Rainy Days and Mondays....

What a weekend! I traveled to Utah to participate in the Rowley Family Reunion (Mom's side of the family) in Fillmore, Utah. I had a great time hanging out with my brothers, parents, aunts and uncles. It was great to catch up with those who were able to make it. I wish I had been able to visit with more, but that's how the cookie crumbles... or in our case how the thunder rolls.

Yes, the thunder rolls. While it was 90+ degrees before I arrived, it was rainy, windy, and cold while I was there. How's a girl supposed to pack? I assume as I did... t-shirts and flip flops all the way. It's a good thing Wal-mart is open 24/7. I'm now the proud (?) owner of a turquise blue pair of knock of converse sneakers.

I had a GREAT time spending Friday evening with my brother, Robert, and his friends. GREAT group of friends! Lots of laughing, and food!

Sunday afternoon, I returned home to the fantastic humidity of Dallas and 100+ temperatures.

I had a great time visiting with my family members. It's a shame we don't live closer. As always, the food was mighty tasty (Mom's shrimp salad was THE BOMB! Aunt Elaines Potato Salad ROCKS! Aunt Carolyn's Baked Beans were SO tasty! They put my (the original) recipe up for a challenge!), and the entertainment was plentiful. Of course, when you get a bunch of Rowleys and then a bunch of Beste's together - it's going to be a bowl of laughter. I am SO sarcastic and have such a smart arse mouth. I don't know if people were laughing because it was funny, or because they're shocked at how well my mom and I banter or because of the things I have the gall to say.

As much fun as we had, it was awesome to get home.

However, news waiting for me at home wasn't so good.

eBay cancelled my QuicKutz auctions due to their VERO policy/agreement with QuicKutz. I didn't know the policy, but after reading it, it totally makes sense and I understand why they cancelled them - to an extent. What irks me, first, is that they didn't cancel all of the auctions that met the same issues mine did. It's almost like they did a pick/choose to see which ones to cancel. ARGH!

Then, I got a second message, stating that they had reason to believe that my eBay ID was tied to another eBay ID that had been suspended. SO, they temporarily revoked my membership, until further investigation could be completed. DOUBLE ARGH!

THEN, because I'm assuming she noticed my suspension, a customer, whom Ive been trying to work with for weeks, leaves me negative feedback stating she had not recieved her items (despite the fact that I have the shipping/delivery confirmation to the address she provided). I had even offered to shop an additional package, but before she responded - she left negatives. TRIPLE ARGH.

So, I'm thrilled to be home, had a great time, but am incredibly frustrated with eBay.

Fun weekend, eh?

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A Honkin' Huge Congratulations!!

I grew up living as part of the overall military community due to my father's career choice, serviing our country in the Air Force. As a result, I came to appreciate the service that many men and women give to our country, and the service that they give to others on behalf of our country. While I may not agree with the choices our government makes from time to time regarding our military servicemen and women, I always and wholeheartedly support those who chose to serve.

I have many friends who are currently serving our country. Daryl, the friend who was in town for Steve's birthday dinner, is just one of them. My dear friend, Daryl, is being promoted to Captain today. I am so proud of him - and for him! He's been to Iraq and spends an incredible amount of time traveling, taking care of military business. If we had planned better, I would have traveled out to my old hometown/area of Dayton, Ohio to be a part of the celebration. But, alas, we didn't. So here's my shout out to you, dude! Congratulations!

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New Header, New Me...

Do you ever sit back and just ponder the things that have happened over the course of your life, and thought about how the little things (and the big things too) have shaped you into who you are today? Have you looked back at who you were at a certain timepoint, and compared it with who you are today?

I've been doing a lot of that lately.

I've been thinking back to who I was when I lived in, or more specifically when I left, Ohio. It was a pretty emotionally charged and turbulent time for me. Interestingly though, I am considerably different now than who I was then, or even who I was a year before I moved from Ohio to Texas. Not just mentally or emotionally either - I'm physically a different person too.

So many things have changed in my life since then. Many of the friendships and relationships I had during that time, have gone to the wayside (some by choice, some not). Some of the friendships I had then, I still have now but in a different capacity (Hi Michelle!).

Although I was a creative person then, my creative path has taken a different direction.

There are SO many thoughts running through my mind, and trying to piece them together into a coherent post is going to take some time.

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Answers for questions...

I had a few questions that were either emailed to me, or posted in the comments section. So, I figured I'd go ahead and respond! Fancy that!

