Degree's of Seperation ~ An Experiment

My link to this experiment was Sonjia Bradshaw from her blog Living Above Neutral

Will you join me in an experiment? I will answer the question: What was I doing 10/20/30 years ago...Then, you answer this question on your blog or here in the comments section. Tag as many other bloggers as possible & have them link back to http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/ (Mary DeMuth) who started this little social experiment!

Ten Years Ago (1997) - I lived in Northampton, Massachusetts and my daughter was a 1.5 year old. I was a single Mom and worked full time at The Moore Corporation in Hartford Connecticut. That was a long and horrible commute, but I took the time every week to attend my knitting class and then had friends over afterwards to watch Friends. I can't believe the time I had to do things...where did that time go? Six days a week I'd put my daughter into her stroller and we'd fast walk for one hour on the bike path out behind our house. I had purchased my first home...a town house. Zia & Zio were in our lives back then. