Summerfest

This is a 9x7 1" binder from Martha Stewart's Home Office line I found at Staples in search for a the size for a Wedding Guest book.  Just for Nikki.

 I purchased K & Company's $10 pad of ocean theme specialty paper & cut out an amazing coral.  Then I Mod Podged the book with the matte finish, also using Basic Grey alphabet stickers.  Mod Podge galore!

 I just had to revamp a decorative box I found at Michael's, redo the color paper to accent a bit with Nikki's colors & theme.  I tweaked a shell project I spied in May on Maui with a heap of shells on the top of a box.  The box I got for 40% off, which came out to $13.  I like the idea of discovering a small heap of shells.  This is actually the first project ever done with my Costa Rica shells which I hoard especially hidden away from view.

 Was it Karen that shared with me spying a bag of Mother of Pearl shells at Michael's which came in various colors?  Why yes please, on clearance no less! Wedding gift.

 An 8x8 shell frame, again, for that lucky bride & groom.  (Lucky or curse?)  It's delectable to find the early morning light on my shell project.  It's a little piece of heavenly quiet time sorting and gluing and playing with little treasures. . .

 The July 4th week, minus Kawai and Frank we were off to join Noah's summer Junior Olympic team, the Reds from Corona to compete in Arizona.

 It was a special week of boys cruising the family oriented inn we stayed at and enjoying a true travel week of baseball.  One boy, left of Noah named Manny was chosen for tryouts in North Carolina for USA baseball team.  He was clocked pitching 86 mph.

 Luke with new skateboard, and very cool Monster Machine hat.

 In Arizona, shade was my best friend.

 And Nikki & Joe married on July 7.  7/7 wedding.

 Nikki crafted & crafted her heart out with friends and family to give it that touch, where I say:  The best things in life are homemade!

 Peek-a-boo family.

 Another tournament win, Noah's 13u team.

That all important July Santiago High School clinic whereupon a few are selected for 6th period baseball come August.  Noah got the phone call!  All glory, seriously, to God.  Here I am with my baseball buddies, Maygan (Noah's favorite girl besides his mama), and Lisa.  And that folks, is my current list.

808 Area Code

 I can't even capture the blues and greens of Baldwin Beach shore breaks.

 H'poko. . .

 Old Maui High School. . .my senior year in 1973 we spent the beginning of the school year here and after Christmas moved to the new Maui in Kahului.

 There used to be benches under these arches where we would hang out.

Crafty Things Maui 2012

 A shell box topped with whole shells. . .

 . . .and a frame that goes dark to light with shells!

 Bangles with shells & coral.  Starfish cuff bracelet.  Yes.  Mine.

 Jeanne's Costa Rica shells on a mirror.

 Jeanne's abstract painting in her family room.

 I found a troll doll in the wash room, so many memories of playing with them!

Wings "Be Right Back" sign.

Painting at Maui Hands.  Inspire.

COLDPLAY, I'm loving you!

Unexpectedly Coldplay tickets fell into our lucky hands. . .this is my 3rd x; I cannot get enough of that creative energy from Coldplay!  I jump up and down like a teenager!  And sing!

Why oh why did I not bring my camera or itouch?  What crazy person believes no cameras are allowed these days?  Hello Hollywood Bowl.  Thanks Lacette for the memories!  If anyone out there has never seen Coldplay in concert, put it on your bucket list!  (Photos from Lacette's FB.)

For Meghan!

Threesome enjoying a good laugh during Noah's Pony game in the freezing cold. Lisa, myself & Meghan. I chose this blurry photo because I look like I am Meghan's age. . .
. . .clearly, I am not! Ha ha!

It's My Birthday! And I'll do what I want!

It's April 4th, I wake up bemoaning age 58, when Lorin looks at me & says calmly, "That explains everything. Do the math Bee, you are 57!" Huh? No way! All of 2011 I thought I was 57 when I was 56?? In essence, I lost 56 but gained a year because I am not 58?? Darn it! Let's party!
All day on my cell, sniff*, felt so loved. And FB, wow, some special people I am Friends with!
The family brought a little something. . .exotic stem of orchids. . .
. . .a beautiful handmade card sketched by Frank. . .he's talented.
Kiss Kiss, I just love ya'll!
My heart goes pitter patter.
The kids. How beautiful are they? Love this girl of Noah's. When I pull out the camera shyness just washes over her, I just love that. Sarah and Noah, they just glow!
My man. The years go by, the body evolves sadly, but the mind & heart grow stronger, and I am so thankful. Oh, there's stress, distress, challenges, crooked roads. . .but joy & hope is there for the taking. And. . .thank you Lord Jesus, you have made life a triumphant one.

Determined this year: With changes re. Sarah & Kawai relocating to Maui (sigh*), I am gonna kick butt on the crafts, all things home & get my Sponge Bob Squarepants arse to a new home church!

While He Was Sleeping

It was something to do in Room 12 at Corona Regional Hospital, surgery pediatrics While He Was Sleeping. Translate some ocean related themes to my vast collection of rubber stamps.

Very little sketching this past year. Rusty.
And here is my darling Luke. My middle boy. On March 16 Luke had emergency surgery to remove his spleen. Thankfully the surgeons were able to decide against removing the spleen since it had stopped bleeding, they removed 2 liters of blood, put a salve on the one inch puncture & stapled him up. We were in the hospital for five days. Three in chilly ICU. I am indebted to the staff at Corona Regional. In all things, give thanks.

March Shelling

A new favorite, I dub "cupcake". Doing research on this, will report back soon.
Karen & I, indulge in one of our many past times, Southern California Living.
Family: Josh, Carmen, Kathy, Wes & I. Awesome time.
I shoot you. Very dangerous work. Not for the fainthearted.
Supplies: Urn, shells, hot glue gun & glue, styrofoam cone, oh & girlfriend working on her own topiary!
Heaven, I am in heaven. . .
This my dear, is a shell topiary! What not to love?