Jessica asked "Heather,Can I ask where you ordered your wishblade from?ThanksJess "

I purchased my WishBlade from Tamara Joyce-Wylie at the Colleyville Scrapbook Warehouse. They don't carry the WB, but did place a special order for me (and a few of my friends). It took quite a while to come in, and from what I understand, if you placed an order today, Xyron would ship sometime late June or early July. There's a LOT of demand for these fantastic puppies!

If you're seriously considering purchasing a WishBlade, let me know. As a Xyron Preferred Instructor and Designer, I am able to purchase products from Xyron at a discount. I may be able to save you a few bucks! I would have done it for myself, but I had an insane amount of product credit at the Warehouse. I'd rather use that than cash!

Joanne asked "Is it hard to use the WishBlade? I'm not a computer whiz."

It wasn't hard AT ALL. My brother in law would tell you I'm a computer idiot (but he's young, and WRONG). I was able to load the software, set up the machine, and after reading a few directions and making a few navigation mistakes, have my first item cut out in less than 30 minutes. It really wasn't hard at all. There are a BUNCH of Yahoo!Groups out there and at least one of them has an iNCREDIBLE tutorial that the group moderator put together. It makes learning the features of the WishBlade a breeze!

Sarah asked "Where do you get the free graphics and fonts you're talking about? I don't want to pay for a bunch of stuff if I can get it for free - or for less money."

There are OODLES of websites out there with free fonts. Dingbat fonts (fonts with shapes, characters and other fun graphics) are also readily available. Many other WishBlade users are more than willing to share the cutting patterns/creations the've made too. Do a google search on "free fonts" to find a bunch of sites with free downloadables!

And the best one yet.....

Emily asked "Heather, I'm worried. What would I do if the power went out? I can use my QuicKutz without power - and it doubles as a club."

Emily, if the power goes out - and you're scrapbooking - you need to join a 12 Step program solely for scrapbooking. You are probably the only person I could imagine would be able to scrapbook by candlelight. And the club issue? Keep the handle if you must.... PLUS.. you can use it to close those nifty Making Memories metal rimmed tags. Please give some thought to that 12 Step Program though... :)

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For Sale: QuicKutz Fonts!

I've fallen in {love} with my new WishBlade SO much, that I've decided to sell my QuicKutz font dies. I listed them on eBay, and since I know some of you are as bad (or worse) as I am at collecting QuicKutz dies, I thought I'd share my auction listings with you! Here they are:

Quickutz Frankie Skinni Mini Complete Alphabet Dies - Retired
Quickutz Phoebe Skinni Mini Complete Alphabet Dies - Retired
Quickutz Classic Katie Uppercase Alphabet Dies
Quickutz Classic Katie Lowercase Alphabet Dies
Quickutz Paige Mini Lowercase Alphabet Dies Retired
Quickutz Paige Mini Uppercase Alphabet Dies Retired
Quickutz Punctuation Bundle Set
Quickutz Tab Bundle Die Set

I'm planning to list a LOT of my QuicKutz collection, so be sure to check back! I'll also be listing two of the black zipper binders within the next day or two.

Happy Bidding!

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A bit of summer fun...

I had a bit of creative flow going on Friday night... and this is the result! I must say, I really do like how it turned out. It's a simple tag album created by using a few Avery shipping tags (the kind you can find at WalMart or your local office supply store) and scraps. Yes, that's right ... scraps. The little shreds of paper left over when you finish a project. Normally, if the scrap is smaller than an index card - into the garbage it goes. But, I REALLY love the Magic Scraps textured papers. So, I saved them and a few other pieces that I really liked.

Summer is already here. Actually, summer weather has been here for at least a month. It can be 95 degrees (f) one day, and 60 the next. Much to Steve's dismay, my flip flops have made their annual appearance (after their short winter nap!). My toes are in summer style, and I'm ready to enjoy the sun. That is - of course - until we hit the summer heat nightmares. Thats the "joy" of living in Texas. You don't normally have to worry about snow, or ice storms. But, you do have to worry about dehydration, field fires, burn bans, and constant 100+ temperatures!

Bring on the sun (and sunscreen too)!

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WishBlade Happiness

Back in March, after I cleaned out at the Lewisville Scrapbook Warehouse Garage Sale, I used my earnings to purchase a WishBlade. It FINALLY arrived yesterday (no, there wasn’t a Xyron wait list that long. It was a comedy of errors that caused the delay). After setting it up, and installing the software necessary, I spent a good deal of time (errr… make that wasted a good deal of time) playing with and getting to know my new cutting friend.

What a nifty piece of machinery, the WishBlade is! For those of you who are not familiar with its awesomeness, let me elaborate.

