnS5-bPCbtksq/s1600/Lost+Your+Mind_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuX464qix7UpChRCKiuz0z0EQSNkHHQuUvJdRYiUqBtHwoIzAir578F3jR_S0JWs3S3rAYUiMFAX6RRUvRl9f3v36UH2ytGkkjfAU5llGTKTWN7biqtT100dh2SPpm1AjnS5-bPCbtksq/s400/Lost+Your+Mind_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Blue.html">Blue </a>by ViVa Artistry<br />page overlay from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Superimposition-Her.html">Superimposition: Her </a>also by ViVa Artistry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6j-rG7BmZGTa8RR6B_4OHFNWbik38hiASpkl8qA6EwU8SQKS5qQqSTMeoKlieBC8qsPyFZ1cJ8adeptqGNC9mWdRjXMBcJH_RdrzVaRignKiPFiUKzhpHKyfYHgxppZhMkoTuRwMYc1u/s1600/She-believes-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6j-rG7BmZGTa8RR6B_4OHFNWbik38hiASpkl8qA6EwU8SQKS5qQqSTMeoKlieBC8qsPyFZ1cJ8adeptqGNC9mWdRjXMBcJH_RdrzVaRignKiPFiUKzhpHKyfYHgxppZhMkoTuRwMYc1u/s400/She-believes-web.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">most elements and papers from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Clothier-Collection.html">Clothier Collection</a><br />stamps used include <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Clothier-Collection.html">Clothier Collection</a>, <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Note-It-Brushes.html">Note It</a>, <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Quirky-Originals-Collection.html">Quirky Originals</a><br />paper alpha is from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/In-A-Hurry-Alpha.html">In Such a Hurry</a><br />stamped alpha is <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Half-Painted-Alpha.html">Half Painted</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZ-qGHiYMzxmp5mjEwgPm0csYri9YBEUbT7RhofpD4KZAL8iLbzYh2qs7ZFOHSsNvX7vy4PxkZC1uHtubA6iJa0Uxs1KQZIl9ZhhKAaj1vCse5j4E5sCkXV3UgZ54bzsB3bGHnzJviS6S/s1600/Let-Me-Go-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZ-qGHiYMzxmp5mjEwgPm0csYri9YBEUbT7RhofpD4KZAL8iLbzYh2qs7ZFOHSsNvX7vy4PxkZC1uHtubA6iJa0Uxs1KQZIl9ZhhKAaj1vCse5j4E5sCkXV3UgZ54bzsB3bGHnzJviS6S/s400/Let-Me-Go-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">made with <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/She-Said-He-Said-Add-on.html">Superimposition: She said, He said Add-ons </a>by ViVa Artistry<br /><a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/The-Bard-Collection.html">The Bard Collection </a>also by ViVa Artistry</span></div>
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My other pages have been piling up. So I'll just add them here in random order.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qef5eGKFlOZR_X184iKuwTNjAzB4SreGs6rUfeOWJrdluj5r4-Ej0ifWAVXLwt4SExr9hO8ovlN1rh1F1LCgqbsB7DP7alTH5JTqblVqFh2UF0bFLli_0sQGZQ6Uc_LQftZH3qZlnc29/s1600/At-First-Sight-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qef5eGKFlOZR_X184iKuwTNjAzB4SreGs6rUfeOWJrdluj5r4-Ej0ifWAVXLwt4SExr9hO8ovlN1rh1F1LCgqbsB7DP7alTH5JTqblVqFh2UF0bFLli_0sQGZQ6Uc_LQftZH3qZlnc29/s400/At-First-Sight-copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/At-First-Sight.html">At First Sight </a>by ViVa Artistry at Scrapbook Graphics<br />page template by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1STKHq3LosGS4V90aQucycsYngffDoNx4mifCxaJNfMz2Hw0d2I1Ninzc8RTFfrLBn7qbCLbyN-kDtyEccEsfxjl632sIaGwNuli_zHWoPwTrArTnoMWBLPRJoHRq44Dq4FCFALkQXCHc/s1600/Be-Yourself-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1STKHq3LosGS4V90aQucycsYngffDoNx4mifCxaJNfMz2Hw0d2I1Ninzc8RTFfrLBn7qbCLbyN-kDtyEccEsfxjl632sIaGwNuli_zHWoPwTrArTnoMWBLPRJoHRq44Dq4FCFALkQXCHc/s400/Be-Yourself-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">everything here from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Fantoccini.html">Fantoccini </a>by Viva Artistry<br />page template from Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRNxtjWRh4TVHK5bwG_bjp0eoSCpAvnxElhBrAgDrKi_QtIYVqNXtpuXwp0tl4vtPiRYjn8qanh3YBWtkTTX0_M9GU7MNRJrAEp4DNCAzs-n3VN2SJKU_c5xVRQDVA4cJzumH2jYCr5Wv/s1600/Easter-2004-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRNxtjWRh4TVHK5bwG_bjp0eoSCpAvnxElhBrAgDrKi_QtIYVqNXtpuXwp0tl4vtPiRYjn8qanh3YBWtkTTX0_M9GU7MNRJrAEp4DNCAzs-n3VN2SJKU_c5xVRQDVA4cJzumH2jYCr5Wv/s400/Easter-2004-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">everything here from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/almost-spring-kit.html">Almost Spring </a>by Etc by Danyale <br />except photo edges which are by Nancy Comelab<br />template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/-My-Heart-Goes-Boom-Da-Doom-Doom.html">Boom Da Doom Doom </a>by Amber Morrison</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvNtwOhU8NeDt45HJ-TlWVJ870ocq50JE-Dc3lqmeF_XtyuWH7Vj5kT88mKQ02uNekDmkO6zu3cFfdQy3t8eHWMm6S9k57TIinkn_S_VCGs3yb1EQ1mPXFoLwYOmzJK9TdlrNrc-Qy06f/s1600/Tea-for-me-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvNtwOhU8NeDt45HJ-TlWVJ870ocq50JE-Dc3lqmeF_XtyuWH7Vj5kT88mKQ02uNekDmkO6zu3cFfdQy3t8eHWMm6S9k57TIinkn_S_VCGs3yb1EQ1mPXFoLwYOmzJK9TdlrNrc-Qy06f/s400/Tea-for-me-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/coffeeteaorme.html">Coffee Tea or Me </a>by Polka Dot Pixels<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/-My-Heart-Goes-Boom-Da-Doom-Doom.html">{My Heart Goes} Boom Da Doom Doom</a> by Amber Morrison</span></div>
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Sorry I've been so slack about updating my poor little neglected blog lately. Mojo slip and just .... just.</div>
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Thank you always so much for stopping by, and for your warm comments. In the words of the Terminator, "I'll be back." </div>
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Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-63437255575244071112013-05-01T22:14:00.000+09:002013-05-01T22:14:03.304+09:00OverworkedOkay, so I may or may not have accidentally deleted all of my blog decoration images from my Photobucket account. Ugh. That was only 4 years of work.<br /><br />I hope you didn't come here and see it all naked and think I'd thrown in the towel. Although seeings how long I have been gone I wouldn't blame you.<br /><br />In April, my friends and I once again crafted our little hearts out and held our semi-annual handmade craft bazaar. I started "crafting" in early March and kept on going all the way through the 2nd night of the bazzar. I'm still working on a few lingering special orders as well.<br />
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I made watch pendant necklaces, watch pendant keychains, beaded interchangeable watchbands, and a few mini paper scrapbook pages. Here are just a few examples.<br />
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Immediately after wrapping up the bazzar, the entire digital scrapbooking community started gearing up for this weekend's once-a-year big event iNSD (International Scrapbooking Day). I may be a bit prejudice, but if you're into digital scrapbooking you may just want to have a look at the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?57558-Welcome-to-the-May-Challenges">amazing, incredible, fun challenges and events happening over at The Digichick</a>.<br /><br />I do have several pages I need to upload here, but I don't want to do it all at once. So I'm just going to up the two tonight - two that I made with new releases coming out this weekend.<br /><br />This first one is of my son an my parents' sweet kitty cat. My son is definitely a cat-person - much like his mom.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Clean-and-Simple-by2amdesigns.html">Clean & Simple </a>by 2am Designs<br />actions on photos from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Joie-de-Vivre.html">Joie de Vivre </a>photo actions by Charm Box Studios in the Joie de Vivre Boutique Collab by The Digichick Designers<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Nobody-s-Fool.html">Nobody's Fool </a>by Designs by Amber Morrison </span></div>
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I had a lot of fun making this second page. I used so many different designs by ViVa Artistry. I love to layer and layer and make it look deep and "real." The kit won't be on sale until the 3rd so this is just a sneak peek.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from Illuminated Journal IV by ViVa Artistry<br />background papers from Fantoccini<br />alpha for my name is In a Hurry<br />word art brushes from In Control WordArt<br />hand brush from Note It Brushes<br />butterflies from Le Printemps<br />orange and blue flowers from Midsummer Night<br />pink flowers and Japanese paper from Maiko<br />postcard from Old Letters<br />yellow flower from LeReve<br />font is Jellyka Saint Andrews<br />page template from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Journal-Templates.html">Journal Templates </a>by Kimeric Kreations</span></div>
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I thank you all for sticking with me. Thank you always for stopping by and taking a look at what I've been up to. There's a lot more to say, but this is all I can manage for now.<br />
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And that is all for now. I can try and promise to update again soon. I
promise I'll try. I promise I'll try to find the energy to update my
blog decoration images again. I'm tired and I'm really looking forward
to this 4-day-weekend Golden Week in Japan.<br />
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<br />Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-56320126918209139022013-03-12T21:53:00.000+09:002013-03-12T21:55:53.331+09:00This is pathetic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, so this may be the longest I have gone and neglected my poor blog. I've been<br />
a. busy<br />
b. lazy<br />
c. crazy<br />
d. all of the above<br />
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If you guessed d. you are correct. Crazy busy days lead to laziness. No excuses.<br />
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The school year ends in March in Japan, and begins again in April when all the Cherry trees are in bloom. Yes, that is the reason why. Japan is big on ceremonies and for school entrance ceremonies Cherry blossoms are a must. That is why at just about every school of every kind has cherry trees at its front gate. <br />
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I'm an English language (conversation) teacher - in case you didn't already know that about me. I came here 21 years ago on a one-year contract. I studied International Business in University and was told (while doing an Internship for the Governor of Colorado) that I would need first-hand international experience in order to get an international job. I was told to just go anywhere, for a year or so, then come back and apply. That was the plan.<br />
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That was 21 years ago. Did I already mention that? These passing years get harder and harder to accept.<br />
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I love teaching English. I love each and every one of my students. I truly feel that I am doing God's calling for my life - at least for now. My life is not perfect, far from it. But there is a certain contentment and motivation toward my "work" knowing that at least in that area of my life I'm on the right track. For now.<br />
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Who am I to challenge convention? I keep my English class schedule in line with the annual school schedule and try to end a year's worth of study in March. And start again, fresh and new with the Cherry blossoms, in April.<br />
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All of this is to say, that at least for this past month "work" has been busy.<br />
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I know I am also incredibly blessed to be a member of The Digichick. I was asked to join as a Creative Team member in October 2010. Since then I have been on a few other designer's teams, and I am still on ViVa Artistry's team as well. But TDC (The DigiChick) is my digi home. I took on the task of heading up TDC's challenges about a year later. And from this past January, I was asked to become a member of site Admin and take on the position of CT Leader. I cannot tell you what a blessing this shop, these people have been in my life. I am honored and humbled at the same time.<br />
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Oh yeah, speaking of scrapbooking - since that is what is blog is supposed to be at least partially about - I do have some pages to share. Looking at all that I have to upload here makes me realize how long its been. I have December pages for pity sake! Guess I'll try to do this chronologically. Please bear with me as heretowith follows an image-heavy finale.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Sugar Sands Beach Kit and Sugar Sand Boardwalk Christmas by Etc. by Danyale<br />font is Mary Magpie by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> As seen in the December 2012 Artisan Notebook.</span></div>
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my February desktop</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfNB2StS3QubNjJV30J8OovMKs2zAX4Az_jVVKzHzWye43Xk3rTgKVXlFABhc-XsdOEbfyjLq6Tm-Hq-TVBhLpPcitWdTg1rKVv2EXwZ2ZGE_-tXsQHWSDMYNuhk0faOlvIXWhLMoA_yN/s1600/1st-heartbreak-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfNB2StS3QubNjJV30J8OovMKs2zAX4Az_jVVKzHzWye43Xk3rTgKVXlFABhc-XsdOEbfyjLq6Tm-Hq-TVBhLpPcitWdTg1rKVv2EXwZ2ZGE_-tXsQHWSDMYNuhk0faOlvIXWhLMoA_yN/s1600/1st-heartbreak-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">these three pages made using Amore Mio, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the February Boutique Collaboration by The Digichick Designers </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> my February forums siggy image</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">a sweet little Valentine. Both of these are made using Kitty Loves Puppy by Quirky Twerp</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Papers and elements from Cupid's Arrow by Katie Creates<br />Template from I Heart You by Cornelia Designs<br />Action on photo from Inspired by Charm Box Studios<br />Font is I Love Me Some Brook by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements Glitter Memories by The Digichick Designers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Grey Skies by Sherwood Studio</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from Journey by Etc by Danyale<br />as seen in the February 2013 Artisan Notebook</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Mascherari by ViVa Artistry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s2ukCnarEe8O3vWxoGdktJCbNBVOZwhWcf9y7kmbo0Ml04lvTSNTWM_qpi3OmVEuhjXkyLScUUWSeRv0yHZemLkgzKlPrK4c3VdItUveO1QVJD8UmfpX-tAGcMBjoNMhblqmsgH6MpNp/s1600/Sensitive-Soul-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s2ukCnarEe8O3vWxoGdktJCbNBVOZwhWcf9y7kmbo0Ml04lvTSNTWM_qpi3OmVEuhjXkyLScUUWSeRv0yHZemLkgzKlPrK4c3VdItUveO1QVJD8UmfpX-tAGcMBjoNMhblqmsgH6MpNp/s1600/Sensitive-Soul-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Quirky Originals by ViVa Artistry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0hFFchgEaaCJj-CnoqzXjvcpZW1zcGyuqg07IB9ELYdhBX5hH26BXjgLMrFc5-77_e8isrn07Jt1YYT8yLC4RoasVueAU6CUBG_9hd4m9E2qdNsKzfWf7s7svsVLMiNdQNwQRBZGaEvC/s1600/Confucius-Says-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0hFFchgEaaCJj-CnoqzXjvcpZW1zcGyuqg07IB9ELYdhBX5hH26BXjgLMrFc5-77_e8isrn07Jt1YYT8yLC4RoasVueAU6CUBG_9hd4m9E2qdNsKzfWf7s7svsVLMiNdQNwQRBZGaEvC/s1600/Confucius-Says-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Confucius Says by Viva Artistry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFqz-J1Rcxrvl8HEfUav2fnHLe-UIXg81L_U9WuxUf7qk-cNvB8Xeu84HNKz1KhF1hSPqcaD6OZ6GrssxKW8145C_loClCDhx2rWfOavPkhP10EtBTQR1uMnPr5zNZ1JjpSHH3tMpuzr2/s1600/March-Siggy-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFqz-J1Rcxrvl8HEfUav2fnHLe-UIXg81L_U9WuxUf7qk-cNvB8Xeu84HNKz1KhF1hSPqcaD6OZ6GrssxKW8145C_loClCDhx2rWfOavPkhP10EtBTQR1uMnPr5zNZ1JjpSHH3tMpuzr2/s1600/March-Siggy-web.jpg" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">my March forum siggy image. all papers and elements </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">from Slainte by The Digichick Designers</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIV_Wv4uswJoGyRuUMz-iki-R2kVEiaGEuaH50cnPVF8-niBn7_v5K5JWvtSziGD1mN7rW_oRf7SitZUSdwEl7DrowcehrrfPveTOO3un13qYSl7j5LnAqjIK_rBeVI83dWpE1koIg4wo/s1600/Explore-Dream-Discover-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIV_Wv4uswJoGyRuUMz-iki-R2kVEiaGEuaH50cnPVF8-niBn7_v5K5JWvtSziGD1mN7rW_oRf7SitZUSdwEl7DrowcehrrfPveTOO3un13qYSl7j5LnAqjIK_rBeVI83dWpE1koIg4wo/s1600/Explore-Dream-Discover-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from A Love Like This by Kimeric Kreations<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font for journaling is So Much to Say by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As seen in the for the January 2013 Artisan Notebook.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LQv9_cMHaeabHCp0YmiLreIC6m2bjzOvWySP2PiyxXLiUdhftPomQ7NJ8oY4XPnLTpGai_zUFzdaUmb9gZiV-4udgblT3AS0CUEuZdk11D80qKUiaf7ZKPoMVloOzNskLKZSedj4125h/s1600/Exposed-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LQv9_cMHaeabHCp0YmiLreIC6m2bjzOvWySP2PiyxXLiUdhftPomQ7NJ8oY4XPnLTpGai_zUFzdaUmb9gZiV-4udgblT3AS0CUEuZdk11D80qKUiaf7ZKPoMVloOzNskLKZSedj4125h/s1600/Exposed-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Exposed by ninigoesdigi at MScraps<br />page template by Busy Bee Designs</span></div>
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And while I've got you here, why don't you come join us for our March Challenges! Would love to see your pages too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?57038-Welcome-to-the-March-Challenges"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi0TyItlQ0jonF0Xuq1ANKiwlAj3d5jQFsEQVGQUaeSiY81JyJbVkiukvUUsbeTPoVCMzDi28CyxLFICudcOhKymjyWjGX9z83LRktf25-qRhQwtT7LrUy-4olBO-ObOopAMgLxxT6ARY/s1600/March-Challenges-Banner-web.jpg" height="182" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the few who still stop by, and for the few who read this far down the post, I want to thank you for being patient with me and my complete lack of blog maintenance. Thank you so much for stopping by, please come again.<br />
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<br />Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-30131674686574694942013-01-26T14:31:00.000+09:002013-01-26T14:45:13.575+09:00Edo Shigusa.... lessons from the Edo PeriodI just got back from parents observation day at my son's school. The local elementary school has Saturday school about once a month, in one form or another. Sometimes it's Sports and Field Day. Sometimes it's just 4 hours of regular classes. Today was one of those days with one exception, the 2nd class period was open for parents to come and observe. <br />
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What better subject to watch our children learn than Ethics. The word for Ethics (Morality) in Japanese is 道徳, pronounced as DohToku. The first Chinese character, 道, means path. The second Chinese character, 徳, means virtue. So DohToku means "The Virtuous Way or the Path to Virtue." That's beautiful.<br />
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Today's lesson was absolutely fascinating to me. I learned a bit about the Edo Period in Japan and how teachings from that period deeply affect Japanese thinking and conduct even today.<br />
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<b>Common Courtesy</b><br />
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Various societies have unique and sometimes opposing ideas on what is considered to be polite. Just think burping at the table after a meal or loudly slurping noodles and you get the idea. Most societies' ideals on manners are probably based on what they believe to be common sense and common courtesy towards other people: "Please," "Thank You," "You're Welcome." Lending a helping hand: "Here, let me get that for you." Avoiding Conflict: "After you," "Excuse me," "Sorry about that." <br />
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かに歩き、Crab walk. A person should walk through a crowded space with great care in order to avoid bumping into others.<br />
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傘しげ、Umbrella tilting. People walking with umbrellas on a narrow path should tilt their own umbrella toward the outside - even if it means that they will get rained on - in order to avoid colliding with the oncoming person's umbrella or forcing the other person to get wet.<br />
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肩ひき、Turning shoulders. Two people approaching each other in tight quarters should turn their shoulders so they can pass without colliding.<br />
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こぶし腰浮かせ, Sliding Over. A person should slide to the middle of a row to make room for newcomers instead of making the newcomers walk over those people already seated. <br />
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Etc. For me, these simple courtesies are logical, reasonable, and go without saying. Common. (Okay, maybe I'd rather have someone climb over me to get to their seats instead of giving up my own seat.) <br />
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One of the main points of today's class was that courtesy is rooted in thinking about the other person over self. Japan is a small country with a relatively large population, concentrated in a few large cities. Most of the land is quite mountainous so living areas on the flatlands tend to be quite crowded. Streets are narrow and many do not have sidewalks for pedestrians. Walking paths are sometimes only wide enough for one person to walk on. Japanese courtesy is, in part, born out of these tight living quarters.<br />
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<b>Uncommon Courtesy </b><br />
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If a person humbles self and honors others, discomfort and conflict can be diminished. When granting a favor to others, its common to do so quietly and without making self stand out. If either the giver or the receiver of the favor stands out, the person feels embarrassed. When accepting a favor, it's common to refuse the favor (or gift) initially. The recipient says something to the effect of, "Oh, you really shouldn't have. I can't accept this. You've gone to too much trouble on my behalf," apologizing for having needed assistance in the first place. Finally, when after the refusals to accept and the insistence on accepting are done on both sides, there are words of gratitude. <br />
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One example from today's class that stands out the most to me is that, traditionally, when one person accidentally stepped on another person's foot, <i>the person who got stepped on would apologize </i>for being in the way and obstructing the other person's path. (I'm not sure that it still works this way in modern Japan though.) <br />
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It was at this point that I realized - not for the first time - that Japan is unique in its way of thinking. Having lived here for so long, I have somewhat mastered the art of humbling self and exalting others. In some ways its like a game. But in order to have smooth relationships in this country, one must humble themselves at times. One must learn the art of bowing in respect to others, learn the art of apologizing, learn the distinct balance of how much to refuse a gift before receiving it. Learn how being humbled is actually to be honored. What you see is not what you see. <br />
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I am not comparing Japanese culture with American culture, or to any other part of the world. Humble, meek, respectful, sharing, placing others before self. These are excellent qualities to strive for in any society. Its hard to put it all into words, but today I fell in love with Japan a little more. <br />
<br />Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-58533614359265841502013-01-13T16:30:00.000+09:002013-01-13T16:30:06.511+09:00ONE day at a time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I mentioned that in late November my family and I went to a nearby park
to take our photos for our annual Christmas / New Year's card. I think I
may have also noted how slightly uncooperative my daughter was. I guess
its just not cool to take family pictures anymore. <br /><br />Nonetheless,
I will force the issue each year as long as I can because I believe
that one day my babes will look back at them at be happy.<br /><br />Here is
a page that I made with pictures of my daughter and I on that day.
