Happy Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Observed! 

We had the day off, and after talking about non-violence civil-rights activism, (My just-turned 8 year old told me all about Ruby Bridges...we all learned today. I love when that happens!) we went out to lunch and enjoyed the on-and-off snow flurries.

 I even carved out a little time to make a second card for Valentine's day. I fiddled with this one a bit..having designed it a little differently on my sketch-pad, but it just looked too busy with the other paper I had paired with it, so I took it off and I really like the way it doesn't distract from either the hearts or the ribbon. It's pretty, a little sexy and easy to make....like me..ha!   ; 0 )

All you need

I am back...and to post a creation, no less.

I feel like I've been gone for a while, but my days seem to go by quickly! My holidays sure went by in a blur spending time with my family. I spent my new year actively avoiding taking down decorations by cleaning out paper and supplies. I unearthed a few ideas I have for Valentine's Day cards and started working on them, getting only one completed today.

This card features foiled paper, and a multi-dimensional surface. It can easily be changed to a more snail-mail  friendly or flat format.

I've also started a project for 2012, called Project Life. You can read all about it here, where Becky Higgins created the concept. I have been wanting to do this since she came up with 365, where you document each day in photos.
 Project Life is more a documented journey through your year, using her products of course! I opted to make my own journaling cards but I did buy her pocket pages for my binder. I haven't completed a journal card for the 1st but I did start with my title page. The drawback to not using the pre-packaged cards: I don't have them made up. The advantage: they are completely unique and original, limited only by my imagination. And my ability to follow-through on a project. Ha!
As for new year resolutions, well, I'm setting goals and renewing my focus on lifestyle choices. Yes, these are just synonyms for resolutions but I think there is more forgiveness and flexibility in using these terms. I don't have control over whether or not I beat cancer (other than my choice to get treatments), but I can help by living a healthier life. I have many of the usual goals, but I'll stop here by sharing with you my silliest goal: less volunteering. I have a hard time saying "no" but it's my goal for this year, because my family time is more precious and I don't want to give it up, if I can. And I bet it's the one I keep.
What about you, do you have goals for the year that are silly? Let me know...I'd love to hear from you!