There are many manual die cutting systems available on the market. My favorite is QuicKutz because of its size and portability. Second is Sizzix because it’s so widely available, and because it is able to do cuts larger than QK dies allow. Other systems include the Sizzix Sidekick, Zaz, BossKut, SpellBinder, Wizard… the list could continue on indefinitely. All of these systems require manual dexterity and dies. Interpreted, you must purchase shape dies (alphabets, shapes, tags, etc) for each size and style you wish to cut. Then, you need to cut your paper to a size that your machine can use. Finally, you press, roll, or crimp your paper with the die together using a machine to actually cut out your shape.

The WishBlade totally changes all of that. This handy machine connects to your computer via usb port. Instead of purchasing dies, you can download fonts (in .ttf format) from what seems to be an endless source of sites, and the WB will cut them out in the size YOU want. That’s right, no more purchasing dies.

Basically, after you’ve chosen whatever font you want to use, you open up the WishBlade software, type in what you want it to type, and in what font. Then, press CUT… and it does just that. It cuts out the font, in the size you want. You can find grundles of dingbat fonts to have awesome die cuts (a fun Mickey Mouse one immediately comes to mind or the funky Elsie Flower font on TwoPeas). It’s VERY easy to create what you want to cut, if you don’t have a dingbat available for it.

Though the WishBlade is a hefty investment (approx. $450), in the overall scheme of things, it’s the cheapest and most versatile route to go. Alphabet die sets have a hefty price of about $100 (without a coupon), and that’s for one size of one font.

Anyway, was there a point to this post?? Hmm no, not really. Other than to say I’m having a great time with my WishBlade!

Stay tuned for some of the things I created last night as I played!

~heather

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The Illusions of David Copperfield

Our friend, Brent, called a few months ago and asked us if we were interested in going to a magic show in May. I, not being into magic tricks, wasn't very interested. Steve, who enjoys his friends, thought it would be fun. So, we agreed to purchase tickets and attend the event with our friend. Needless to say, I wasn't looking forward to watching another community person, doing some cheap-show. (Think, your next door neighbor asking to perform at your BBQ because he's learned his first magic tricks... not appealing)

I didn't know we were going to see David Copperfield. The ticket price SHOULD have given it away - or at least that we were seeing someone who knew what the heck they were doing!

Somewhere along the way, between agreeing to go, and actually paying for the tickets, I figured it out.

Last night the big night came. We went to Fort Worth's Bass Hall. It was much better than I expected. MUCH better than I expected. I'm still not a magic show person, but I really enjoyed myself. I was amazed. I am a SERIOUS analytical thinker. I figure out how and why things happen. (Just like when I go to a craft show and see something cool. I have to figure out HOW it was made so I can do it myself). Of course, there's no way I'm going to figure out how huge honkin' vintage cars appear from underneath a drop cloth - out of nowhere. Or, how a dozen people can dissapear from onstage and reappear in the seats above and behind us. Or, how he (David Copperfield) does any of the illusions he does. Quite amazing.

P.S. He's a lot cuter than I thought too!

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ScrapTalk.com Project Day!

This month, at ScrapTalk.com the Pink Ladies had the opportunitity to work with the Creative Imaginations Seaside Line designed by Karen Russell. BEAUTIFUL stuff! Here are a few of my projects:






I know they're bad scans, but I wasn't able to get over to ReCollections this weekend to get them scanned in. Bekki, I'll email them to you once I get them scanned.

The Altered H, is also a Pink Project. It really sparkles! I used a LOT of Twinklets Diamond Dust on it, so when you move around it, it sparkles!

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Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day holds a special place in my heart. I am blessed to have more than one mother. I have two very important women who hold the mother title for me. I have Sheri, my birth mother - or first mother and I have Mom (Mary), my mother.

They have both sacrificed much for my behalf and well being. Although they both knew of the others existance, neither of them had ever met face to face - until the day before my wedding. It was an emotional introduction, as I'm sure you can imagine. I'll never forget the moment I introduced my mother to my "other mother". With tears in each of their eyes, they embraced each other and spent a moment relishing the experience.

I was so blessed to spend my wedding day with both of my mothers. Both of them arrived at my home together, to help me get ready for my big day. They both helped me prepare food, and get my home ready for the open house we were going to hold there (instead of a big reception). They both forgot about themselves, and focused once again, on me - and on my big day.

Over the years, I've learned many lessons from my mothers. The one that immediately comes to mind though is this...

In September of 2000, I got a call from a "search angel" who was trying to locate a female who had been placed for adoption in January 1975 in Bellevue, Illinois. She was searching on behalf of a woman who had placed her daughter and was now trying to make contact. After spending a few minutes talking, it quickly became apparant that this woman was searching for me. I answered a few questions - and asked a few of my own. I knew as soon as she answered one of my questions that the woman she was searching for was indeed, the woman who had given birth to me.