These were a few photos that my husband took while setting up the camera
and location. You can see how "teenagery" she was being. Hmmm.... now
that I look at these again, I guess she wasn't *that* bad, she did
actually smile a bit. Probably from annoyance at me. Kind of like those
gas bubble smiles babies do.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRJ66a9Xl6sjSVuZZcUOuDItTdTqxwKQcLuYEHjgJS93BuUZuQAItAHdMfe9xk9l0oDq0OjK7XGjxBLmeEcYXZld71W5S0PhLNP-DbcUUSbc-5V-S9qUUSqi7GeTCfIu1mQsH9YDAdI9Z/s400/Always-web.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> papers and most elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Ness.html">Ness </a>by ViVa Artistry<br />gold butterfly is from Fall Jubilee, blue butterfly is from Blue, both also by ViVa Artistry<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24547&cat=0&page=1">I Feel Pretty</a> by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}<br />alpha is by Gina Cabrerra<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</i></span></div>
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So instead of forcing yet another photo session with my children so
soon, for this next page I decided to go back in time once again and use
pictures of when my children were actually happy to smile for the
camera. I love my babes. Other than the Gift of God's own son, they are
the most incredible blessing I have been granted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah1frv3Ci2xc2r86HX7kDxGlSs4t1GqJ-UvrWV40aZ6x1RYm60TeWYX9WuU0CkAA2CeEtu2zl-DAHtDJ191wPUJqLgkIpGorra_j8oj0SgOsGu4j6ZJdy-k8nuPDnh6wwFKwWQvrlRRxS/s1600/Magic-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah1frv3Ci2xc2r86HX7kDxGlSs4t1GqJ-UvrWV40aZ6x1RYm60TeWYX9WuU0CkAA2CeEtu2zl-DAHtDJ191wPUJqLgkIpGorra_j8oj0SgOsGu4j6ZJdy-k8nuPDnh6wwFKwWQvrlRRxS/s400/Magic-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Les-Saisons-L-hiver-Kit.html">L'hiver</a> by ViVa Artistry<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24675&cat=0&page=1">Glory Bea </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}<br />page template by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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I've chosen my new One Little Word for 2013. Have you? I was so happy
how well I was able to focus on achieving goals last year using OLW that
I definitely wanted to try it again this year. My word for this year is
ONE. The reason I chose this is because I tend to get overwhelmed when I
realize how much I have to do - work, home, kid's activities, etc. I'm
sure we can all relate. But instead of going into overdrive, I tend to
shut down completely and not accomplish anything. So I wanted to remind
myself this year that I don't have to do it all. That I can just focus
on ONE thing at a time and I'll be fine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzo-v2QuQ-ZKpWRnzHpMal4NcsQwYWFmGpggwDU2mwv11g6c1d_e_Tr14uCgLc2f4JgXwqjyeMor7nGSTD8J8NDzbOpkWImKI3SdCHdfesjilVR6JTPuoZLWETpAg-cMbQuA0HD0y2TiW/s1600/CBS-resizing-for-web-atn_LRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6scCC-HdLp_okZ9aOFEDYiRlcE_ro_Uqmwv4erlIkdlKnxFKB3zXZEY-5QU5nwvZOtJYfpzva2fzow2zIxUTmdynoOaEvIBkXt1-MpViwjSMpXUrba8Ke9LUZcPDIyJEaY4K_HwtQypxZ/s1600/One-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6scCC-HdLp_okZ9aOFEDYiRlcE_ro_Uqmwv4erlIkdlKnxFKB3zXZEY-5QU5nwvZOtJYfpzva2fzow2zIxUTmdynoOaEvIBkXt1-MpViwjSMpXUrba8Ke9LUZcPDIyJEaY4K_HwtQypxZ/s400/One-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Into-the-Great-Unknown.html">Into the Great Unknown </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />doily from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Roots-and-Wings.html">Roots and Wings</a><br />pennant banner from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Yearbook-Class-of-TDC.html">Yearbook Class of TDC</a><br />hexagon stitches from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Hexagon-Stitches-Vivid.html">Hexagon<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Stitches </span>Vivid </a>by Quirky Twerp<br />page template from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Ring-in-the-New.html">Ring in the New </a>by Rainy Dayz Designs<br />font is Traveling Typewriter</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">F</span>inally, for my digi<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>scrapping friends this may be interesting. A
friend of mine started making photo actions last year and one of them is
this Resize for Web action. I've used several of these actions in the
past but have never been fully satisfied. This one rocks! I rarely, if
ever, have to do any final adjustments after running the action. Its the
perfect amount of sharpness. I highly recommend it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Resize-for-Web-Photoshop-Action.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzo-v2QuQ-ZKpWRnzHpMal4NcsQwYWFmGpggwDU2mwv11g6c1d_e_Tr14uCgLc2f4JgXwqjyeMor7nGSTD8J8NDzbOpkWImKI3SdCHdfesjilVR6JTPuoZLWETpAg-cMbQuA0HD0y2TiW/s400/CBS-resizing-for-web-atn_LRG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Thank you as always for stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come back again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-73623566414288427352013-01-05T21:08:00.000+09:002013-01-05T21:11:34.084+09:00This should have been done in December, but...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPa1j3SFmzWF4Yu28anjzQIfNLGRY5Exx6EQhIdp0knPwa-P8lYSF5BQ4p0xNWxKxoQCQJL3kpXV51LTDa_D8WJA4jA9R5vuTeuE0ezzr6O1QiCWVCNwMwzu9q66WaXQozDA2Z4uiIatcG/s1600/Seasons+Greetings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
These next few posts are late. Out of season. Very late. Its not that I
wrote them weeks ago as drafts and forgot to upload them. I didn't write
them then, I'm just now getting around to it now. Just like I'm just
now getting around to printing and mailing my Christmas / New Year's
cards. I'm adding a little heart to my cards so they can double as
Valentines as well.<br />
<br />
I played hooky in December. I shut down and
froze up in December. It was a good month in some ways, bad in others.
But for the most part I just did not want to feel stressed out.<br />
<br />
I
did enjoy scrapping Christmas pages (with photos from years gone by). I
did enjoy trying some new photography techniques to get pictures of my
tree lights. I did enjoy spending time with my family for a long winter
break. I just didn't blog about it, sorry.<br />
<br />
So I guess I'll just
jump right in then and show the rest of my December pages. This first
one is of my babes from Christmas 2003, nine years ago! I have to use
these pictures because I just don't get many pictures anymore of my
babes together, or of my babes at Christmastime.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn_THsbJqSgVJnw7jrframcGe30Y5Z6w-ppNp0L17FTPyb-mqJ84zcPxpjg4Cx0BEftA0SGyEfo-C6Wdu-CKipwUzaJ7RkZUQqeq6C7toX3lBaiD4ry2y2G2n_faNptDWNjmIDUIRHKnr/s1600/Christmas-2003-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn_THsbJqSgVJnw7jrframcGe30Y5Z6w-ppNp0L17FTPyb-mqJ84zcPxpjg4Cx0BEftA0SGyEfo-C6Wdu-CKipwUzaJ7RkZUQqeq6C7toX3lBaiD4ry2y2G2n_faNptDWNjmIDUIRHKnr/s1600/Christmas-2003-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Plum-Pudding.html">Plum Pudding </a>by ViVa Artistry<br />sparkly alphabet by Jen Wilson<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Fa-La-La-La.html">Fa La La La </a>by Amber Morrison<br />fonts are from <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24452&cat=0&page=1">The Holly Sessions </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span></i></div>
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This photo on this page is even older, my daughter from Christmas 2002. I just love the excitement in her eyes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqmUFI_rUIy1F7ypUw_-oGM3qMzwpuwABczVR1vB_Q-1Nmmh40yRSV97lSWO_BGy788EMPqhhjp8DA1rFLOEQbpSbaG6oinM3gluQAfiW6VmxWA9O9ECfOalEsWNLkxgzTPQV0uIhCKjm/s1600/Joy+Christmas-2002-Sela-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqmUFI_rUIy1F7ypUw_-oGM3qMzwpuwABczVR1vB_Q-1Nmmh40yRSV97lSWO_BGy788EMPqhhjp8DA1rFLOEQbpSbaG6oinM3gluQAfiW6VmxWA9O9ECfOalEsWNLkxgzTPQV0uIhCKjm/s1600/Joy+Christmas-2002-Sela-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Snowkissed.html">Snowkissed </a>by Sherwood Studio</span></i></div>
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In our December Challenges at The Digichick, we have an occassional
photography challenge hosted by Charla, a staff member of TDC and a
professional photographer. In December, she taught us a quick and simple
technique for taking Christmas tree lights and trying to get the
starburst effect. I enjoyed the challenge so much, I tried it twice.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>for both of them I used a frame or an effect from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Charmstagram-Toolbox.html">Charmstagram Toolbox</a></i></span></div>
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In the last of my Christmassy pages, here is my 2012 family Christmas card. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Winter-Solstice.html">Winter Solstice </a>by Kimeric Kreations</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Christmas-Sentiments-2-Digital-Stamps.html">Christmas Sentiment </a>stamps by Arty Pants<br />photo and cluster template by Busy Bee Designs</i></span></div>
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Thank you so much for stopping by my corner of the web. I wish you a very belated Happy Holiday season. I pray 2013 will be a healthy, happy and successful year for each of you.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-47651805777139731482012-12-04T16:28:00.001+09:002012-12-04T16:28:52.575+09:00The sky is fallingI went to see Skyfall today and it was wonderful. I rarely go to see movies in the theater, maybe two to three times a year and its got to be something I've been waiting for. With Harry Potter and the Twilight Saga being done (although technically Twilight is not done for me yet since BD2 comes to theaters here on December 28th), the only movies I am waiting anxiously for now are Catching Fire and Mocking Jay from The Hunger Games.<br /><br />Some foreign movies are released nearly the same time here as they are in their home country, but some we have to wait several months for. Almost all of the Twilight movies and The Hunger Games I waited for 6 unbearable months after American release. This trend really confounds me. Its just another aspect of my life where I have to intentionally push down my own desires and just wait patiently for these things to come. Living overseas but still expecting an American life usually only leads to frustration.<br /><br />One of the best things about watching movies in the theaters here, however, is that you can take in your own food and drink. Yes, they have concession stands selling slightly overpriced (no where near American prices) popcorn, snacks and soft drinks. Most theaters here also have gourmet drinks (gourmet being Starbucks and the like). But many patrons, including myself, opt to buy a bottled water or softdrink from 7-11 before entering the cinema. I've even brought in my dinner from McDonald's before and its perfectly acceptable. I love that freedom. Theaters are clean and comfortable. I've even watched a movie in a reclining seat with foot rest before - standard for that particular theater.<br /><br />One thing that used to bother me about watching foreign movies here was the intense and immediate replay of culture shock I experienced afterwards. I would get so involved in my two hours of English speaking heros and heroines, action scenes and car chases down the streets of London and San Francisco, that when the movie finished and I stepped out of the theater - back into the streets of Chinese written characters (kanji) along the streets of Tokyo, I would feel disoriented and lost for a few minutes. As the years have passed here I experience that post-movie culture shock a bit less now.<br /><br />The passing of time makes some things a bit less shocking, easier to swallow and get on with life again. But it does make a few things harder too. Such as seeing how quickly my children grow and change. Learning to let go, ever so slowly yet knowing all the while that one day I will be alone again. That is how life is supposed to be. Empty nests. But I think I'm in for an entirely new kind of culture shock when the does happen.<br /><br />My family and I usually only take a family photo once a year, just in time for the holidays. Sometimes we would drive far for a day outing, and sometimes we would just take the photo in the comfort of our living room. This year, we went to a nearby park where the leaves were in their glorious second spring. These photo taking sessions used to be a little bit fun - at least we could all stand close together and - if needed - tickle a smile out of the kids. My daughter is now a teenager and had no interest in taking photos with the old family. She'll smile and pose for hours at the photo-booths with her friends. But it was quite an adventure getting her to put down her cell phone and snap a few shots with mom, dad and little brother. In the end, we did take a few good ones though. Snap 150 photos and the likelihood that you get two or three goods ones increases.<br /><br />This is a page that I made using one of those photos. My husband likes this photo the best because of the huge colorful tree behind us. But if I were to use this one on a Christmas postcard our faces would be smaller than a dime. Not so good if we want to show how happy we are to friends and family around the world in our annual card. So I will choose one of the other ones - one of the closer up ones.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/journey-kit.html">Journey </a>by Etc by Danyale<br />dried vines from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Old-Garden-Kit.html">Old Garden </a>also by Etc by Danyale</span></div>
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It's December, time for all the designers to break out this year's holiday scrapping designs. Since I don't have Christmas photos from this year yet I have been using photos from Christmases past. This one is of my babes from Christmas 2006. See how much they have grown since then. Time passing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFjavdKExKfCvq2OhjwzOxgL5STaDMAjJ38fR6vG13oWeqI_k9CMsStTmMu05xpeHpS18axNEovaXfSVvZqVnwROREAqhzWzxWHZ6nhz8AybMdHJxUj__JS2V8n0xWG72KuzZ3OWHWnLs/s1600/Christmas-2006-web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFjavdKExKfCvq2OhjwzOxgL5STaDMAjJ38fR6vG13oWeqI_k9CMsStTmMu05xpeHpS18axNEovaXfSVvZqVnwROREAqhzWzxWHZ6nhz8AybMdHJxUj__JS2V8n0xWG72KuzZ3OWHWnLs/s1600/Christmas-2006-web.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Rustic Christmas by 2:00 a.m. Designs</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">guest designer at TDC this month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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I've finally remembered that its 2012, and here it will be 2013 in less than a month. No wonder I can't seem to keep up. Six years have passed in what feels like two, and this past one year has passed in what feels like six months.<br /><br />My One Little Word for 2012 was Move. This was the first year that I have chosen a word. In the past I've made resolutions for myself - very specific goals. I can't remember achieving a single one. This year, focusing on just my one word, I believe I was successful. My goals were to MOVE myself - artistically, physically, spiritually, and in my work (would you say workfully?).<br /><br />This is the page I made at the beginning of this year.<br /> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/The-Daily-Details.html">The Daily Details </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />some elements also from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Emporium.html">Emporium </a>and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Shutterbug.html">Shutterbug </a>both by The Digichick Designers</span><br /> </div>
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I made this page for the November 2102 Artisan Notebook about
Scrapbooking Memes. Now, that was one I definitely had to look up. What
in the world was a meme and were there any that related to specifically
to scrapbooking? This is what I came up with - OLW.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/kaleidoscope-kit.html">Kaleidoscope Kit </a>and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/kaleidoscope-artsy-papers.html">Kaleidoscope Attach It Artsy Papers </a>by Etc by Danyale</span></div>
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And just in case you can't read the tiny journaling - and would like to - here you go.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Over the past several years, every January, I've heard talk around the scrapbooking community about One Little Word, otherwise called OLW. I'd read discussions in the forums about what everyone's OLW would be for that year. I had no idea what it was all about. </span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I used to make resolutions each new year - that come March or April would already be broken. I had good intentions, desire to change my life for the better, but would always make too many plans that were too wide sweeping, disconnected. I was setting myself up to fail from the outset.</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">2012. Enter One Little Word. Once I understood what it was all about, it sounded much easier to keep just one "resolution" that would encompass all of my goals. I decided to give it a try. </span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I wanted to increase my physical activity. I wanted to re-energize my work situation. I wanted to deepen my friendships and kick-start my creativity. I wanted to move several areas of my life from one level to the next. So I chose MOVE as my OLW for this year.</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, in just about any situation where I feel stuck or I know needs a change, I just repeat the word "Move." I focus on my OLW and try to apply it in nearly every area of my life. I feel good about the progress I've made over this past year. I haven't achieved every goal I would have liked, but by keeping with my One Little Word I feel more focused and more able to make the changes I need."</span></i><br /><br /><br />
Okay. Enough for today, I'll be back soon. If you've made it this far I thank you.<br />
<br /><br /><br />Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-22648982542864406932012-11-28T22:08:00.000+09:002012-11-28T22:08:53.602+09:00Mustard Mousebecause Ketchup Catch-Up was already taken...<br />
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Ohhhh, where have I been. Sorry to my poor little blog for being absent this month. If anything, I was not absent but very present, very busy in life. <br />
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Our winter handmade bazaar went wonderfully. I am happy to say that *most* of my items sold - if not on the day of the bazaar then soon afterwards. ALL of my beaded ornaments sold and for that I am most thankful! <br />
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It seemed like everything was piled up, one on top of the other. First there was planning the bazaar, then Halloween to live through - which I did! Then there was DSD and the big event at The Digichick - thank you to all of you who downloaded the little freebie I made for you and left me some love! I hope you can use the badges on your pages! And then there was the mad rush to get everything made for the bazaar, and then the bazaar itself! <br />
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My brain was in a constant state of "What's next? What do I need to get done today?" and even now I'm having a bit of a hard time adjusting to not having to feel pressured. Its a bit weird, but I'm sure it's temporary as the madness of the holiday season is just around the corner.<br />
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So.... I want to do another catch-up post here with all my creations. <br />
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First, a little peak at what I made for the bazaar.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> some beaded watchbands (actually, these were left over from the spring bazaar)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and some new felt hair clips and headbands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> mini scrapbook albums and pages in frames</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">beaded snowflake ornaments</span></div>
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And then some of my scrapbooking pages.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IMZX_CHG1hCrDmdmWih1yQ_3HauhN29yc7klGndJ_PKrUQm-tuN4Eol7IwM3UC4Z5LmfEpHIuC5FZ_qBhUVsrUmgGqVjGo5w5nnTrkxjP36dEPaUvYtCvxCHeSxu7RIWYTHbKtNSQ5OS/s1600/Adore-You-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IMZX_CHG1hCrDmdmWih1yQ_3HauhN29yc7klGndJ_PKrUQm-tuN4Eol7IwM3UC4Z5LmfEpHIuC5FZ_qBhUVsrUmgGqVjGo5w5nnTrkxjP36dEPaUvYtCvxCHeSxu7RIWYTHbKtNSQ5OS/s1600/Adore-You-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Sir-Plays-A-Lot-collab-with-Etc.-by-Danyale.html">Sir Plays A Lot </a>by Sweet Digi Scraps and Etc by Danyale<br />font for title is from <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24415&cat=0&page=1">Craft Stick Rubon Brushes </a>and font for journaling is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24128&cat=0&page=1">Snarky Bess</a>, both by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oy9Rqo9anB02hLYJhMa1snJXI0BrhhWChmPFw583RQIrWn3rDn3kkx9eVrja8BfBcC1pqlIGq-tjecqDNzezYU9-QOcE8caerNtqN-1CNGP9SOoWSZrXTRVNadShqZDHshWJhzSIdIv3/s1600/All+of+Mine-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oy9Rqo9anB02hLYJhMa1snJXI0BrhhWChmPFw583RQIrWn3rDn3kkx9eVrja8BfBcC1pqlIGq-tjecqDNzezYU9-QOcE8caerNtqN-1CNGP9SOoWSZrXTRVNadShqZDHshWJhzSIdIv3/s1600/All+of+Mine-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and most elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/La-Saisons-Le-Printemps-Kit.html">La Saisons: Le printemps </a>by ViVa Artistry<br />aged photo frame and coloring from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Folded-Frames.html">Folded Frames </a>by Charm Box Studios<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24251&cat=0&page=1">I Love Me Some Brook</a> by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Fall-Flavors-Caramel-Apple/">Fall Flavors: Caramel Apple </a>by Busy Bee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZo4dtpfxWE_dehUJLRprVVlje7IcK5JZg9wGiFW26OiyCw3eq0ZIp4MN88gPajmbxe8mxF_nrpg9UMS3aebfr0iO9eWtHMtTWjJ5tAMXqWajyTK2SW1KNPNVHj1g9D-y9NrK4ZvXK9bL/s1600/Autumn-in-Hakone-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZo4dtpfxWE_dehUJLRprVVlje7IcK5JZg9wGiFW26OiyCw3eq0ZIp4MN88gPajmbxe8mxF_nrpg9UMS3aebfr0iO9eWtHMtTWjJ5tAMXqWajyTK2SW1KNPNVHj1g9D-y9NrK4ZvXK9bL/s1600/Autumn-in-Hakone-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/La-Saisons-L-Automne-Kit.html">La Saisons: L<span style="font-size: x-small;">' </span>automne</a> by ViVa Artistry<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24312&cat=0&page=1">Fancy Nancy </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}<br />page template is from Luscious by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnfxbkOuVsU-FNWPRUfE2pB3D6ZCNv-s-abFWjWWrYp-eRSg-NcdY3geO-aTvk4rrqXVh4WOmbVpgvXVgcJzd_8_kmAa21zCUNokq_TBqqCggT4N5ytGZfUz8MCF8KgkNIidjwoaqNJn2/s1600/Growing-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnfxbkOuVsU-FNWPRUfE2pB3D6ZCNv-s-abFWjWWrYp-eRSg-NcdY3geO-aTvk4rrqXVh4WOmbVpgvXVgcJzd_8_kmAa21zCUNokq_TBqqCggT4N5ytGZfUz8MCF8KgkNIidjwoaqNJn2/s1600/Growing-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from Fall Jubilee - a past freebie from ViVa Artistry<br />background paper from<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/La-Saisons-L-Automne-Kit.html">La Saisons: L'Automne</a> also by ViVa Artistry<br />photo overlay from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Charmstagram-Textures.html">Charmstagram Textures </a>by Michelle Batton<br />font for journaling is The Mister from<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23744&cat=0&page=1">Old Married Couple </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontography</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9roskSyqR2HJ_thgXExiFlQaFY402F12Y5SNt_MLOXohUhfK_oBnTkzurHS2FyBLGkpVsTKra3sx5bHdatzfOS3LrHdCT0K5t8m30pKWUfWqyRk-GQdEy1RKDqLXJCXGJ3zfgcVi4qJq/s1600/Lose-and-Find-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9roskSyqR2HJ_thgXExiFlQaFY402F12Y5SNt_MLOXohUhfK_oBnTkzurHS2FyBLGkpVsTKra3sx5bHdatzfOS3LrHdCT0K5t8m30pKWUfWqyRk-GQdEy1RKDqLXJCXGJ3zfgcVi4qJq/s1600/Lose-and-Find-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a</span>ll papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Walk-Like-an-Egyptian-kit.html">Walk Like an Egyptian </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />page template is by Fiddle Dee Dee Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23744&cat=0&page=1">The Mister from Old Married Couple </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkNFqZEBL__UVwi63oZ4lXU8P_eChz6U74zwC8AtBFpQqE0rnzBjV2B8bW98QFY0NK-tDxshvNfbjb4huckgFUVDWd8u58MfjlfevDdi_wNYw7R4WeJ5VKeH4Szlnbv4COQj9F-YmKx-T/s1600/Pinky-in-the-Cake-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkNFqZEBL__UVwi63oZ4lXU8P_eChz6U74zwC8AtBFpQqE0rnzBjV2B8bW98QFY0NK-tDxshvNfbjb4huckgFUVDWd8u58MfjlfevDdi_wNYw7R4WeJ5VKeH4Szlnbv4COQj9F-YmKx-T/s1600/Pinky-in-the-Cake-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and <i>most </i>elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Birthday-Mix.html" target="_blank">Birthday Mix </a>by Girl Boy Girl Designs</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=20404&cat=0&page=1">Squirrels in My Pants<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_913chXyEN5rbmacGayAnYaXkz4Z6gExQYHC-N5U8K6BRehYHgE9ONcdLO7NI-x5le1sOoSBGuAS7pCvRIcsUViOSX95g9Jgs0eRxepYk4H05uNwFZzhr7600v1a6M9xVNQhyG5rp3zyl/s1600/Simply-Beautiful-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_913chXyEN5rbmacGayAnYaXkz4Z6gExQYHC-N5U8K6BRehYHgE9ONcdLO7NI-x5le1sOoSBGuAS7pCvRIcsUViOSX95g9Jgs0eRxepYk4H05uNwFZzhr7600v1a6M9xVNQhyG5rp3zyl/s1600/Simply-Beautiful-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Simply-Thankful.html">Simply Thankful </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Fall-Flavors-Cranberry-Orange/">Fall Flavors Cranberry Orange </a>by Busy Bee Designs<br />font for journaling is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24453&cat=0&page=1">I am that Girl from Best of the Best 5</a> by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw0FR2isekAc_Uv7yrwbrvn1ZsHdAllhAdilONJsX0YwDlkDPxm9rGO096DH_cNz5mbjho5AZ6Z-U4RbLD0D61rNAhW7Q29H6nlGeQI6jDPMKy0xuThZKNFVGeOQkP14qK8wVXafejnAC/s1600/bookmark-for-web-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw0FR2isekAc_Uv7yrwbrvn1ZsHdAllhAdilONJsX0YwDlkDPxm9rGO096DH_cNz5mbjho5AZ6Z-U4RbLD0D61rNAhW7Q29H6nlGeQI6jDPMKy0xuThZKNFVGeOQkP14qK8wVXafejnAC/s1600/bookmark-for-web-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this hybrid bookmark was for the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?44459-TYS-Scrap-Challenge-October-2012"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October TYS Scrap Challenge</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>all papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/A-Few-of-My-Favorite-Things.html">My Favorite Things<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></a>by The Digichick Designers<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24251&cat=0&page=1">I Love Me Some Brook</a> by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is another hybrid project, this is my Thankful Tree for the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?46371-Thankful-Tree-November-16th">Thankful Tree Challenge</a>.<span style="font-size: small;"> I<span style="font-size: small;"> did the basic design in <span style="font-size: small;">Photoshop and sized <span style="font-size: small;">my canvas to fit my sketch<span style="font-size: small;">book page. I th<span style="font-size: small;">en printed out each layer <span style="font-size: small;">individually<span style="font-size: small;"></span> and <span style="font-size: small;">glued them into my sketch<span style="font-size: small;">book. For the leaves, I just <span style="font-size: small;">printed out two blocks of the kit<span style="font-size: small;">'s patterned <span style="font-size: small;">paper and used a <span style="font-size: small;">lea<span style="font-size: small;">f-shaped craft pu<span style="font-size: small;">nch<span style="font-size: small;">. I then hand<span style="font-size: small;">wrote each of my <span style="font-size: small;">gratitudes</span> on a leaf<span style="font-size: small;">, then layered them to hopefully resemble a tree. The <span style="font-size: small;">title is ha<span style="font-size: small;">nd stamped. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPy8fuq_SCChx3UDUv4eTRqZd0k_JfuI0kzRCZJDSdlmHajFJBNX-AMS24iolznE5A4UyQTaGkkLe8WoBxxiKTLqCmAy3hen5U1aUPRDMR5FK-UxGl9e4cNfQjIIFCKiK-rzlR1CFL9jG_/s1600/Thankful_Tree_Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPy8fuq_SCChx3UDUv4eTRqZd0k_JfuI0kzRCZJDSdlmHajFJBNX-AMS24iolznE5A4UyQTaGkkLe8WoBxxiKTLqCmAy3hen5U1aUPRDMR5FK-UxGl9e4cNfQjIIFCKiK-rzlR1CFL9jG_/s1600/Thankful_Tree_Web.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and most element<span style="font-size: x-small;">s from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Old-Garden-Kit.html">Old Garden </a>by Etc by Danyale</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">butterflies are from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Kashmir-Kit.html">Kashmir </a>by Etc. by Danyale and Sweet Digi Scraps</span> </span></span></div>
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And finally, I have another freebie for you! I made this journaling card for the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?45274-DSD-Challenge-Tell-Your-Story-Card-Exchange">DSD Tell Your Story Card Exchange </a>and want to share it with you as well. In the download, I have included two jpg copies of the card: one with the journaling verse written on it, and one without so you can add your own journaling for your Project 365 scrapbooks, or just a note to a friend, etc. I hope you like it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/WBHLE5tQ/Lv2SnJP_Gratitude_Freebie.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtySA3x7Fkvw0P7Sgj-bwC1MKJq2Ed6_EJh3maiR-yDHcLdkZKtoNTEhEIi1u6x6jp_QUc5579leq1ZyL1E6TNnfMgF3vxD2WD1LdZlyaLrxEtnFa5oCNhIjHxjDVMOt2JzF7qhVa21Ly/s1600/TYS-Journaling-Card-Freebie-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96Nc9CMJaBsoPcX5xW69Mn5rPp6QwcUZJhjz-9akhDdWJhyphenhyphenbNfv60A2cNAbqoDE-MU7ugak_Ykkc9CYRuxfNGh0DDWsiSuiX5Vv05Kqn29kT_a0GqkKLsqeetMVXG28otTPZk2YB3MNkQ/s1600/TYSE+Card+Exchange-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">made using <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Simply-Thankful.html">Simply Thankful </a>by The Digichick Designers</span></div>
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Thanksgiving is officially over, but I'm going to sneak a gratitude in here before December - I am thankful for you who take the time to visit me here at my little corner of the web. Thank you! Please come again soon!</div>
Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-43768333138223819372012-11-01T18:03:00.000+09:002012-11-01T19:24:24.331+09:00TDC Facebook/Blog Hop - LV2SnJP Freebie!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy DSD - Digital Scrapbooking Day!</div>
<br />
Its one of the top two days
in the scrapbooking world, and the very top day for Digital
Scrapbooking. Sales and challenges and games abound in just about
every digital scrapbooking shop on the internet. Its a big deal, just in
case you didn't already know.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/">The Digichick </a>is one of the top
shops - definitely one of the longest-running shops - in all of
digiland so you know you can expect some wonderfully fun events from us.
We have <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?236-Challenges-amp-Special-Events">challenges, games, chats and crops</a> lined up all weekend long as
well as a <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/">store-wide sale</a>.</div>
<br />
One of the most exciting things we
like to do is a freebie hop. This is where our designers and CT members
each make free gifts for you! In case you missed the beginning of
the hop, it starts here at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedigichick">The Digichick's Facebook Page</a>. Or maybe you
already know about the hop and have arrived here from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PaperGardenProjects">Catherine's Paper Garden Projects Facebook page</a>. However you got here, I know why
you are here! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7885108650201574182" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/iv5v4iPM/LV2SnJP_Freebie.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/iv5v4iPM/LV2SnJP_Freebie.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>I would like to present you with a free gift
that I made just for you. It is a trio of clusters made with The
Digichick Designer's <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Simply-Thankful.html">November Boutique Collab - Simply Thankful</a>. I also
used <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Award-Ribbon-Templates.html">Award Ribbon Templates </a>by Girl Boy Girl Designs as a starting
point to make these. I hope you like them and will use them on your
pages or cards.<br />
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<a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/iv5v4iPM/lv2snjp_freebie.html"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEzkIqXx4hG3Qts5ZNdra85beyP9miDQH2CaKbbk2KJ5pjG4RacuwamVgzr52gc0JYIFfZRXT6Q-D9g8_OHa6TkPiRBlL76r-1ipvJfNCj9Dn5hVzQGTKTEDbaxiHlC05IWKNW-JSosBr/s1600/LV2S-Freebie-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Your next hop stop will be <a href="http://chloefrance.blogspot.fr/">Chloe's beautiful blog - Chloe's Ramblings</a></b>. If you are somewhere along the hop and don't see the designers freebie up yet, please come back again to that site soon. We are scattered all over the world and it may take a few of us a bit longer to get up and running!<br />
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. I hope you'll be back again soon!Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-81211818979664408342012-10-12T09:50:00.001+09:002012-10-12T09:58:03.971+09:00Autumn in New York, I mean Tokyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The summer heat and humidity have finally relented and cool autumn air and crisp blue skies have arrived, along with the occasional rain shower.<br />
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At this moment in my hallway closet I have 17 umbrellas hanging on the umbrella bar (nice little feature in my Japanese home). My family of four also owns at least 4 collapsible umbrellas that we either keep in said hallway closet or in school lockers and briefcases. There may even be one more umbrella in the trunk of our car. That is a confirmed 21 umbrellas for four people! When I first posted this photo on my Facebook page last week there were only 16 hanging in my closet. I'm not sure where the other one came from. Perhaps they are propagating on their own.<br />
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We own so many umbrellas because it is considered poor form to be out in the rain in Japan without one. And when you don't have one handy when you're out and about and its starts raining, you buy one from the corner convenience store for 100 yen (about one dollar). Japan is the land of convenience and consumerism. If you don't have it and you need it, you buy it. <br />
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Years ago when I was still working in the corporate world of public relations and advertising downtown Tokyo, I invested about $50 in a really nice, very lovely umbrella. I still have it even though the silk fabric is moldy and the metal body and spines are rusty and a few even broken. I wish I could have it cleaned and fixed, but I believe that to be impossible. I will eventually have to get rid of it. And I may just have to take a trip downtown Tokyo to one of the finer department stores and buy a new one to replace it. Even though we have 17 other ones still in our house. But they are vinyl and plastic and cheap looking and not fashionable at all. <br />
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The other day we were out and about downtown and just happened to drive by the Tokyo Tower. Here is a photo that my daughter was able to shoot of it from the back window of the car. You can see the raindrops on the back window. And if you could see the area at the base of the Tower, you would see about 50 people lined up waiting for their turn to ride the elevator to the observation deck. All standing patiently in line with their umbrellas.<br />
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Its not all rain here though. Last Monday I was walking on the road approaching the park where my son was to play in a soccer game and looked up at the foliage on the side of the road. I have no idea what these lovely flowers/shrubs/weeds are called, but they looked gorgeous against the bright, clear, blue autumn sky.<br />
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Last time I promised that I would make some boy pages for my son, and I've kept my word. I also made yet another girl page for my daughter and a vintage page for my
parents. Oh, and a Halloweeny page about how much I don't like
Halloween. Happy viewing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Howdy-Ma-am.html">Howdy Ma'am by </a>The Digichick Designers<br />butterflies from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Around-the-World.html">Around the World </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />font is font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24081&cat=0&page=1">This One is Called Dana </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}<br />stamp is from Graphic Pop Sprays by Katie Pertiet<br />page template (altered) by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIT5Kj3XnBj__9kd20BbE0jfQRLW9ZcAXvTs8E4P2-5j6fG4v5THOYVdbUTJ6lshNsi1_vTqHHCEO4t76q6zgTdePrbhNSFWXN8Z8zNBt3GKNn6P1GkEka1VPBmRFcyGA3G9k0MFOzT6C/s1600/Boy-who-slept-with-swords-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIT5Kj3XnBj__9kd20BbE0jfQRLW9ZcAXvTs8E4P2-5j6fG4v5THOYVdbUTJ6lshNsi1_vTqHHCEO4t76q6zgTdePrbhNSFWXN8Z8zNBt3GKNn6P1GkEka1VPBmRFcyGA3G9k0MFOzT6C/s400/Boy-who-slept-with-swords-w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from Collect Moments by Bella Gypsy<br />silver leaves from Serenity by Etc by Danyale<br />brown stamp alpha from Coming Home by Dawn by Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23580&cat=0&page=2">Uncertain Tense </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template (altered) from Fuss Free Banner of Love 4 by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbwRSjCc3NY6M-EGRJi0XskhgEtyWJknDl6dtehOCtQNYX7B13M8201bwai81x_Ue25mDO7Yqonw1IAOznxzOqZEwCZ88D69VKK_QFJttZ7owItT2s1cBPzIo-m-Qq2bi3M6ZOkcqfcY9/s1600/Oh-My-Darlin'-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbwRSjCc3NY6M-EGRJi0XskhgEtyWJknDl6dtehOCtQNYX7B13M8201bwai81x_Ue25mDO7Yqonw1IAOznxzOqZEwCZ88D69VKK_QFJttZ7owItT2s1cBPzIo-m-Qq2bi3M6ZOkcqfcY9/s400/Oh-My-Darlin'-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from Oh My Darlin' by Kristin Cronin Barrow<br />small beige tag is from Cherished also by KCB<br />page template by Little Green Frog Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24128&cat=0&page=1">Snarky Bess </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}<br />stitches are by Anna Aspnes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/A-Few-of-My-Favorite-Things.html">My Favorite Things </a>- a Digichick Boutique Collab<br />clock “stamp” and hanging tag are from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Around-the-World.html">Around the World </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />lace doilies and wings are from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Roots-and-Wings.html">Roots and Wings </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />page template (altered) is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23984&cat=0&page=1">Marcia Script </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/13-rue-noir-kit.html">#13 Rue Noir</a> by Etc by Danyale<br />font is Quilted Butterfly</span></div>
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. I hope you'll be back soon. Happy Autumn.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-47472794764069532542012-09-16T10:57:00.000+09:002012-09-16T11:55:33.299+09:00Mamarazzi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiBmeDt0ur8YdiNxnrmoNDMqKyhEplbYVACEQFDD6BqsPdHXjy922OsJcNroUL5JVxxEIGjjTVxja9f2_0f8R5LW20FvJbeQsUuxa1q5fR7A5ordEEwKM40VbCLFxz0ZIN-QRVzTcrOJ6/s1600/Glimpse-web.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
My poor son. I don't make many scrapbook pages for him. I have a lot of pictures of him when he was little, but recently he just doesn't like to slow down long enough for me to snap new photos of him. He's definitely an occasion poser. By that I mean, he won't just sit for me and let me take portrait style pictures. He would much rather be out on the soccer field running around while I snap away on my camera. When I do ask him to pose for me, the poor little man obviously feels uncomfortable in front of the lens. I guess the only real solution to this problem is to have him sit down and pose for me more - to build up his confidence. Practice makes perfect as it were. Like I said, my poor son. <br />
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All of my pages these last few weeks have used photos of my daughter. Who for some strange reason is starting to feel more aversion to having her photos taken as well! I just don't understand kids these days. It makes me feel like a real mamarazzi just trying to get some pictures to scrap.<br />
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The photo on this first page is actually a self-portrait of my girl. I just happened to be sitting next to her on the sofa one evening while she was playing with a purikura app on her smart phone. She had taken this lovely photo of herself, I caught a glimpse of it and asked her to send it to me. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I just happened to catch a glimpse of you while you were looking at photos on your cell phone. You were playing with one of those photo editing applications that add decoration to your pictures. You were working on this picture. This picture. So beautiful. Its just a snapshot of your face, but I love how its cropped. For some reason I love that you are not smiling for the camera. I love that it shows your eyes so lightly. This is you. The real you. Not posing, not trying to make someone else happy. You enjoying your own beauty. This. Is just a glimpse of your true beauty.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">background paper and most elements from Miss Personality by Jenn Barrette<br />torn frame and small blue flower from Love You More Than Ice Cream also by Jenn Barrette<br />lace doily from With All My Heart by Ju Kneipp<br />painted alpha is Free Spirit by CD Muckosky<br />font is Marcia Print from <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23984&cat=0&page=1">Marcia Marcia</a>, by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Solos-Part-10/">Solos Part 10 </a>by Busy Bee Designs<br /> </span></div>
These next several pages use photos that she actually posed for me. I wasn't planning on snapping any pictures and she was in a bit of a hurry. But she had just gotten her hair styled and wanted some picts to remember it by. So even though they are rushed and blurry, they are pictures of my beautiful daughter and I love them.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dear Wonderful Girl,<br />It might surprise you to know, if you asked the people who love you most why they think you are so beautiful... that it has nothing to do with the way that you look, or the way that you dress, or the color of your hair or your eyes or your skin (even though those things are very beautiful too). But that what is most beautiful about you is that sparkle in your eyes that comes straight from the light of your soul.<br />So remember, beautiful girl, that the best beauty secret, one that you can take with you until you are very very very old, is to never let anything blow out that beautiful little light that makes you sparkle. Keep shining, lovely you. You are such a gift to the world.<br />You are so very very loved. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Penmanship-Collection.html">Penmanship Collection </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />font is Jellyka Saint Andrews Queen<br />quote is from A Little Butterfly Told Me by Brave Girls Club</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Yk4CNT35wYJ2Uxzh9nGcS6BqsdAhAeidbGfZxvwJHNoD2hJ7Z8FqXOXru8HX4jAzr_e826Nip69m8iC3s_9K6X9hZr-sqF8xVAMCLyDFAqK-uHCxJwq84CUB_Llf9_8c0ZSHJxbf3qC/s1600/Dream-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Yk4CNT35wYJ2Uxzh9nGcS6BqsdAhAeidbGfZxvwJHNoD2hJ7Z8FqXOXru8HX4jAzr_e826Nip69m8iC3s_9K6X9hZr-sqF8xVAMCLyDFAqK-uHCxJwq84CUB_Llf9_8c0ZSHJxbf3qC/s400/Dream-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">There will be a lot of things that come along in life that will make you want to stop, to quit. Beautiful girl, just keep going. We must always pick ourselves up and keep going. You can do it. You are courageous and wonderful and your heart is pure. You are meant to go to beautiful and wonderful and meaningful places in your life. So don't let anything stop you. You are so very loved.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">journaling is from A Little Butterfly Told Me by the Brave Girls' Club<br />all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Light-of-The-Moon.html">By the Light of the Moon </a>by Etc by Danyale<br />light green flower is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Renewal-Kit.html">Renewal</a>, also by Etc by Danyale<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Summer-Flavors-Strawberry-Shortcake/">Summer Flavors: Strawberry Shortcake </a>by Busy Bee Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=24047&cat=0&page=1">Hugs and Kisses </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontology}</span></div>
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This lovely little dog belongs to my parents and he is more than happy to sit still and let me take as many photos of him as I want. My daughter is just happy to be with him, so the two of them being happy together make for some wonderful, happy pictures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd-PDx_3qCzPZh2cRNjaw3rVRauJOLGEBiGh79_2idpsWjCyAnErhxv-KkHrHOmrx7eBn7SlmrdgHuuNaMCm_vvZll3HgyegkDsyd__ryNPIVJN1a-G_OVfss_pNB7lyixfSM5GJe4303/s1600/Zeus-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd-PDx_3qCzPZh2cRNjaw3rVRauJOLGEBiGh79_2idpsWjCyAnErhxv-KkHrHOmrx7eBn7SlmrdgHuuNaMCm_vvZll3HgyegkDsyd__ryNPIVJN1a-G_OVfss_pNB7lyixfSM5GJe4303/s400/Zeus-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Kashmir-Kit.html">Kashmir </a>by Etc. by Danyale and Sweet Digi Scraps<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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This last page is a photo of my family, I've already made another page with this same photo last year. But when I was asked by the Artisan Notebook to make a page about The Perfect Summer Day, I knew it had to be of a day spent with family. And since summer is the only time I get to be with my own family, this was the perfect photo for that perfect day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Summer is the only time I get to go home to Colorado. Summer is the only time I get to see my family. So for me, a perfect summer day is when all my family comes from near and far just so we can all be together. A perfect summer day is spent surrounded by my sisters and their husbands, my niece, her husband and her babes, my nephews and their families, and of course my parents. A perfect summer day for me is spent sharing stories, taking pictures and just enjoying each other and God's blessings in our lives.</i><br /><br />papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Ancienne-Natural-Scrapbook-Kit.html">Ancienne Natural </a>by Quirky Twerp<br />font for title is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22705&cat=0&page=1">A Fresh Start </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />font for journaling is Walkway<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As seen in the August 2012 Artisan Notebook </span></div>
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Finally, have you seen the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?236-Challenges-amp-Special-Events">Challenges </a>over at The Digichick? Yes, I'm still in charge of them and I have a wonderful Challenge Chicks team. I'd love it if you would come and join us for a fun challenge or two. One of TDC's staff members, LuAnn, came up with a wonderful <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?41527-September-1st-Signature-Challenge">impromptu challenge idea - making new forum signatures</a>. I'd been meaning to remake my siggy, so this was just the motivation I needed!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">everything here from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Love-In-the-Park.html">Love in the Park </a>by eNKay Design</span></div>
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I think my goal over the next few weeks will be to make some pages for my boy. Old photos, new photos, I guess it doesn't matter. Its all about the memories.<br />
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-76647464165078995652012-08-28T10:20:00.000+09:002012-08-28T10:31:40.387+09:00Of peaches and pottiesOne of the first "culture shocks" I experience every year going back to America happens soon after landing at the airport. Inevitably, after sitting in an airplane for a few hours with the fasten seat belt sign on, standing in lines for immigration, customs and baggage claim, mother nature calls and we all need a quick trip to the restroom.<br />
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I understand that airport restrooms are not necessarily the best representative of American potties, I do find that they are pretty much standard for a public restroom in America. After entering the stall and getting situated, the shock happens. The gaps. The cracks between the doors and the door jams in each unit. I can sometimes fit a whole finger through those gaps! If I can see the people outside of the stall, they can see me. Not that they are looking, right? But still!<br />
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The average public Japanese potty stall is more like a broom closet. There are almost never any spaces between the door and the stall, no gaping cracks through which to look out or in. Its a private little haven.<br />
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I'm not saying they are necessarily any cleaner - heaven knows Japan has more than its fair share of dirty potties. No judgement call here on which country is better or worse. Just a little observation on my part. I wonder what public potties are like in other countries. Just don't get me started on my experiences in China....<br />
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Oh! But this was probably the most shocking thing I've seen in any public restroom anywhere. The morning we were leaving to come back to
Japan, at the little regional airport in my parents' hometown. Situated right over the sinks, at first glance I thought it was some new-fangled hand dryer. Not! I've
never seen this one before. Sure just the fact that it was there in the first place was surprising enough, but even more so the fact that it was nearly halfway full. I'm sure I'm <a href="http://thecakescraps.com/2009/gaps-in-the-stalls/">not the only </a>one <a href="http://www.wandering-scientist.com/2008/04/on-toilets.html">who's ever blogged </a><a href="http://opinionehted.com/?p=2171">about public potty gaps before</a>...<br />
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Okay! Back to our regularly scheduled programing.<br />
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I've been relaxing this past week. Reading, scrapping, <strike>cleaning and
cooking</strike>. I just happened to stumble upon a lovely little kit called <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23741&cat=0&page=1">Peachy Keen </a>at Sweet Shoppe Designs and thought I would use it to scrap
my photos of our days in the orchard.<br />
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Last May, there was an eclipse. Do you remember? Well it was big news here, and since it was pretty much a once in a lifetime event (unless I live to be 150) we had to take a few photos. Last week the ladies known as <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/ViVa-Artistry/">ViVa Artistry </a>came out with their huge <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Celestial.html">Celestial Collection </a>and not surprisingly there are some beautiful, funky papers and elements that I thought would be perfect to scrap my eclipse photo. <br />
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This last page is photos of my babes just a few weeks ago. My parents
and I took a day-trip drive up over a gorgeous Colorado mountain. We
always have lunch at our favorite little hummingbird restaurant. What
happy memories. And Sherwood Studio's <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/From-the-Ashes.html">From the Ashes </a>was
perfect for these photos. Julie - the designer of Sherwood Studio -
also lives in Colorado so she knows exactly what tones and textures go
with Colorado nature pictures. You should definitely check out <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Sherwood-Studio/">her shop</a>!<br />
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come again soon!Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-228310311179218222012-08-20T11:17:00.000+09:002012-08-20T11:17:10.344+09:00Back in Japan Back to ScrappingWell, I've wasted no time jumping right back in to scrapping after having returned to Japan just 5 days ago. Actually, a few of my pages were made before leaving and I'm just now getting around to updating.<br /><br />I'll have some pages and commentary about our vacation in a few days (more like a few weeks knowing me). It was great fun and the best part was to be with my family again. Its always soooo hard to leave not knowing when I'll get to see them again.<br /><br />Still suffering a very little bit from jet-lag and still have a ton of things to get done around the house before the kids go back to school and I go back to work, so I'll be brief today. But I'll be back "soon." <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Point.Shoot.Capture.-The-Bundle.html">Point.Shoot.Capture.-The-Bundle </a>by Alamama's Pressed Petals<br />clear alpha is <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Seeing-Clearly-Alphas.html">Seeing Clearly Alpha </a>by Etc. by Danyale<br />staple is from Yearbook - Alumni Class by Alumni Digichick Designers<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Solos-Part-11-by-Busy-Bee-Designs/">Solos Part 11 </a>by Busy Bee Designs<br />font is from <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23866&cat=0&page=1">Storytelling Sisters </a>by Darcy Baldwin {fontography}</span><br /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQmFqqqKXb6KmZf0AGBe5Kwf9WWePoQ6YyukCH5XFeZAsOVCtEDO2688Rqi2BvkTdJC71MAUayl-vwAa8g-l8pKI4zp9nkLG4xtpFaQVfCIom2XDBHVP6R6aFqRVryaGKckeI3fHYGIAp/s1600/Practically-Perfect-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQmFqqqKXb6KmZf0AGBe5Kwf9WWePoQ6YyukCH5XFeZAsOVCtEDO2688Rqi2BvkTdJC71MAUayl-vwAa8g-l8pKI4zp9nkLG4xtpFaQVfCIom2XDBHVP6R6aFqRVryaGKckeI3fHYGIAp/s400/Practically-Perfect-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Practically Perfect by Sahlin Studio and Ju Kniepp<br />template is from Summer Flavors: Raspberry Lemonade for the The Daily Digi August Digi Files by Busy Bee Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23025&cat=0&page=2">Mouskateer Kim </a>by Darcy Baldwin at Sweet Shoppe Designs </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWlyCLeJAeO2qiYPoG44EnB0WxsJB9yiiQ5ErPQkgkfWWBECRMw-UFcooa1tQTl9vNe4rNv-i7LxKvCQeyoxZrLVuwIm57qv3J6yqFuJa46APKK34989E_mAFrXjcyYINEmClCbsMIvsd/s1600/Tradition-Seven-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWlyCLeJAeO2qiYPoG44EnB0WxsJB9yiiQ5ErPQkgkfWWBECRMw-UFcooa1tQTl9vNe4rNv-i7LxKvCQeyoxZrLVuwIm57qv3J6yqFuJa46APKK34989E_mAFrXjcyYINEmClCbsMIvsd/s400/Tradition-Seven-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">everything here from Maiko by Studio ViVa Artistry, the August 2012 DST Gold Member kit</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqldfu3_ohsIgoO9hyphenhyphennVaC7DRF37cfcvvLzt2kTQI7UvFavWYBeapyUm-1UErOdqr4jkHc2XNgtcHiKZXVQA4gwIthfyoZeixEj8t7Qf0uhFxYeLnG0SGh1mIXXQ1qzGCQk19PncFjgOl1/s1600/I-am-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqldfu3_ohsIgoO9hyphenhyphennVaC7DRF37cfcvvLzt2kTQI7UvFavWYBeapyUm-1UErOdqr4jkHc2XNgtcHiKZXVQA4gwIthfyoZeixEj8t7Qf0uhFxYeLnG0SGh1mIXXQ1qzGCQk19PncFjgOl1/s400/I-am-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As seen in the July 2012 Artisan Notebook<br /><br />papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Thriftique.html">Thriftique </a>and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Thriftique-Borders-Element-Pack.html">Thriftique Borders </a>by Sherwood Studio <br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23481&cat=0&page=1">Ma's Handwriting </a>by Darcy Baldwin Fontology<br />sketch is stock image on internet<br />lyrics are from "I Am" by Nicole Nordeman</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrIyJrPsHtOu5HeWnJEZ-DJNPlfrkPHWy46T2A5y3UIOfTFwlE7XyS7g7WXY9rF8bTgrCeZ7SmAKszvVi8oFQYpBF-wzb-v62OoUYu5LVfov3JRvn5aW3r03vWSoV_qmF8zefHtVgm3XX/s1600/High-School-Memories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrIyJrPsHtOu5HeWnJEZ-DJNPlfrkPHWy46T2A5y3UIOfTFwlE7XyS7g7WXY9rF8bTgrCeZ7SmAKszvVi8oFQYpBF-wzb-v62OoUYu5LVfov3JRvn5aW3r03vWSoV_qmF8zefHtVgm3XX/s400/High-School-Memories.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">for the Homecoming Weekend Event: <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?40630-School-Memories-Challenge-August-17th">School Memories Challenge </a>at The Digichick<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Yearbook-Class-of-TDC.html">TDC Yearbook - Class of TDC</a><br /><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Yearbook-Alumni-Class.html">TDC Yearbook - Alumni Class</a><br />Blockhead Templates - Little Green Frog Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX92VoC7h82CLTQQCti8V38BNOQnv94U20lIMHv6nHLQQHzbUwJvJTn5jultNumwyarVYQzmUIQq10BkQTuXQuY5NwKO8ZRKKHuNfGtFhB7b07c8chIHx_Q8aFwRYWj5pLUANuvRr2Z0T5/s1600/Chipmunks-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX92VoC7h82CLTQQCti8V38BNOQnv94U20lIMHv6nHLQQHzbUwJvJTn5jultNumwyarVYQzmUIQq10BkQTuXQuY5NwKO8ZRKKHuNfGtFhB7b07c8chIHx_Q8aFwRYWj5pLUANuvRr2Z0T5/s400/Chipmunks-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/The-Great-Outdoors.html">The Great Outdoors </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23675&cat=0&page=1">Shannon Print </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is from Little Green Frog Designs<br /><br />for the Tell Your Story Everyday - <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?40118-TYS-Scrap-Challenge-July-2012">Great Outdoor Traditions Challenge</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiBU2SYe-W1thVTps9xAABoCCCLoyOPOUDphAAGkg_1HHQq9yF4kffOjxwilOmBhqNNwbt584ohMbD5ttoxF7gCGbu4edJRzutr5w8sa604ajxCFOTrX_ApL-RxBHOpcGTEbIiXAGwZwc/s1600/Happiness-Smile-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiBU2SYe-W1thVTps9xAABoCCCLoyOPOUDphAAGkg_1HHQq9yF4kffOjxwilOmBhqNNwbt584ohMbD5ttoxF7gCGbu4edJRzutr5w8sa604ajxCFOTrX_ApL-RxBHOpcGTEbIiXAGwZwc/s400/Happiness-Smile-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Summer Flavors Raspberry Lemonade by Busy Bee for The Daily Digi August DigiFiles<br /><a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Sweet-Songs.html">Sweet Songs </a>by Studio ViVa at Scrapbook Graphics<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23414&cat=0&page=1">Miss Jinkie Van Pelt </a>by Darcy Baldwin at Sweet Shoppe Designs</span></div>
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-35331114717996377652012-08-05T10:55:00.000+09:002012-08-05T10:55:29.716+09:00Not scrapping Not in JapanSo, this won't be a post about scrapping and it won't be about Japan.<br />
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My children and I are right I the middle of a one-month vacation visit to my family in Colorado. I can't necessarily call this town "home" since this is not the place I grew up. But this is where my family is. Home is where the heart it, and my heart is with my family. So this is home.<br />
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Just a few days after arriving here, my childhood neighborhood was scarred by a movie theater shooting. I was surprised when a few of my Japanese friends contacted me, sending me their thoughts and prayers for my hometown. I guess the incident was heard about worldwide. I won't get into any controversial thoughts I might have on the situation, just let me say that I am so happy we don't have to worry about guns in Japan. Not that it's a better place or a worse place, no judgement calls. I can't say how many movies I've watched over the years in that very theater. It was sad and shocking for so many. I pray that one day these kind of incidents will be no more.<br />
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I was able to spend five days in Aurora, with my beloved niece and her precious family. Water World - I can't even remember how many years it's been since I've been there. Great fun! Church - visiting with friends and Pastor. Seeing old friends and their own growing children. I wish I could have stayed longer and visited with more. One of these years I'm going to have to just schedule a few weeks trip to Denver.<br />
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Road trip through the Rockies, such beautiful scenery. Outlet shopping in Castle Rock. I can tell why so many foreigners like to come to the states just to shop.<br />
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My parents moved away from Denver several years ago. The big city, the crazy traffic and the all-too-fast paced life wore on them and they chose to retire in a smaller city on the other side of the Rockies.<br />
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Orchards are common here. So when my mom and dad built their home, they wanted an orchard of their own. It's not huge, but they have several fruit trees of various types of fruit. Apples, cherries, apricots, plums, pears, and of course, peaches.<br />
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This small orchard seems like a great deal of work to me, but when you get to harvest time and actually get to "reap the fruits of your labor," I can imagine no greater reward. While we're here we try to earn a little of our keep by helping out in the orchard - digging water ways, pulling weeds, making mud pies, etc. Although I'm not sure the latter counts as help.<br />
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<a href="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/374fdcca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/374fdcca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">nothing like a hot mud footbath while working away in the orchard.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/16be9524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/16be9524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">hello dear son.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/ace107ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/ace107ce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">hello dear daughter with your silk blanket on your head.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/4aea488d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/4aea488d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">hello precious dog and cat helpers (supervisors).</span></div>
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<a href="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/3a037afa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/hollyinjapan/For%20blog%20from%20iPad/3a037afa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">me. hiding out under mom's summer hat.</span></div>
<br />Us. Making the most of our summer here. Loving every minute of it.<br />
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<br />Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-38674170175157022242012-07-05T13:10:00.001+09:002012-07-05T13:17:53.913+09:00Happy Birthday, Land that I Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 4th of July to all of my American family and friends!</div>
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I am from Colorado and so much of my home state has been burning recently. It's heartbreaking. I have a few friends whose homes are in immediate danger, but thankfully have so far been spared. As for my own family, the fires don't seem to be near them.<br />
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I don't know that there will be fireworks in Colorado for this 4th? I haven't heard of a state-wide ban, but at the same time I hope and pray that there will be no new fires because of fireworks.<br />
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We don't celebrate the 4th here, obviously. But one nice thing about Japan is that all summer long there are summer festivals all over the country - both small and large - and many of them include a grand finale of fireworks. One of the largest ones is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumidagawa_Fireworks_Festival">Sumida River Fireworks Festival</a>. Its not just a show of fireworks, its a competition between two rival teams of firework maniacs. If you have a good viewing area, you can see a mass of fireworks forming cartoon characters and even letters and words. Its truly a sight to behold.<br />
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<img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUtsP2BGjhYZ-3YlsiHBwi84rAKQ0yvD5_C6h2aWxeMerOCVbDyNeTCz8kjWoIf0z_2JRCq2pA4jcJfs_emgmVm_CygHQuVAWJ5VG4wjkVkHc5pVYMSVz-x4dC0jb2lYEdcUvmsS0W-V-/s400/Tokyo+Hive+Sumida.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.tokyohive.com/2010/07/summer-in-japan-fireworks-festivals/">(Image by Tokyo Hive Magazine)</a></i></span></div>
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And a human traffic jam unlike no other! One needs to get their viewing
spot early in the morning and be in no rush to get home afterwards as
the trains run at 150% capacity in the u-turn rush (as the masses'
return home is called in Japan). <br />
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Fireworks of the smaller variety are sold all summer long. We can buy
family fun packages containing various hand-held sparklers and stand up
fountain sparklers in just about any shop; corner convenience stores,
the 100 yen (one dollar) shops, even groceries stores in every neighborhood.
You can see families and groups of friends in neighborhood parks enjoying summer sparklers. Its usually quite a safe experience as most
people are sensible and responsible and take a bucket of water to put
the burnt sparklers into to ensure they are completely extinguished.<br />
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On one such summer night many years ago, my husband, my babes and I
ventured out to the park about a 2 minute walk from my home and lit up.
My son - I think he was about three at the time - was frightened of the
sparklers and only wanted to watch from afar. A great distance afar. My
daughter tried to chase him with her sparklers, but he was pretty fast
even then. I tried to catch him on one of his running passes by, just so
he could see that there was nothing dangerous, but his speed ended up
taking both of us tumbling to the ground. All the while I was holding a
lit sparkler. No one was hurt and he was half-laughing, half-screaming.
By the following year his fears were completely gone and it was hard to
give him enough fireworks to keep him satisfied.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FMD4Vi0NR1v8KXCd1aHMlTkBQ3Uup2sksI65khOnMmZY4S34z_ZOiParvyMdmPyNzt91YSCPLgfX5gWIH77-6ZjNqFP_YUzxHuCCLLURThYafLxGQvuHFiz4QmOvyndsUAAAkdTv91Y-/s1600/20100710_sumida3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydNU1z_mRleXBsWEj-lBuIeigV_4R-JLd8eQTRuvQUyJ6MUKU40QSICvFezAgUcWTjNJee0wKsJjRwdMyQcOyPEuXPHHc23soLAxPjOTpp6p9OXxUel694aR2sZwBWBA56JW46neIMxKQ/s1600/A-different-Hana-web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydNU1z_mRleXBsWEj-lBuIeigV_4R-JLd8eQTRuvQUyJ6MUKU40QSICvFezAgUcWTjNJee0wKsJjRwdMyQcOyPEuXPHHc23soLAxPjOTpp6p9OXxUel694aR2sZwBWBA56JW46neIMxKQ/s400/A-different-Hana-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/1776.html">1776 </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23675&cat=0&page=1">Sugarbabe Dana from All Together Now 3 </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</i></span></div>
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One of my all-time favorite fireworks is the tiniest sparkler, called a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senko_hanabi">Senko Hanabi</a>. You hold this sparkler by a wrapped string and as the sparkler burns it emits the tiniest little sparks. It is so cute and precious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMYQv-7D7_AMlEiH6EUnvLQU8Oqw80BMoAqPZPJZriYLUhlnt-0A_16vrnQFi9nlcEMajb47-9y1g2jUu-d_2oCybI010ocjMd0HgAOOr5ru36VKVcjw8f-ckWyN3rxOjvLqMQp7-ZRCU/s1600/10b17799102b918707e1-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMYQv-7D7_AMlEiH6EUnvLQU8Oqw80BMoAqPZPJZriYLUhlnt-0A_16vrnQFi9nlcEMajb47-9y1g2jUu-d_2oCybI010ocjMd0HgAOOr5ru36VKVcjw8f-ckWyN3rxOjvLqMQp7-ZRCU/s320/10b17799102b918707e1-1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Image from Wikipedia)</span></i></div>
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When I was a little girl, my favorite "fireworks" were the little black
tablets that, when lit, would grow into a long writhing black snake-like
ash tube. I very happily recall my family going to a local park and watching the city fireworks display. I was afraid of the big "Boom" sound and half the show I would be plugging my ears and closing my eyes. So many happy memories.<br />
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Obviously fireworks are not just an American or a Japanese tradition. I
often wonder how and when other countries have their firework displays.