After we hung up, I immediately thought of my family; more specifically - my parents. How would they react to such an event? What kind of change would this bring to my family, and my relationship with them? I love my family - and didn't want to do anything that would destroy or diminish any of our relationships with them.

I called my father, and first shared the news with him - and I hoped he would call my mother and share it with her to. He didn't.

I later called my mother, hoping Dad had somehow started the conversation - but he didn't even hint to it. So, I asked her to sit down, because I had something I needed to share with her. I told her about the phone call, the questions, and my questions. I also told her that I felt sure that the woman that the angel was searching for was my birthmother. After a short pause (well, it seemed like forever) I asked my mom what her thoughts were. Before she would answer, she asked me how I was feeling and my thoughts on the matter. After we spent a while chatting, I asked her again what her thoughts were. She said the most profound thing.

Her answer was, "Heather, there's enough love in this world for everyone."

That simple response has remained with me since then. She's right. There is enough love in this world for everyone.

I am so grateful that Sheri had enough foresight to think of my well being and place me for adoption. Sheri is an incredible, wonderful woman. I am blessed to have her (and her family) in my life.

I am eternally grateful that my mother and father adopted me, and chose to pick me to be part of their family. I could not have chosen a better family if I had done it myself. I am SO VERY blessed to be part of the Beste family, and will forever, for eternity, be part of their family. I am who I am today because of them, their influence, their teachings, their personality, their talents, and their love.

Thanks Mom! Because of you, I am me!

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Happy Birthday to Steve!

Today is Steve's birthday! Wahoo! My dear, sweet honey is celebrating the beginning of his 33rd year alive. He's such a super dude! Seriously! I {love} him! It's a good thing too, seeing as how we're married, eh? :)

To celebrate, we went to dinner at the Saltgrass Steakhouse Restaurant of Texas (aka... Saltgrass). Tom and my friend Daryl joined us for the festivities. I requested that the waitstaff sing to both Steve and Tom - and they did it in grand Texas style. (Tom's birthday was Friday, April 28th.) Our food was delicious (they never fail to impress at Saltgrass!), and the company was fantastic.

I'm so blessed to have Steve in my life! He's the best husband I could have ever had the luck of finding (or him finding me)! Happy Birthday, Honey!

~heather

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National Scrapbook Day Contest!

Okay friends, I've thought about doing this for some time, but haven't gotten around to it. National Scrapbook Day seems to be the perfect time, so here I go!

Between today, May 1st and Sunday, May 7th, post any layout or project to any online gallery with either Magic Scraps products or Maya Road products on it. Then, post a comment to my blog with a link to your layout. All links submitted will be put into a hat and two names lucky winners will be chosen for one of two prize packages. One will be loaded with Maya Road products, the other with Magic Scraps products! Be sure to include your first name in your post!

Ready? Set.... Game On!

Here are a few projects I created for the May Magicians Circle kit!

















Can't wait to see what you've got going on!

~heather

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What's in Your.....

There's a fun list running around Blog world. Normally, you're tagged to answer. I wasn't tagged, but I am answering them anyway!

What's In your Frig?
1% Milk
Orange Juice
Pot of Chili
Bag of wilting salad
Sugar Free/Fat Free Yogurt
Oodles of miscellaneous seasonings and dressings

What's in your Closet?
One dresser, and two sets of huge Sterilite Drawers.
Clothes that fit and clothes that don't.
Pile of clothes that I need to move over to the eBay closet.
Hanging organizer of sweaters (that probably won't fit next fall/winter)
A couple of pairs of bling shoes that I REALLY want to find something cool to wear with!

What's in your DVD Player?
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
LDS General Conference
Rent (yes, it's been rented again. Really... I should just buy it!)
Sex in the City - Seasons 1 & 2. (Must get seasons 3-6!)

What's in your car?
Bottles of water
Bottles of Isopure Protein Drink (Grape Flavor).
Luxotica RayBan Sunglasses (from Mexico baby!)
Tom's expensive RayBans (let's see how long it takes him to find them)
A couple of sweatshirts
Cell phone charger and headset
Magic Scraps bracelet
Hair elastics
Various mail I need to read or trash

What's in your purse?
Franklin Covey Black leather purse
Franklin Covey Planner (seriously, i'm lost without it)
Franklin Covey Wallet
iPod Shuffle
Dozens of keys
Emergency feminine products
Sketch book

I really need to get a fun purse. I need more color in my life!

What's in your ______________??

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