Are they always a summer festival thing? What kind of event or
anniversary are they celebrating? I would love to hear about your
firework traditions.<br />
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This last page was my submission for the June Artisan Notebook. Speaking of Lands that I Love...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgewonrXpbnXfWTvaK8DZF3IkPkcF0hQ8jeJbsDWFHTSwGxNKXmh534wJ95ZkVaVV0odMxlYqFwp-cJZfaueU6g4iHxyn5J0joyXH5YLdsumvxRdZGI0VMtLCTlHAVObqVW00MJGXREkLx/s1600/Path-I-Chose-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgewonrXpbnXfWTvaK8DZF3IkPkcF0hQ8jeJbsDWFHTSwGxNKXmh534wJ95ZkVaVV0odMxlYqFwp-cJZfaueU6g4iHxyn5J0joyXH5YLdsumvxRdZGI0VMtLCTlHAVObqVW00MJGXREkLx/s400/Path-I-Chose-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Renewal-Kit.html">Renewal </a>by Etc. by Danyale<br />stitches are by Ronna Penner<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22705&cat=0&page=1">A Fresh Start </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></i></div>
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<i>The path I chose. I chose to come here. I chose to stay. I love it here, most days. After twenty long years this place, too, is home. It can never fully be my home because.... well, mostly because I don't want it to be. Deep in my heart I will always want to "go home" to Colorado.<br /><br />I'm sure when I first came to Japan I was 100% pure American in my thinking. Take that for whatever it means. But over the years, I have come to see the beauty in the "Japanese Way." Quiet. Honor. Humble. Peaceful. Polite.<br /><br />I like to think that I keep a lot of wonderful American attributes in my personality as well. Independent. Strong. Creative. Christian. Brave.<br /><br />I come from a country and now live in a country that were once mortal enemies. For the most part the animosity has gone and the two are friends. At least I like to think so. For my own small part I believe I am an ambassador between the two.</i></div>
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<i>As I go through this life, my perspective on life changes. Things are much less black and white now. I try to be more accepting of ways other than my own. I try to be more understanding of people different than me. Listen and see with my heart and mind open. I try to judge less, wonder more. Work and live and love in peace.</i><br />
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the world. Please come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-41012234495841242212012-06-30T18:22:00.000+09:002012-06-30T18:22:12.912+09:00Is it summer yet?How is it possible that every time I turn around, two weeks have passed me by? Must be summer. That would be a good excuse except that it is not summer here, yet. Technically, my kids still have 3 weeks of school left before summer vacation. But we'll be visiting home and family in Colorado in just two weeks, so for my kids and I at least, summer is only 2 weeks away. Yipee!!<br /><br />Yes, school years are long in Japan. The school year starts in April - the reason for this is so School Entrance Ceremony pictures can be taken under the Cherry Blossoms that inevitably stand in front of the school's gate. Tradition. The first trimester then carries on from April until about the 21st of July. Summer break traditionally ends on Aug 31st and kids go back to school on Sept 1st. The second and longest trimester runs from Sept until the end of the year with winter break starting somewhere around the 26th of December until about the 8th of January. The third and shortest trimester of the school year then lasts only from January until about the 25th of March. The typical Japanese student has only 5 weeks of summer vacation. You can see now why American summer vacations of nearly 2 1/2 months are unfathomable.<br /><br />I've been scrapping quite a bit actually over the past few weeks. Mostly I'm using pictures of my precious nieces and nephews that I took last summer. It only took me nearly a year to use them. I think knowing that I get to see them all again very soon inspired me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jt0mMU-wqOzpfATiA-R5f4zZKQFRduzo3bY-f_m0gYmipRAyjpaKlLTQCjzoUNsOxbtcPmaMDkizR8A1UbZ6HpvW6AFbua73UB1_xflL6Ouibaq1BxFRjXxgkqITdBAYsMnsl_JgaC7m/s1600/Brother-Friend-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jt0mMU-wqOzpfATiA-R5f4zZKQFRduzo3bY-f_m0gYmipRAyjpaKlLTQCjzoUNsOxbtcPmaMDkizR8A1UbZ6HpvW6AFbua73UB1_xflL6Ouibaq1BxFRjXxgkqITdBAYsMnsl_JgaC7m/s400/Brother-Friend-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Family-Affair.html">Family Affair </a>and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Family-Affair-Wordies.html">Family Affair Wordies </a>by Alamama's Pressed Petals<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font is 1942 Report</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ypQtJyqqi3RegW2BVVuHjtLvJGI7N2J_C53rmfP8z4Rd_suZ94lPBGEEHJ57wpIc7TdZm4zrfcq0mij-SA-ZOQ_sUgm4GBUDfIkGCI6gR1k1AF7JjxSb8MxQBBKGU90-33n4EuWh5fNz/s1600/Chase-Your-Dreams-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ypQtJyqqi3RegW2BVVuHjtLvJGI7N2J_C53rmfP8z4Rd_suZ94lPBGEEHJ57wpIc7TdZm4zrfcq0mij-SA-ZOQ_sUgm4GBUDfIkGCI6gR1k1AF7JjxSb8MxQBBKGU90-33n4EuWh5fNz/s400/Chase-Your-Dreams-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Chase-Your-Dreams.html">Chase Your Dreams </a>by Bella Gypsy<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7i9V1FlIpXp_3oOAUGTn01El3AiHBGQoZyXRfonJ7j6Y5NSbK2idFrWI1spni8bQOL8Oj4ZRyq2-cx7xkvbMiUqqPpxoHXsNXFOq87sBa6HbbGP5A92qRtz3rkH9OI5wjyaAHVT92iWz/s1600/Isn't-She-Lovely-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7i9V1FlIpXp_3oOAUGTn01El3AiHBGQoZyXRfonJ7j6Y5NSbK2idFrWI1spni8bQOL8Oj4ZRyq2-cx7xkvbMiUqqPpxoHXsNXFOq87sBa6HbbGP5A92qRtz3rkH9OI5wjyaAHVT92iWz/s400/Isn't-She-Lovely-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Fleur de Jardin by Mari Koegelenberg, Krystal Hartley, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">HeatherRosseli and Jenn Barrette<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23580&cat=0&page=1">Uncertain Tense </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqwHauByTD5PNvWOfmv3S2DIuhppuApGK6w5dVIfAVlZ1mI5G4rNt9QCtEja0SGxo29z5zmaemH3OtnTgbAfVtsiZHJZK2FrcWvELDzpeQqYrhdIALruyoYXvoGk9hQXlX2K1AM_uIHeW/s1600/Mason-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqwHauByTD5PNvWOfmv3S2DIuhppuApGK6w5dVIfAVlZ1mI5G4rNt9QCtEja0SGxo29z5zmaemH3OtnTgbAfVtsiZHJZK2FrcWvELDzpeQqYrhdIALruyoYXvoGk9hQXlX2K1AM_uIHeW/s400/Mason-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Collect-Moments.html">Collect Moments </a>by Bella Gypsy<br />page template by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23580&cat=0&page=1">Uncertain Tense </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY_YdHz7wd7AXugvl9_ZyXX3ReWnccOPXtg3NlLsMnL4Qtvop-37ZN8c1jzg1aaTUS-w4y1rX9kwCh0eNV2dkqi7FPv5aE2KjPOtXcp0Jl2s5kHqNx9FTIBwXkcDrE8U9g2-ACy73U5nV/s1600/The-Man-You'll-Be-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY_YdHz7wd7AXugvl9_ZyXX3ReWnccOPXtg3NlLsMnL4Qtvop-37ZN8c1jzg1aaTUS-w4y1rX9kwCh0eNV2dkqi7FPv5aE2KjPOtXcp0Jl2s5kHqNx9FTIBwXkcDrE8U9g2-ACy73U5nV/s400/The-Man-You'll-Be-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Family-Affair.html">Family Affair </a>and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Family-Affair-Wordies.html">Family Affair Wordies </a>by Alamama's Pressed Petals<br />
page template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Sketchology-Spritely.html">Sketchology: Spritely </a>by Bella Gypsy<br />
font is 1942 Report</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyUvux4Yavi2BjNukHWl3qBd4-M-bpuVbNzlgJRuG41JTkkzhOPFPIxy_BLwxUjFWhy6UuboXT1UFdOauz9wpYsa4_NVS-sSi1HoQFowQsQScWwSSMZuEDQPNBkHOf02_VJYBnH8K_AZd/s1600/Trevin-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyUvux4Yavi2BjNukHWl3qBd4-M-bpuVbNzlgJRuG41JTkkzhOPFPIxy_BLwxUjFWhy6UuboXT1UFdOauz9wpYsa4_NVS-sSi1HoQFowQsQScWwSSMZuEDQPNBkHOf02_VJYBnH8K_AZd/s400/Trevin-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Collect-Moments.html">Collect Moments </a>by Bella Gypsy<br />
page template by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />
font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23580&cat=0&page=1">Uncertain Tense </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></i></div>
<br />In other news, I'm thinking about buying an iPad. I'm at a loss as to whether I should buy the wifi-only version or get one with 3G as well. Most of my friends have the wifi only version and say its enough. And I know it would be mostly enough for me as well while here in Japan. But one of the main reasons why I want one is to use over summer break (of course that's not all) for myself (business responsibilities) and kids (homework, Japanese friends, etc). I'm 99% sure that my parents do not have wifi in their home so therein lies my dilemma. I definitely don't want a monthly payment hanging over my head for 3G though. I wonder if I can rent a mifi while in the states...<br /><br />Okay, my rambling is done. <br /><br />I thank you so very much for stopping by my little corner of the web and I hope you'll be back soon. I pray you are enjoying a happy, safe and fun summer wherever you are.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-56248891286987763252012-06-19T12:57:00.001+09:002012-06-19T12:57:31.110+09:00The best of both worlds. Kind of...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXziaJvLTdxD2Zzz4r9Sr-_nwfbfdKuUPTRvor5nFKmTeoZRR7P2xgoOEQMnr59wZ7fDES7r1ewVJ0dkufVpmhwDYZAtNebIFw2zZOV7qv6_e3iUQ0gxEg7N0v_jBLp4rDmdeXWf7qHm-3/s1600/Two-Worlds-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I've been living in Japan for 20 years now. That number astounds me. I know this can be seen as quite an accomplishment, but for me it makes me kind of sad. That's 20 years apart from my home, my family. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I've said it before but life here isn't bad at all. It's safe. That's the best word I can use to describe living here. For the most part there is very little violence. Children grow up slowly without the threat of drugs, alcohol and other pressures that force kids to grow up all too soon.<br /><br />Jobs are safe - at least I think they are. My husband works in political media and there will always be politics and media. I teach conversational English and Japan is just now finally grasping that being able to *speak* English as well as read and write it are important. <br /><br />We have a very well balanced national/private health care system where no one has to go without insurance. Schools provide strong, albeit very standardized, education.<br /><br />We are safe here. And I love that.<br /><br />But every once in awhile I feel a longing for things that aren't here. I'm sure that is true of every human. Sometimes I miss open spaces. Sometimes I miss Walmart and Target. Most times I just miss my family. <br /><br />Obviously, my children are both Japanese and American. We speak English in our home, but as soon as we step out of the front door we speak only Japanese 95% of the time. They go to local public schools. We are not ex-pats, we do not live a glamorous life downtown Tokyo. We live in the burbs - away from most things foreign. Other than looking part foreign part Japanese and being able to speak English, my babes are mostly Japanese.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXziaJvLTdxD2Zzz4r9Sr-_nwfbfdKuUPTRvor5nFKmTeoZRR7P2xgoOEQMnr59wZ7fDES7r1ewVJ0dkufVpmhwDYZAtNebIFw2zZOV7qv6_e3iUQ0gxEg7N0v_jBLp4rDmdeXWf7qHm-3/s1600/Two-Worlds-web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />This is a page I made for my daughter. I hope both of my children will always be proud of being bilingual and bicultural. Children of two worlds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXziaJvLTdxD2Zzz4r9Sr-_nwfbfdKuUPTRvor5nFKmTeoZRR7P2xgoOEQMnr59wZ7fDES7r1ewVJ0dkufVpmhwDYZAtNebIFw2zZOV7qv6_e3iUQ0gxEg7N0v_jBLp4rDmdeXWf7qHm-3/s1600/Two-Worlds-web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXziaJvLTdxD2Zzz4r9Sr-_nwfbfdKuUPTRvor5nFKmTeoZRR7P2xgoOEQMnr59wZ7fDES7r1ewVJ0dkufVpmhwDYZAtNebIFw2zZOV7qv6_e3iUQ0gxEg7N0v_jBLp4rDmdeXWf7qHm-3/s400/Two-Worlds-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from World Beat by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />black oval frame from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Le-Reve.html">LeReve </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />metal alpha is from After the Rain by Jennifer Labre Designs<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23581&cat=0&page=1">Mandy H Script </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkSYT316eXGWxJGEDu1Pbqt949mLxWGhngcXBGAFakm5K4Hcz4nGV7XnW2bjLJPhoX7dUMNMkcsEgZrotz9qZ5F-D449_NjoHBLqLHldrbNpOTF3Cs2huY3EYU0ShTdmhPEyWF7bviNfa/s1600/Comfort-Food-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
This is a page I made for the Scrap Challenge going on this week over at <a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/2012/06/scrap-challenge-24-comfort-food/">Tell Your Story Everyday</a>. This one too has something to do with being a foreigner living in Japan. Just on a lighter topic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkSYT316eXGWxJGEDu1Pbqt949mLxWGhngcXBGAFakm5K4Hcz4nGV7XnW2bjLJPhoX7dUMNMkcsEgZrotz9qZ5F-D449_NjoHBLqLHldrbNpOTF3Cs2huY3EYU0ShTdmhPEyWF7bviNfa/s1600/Comfort-Food-web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkSYT316eXGWxJGEDu1Pbqt949mLxWGhngcXBGAFakm5K4Hcz4nGV7XnW2bjLJPhoX7dUMNMkcsEgZrotz9qZ5F-D449_NjoHBLqLHldrbNpOTF3Cs2huY3EYU0ShTdmhPEyWF7bviNfa/s400/Comfort-Food-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Summer-Morning.html">Summer Morning </a>by the Digichick Designers<br />striped washi tape from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/The-Daily-Details.html">The Daily Details </a>by the Digichick Designers<br />journaling card is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Coming-Home-Card-Printables.html">Coming Home </a>by Dawn by Design<br />clear alpha is <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Seeing-Clearly-Alphas.html">Seeing Clearly </a>by Etc by Danyale<br />mustard yellow alpha from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/serenity-collection.html">Serenity </a>also by Etc by Danyale<br /><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Four-Square-Photo-Storyboards.html">Four Square Storyboard </a>by Charm Box Studio<br />font is Mandy H Script by Darcy Baldwin<br />hybrid cupcake liner is made from paper and candy holder template </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">also in <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Summer-Morning.html">Summer Morning </a>by the Digichick Designers</span></i></div>
<br />And these pages are me finally get around to scrapping some wonderful photos I took last summer. I thought I'd better get a start on them. Better late than never.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraJR5g3Dh8YFhqPBHhSUg-1fe1MoqrhRzEQLiHjy5bBg3TXkd6I_MzJ3YM9f4NIJFSfACX8vQy-HT55_dkeX6FY5GagScB2iVe9s1xruwt34Jvt2QZAVfv3CjX_aJwJpFbqPcuzwCeAi1/s1600/Sela-and-Mason---Cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraJR5g3Dh8YFhqPBHhSUg-1fe1MoqrhRzEQLiHjy5bBg3TXkd6I_MzJ3YM9f4NIJFSfACX8vQy-HT55_dkeX6FY5GagScB2iVe9s1xruwt34Jvt2QZAVfv3CjX_aJwJpFbqPcuzwCeAi1/s400/Sela-and-Mason---Cousins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/serenity-collection.html">Serenity </a>by Etc. by Danyale<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23559&cat=0&page=1">I Love Me Some Tracy </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HLSxPdEyNu4w76knU9saCkWY1Wdl2V03Ijw7X6dmF6AdGOez0FTOPqB0tHwaxtcqZk-S0-A0TkrNNP4GV7za-FDFFf8FYsY1wl1H8xUUWkNz2CUTlN19tlinN9_laglbPBfIzpPIZ7bj/s1600/Sweet-Bliss-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HLSxPdEyNu4w76knU9saCkWY1Wdl2V03Ijw7X6dmF6AdGOez0FTOPqB0tHwaxtcqZk-S0-A0TkrNNP4GV7za-FDFFf8FYsY1wl1H8xUUWkNz2CUTlN19tlinN9_laglbPBfIzpPIZ7bj/s400/Sweet-Bliss-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from Love You More Than Icecream by Jenn Barrette<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23580&cat=0&page=1">Uncertain Tense </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
<br />Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the web. I hope you'll be back again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-57579878207422514502012-06-12T09:37:00.001+09:002012-06-12T09:42:02.296+09:00Ketchup Catch Up PostI've done it again. Let my poor sweet blog go. Neglect. I'm sorry dear blog, and I'm sorry to my dear friends and family who read it. If there are any left.<br />
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What's been going on? Hmmm.... a whole lot of school events, lots of just everyday life. I do have several pages to share, but at the same time I really don't want my blog only to be another gallery for my pages. I like this to be a place where I can share a bit more of my world.<br />
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A friend of mine mentioned that she would like to know more about the Japanese events and customs that go on in my world. (Thank you lulutoo for your suggestion!) Sounds like a great idea to me too since my blog is supposedly about both Scrapbooking and Japan life.<br />
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So, for today I will talk about Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three). 7-5-3 is a celebration of the ages 7, 5 and 3. Sorry for restating the obvious. But its not each age for all children. Girls get to celebrate twice - at the ages of 3 and 7. Boys celebrate once at the age of 5. I do NOT know why it is this way. Like so many ancient Japanese customs, it just is. (ETA: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San">I just found a wonderful article explaining in better detail all about SGS on Wikipedia. If you're interested, take a look here.</a>)<br />
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The event takes place in early November each year. The children dress up in a child's kimono and go to a temple for blessings and get to eat traditional candy called Chitose Ame (chee-toe-say ah-may). SGS is a rite of passage for children. <br />
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Here I am rambling on about Shichi-Go-San and I just realized that the page I made for my daughter was not even about SGS. But she is wearing the kimono her Baba and Jiji (Japanese Grandma and Grandpa) bought for her 3-year-old celebration. This page is actually my daughter posing with her Hina Dolls. <br />
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So this is another Japanese celebration called Hina Matsuri, or sometimes referred to as Girl's Day. If you want the details, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinamatsuri">there is another wonderful page on Wikipedia talking about its history and meaning, etc.</a> I even learned a thing or two!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhyphenhyphen7tPbV8oVqtvXOw5tSkygCu1hBiN8uhx6hu5BPObMRQtA_EGaL7WzaPy7ajp3Nd2AFdhzogZ3VYBPX1J_c1GXTGOYRQzrGkUeraCe6wI5i7qOlzxD4Pz6ACm2ZRKFIYMVm5UnZX8Ctf/s1600/Hina-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhyphenhyphen7tPbV8oVqtvXOw5tSkygCu1hBiN8uhx6hu5BPObMRQtA_EGaL7WzaPy7ajp3Nd2AFdhzogZ3VYBPX1J_c1GXTGOYRQzrGkUeraCe6wI5i7qOlzxD4Pz6ACm2ZRKFIYMVm5UnZX8Ctf/s400/Hina-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Ureshii.html">Ureshii </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />leaves are from Spring Love and En Plein Air by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />clear alpha from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Seeing-Clearly-Alphas.html">Seeing Clearly </a>by Etc by Danyale<br />page template is from Banner of Love 4 by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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The rest of my pages span many years and memories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj9oEEg_hN_F5CYfEgcG7PRZJ93Y45W80YI5N4nXevfRJmQ35tP7tS-HPIoYZROq7FnsYkOcNjBEn92gXa5bZ1ZKgpqQ6VxS_8eLvfDrKBc5ckJf3_PFOugXUaYyeM0ncbc8lJKpJu3XY/s1600/Beauty-in-Bloom-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj9oEEg_hN_F5CYfEgcG7PRZJ93Y45W80YI5N4nXevfRJmQ35tP7tS-HPIoYZROq7FnsYkOcNjBEn92gXa5bZ1ZKgpqQ6VxS_8eLvfDrKBc5ckJf3_PFOugXUaYyeM0ncbc8lJKpJu3XY/s400/Beauty-in-Bloom-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Papers and elements from A Secret Garden by Kristin Cronin-Barrow<br />Page template from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Solos-Part-10/">Solos Part 10 </a>by Busy Bee Designs<br />Font is DJB <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23204&cat=0&page=1">Miss Jayne Aire </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYW1GPKvcuSzIxnQx1qP8CIFgXL2IyfE5yM3o3G9kP6p7tqN-LxGXxYKXjYcLpNARvg4gizmr-i1-pyPxJMoxmsel-SWgyUOIqLkq2jZUztS8cz8fejfcc9wa0dnI5B5SazuCRApUNYn3/s1600/Cherished-Adored-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYW1GPKvcuSzIxnQx1qP8CIFgXL2IyfE5yM3o3G9kP6p7tqN-LxGXxYKXjYcLpNARvg4gizmr-i1-pyPxJMoxmsel-SWgyUOIqLkq2jZUztS8cz8fejfcc9wa0dnI5B5SazuCRApUNYn3/s400/Cherished-Adored-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> papers and elements from Cherished by Kristin Cronin-Barrow and Penny Springmann<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23481&cat=0&page=1">Ma's Handwriting </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is from Ornately Framed by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />worn page overlay used on background paper is by Something Blue Studios</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n1gRz7PomQhztc1S4ZOo53aStxakQaH41PZ4CF8GRn6lr8irX8-EfxpzcKcCWh7wfdMZCac4hucZT9otKn_JYfQDE3rAruZZ1-JFGaofIZahuAtsWLo8XDHarSQ2rIo4HyOWWT4HTXhE/s1600/Like-a-Doll-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n1gRz7PomQhztc1S4ZOo53aStxakQaH41PZ4CF8GRn6lr8irX8-EfxpzcKcCWh7wfdMZCac4hucZT9otKn_JYfQDE3rAruZZ1-JFGaofIZahuAtsWLo8XDHarSQ2rIo4HyOWWT4HTXhE/s400/Like-a-Doll-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Welcome to the World by Sugarplum Paperie and Jenn Barrette<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=21678&cat=0&page=4">So Much to Say </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Little Green Frog Designs</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNOIjAUV1ZEAXXPSAQGOspVvGdpc2sar9PrzeZ1jzUTP9H17dZsiNRqaCpKDrgI82PZqEWHATTNrsSI3nCti2do2Cp7rDTLA7oxNC0UjkZoGHOgAEClHTjE-sfgLVa6N41YwRyenF-3vj/s1600/Petting-Zoo-Double-websm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNOIjAUV1ZEAXXPSAQGOspVvGdpc2sar9PrzeZ1jzUTP9H17dZsiNRqaCpKDrgI82PZqEWHATTNrsSI3nCti2do2Cp7rDTLA7oxNC0UjkZoGHOgAEClHTjE-sfgLVa6N41YwRyenF-3vj/s400/Petting-Zoo-Double-websm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> most papers and elements from Hop, Skip, Jump by Jenn Barrette<br />some elements from various other kits<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23509&cat=0&page=1">Sandra Dee </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />stamped alpha is by CD Muckosky</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l7uY4MxkDP59poP0HWLqhGjcokai9DoQ8WdqfG3cRjnl1vIQlqoc4x9YL2Mi6m3BM1kwSFEk812L5JI4-jHDTD9P2Y44B7aYyRD3wbhNCfYwPG77agBEh0lThsEV6pwnjw6onq1Lk9Zm/s1600/Read-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l7uY4MxkDP59poP0HWLqhGjcokai9DoQ8WdqfG3cRjnl1vIQlqoc4x9YL2Mi6m3BM1kwSFEk812L5JI4-jHDTD9P2Y44B7aYyRD3wbhNCfYwPG77agBEh0lThsEV6pwnjw6onq1Lk9Zm/s400/Read-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Storytime.html">Storytime </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />wire alpha is from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/On-My-Desk-Alpha.html">On My Desk </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry and Etc by Danyale<br />page template is Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font is 1942</span></i></div>
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These last two pages are from Scrap Challenges over at <a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/">Tell Your Story Everyday</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCxqm-VnY7S149XB2abItlyzLVWucsBjFsiHU7wPaWVvrGn6HBuQEUA0cLozDQGWkrlAv4T5ZR17vuZgFD54x0ZfsP5dg-lgjrOL8XZ4NFy9W4J5IGwHF3FzAf3btw93T05JSv-VNA_AW/s1600/Remember-this-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCxqm-VnY7S149XB2abItlyzLVWucsBjFsiHU7wPaWVvrGn6HBuQEUA0cLozDQGWkrlAv4T5ZR17vuZgFD54x0ZfsP5dg-lgjrOL8XZ4NFy9W4J5IGwHF3FzAf3btw93T05JSv-VNA_AW/s400/Remember-this-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Summer-Morning.html">Summer Morning </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />page template from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Sketchology-While-Supplies-Last.html">Sketchology: While Supplies Last </a>by Bella Gypsy<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23414&cat=0&page=1">Miss Jinky Van Pelt </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw71l4bps6JFWAY0ElZ6vRFPE9fWH2vYK30No2kr9K3AdsacLBRxZvi6wdqBcO2ydcUgcFPSOcVOoSLUROjoyvdR_24ISVtgHIuUmDlbmHYcMxtDAqAjNI_5DUvva0YdYDIzVna6jZlm15/s1600/TYS-SC-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw71l4bps6JFWAY0ElZ6vRFPE9fWH2vYK30No2kr9K3AdsacLBRxZvi6wdqBcO2ydcUgcFPSOcVOoSLUROjoyvdR_24ISVtgHIuUmDlbmHYcMxtDAqAjNI_5DUvva0YdYDIzVna6jZlm15/s400/TYS-SC-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Roots-and-Wings.html">Roots and Wings </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />background stamps are <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Birds-on-a-Branch-Digital-Stamp.html">Birds On A Branch </a>and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Floral-Collage-Digital-Stamp.html">Floral Collage </a>both by Arty Pants<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23333&cat=0&page=1">Mary Magpie </a>Darcy Baldwin<br />background template is by Captivated Visions</span></i></div>
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If you want to read any of the pages' journaling, all of my pages can be found in my<br />
<a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=14668&username=hollyinjapan">Digichick Gallery</a>.<br />
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Summer vacation will unofficially begin here in mid-July when my kids and I can go and visit my family in America. We are so excited. School isn't supposed to get out until late July, (we can't even begin to fathom the long summer vacations kids have in America) but we will be taking off a few days before the end of the semester. Summers are my favorite season because I get to see my family!!!<br />
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As always, thank you for stopping by my little corner of the web. I hope and pray all is well with you and yours. Please come again soon!Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-16830204569866749742012-05-17T21:25:00.000+09:002012-05-17T21:25:21.967+09:00A thought on creative processesWell, I not only survived, but thrived. NSD that is. I think I spent about $35 spread over 5 shops. AND got most of the items on all of my wish lists at that. (pats self on back). Not bad. There have been years when I spent more. Much more. Too much. But this year I controlled myself.<br /><br />Was busy scrapping both before and after the sales. I have time to scrap. It feels so Wonderful! Just slow, easy, no-pressure, have-fun pages. I haven't used any of my NSD purchases yet, but I know I will. I'm planning the pages in my head. Do you do that? Plan the pages beforehand? or just go with the flow of the creative process. <br /><br />I think I'm a bit in the middle. If its a CT assignment, then I go looking for the right photos to match the kit. If its a challenge page, then I have to think out my theme, find the photos and find a kit that will meet the challenge requirements. If I start out with the pictures, I usually find it takes me longer because I am trying to match the kit to the photos (instead of the other way around). When I start a page with the photos, I find that those pages end up having more meaning to me.<br />
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My favorite pages are usually those that just come together. Where the photos and kit end up being perfect for each other. When I have fun in the process. <br />
<br />I have a few of each of these pages to share with you today, spanning many years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInwjOHjzE6ErwJyV0BkTcFPi13pSsnSBJI44W-Y3ICNfXWldSSzj2OlttLVrNoQrk_BJl3mV5JsX5MG5VyicyxuUWpmgh6-o4bq0YyCwvzrnEPPUA7QkRT2rG6N1Ctg4myZf9hwbn-zjH/s1600/Always-In-My-Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInwjOHjzE6ErwJyV0BkTcFPi13pSsnSBJI44W-Y3ICNfXWldSSzj2OlttLVrNoQrk_BJl3mV5JsX5MG5VyicyxuUWpmgh6-o4bq0YyCwvzrnEPPUA7QkRT2rG6N1Ctg4myZf9hwbn-zjH/s400/Always-In-My-Heart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Rememberance.html">Remembrance </a>by Alamama's Pressed Petals<br />page template by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6TnA-V_z5QrvKd45Ld0wVLtmXwQA9ZL-T7d4NOcNA1wr9_fAIV2nUeKr7DcVzfoiJ7xV10tDa3SDRyGUyU3amu9507q7TjmOJQFOU3rluGrDtdZ2DF6gW06vp37yuVcDUOoZQkiS83gS/s1600/From-Day-One-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6TnA-V_z5QrvKd45Ld0wVLtmXwQA9ZL-T7d4NOcNA1wr9_fAIV2nUeKr7DcVzfoiJ7xV10tDa3SDRyGUyU3amu9507q7TjmOJQFOU3rluGrDtdZ2DF6gW06vp37yuVcDUOoZQkiS83gS/s400/From-Day-One-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Coming-Home-Designer-Kit.html">Coming Home </a>by Dawn by Design<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Gimme-Layers-Vol.-26.html">Gimme Layers Vol 26 </a>by Cluster Queen Creations<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23414&cat=0&page=1">Miss Jinkie van Pelt </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lXrEa_qMwqpOPYPH29Xtbls7D691RmT3jcBsKBRy9IVieKXQMw8y42y84jAioBFIahG8lEQ1digeRtT9K-KQL2EzZcvL6Ntxk2JyR2DV4lTkQ3WLdZI9olWP2DvzYtBu2gd5JNFCHE_L/s1600/Meiji-Jingu-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lXrEa_qMwqpOPYPH29Xtbls7D691RmT3jcBsKBRy9IVieKXQMw8y42y84jAioBFIahG8lEQ1digeRtT9K-KQL2EzZcvL6Ntxk2JyR2DV4lTkQ3WLdZI9olWP2DvzYtBu2gd5JNFCHE_L/s400/Meiji-Jingu-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Chic-Blossom.html">Chic Blossom </a>by Siamese Studio - guest designer at The Digichick during May 2012<br />page template from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Gimme-Layers-Vol.-26.html">Gimme Layers 26 </a>by Cluster Queen Creations<br />clear alpha is <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Seeing-Clearly-Alphas.html">Seeing Clearly Alpha </a>by Etc by Danale</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlRpi0SqFL-kBVGH-RzfkA_ejERElDsC28-q9EPlk4jlkmz96t1cOhh6Pf30O7aal6l6OIMLw6fXYVce7FnMZ8_JRA8hwR5ylaAwWVf09_SHlQ2mo3OMZv1O5RABuF34P5XJgwujN-qSa/s1600/Pony-Ride-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlRpi0SqFL-kBVGH-RzfkA_ejERElDsC28-q9EPlk4jlkmz96t1cOhh6Pf30O7aal6l6OIMLw6fXYVce7FnMZ8_JRA8hwR5ylaAwWVf09_SHlQ2mo3OMZv1O5RABuF34P5XJgwujN-qSa/s400/Pony-Ride-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Dressage-Bundle.html">Dressage </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br /><a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/On-My-Desk-Alpha.html">On My Desk wire alpha </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry and Etc by Danyaly<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRudC_RWIwF4w0iF7xuap7IxqukKE__Ua2BzHm-Dt51N24HPnp0zc1odE-rIMQKSBC_sOVvUDflAgAIwTqFfwRe_vxioxR8wy19tLhQGxM99NQbMSwejR1ivsk_RtslfZ9bwpOnog_63WH/s1600/Roses-Shmoses-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRudC_RWIwF4w0iF7xuap7IxqukKE__Ua2BzHm-Dt51N24HPnp0zc1odE-rIMQKSBC_sOVvUDflAgAIwTqFfwRe_vxioxR8wy19tLhQGxM99NQbMSwejR1ivsk_RtslfZ9bwpOnog_63WH/s400/Roses-Shmoses-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Roots-and-Wings.html">Roots and Wings </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />page template is from<a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/365ish-Vol.-1-Templates.html"> 365ish </a>by Cluster Queen Creations<br />font for journaling is DJB How Cute Am I? and font for subtitle is DJB Scruffy Angel - both from the <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23333&cat=0&page=1">Best of the Best 4 </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />Wet Paint Alpha by C.D. Muckosky<br /><br />For the <a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/2012/05/showers-and-flowers/">Tell Your Story Everyday Scrap Challenge 18</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD-2jHdXyITqzpqKFd1eZ-NQTG8kAsoZbq0wtHDcBEFJtVAOxHrAmF8o_9ptbDTLd-PtXIYutk_IRVdC-M4hz2dxQ37IkRlyv33eyMYj5SoiifN-ZzsCexrGkV7iUOduDC6oBAtbASFbj/s1600/Sweeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD-2jHdXyITqzpqKFd1eZ-NQTG8kAsoZbq0wtHDcBEFJtVAOxHrAmF8o_9ptbDTLd-PtXIYutk_IRVdC-M4hz2dxQ37IkRlyv33eyMYj5SoiifN-ZzsCexrGkV7iUOduDC6oBAtbASFbj/s400/Sweeet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Brain-Freeze-Bundle.html">Brain Freeze </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry and Etc. by Danyale<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23332&cat=0&page=1">DJB Holly Serif </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Spring-Flavors-Cherry-Blossom/">Spring Flavors Cherry Blossoms </a>by Busy Bee Designs</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3akBnrdHq499_ijZ3Iy8Ac4-JCboz1TUX8BgjbVBGpO69IvOV6N1k3D7faYR6HgpOwILQPWVomXMtTJCOVwF97PtPlEwjJOkZulxhvT_YzNE1FBydnUIrSiQl8nrSNiDOx4BHIfxSkaW/s1600/You're-So-'Tweet-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm7Rwf4MYaK0gm_CvsihD-GH0yp_4yiqJqIR2Gg6c4ziZTUz8VKvWVXV7UReLe79wKx22220-P2rj4DrJ0U6FCPkj7IaNn0y5TZMyYIsljQB98AYWBtSNFWJBwVDcRMZZmQ0_Wrb3U8nI/s1600/Yum-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm7Rwf4MYaK0gm_CvsihD-GH0yp_4yiqJqIR2Gg6c4ziZTUz8VKvWVXV7UReLe79wKx22220-P2rj4DrJ0U6FCPkj7IaNn0y5TZMyYIsljQB98AYWBtSNFWJBwVDcRMZZmQ0_Wrb3U8nI/s400/Yum-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Brain-Freeze-Bundle.html">Brain Freeze </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry and Etc. by Danyale<br />alpha for Yum is by C.D. Muckosky<br />page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span> </div>
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My favorite this week:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3akBnrdHq499_ijZ3Iy8Ac4-JCboz1TUX8BgjbVBGpO69IvOV6N1k3D7faYR6HgpOwILQPWVomXMtTJCOVwF97PtPlEwjJOkZulxhvT_YzNE1FBydnUIrSiQl8nrSNiDOx4BHIfxSkaW/s1600/You%2527re-So-%2527Tweet-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3akBnrdHq499_ijZ3Iy8Ac4-JCboz1TUX8BgjbVBGpO69IvOV6N1k3D7faYR6HgpOwILQPWVomXMtTJCOVwF97PtPlEwjJOkZulxhvT_YzNE1FBydnUIrSiQl8nrSNiDOx4BHIfxSkaW/s400/You%2527re-So-%2527Tweet-web.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Tweet.html">Tweet </a>by Alamama's Pressed Petals<br />except for negative strip (altered) which is by Nancy Comelab</span></div>
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Thank you, as always, for stopping by my little corner of the web. I hope you'll come back again soon.</div>Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-85593310864206614652012-05-03T17:03:00.001+09:002012-05-03T17:12:14.221+09:00NSD Weekend (in other words this post is 100% scrapbooking related)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObWXI4VOfRKfwuBbIuh4Bg865HNjvZKLenKBr1NciFC2FPBXWQnDe-fc_T0Uf6EdE_5EIJkQH5KMtWChxoLg7VCKlMPLh9XI0dOZT_olHliGXq11VS8hJMe8BeMhp1DiDy0DG3KU8NQ02/s1600/NSDEvents2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
This weekend is NSD weekend. Of course you all already know that, right? I am so used to the digital world of scrapbooking that I've never even ventured into paper scrapbooking sites on one of these weekends. Do the traditional scrapbooking sites have NSD events as well? I guess I'll have to drop in and see what's up. I suppose it would be really great if I just lived in the states and could drop into a real life scrapbooking mega-store. There are probably midnight crops and all-night chats. That might sound tempting if I were a night owl, but I'm not. Usually in bed by 10:30 - that's me.<br />
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The Digichick will certainly be participating in NSD weekend. For this
event, the TDC designers have taken the reins and will be hosting a
Facebook hop. Check out this beautiful kit you can get all for just
liking our designer's FB pages.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObWXI4VOfRKfwuBbIuh4Bg865HNjvZKLenKBr1NciFC2FPBXWQnDe-fc_T0Uf6EdE_5EIJkQH5KMtWChxoLg7VCKlMPLh9XI0dOZT_olHliGXq11VS8hJMe8BeMhp1DiDy0DG3KU8NQ02/s1600/NSDEvents2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObWXI4VOfRKfwuBbIuh4Bg865HNjvZKLenKBr1NciFC2FPBXWQnDe-fc_T0Uf6EdE_5EIJkQH5KMtWChxoLg7VCKlMPLh9XI0dOZT_olHliGXq11VS8hJMe8BeMhp1DiDy0DG3KU8NQ02/s400/NSDEvents2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thedigichick">The Digichick on Facebook</a></i></span></div>
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TDC's May boutique collab, called <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Roots-and-Wings.html">Roots and Wings</a>,
is in the shop. Stunning again. As usual. Absolutely love the color
combination. As usual. This is a page I made using the collab as well as
a few other goodies from the shop. My beloved niece's babes are so
photogenic. Just to keep it all honest, this page is a complete and
total scraplift of a page I saw made by <a href="http://likethecar.blogspot.jp/">Van Nguyen</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OI8VlvCS-tFpA2QyVKRE34DUpWb-4QyZ2RkHjFm0Z3f2GJR5rEpVBve4mqD1vNKad6vs8FfUaxD7sZjz50PerPAFWvkjLvUrpCeUXUbRr_PiLbEBDIKz7uiMM4fAje95Aw1_O_j8KMSZ/s1600/Grow-With-Love-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OI8VlvCS-tFpA2QyVKRE34DUpWb-4QyZ2RkHjFm0Z3f2GJR5rEpVBve4mqD1vNKad6vs8FfUaxD7sZjz50PerPAFWvkjLvUrpCeUXUbRr_PiLbEBDIKz7uiMM4fAje95Aw1_O_j8KMSZ/s400/Grow-With-Love-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and most elements from Roots & Wings by The Digichick Designers<br />template used to make banner is from Banner Templates by Girl Boy Girl Designs<br />The Photo Project by Sherwood Studio<br />baker's twine (recolored) from Divine Twine by Sherwood Studio<br />tag is from The Daily Details by The Digichick Designers<br />journaling is taken from various A Little Butterfly Told Me messages<br />font is 1942</span></i></div>
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Studio ViVa Artistry has teamed up with another one of my fave designers, Etc. by Danyale to make the cuuuutest collab called Brain Freeze. Its available at both Scrapbook Graphics and The Digichick. This page uses a picture (I know its blurry) of my niece's oldest daughter, oh so many years ago. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNxM6UTObGUFVrrsEA8pT1DGYKcr5I46e49e5CWvvQJxOFa3tsDO2IrN_SDnZMzmbR7JFwEGZuDQHGOaE1pyHpJrJFyvFXfvoz4imklq75qcnuDeUt7FwLeFA2kCUm0yO-kb_um8TYm2-/s1600/Brain-Freeze-Yum-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNxM6UTObGUFVrrsEA8pT1DGYKcr5I46e49e5CWvvQJxOFa3tsDO2IrN_SDnZMzmbR7JFwEGZuDQHGOaE1pyHpJrJFyvFXfvoz4imklq75qcnuDeUt7FwLeFA2kCUm0yO-kb_um8TYm2-/s400/Brain-Freeze-Yum-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Brain Freeze by Studio ViVa Artistry and Etc. by Danyale</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">alpha for Yum is by C.D. Muckosky</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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For this last new page, I used Renewal by Alamama's Pressed Petals. She's decided to make The Digichick her permanent new digi home. Yay!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjs0UmHucrZbO5Q0R6iW9n5xzGiIOPIVnKB-234_aFnpO2Szjf0f_y4qzJxaGZbx-HmLuLddLZYOwOcpQcduqp8o9WeOADLdGMD9ag5OVgTj5gFJsnJp6MqcYgFs6c9C5nNPLeBeKD37P/s1600/Always-In-My-Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjs0UmHucrZbO5Q0R6iW9n5xzGiIOPIVnKB-234_aFnpO2Szjf0f_y4qzJxaGZbx-HmLuLddLZYOwOcpQcduqp8o9WeOADLdGMD9ag5OVgTj5gFJsnJp6MqcYgFs6c9C5nNPLeBeKD37P/s400/Always-In-My-Heart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Renewal by Alamama's Pressed Petals</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs</span></i></div>
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Last, but not least. Here is my Pinterest Layout that was on the cover of last month's Artisan Notebook. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNzXmArYCkFS4Cr1pCD7MazE7TjjQ8bqPm63dH0rR1hp5aQfXJWh3ieGOVvk2NdrPKPCXQmd5f3phyphenhyphenC003FHc4hauMV1ZMdBIPrreKLNK1muQlCjS2q5UzqgQYM1HJVJ5Jf467Sm3lXTc/s1600/Pin-me-baby-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNzXmArYCkFS4Cr1pCD7MazE7TjjQ8bqPm63dH0rR1hp5aQfXJWh3ieGOVvk2NdrPKPCXQmd5f3phyphenhyphenC003FHc4hauMV1ZMdBIPrreKLNK1muQlCjS2q5UzqgQYM1HJVJ5Jf467Sm3lXTc/s400/Pin-me-baby-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Thrifty Finds the Kit, Thrifty Finds Cool Hues and Thrifty Finds Warm Hues paper packs, all by Mari Koegelenberg<br />red alpha from All Spice also by Mari Koegelenberg<br />yellow stitches from DSD Stitches - DSD freebie by Quirky Twerp<br />banner made using DIY Stitched Pennants by Chelle's Creations<br />page template is by Little Frog Designs<br />font is My Underwood<br /><br />As seen in the April 2012 Artisan Notebook.</span></i></div>
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And.... I think that's it for now. I've still got to at least *try* to get a few more things made before the weekend events. Too bad its fallen right in the middle of Golden Week here in Japan. I only had to work one day this whole week and the rest of the days are holidays (business and school). You know how you lose track of even what day it is when you're on vacation? Well, that's how I'm feeling now. Its Thursday, I think...<br />
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As always, thank you so much for stopping by my corner of the web. Please come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-6191342615697788432012-04-30T14:05:00.000+09:002012-04-30T14:05:46.735+09:00WhewI can't tell you how good it feels to be able to breathe without feeling flames of fire in my windpipe. I've had bronchitis for the past month. On and off of meds, getting better getting worse. I am hoping that this "almost good" that I am feeling today may be a turning of the tide.<br /><br />The bazaar was last Tuesday, almost exactly one week ago. It went... well. Mixed feelings because the things that I expected would sell (the scrapbooks) didn't sell at all. But the things that I didn't think would sell (the beaded watchbands leftover from November's bazaar) actually sold quite well. I still have several left, but I was just happy to see that nine of them sold. The little felt hair pretty pretty's I made almost sold out. <br /><br />For the first time in the several years that we have been doing this craft sale, my friends and I got together for an uchi-age (oochii ahgay) party. That's when you celebrate the successful conclusion of a long-planned event. It was fun. Because I was still on meds I couldn't drink any cocktails, but I had a blast just watching. The eats were good too and we sat in the Japanese izakaya restaurant for over 4 hours - until they had to kick us out because other diners were waiting. Girls... no matter our age we just like to chat until all hours. <br /><br />We haven't set a date for the next one yet, but there will be another craft sale sometime late this year. Each time after our craft bazaars have finished we just crash for awhile, but at the same time, almost immediately, we are wondering about the next one. What should we make. What do the customers want. What is the next "it" item - something new, fresh, interesting, fun and just a must-have. Any ideas?<br /><br />Okay.... so on the scrapping side I've been quite a bit less active this past month. But I do have a few pages to share.<br />
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Big news: ViVa Artistry is now Studio ViVa Artistry. They have moved their shop from The Digichick to Scrapbook Graphics. I'm so happy for them and wish them every great success. I can't be sad that they left TDC because fortunately I get to go with them wherever they go. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKedapUNjL02CUoicKryMVto_DatEaMBvEYCdEnpYXgv4LedKVkhCejho1G7ewEO-U-b3c8iR-Iy_DcCt5WMq_7gtDBrkKZM29fAyBxCn0BQbOEhIP3MZ5OJiU5qMPgvGDaeLATvAf0wS/s1600/Illuminate-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKedapUNjL02CUoicKryMVto_DatEaMBvEYCdEnpYXgv4LedKVkhCejho1G7ewEO-U-b3c8iR-Iy_DcCt5WMq_7gtDBrkKZM29fAyBxCn0BQbOEhIP3MZ5OJiU5qMPgvGDaeLATvAf0wS/s400/Illuminate-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Le-Reve-Bundle.html">Le Reve</a> by ViVa Artistry<br />bookplate is from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Lost-World-Bundle.html">Lost World</a> also by ViVa Artistry<br />font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22265&cat=0&page=2">DJB Her Fancy Hand </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />font for Illuminate is Hawaii Killer<br />Printer's Tray (altered) is from Everyday Trays: Volume 1 by Kristin Cronin-Barrow</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJinPt_jke9lk9VRwdkYpgaKcUnc3dL8GTTVq1DqDr7wwd3L7-_1b6pAvKl_TGRknTsrJ019eLZ48afrLWLlXA3CjEMp3pqK5N_G4-rLd8lXsF1HU4P6vwIRK6TTlxAKgg_rDOnbNIaZx/s1600/Wonderful-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJinPt_jke9lk9VRwdkYpgaKcUnc3dL8GTTVq1DqDr7wwd3L7-_1b6pAvKl_TGRknTsrJ019eLZ48afrLWLlXA3CjEMp3pqK5N_G4-rLd8lXsF1HU4P6vwIRK6TTlxAKgg_rDOnbNIaZx/s400/Wonderful-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>all papers and elements from <a href="http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/En-Plein-Air.html">En Plein Air </a>by Studio ViVa Artistry<br />page template (altered) is by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs<br />font for journaling is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23204&cat=0&page=1">DJB Miss Jayne Aire </a>by Darcy Baldwin<br />font for Wonderful is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22705&cat=0&page=1">DJB A Fresh Start </a>by Darcy Baldwin</i></span></div>
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I was able to host two scrap challenges at <a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/category/layouts/">Tell Your Story </a>in April. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fpQb5LR2OQ24qn110tLtsrQddIljce0YRIVm73IG6ctDYR6DQQeVYADll3J1y-Fn_-65s9x4uADvAS794BA3q7JPoPRk8GFagyvvOCGn0ElcEG_fG4oyrYTxG9fNBYcRnbY6UjprGobX/s1600/I%2527m-trying-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fpQb5LR2OQ24qn110tLtsrQddIljce0YRIVm73IG6ctDYR6DQQeVYADll3J1y-Fn_-65s9x4uADvAS794BA3q7JPoPRk8GFagyvvOCGn0ElcEG_fG4oyrYTxG9fNBYcRnbY6UjprGobX/s400/I%2527m-trying-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> all papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/A-New-Me.html">A New Me</a> by The Digichick Designers
<br />some papers from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Someone-Like-You.html">Someone Like You </a>by The Digichick Designers
<br />stitches are from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Around-the-World.html">Around the World </a>by The Digichick Designers
<br />page template by Little Green Frog Designs
<br />stamps by Katie Pertiet
<br />glitter action by ViVa Artistry
<br />photos - pictures of my cookbooks
<br />font is Jane Austen </i></span></div>
<br />This next page is my first foray into mixed media. I printed out some papers and elements, shaped them into a little scene, then added some stamps, rub-ons and type. Fun! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMNeRjuS5wJy4y23Qod4HJ2y6VB4F-yflWQZLizDq47WMSJkpWqmKL-ER-V1DiBEaQlqha5JKYrVaTfvqZHmup9_j2X8k-TsC-djTpDW1kqunp2csiybOLKn-yk0IZaP5Sqtj9miAyXaa/s1600/Try+Something+New-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMNeRjuS5wJy4y23Qod4HJ2y6VB4F-yflWQZLizDq47WMSJkpWqmKL-ER-V1DiBEaQlqha5JKYrVaTfvqZHmup9_j2X8k-TsC-djTpDW1kqunp2csiybOLKn-yk0IZaP5Sqtj9miAyXaa/s400/Try+Something+New-web.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> all papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/A-New-Me.html">A New Me</a> by The Digichick Designers </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>rub-ons, paint, brad, stamps, ink, etc.<br /><br /> </i></span></div>
Okay, I think that's all for now. But will have more coming up as NSD (National Scrpbooking Day) is next weekend. Always a good time to hit the sales around digiland. TDC is having an event too, although I don't know much about it yet as its being hosted by the Designers this time! Stay tuned!<br /><br />As always, thank you so much for putting up with my absences. Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-83139256640559693552012-04-11T15:04:00.000+09:002012-04-11T15:04:00.252+09:00Crafting my little heart outDid I mention that my friends and I are hosting another handmade craft bazaar at the end of this month? Yes, yes I believe I did. And now I even have a little proof of it. Just a quick post to show the mini albums and door hangers I've been making. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__XJXNBfIQrIAc6HikKPiC17cFGEzT6dSkEHEtX0PuCV1PEW8hpIJeMfA1iVfMM39Vzlqp96dtORnNXgr3auNHk0NclOKDlp714h3-P7ZtjsdUTtnV38J5Dtd9TwrngmITqrEWjQxSI6N/s1600/ele-alb-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__XJXNBfIQrIAc6HikKPiC17cFGEzT6dSkEHEtX0PuCV1PEW8hpIJeMfA1iVfMM39Vzlqp96dtORnNXgr3auNHk0NclOKDlp714h3-P7ZtjsdUTtnV38J5Dtd9TwrngmITqrEWjQxSI6N/s400/ele-alb-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB9g6fmJB4nK5gKuuXmBIFEgCIBWgEqyWvp7kCVjv3ZvVR7NkUd-GgWjudzYodRpBLNwSv35Fil8aOIXIz30-smm1TkW08CzvvtLb0qbkd5_iI4G1TJ8zd19ddaI8B5Rf3O2j5hKQvu5K/s1600/happy-alb-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB9g6fmJB4nK5gKuuXmBIFEgCIBWgEqyWvp7kCVjv3ZvVR7NkUd-GgWjudzYodRpBLNwSv35Fil8aOIXIz30-smm1TkW08CzvvtLb0qbkd5_iI4G1TJ8zd19ddaI8B5Rf3O2j5hKQvu5K/s400/happy-alb-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfmdI8c4MX9iUywOnTqv712lU5mwKkfEAYrWI0gAliZoeMjnaBjOX4Vq9ybAjjl0f12PujgAjt_4f007tWItb_LknyqfiMIUIYgFFyOI1QaimhPMw1jd7Ww1g4nu5RJuXcf2D-LUm1ekf/s1600/wine-yellow-mini-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfmdI8c4MX9iUywOnTqv712lU5mwKkfEAYrWI0gAliZoeMjnaBjOX4Vq9ybAjjl0f12PujgAjt_4f007tWItb_LknyqfiMIUIYgFFyOI1QaimhPMw1jd7Ww1g4nu5RJuXcf2D-LUm1ekf/s400/wine-yellow-mini-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Dy3RceI0OaKZxnuKBWendg5laU39EvwPbOW-hfulfa4nhrFcCjTwuzdNl1OHITTsdnBDBjUmaA8B7wiecyJpTBz1rhiPPzPNbu_vTCHf_Iq4r8uW_5oWUkLgMvgbydA_y8PPzVLknOZ/s1600/birds-door-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Dy3RceI0OaKZxnuKBWendg5laU39EvwPbOW-hfulfa4nhrFcCjTwuzdNl1OHITTsdnBDBjUmaA8B7wiecyJpTBz1rhiPPzPNbu_vTCHf_Iq4r8uW_5oWUkLgMvgbydA_y8PPzVLknOZ/s320/birds-door-web.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuCovEA1bRqnHONkL-0IorWNjyz2Dufnl4frAPtCeIjQT7P-wtB2IuShPMJL6jgeMdXCFXnmggA5lvq61KdfMdTzKfZp1OP31rRKe0ceBZ26-ZwVRPoibVxW8AOTKjxRESn87MHzTZeU6/s1600/bright-door-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuCovEA1bRqnHONkL-0IorWNjyz2Dufnl4frAPtCeIjQT7P-wtB2IuShPMJL6jgeMdXCFXnmggA5lvq61KdfMdTzKfZp1OP31rRKe0ceBZ26-ZwVRPoibVxW8AOTKjxRESn87MHzTZeU6/s320/bright-door-web.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2FjR3eM21g8RcHQjMuuqAhdwuVfg8TAoT7M4P1q6l0SVdwUG2OSJmCzB5mpGwVJiWZv3LKcPFXLJvX4eMJwTAPWhuJlWSlDPLWYgedPfFynn7Us513Ot1D3mlEOKX-ylajHioybH9gF8/s1600/home-door-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2FjR3eM21g8RcHQjMuuqAhdwuVfg8TAoT7M4P1q6l0SVdwUG2OSJmCzB5mpGwVJiWZv3LKcPFXLJvX4eMJwTAPWhuJlWSlDPLWYgedPfFynn7Us513Ot1D3mlEOKX-ylajHioybH9gF8/s320/home-door-web.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0z_G0JGELbaTjYEMdwjSYPD51Jrt1YT9xg6F1w05nbjfLvVMelJCac_DzSSJ8P9GV0x3DwA8IUu4J5arAu00qeWWeyN2bM6Ino1SRDfnfWRgEl7KBNX83i6vSi23yYzftLPv_myNvdJtx/s1600/hairclips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>For the most part I've been using Sassafras papers. I was trying to see what their newest lines are, but when I went to their site I see it hasn't been updated since last year. Did they go out of business? Oh I hope not. I really love their unique style.<br />
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Last for now, but not least. Inspired by Pinterest I even tried my hand at making some felt flower hair clips. Wouldn't it be fun if I went to my son's elementary school for a meeting or something and just happened to see a little girl with one of these in her hair.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0z_G0JGELbaTjYEMdwjSYPD51Jrt1YT9xg6F1w05nbjfLvVMelJCac_DzSSJ8P9GV0x3DwA8IUu4J5arAu00qeWWeyN2bM6Ino1SRDfnfWRgEl7KBNX83i6vSi23yYzftLPv_myNvdJtx/s1600/hairclips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0z_G0JGELbaTjYEMdwjSYPD51Jrt1YT9xg6F1w05nbjfLvVMelJCac_DzSSJ8P9GV0x3DwA8IUu4J5arAu00qeWWeyN2bM6Ino1SRDfnfWRgEl7KBNX83i6vSi23yYzftLPv_myNvdJtx/s400/hairclips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Thank you always for stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-78727938793162439102012-04-02T21:42:00.001+09:002012-04-02T22:04:42.718+09:00Ummmm... hello.Oh good heavens! Has it really been nearly a month? Coming to my poor blog tonight, I wondered if I would even remember where I'd left off.<br />
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Real Life - that's where I left off. Life just happens sometimes and the other stuff that I wish I could keep up with falls to the side.<br />
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I've been listening to the Hunger Games soundtrack. A lot. An abnormally amount of a lot even for me. I was trying to be nice and wait patiently until the Japan release date would be announced. I figured that since we have to wait about 4 months after each Twilight movie (There, I said it. I'm a TwiFan.) that HG would be coming sometime around mid to late June. Boy was I wrong. <i>Finally</i>, Kadokwa pictures posted on their website that HG would be coming to Japan in Fall of 2012. Shock. Despair. Sadness. Why, oh why??? So I figured the closest I could get to having the HG now would be to play the soundtrack again and again and again...<br />
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Work has been hoppin' and for this I am so very thankful! Teaching and now a bit of translating and editing. Thank you God for incredible opportunities! But of course real life takes precedence over digi life and scrapping falls to the side.<br />
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Nonetheless, I *do* have some pages to share. Where to start, where to start.<br />
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March Artisan Notebook layout. Way back in November I joined in the FB 30 days of Gratitude. Wow, what that ever a wonderful and eye-opening experience. Everyday I posted my status as something/someone I was grateful for. Most days were easy to think of, but just a few days took some digging. As the journaling is just tooooo long to include, *try* to read the page (if you're interested).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G7SGMJ-tyzOqPsQ_SoO4urQNdTZGpQ2PLBQJOV-6fJF2jrVJEOpZqPDYVv-4ntqVJm-Q5CjIXnkBfXbMawAcnqN1RhwCTRVcXq76DhTiCPdC0TM-ChyphenhyphenStAO4sLTwg3xZGeanarynmiGm/s1600/30-Days-of-Gratitude-Left-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G7SGMJ-tyzOqPsQ_SoO4urQNdTZGpQ2PLBQJOV-6fJF2jrVJEOpZqPDYVv-4ntqVJm-Q5CjIXnkBfXbMawAcnqN1RhwCTRVcXq76DhTiCPdC0TM-ChyphenhyphenStAO4sLTwg3xZGeanarynmiGm/s400/30-Days-of-Gratitude-Left-w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOzNuyaDsTXnrGhueo5BcdU4NI0hrY69mOcwq5dFtTtaq71fIoF_NvkWiBMCvsdYHKT1RQzynrP5VrJhrPko1kM_U5OaQa55EQe4SCGeRpTtBhdZkuApIkeLARLN5ME8SnPRYgX9ABTfa/s1600/30-Days-of-Gratitude-Rt-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOzNuyaDsTXnrGhueo5BcdU4NI0hrY69mOcwq5dFtTtaq71fIoF_NvkWiBMCvsdYHKT1RQzynrP5VrJhrPko1kM_U5OaQa55EQe4SCGeRpTtBhdZkuApIkeLARLN5ME8SnPRYgX9ABTfa/s400/30-Days-of-Gratitude-Rt-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNs7zREjTaPcDfOccoyTtm6g3fPK44KVMzA5fAz2DpM5pB3TuiYp-gGJCcFm08tCxhdMEVGEMP23uR4fKAipikXvDOYa19QExzDR9EpvqMVfH05T4Ubvie5dPguhLfRbsjfnBSaU2TuGc/s1600/30-Days-of-Gratitude-dbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNs7zREjTaPcDfOccoyTtm6g3fPK44KVMzA5fAz2DpM5pB3TuiYp-gGJCcFm08tCxhdMEVGEMP23uR4fKAipikXvDOYa19QExzDR9EpvqMVfH05T4Ubvie5dPguhLfRbsjfnBSaU2TuGc/s400/30-Days-of-Gratitude-dbl.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/my-heART-kit.html" target="_blank">my heART</a> by Etc by Danyale and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/my-heART-Journal-Set.html" target="_blank">My heART Journal Set</a> by Etc by Danyale<br />
template is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/365ish-2-Pagers-Vol.-1-Templates.html" target="_blank">CQ 365ish 2-pagers Vol 1</a> by Cluster Queen Creations<br />
font is Caviar Dreams</span> </div><br />
TDC news. Bummer of all bummers. Our precious leader Nicole has left our nest in order to pursue her dreams as a designer. On the one hand there is shock and sadness, on the other hand there is nothing but continued love and admiration for what a wonderful woman she is. She was the absolute best boss to work for at TDC. Not to fear, my beloved Sinead is the new owner and operator of The Digichick and she is going to be AWESOME!<br />
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Tell Your Story. I have a couple of fun challenges up at <a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/">Tell Your Story</a>. There is no deadline (as there are no prizes) so come join me!<br />
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<a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/2012/03/our-four-legged-friends/">Four-Legged Friends</a>: my beloved Dino. Born the same day I was. My first pet-love.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMZtDmQJ_ECmjmYLznZm0HPdipc96CNWNZZGbH1wuwOIB_NRlM-as4D4ls1MoclAY2Wtq1DehliXtF42X18hOOnHoIw1glvv_5N7dU_lZA7KsEAMU_TCvEPdxVrzKtxxndg0WTmZOYZjP/s1600/Dino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMZtDmQJ_ECmjmYLznZm0HPdipc96CNWNZZGbH1wuwOIB_NRlM-as4D4ls1MoclAY2Wtq1DehliXtF42X18hOOnHoIw1glvv_5N7dU_lZA7KsEAMU_TCvEPdxVrzKtxxndg0WTmZOYZjP/s400/Dino.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">most papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Emporium.html" target="_blank">Emporium</a> by The Digichick Designers<br />
some elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/The-Daily-Details.html" target="_blank">The Daily Details</a> and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Around-the-World.html" target="_blank">Around the World</a> also by The Digichick Designers<br />
alpha is from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/My-Mountain-Alpha.html" target="_blank">My Mountain alph</a>a by Flutter Expressions<br />
page template is from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Solos-Part-6/" target="_blank">Solos Part 6</a> by Busy Bee Designs<br />
font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23025&cat=0&page=1" target="_blank">The Daily Digi Girls</a> by Darcy Baldwin</span></div><br />
<a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/2012/03/scrap-challenge-12-crazy-friends/">Crazy Friends:</a> Good friends, good times. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8LKzANU1IkqDAIvC-_9Npdjr4TDsNeczUFkzOkRtzLhbhp4AhORKaFP6D8CvE_WMqCjbTMAifBEW8ADJgRNp0wXScik1v98D2-KEVW3MhckyCYvIenKRMvKFGPorpP9GvSV2dm-oIkLJ/s1600/Wild-web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8LKzANU1IkqDAIvC-_9Npdjr4TDsNeczUFkzOkRtzLhbhp4AhORKaFP6D8CvE_WMqCjbTMAifBEW8ADJgRNp0wXScik1v98D2-KEVW3MhckyCYvIenKRMvKFGPorpP9GvSV2dm-oIkLJ/s400/Wild-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Lucky-Me.html" target="_blank">Lucky Me</a> by Elise's Pieces<br />
<a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=23042&cat=0&page=1" target="_blank">Brit's Pen </a></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">by Darcy Baldwin</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> template is from Captivated by Lynn by Captivated Visions</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/2012/03/true-friendship/">True Friendship</a>: I've learned over the years that not everyone who <i>wants </i>to be my friend is necessarily a true friend. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznWFRUT0w5sBewBwNAPnJkSE3OPa_ISkIrooOoAw-lwAF4N5-bLHo5uhhCFwqkx3nGyjME4UXc6DdWT4fpcPhpUUVlK67GO5Yt6wwqj3JvMQmALRTEx6cRZYrTrq-RJMKlzEaiGQwiaPn/s1600/Sincerity-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznWFRUT0w5sBewBwNAPnJkSE3OPa_ISkIrooOoAw-lwAF4N5-bLHo5uhhCFwqkx3nGyjME4UXc6DdWT4fpcPhpUUVlK67GO5Yt6wwqj3JvMQmALRTEx6cRZYrTrq-RJMKlzEaiGQwiaPn/s400/Sincerity-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">paper and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Someone-Like-You.html" target="_blank">Someone Like You</a> by The Digichick Designers<br />
background stamp by Karen Lewis<br />
lace doily from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Bee-Happy-by-Danielle-and-Mari.html" target="_blank">Bee Happy</a> by Danielle and Mari<br />
font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22915&cat=0&page=1" target="_blank">Miss Molly Brown</a> by Darcy Baldwin<br />
font for sincerity is Angelic War</span></div><br />
Layouts just for fun. I've been wanting to use <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22886&cat=0&page=1">DJB I Am That Girl </a>by Darcy Baldwin. As soon as I saw this kit by Mari and Jenn I knew I had the perfect picts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrES1klSCZFyKqyadKnyUuA1Ue3UVfm-blWoFFVVT36St5BEhEZSevVMrO4NTro0QW63usR-3QZ2q2G6R5KFB1AJctbpp7FpVw5LHwej0MDlzgQQjLSXvYGyEfxZ3RQJFyNGbfa2TKgza/s1600/Rainy-Day-Play.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrES1klSCZFyKqyadKnyUuA1Ue3UVfm-blWoFFVVT36St5BEhEZSevVMrO4NTro0QW63usR-3QZ2q2G6R5KFB1AJctbpp7FpVw5LHwej0MDlzgQQjLSXvYGyEfxZ3RQJFyNGbfa2TKgza/s400/Rainy-Day-Play.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22886&cat=0&page=1" target="_blank">I Am That Girl</a> by Darcy Baldwin<br />
papers and elements from Puddle Jumper by Mari Koegelenberg and Jenn Barrette<br />
page template by Little Green Frog Designs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFiJpFmDKbkVkuNKtifljNAlLCRMJfLOAtbgVMVBL_V0ift6vSEPSHDPR6BFCLb0NP2d5UanAXZ856AIkpZGgT_qUpa4rLerYK0aeBCo8TBwk53pA1ZotkS54X_YRYIAYYSux_Cb7k_lR/s1600/AN_0412CoverPreview_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Last but not least scrapping news, please pardon me while I toot my own horn a little bit. I woke up this morning and, as usual, jumped right into my FB account. Scrolling down through the news feed, I happened upon a post by <a href="http://www.digitalscrapbookartisanguild.com/">The Artisan Notebook </a>saying that the <a href="http://www.digitalscrapbookartisanguild.com/2012/introducing-the-april-2012-artisan-notebook-tm/">April Issue </a>had been released. Low and behold, much to my utter shock and pleasure, my layout was featured on the cover. The whole issue is about Organization and I chose to scrap about how I finally got my bookmarks organized via <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. (Quite amusing to me is that there are actually quite a few Pinterest layouts in this issue. I guess I'm not the only one Pinterest is helping get organized!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFiJpFmDKbkVkuNKtifljNAlLCRMJfLOAtbgVMVBL_V0ift6vSEPSHDPR6BFCLb0NP2d5UanAXZ856AIkpZGgT_qUpa4rLerYK0aeBCo8TBwk53pA1ZotkS54X_YRYIAYYSux_Cb7k_lR/s1600/AN_0412CoverPreview_600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFiJpFmDKbkVkuNKtifljNAlLCRMJfLOAtbgVMVBL_V0ift6vSEPSHDPR6BFCLb0NP2d5UanAXZ856AIkpZGgT_qUpa4rLerYK0aeBCo8TBwk53pA1ZotkS54X_YRYIAYYSux_Cb7k_lR/s400/AN_0412CoverPreview_600.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
My friends and I are getting ready for a spring bazaar at the end of this month. At least, I hope they are getting ready. I know I'm not quite there yet. Why is that I need the pressure of an impending deadline in order to get anything done? Got lots to make.<br />
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As always, thank you so much for not giving up on me and stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come back again soon!Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-56588660336428078642012-03-09T22:29:00.000+09:002012-03-09T22:29:44.542+09:00So.....Its a been a few weeks. Sorry about that. Real life work stepped in and stepped up again until the end of this month so I've been away for a bit. Lots to share though.<br />
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First up, exciting news! Out of the blue <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com//sweetshoppe/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=7">Darcy Baldwin </a>asked me to be on her CT! Since I already use so many of her fonts for my pages it was a no-brainer that I would say YES! Doing the happy dance here.<br />
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Next up, I've been invited to take over the Monday Scrap Challenges at the <a href="http://tellyourstoryeveryday.com/">Tell Your Story</a> blog. Tell Your Story is a sister site of The Digichick. Its a big job and I just hope I can do it justice. I'm still in charge of the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?236-Challenges-amp-Special-Events">challenges for Digichick</a> too but don't have to make/plan them all myself. I have a wonderful team in place that helps me out. <br />
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Speaking of Tell Your Story challenges, here is my first one. For the month of March our theme is Friendship. I've never made a page using a picture of myself and a friend. Its a rare thing to even have a picture, but I did find one of my dear friend Kerry and I. She is such a light in my world and I cherish her friendship!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8wdgNIZTWI4gxMT3eVDbC8iiha_xnxW_8lJBhBYHVjQGylK9bVKPmwvCUlsmB_AGTxJsTpeD-gZMJSxUUDJVOtc1lZxSLz-KNzuR5DY3PAJZ0PQKm9kvuZ9U080NSiOXBzInIv-kxuc-/s1600/You-and-Me-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8wdgNIZTWI4gxMT3eVDbC8iiha_xnxW_8lJBhBYHVjQGylK9bVKPmwvCUlsmB_AGTxJsTpeD-gZMJSxUUDJVOtc1lZxSLz-KNzuR5DY3PAJZ0PQKm9kvuZ9U080NSiOXBzInIv-kxuc-/s400/You-and-Me-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">credits: <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Someone-Like-You.html">Someone Like You </a>by TDC Designers</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Solos-Part-3/">Solos Part 3</a> by Busy Bee Designs</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">fonts used are DJB Liz from <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com//sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=18987&cat=0&page=1">Best of the Best 2 </a>and DJB <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com//sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22905&cat=0&page=1">The Librarian </a>by Darcy Baldwin </span></i></div><br />
But just this simple page did not feel like enough so I made a second page. This one is a letter to her telling her just how much I love her. I would love to invite you to make a page for your friend too here in the <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/forums/showthread.php?38019-Dear-Friend-Challenge-March-9th">Dear Friend Challenge</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUj_f9f7mrwe-w5DSso8WyUS4lxD8OSanTus0Z1ZgPk1KBziGAqUfdSk9YjJJm5WfixaniwvMt4LxApB8pulim56ts_2yI28EOX-iZwwkSbaNp4ftB1v21oqObYuoRr_Wbt5KFA_LJgEk/s1600/Dear-Friend-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUj_f9f7mrwe-w5DSso8WyUS4lxD8OSanTus0Z1ZgPk1KBziGAqUfdSk9YjJJm5WfixaniwvMt4LxApB8pulim56ts_2yI28EOX-iZwwkSbaNp4ftB1v21oqObYuoRr_Wbt5KFA_LJgEk/s400/Dear-Friend-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">credits: <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Someone-Like-You.html">Someone Like You </a>by TDC Designers</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template is by Fiddle Dee Dee Desings</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com//sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22705&cat=0&page=1">A Fresh Start</a> by Darcy Baldwin </span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><br />
In completely unrelated chatter, I made this page for the February 2012 Artisan Notebook. Our assignment was to make a page about a particular fabric or pattern that we remember from our childhood. The only one that really stands out strongly in my memory is my mother's bright red furry bathrobe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ2wLqOu44DfgUQzn5ama-RYTmKTm-EEoZ-_Kth3JOiePXFUP8jgji6wSdbl8jF7x_e6W57QtspfiD7_5msJ4UDmW7Y1fndMWXpkShYDla4Upr6Zs9jfhYBAgxOEzAnSuE4Dl6zySKJ7Y/s1600/Mom's-Bathrobe-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ2wLqOu44DfgUQzn5ama-RYTmKTm-EEoZ-_Kth3JOiePXFUP8jgji6wSdbl8jF7x_e6W57QtspfiD7_5msJ4UDmW7Y1fndMWXpkShYDla4Upr6Zs9jfhYBAgxOEzAnSuE4Dl6zySKJ7Y/s400/Mom's-Bathrobe-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">background and script papers, red and white flowers, bling, </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">button tab and foliage from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Sign-of-Times-Scorpio.html">Sign of the Times (Scorpio) </a>by ViVa Artistry<br />
Memories tag from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Retrospect-Tags-365.html">Retrospect Tags 365 </a>by Quirky Twerp<br />
Notecards from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Comfort-and-Joy-Notecards.html">Comfort & Joy Notecards </a>by Sugarplum Paperie<br />
vintage envelope from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Old-Letters.html">Old Letters </a>by ViVa Artistry<br />
wire heart and kraft flower from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/So-Grateful.html">So Grateful </a>collaboration between Sugarplum Paperie and Sahlin Studios<br />
Memories pressline stamp from Everyday Sentiments press lines no 2 by Paisless Press<br />
template is from PreFAB Tagbook angul by Studio Dutchie<br />
fonts are DJB So Very Susan and Arabella</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't been very prolific in making pages these past few weeks so I'll finish this up today with the last of my latest layouts. As always, if you're interested in reading the journaling on the pages it can be found in my <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=14668&username=hollyinjapan">Digichick gallery</a>. This one's a little bit freaky, but its been inside me needing to get out for a looonnnnggg time now. Simple, but expressive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqScjWZU0qhll8Yv9L3EvE9iRG7N-wRjKBfMvyiwAPRDQn0l4FG0I8knCWEZwRhI7gqY6CTfijBCnKIuBl5_nK-oIHOnFYC1rHLOe8M2BxNu8Whj3ncjIszhmH-fkV9nst_LQ1h7nxLJp/s1600/Monster-Inside-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqScjWZU0qhll8Yv9L3EvE9iRG7N-wRjKBfMvyiwAPRDQn0l4FG0I8knCWEZwRhI7gqY6CTfijBCnKIuBl5_nK-oIHOnFYC1rHLOe8M2BxNu8Whj3ncjIszhmH-fkV9nst_LQ1h7nxLJp/s400/Monster-Inside-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> using <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Blue.html">Blue </a>by ViVa Artistry</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnMC2srUrNPhsmO9GyS9SXolgUyC6z78RDor4bnOT2l1_bzNmpc7JVJ8k5OPXhRnVoS4dBXYpBJR7JDGjexXShAAWiLkslPlSLJDQWAN6e1gHJ4bd3vcklTmIwfYRbKIMZgysg_MzSZuS/s1600/the-little-moments-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnMC2srUrNPhsmO9GyS9SXolgUyC6z78RDor4bnOT2l1_bzNmpc7JVJ8k5OPXhRnVoS4dBXYpBJR7JDGjexXShAAWiLkslPlSLJDQWAN6e1gHJ4bd3vcklTmIwfYRbKIMZgysg_MzSZuS/s400/the-little-moments-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">using <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Treasured-Moments.html">Treasured Moments </a>by Nicole & Krista</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Solos-Part-8/">Solos Part 8 </a>by Busy Bee Designs</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">font is <a href="http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com//sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=22961&cat=0&page=1">My Mood Ring Says Blah </a>by Darcy Baldwin</span></i></div><br />
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Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. I hope you'll come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7885108650201574182.post-81324540683701353172012-02-28T21:49:00.000+09:002012-02-28T21:49:27.650+09:00Boys and GirlsI seem to make more pages using my daughter's pictures than my son's. Whenever I can I prefer to use pictures of them both, but my daughter just seems to be more obliging when I want to take pictures. My son on the other hand seems to be rather uncomfortable in front of the camera. Guess I need to take more pictures of him to get him over his aversion.<br />
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I find it interesting, the difference in raising sons and daughters. At least in my case, my worries for each child are completely different and neither one is easy. No one ever told me raising kids would be easy, but they all failed to tell me it could be this hard. And I've only just entered the realm of teenagerhood.<br />
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Anyhoo, without too much detail, here are my pages for the past few weeks. Oh the adventures of parenting. If you want to delve into my journaling, all of these can be found in my <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=14668&username=hollyinjapan">TDC Gallery</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqQA1LVOV5mTdROmRmHbQdqoRnhzO_TsGi84AcF-xYpWLqNT4w248FhKeJEfqH6ve8Q8RyJKQsY5mOQ_FYjd3eOBNYuMplqozUPpuE_P_3mCLB1NwaIvZLsuCGn1fdE0B4l9-Prk85qQC/s1600/1st-Audition-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqQA1LVOV5mTdROmRmHbQdqoRnhzO_TsGi84AcF-xYpWLqNT4w248FhKeJEfqH6ve8Q8RyJKQsY5mOQ_FYjd3eOBNYuMplqozUPpuE_P_3mCLB1NwaIvZLsuCGn1fdE0B4l9-Prk85qQC/s400/1st-Audition-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Life-Composition.html">Life Composition </a>and <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Life-Composition-Add-on-Bundle.html">Add-on Bundle </a>by ViVa Artistry</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/365ish-Vol.-1-Templates.html">365-ish Vol. 1 </a>by Cluster Queen Creations</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWjngPX_wVg_AAYpFOOefi9VzKzX_DFDCLxyVrDAckJHOfc_CRt0Tznbh9q_JZHKygK1uW9OH5Qw-XMO2OhO2Wr7C-Jmqu_Bvmf3N3-Ili_8eFSxLZueDnIRlXYmrfLvJwnfra2AaDY3c/s1600/Happy-Boy-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWjngPX_wVg_AAYpFOOefi9VzKzX_DFDCLxyVrDAckJHOfc_CRt0Tznbh9q_JZHKygK1uW9OH5Qw-XMO2OhO2Wr7C-Jmqu_Bvmf3N3-Ili_8eFSxLZueDnIRlXYmrfLvJwnfra2AaDY3c/s400/Happy-Boy-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> papers and most elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Bee-Happy-by-Danielle-and-Mari.html">Bee Happy </a>by Danielle and Mari</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Dotty-Gels-BLACK.html">black dotty gel alpha </a>by Mari Koegelenberg</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>outline alpha by Sahlin Studios</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>page template by Little Green Frog Designs </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuGCmN0YjE1LkxRxg6-oJljX2CyBDztGNKDaxM6HdBXCzj5Oh7D5NPEoqY0E9j5kvuBjmDuv1hA1WLrE50AzCghYf-NXbNIRc6PjzX7mjJYn55WZgKE1rqoN15536TiHq_8iGeqryJ0zl/s1600/Mad-Love-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuGCmN0YjE1LkxRxg6-oJljX2CyBDztGNKDaxM6HdBXCzj5Oh7D5NPEoqY0E9j5kvuBjmDuv1hA1WLrE50AzCghYf-NXbNIRc6PjzX7mjJYn55WZgKE1rqoN15536TiHq_8iGeqryJ0zl/s400/Mad-Love-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Industrial-Collab-with-Studio-Gypsy-The-Bundle.html">Industrial Bundle </a>by ViVa Artistry and Studio Gypsy</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Winter-Flavors-Chocolate-Mint/">Winter Flavors Chocolate Mint </a>by Busy Bee Designs </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paperworn art journal style action on font by Studio Tangie</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2ilMD4iu7rMNxwyxglP1U3YSx4e7N3AYI1NtJWohHjDQQg30CF3E_SAqMCq0q6Gt2mtu0QzVqPPiaUuhAxkyY_zWphWPLslw30qgEc04t3IMu9QMi9Xh9ladlnCAe9mgdVeXKrlY9RxQ/s1600/My-baby-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2ilMD4iu7rMNxwyxglP1U3YSx4e7N3AYI1NtJWohHjDQQg30CF3E_SAqMCq0q6Gt2mtu0QzVqPPiaUuhAxkyY_zWphWPLslw30qgEc04t3IMu9QMi9Xh9ladlnCAe9mgdVeXKrlY9RxQ/s400/My-baby-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> this is a scraplift of <a href="http://maimaipiano.blogspot.com/">Maiko Kosugi</a>'s scrapbooking style</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">all papers and most elements from Stay Gold by ForeverJoy, guest at TDC Feb 2012<br />
worn page overlays by Lynn-Marie Favreau, Something Blue Studios and Amy Wolff<br />
Burlap mat from unknown source<br />
cream eyelet lace flower and large yellow flower from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Emporium.html">Emporium </a>by The Digichick Designers<br />
Edge Overlays from Edge Overlays Vol 6 by Karen Lewis<br />
Glitter Action on overlays from Princess Frog Glitters by ViVa Artistry<br />
hanging charm by Ali Folendore<br />
font for date is Jellyka Delicious Cake</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwcSyCIzmiHyDZLaEiVTzbhk8PEnQMFqELafklKkb9HP-1yDjrkMyaHzB0lRlhDvrESCfYf_zvn74R44YRNyzp6YxFCObPaWpUFl6WiTV3T5UYfZ-zeoocGOJjcC1jS11b96SA3LUqyoc/s1600/Smile-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwcSyCIzmiHyDZLaEiVTzbhk8PEnQMFqELafklKkb9HP-1yDjrkMyaHzB0lRlhDvrESCfYf_zvn74R44YRNyzp6YxFCObPaWpUFl6WiTV3T5UYfZ-zeoocGOJjcC1jS11b96SA3LUqyoc/s400/Smile-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from Glamorous by Jenn Barrette</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">page template from <a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/Winter-Flavors-Spiced-Vanilla/">Winter Flavors Spiced Vanilla</a> by Busy Bee designs</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And speaking of adventure, I used to be quite bold and daring. Before getting married I even took a 2-month solo journey through Indonesia and Thailand. You'd think I would have made more pages with all those photos by now, but just haven't. Seems like a lifetime ago...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkx2EYbynaPU0c0Dgjifr47OH0MpLZYGicxIMD6TEkUMyRr7sx7xBv88okojHxoVlciRQ1kj_F__EnXOQY3_bb-Vluag2gzkUQVzWz2FlUVm7rYHpQc8Jr4406gUajND6gFbBh0EWSggn/s1600/Tanah-Lot-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkx2EYbynaPU0c0Dgjifr47OH0MpLZYGicxIMD6TEkUMyRr7sx7xBv88okojHxoVlciRQ1kj_F__EnXOQY3_bb-Vluag2gzkUQVzWz2FlUVm7rYHpQc8Jr4406gUajND6gFbBh0EWSggn/s400/Tanah-Lot-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">papers and elements from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Lost-World.html">Lost World </a>by ViVa Artistry</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Link-Me-Up-Alpha.html">Link Me Up Alpha </a>also by ViVa Artistry<br />
page template from <a href="http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/365ish-2-Pagers-Vol.-1-Templates.html">365ish 2-pagers Vol 1</a> by Cluster Queen Creations</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the web. Please come again soon.Holly in Japanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391080290174915408noreply@blogger.com1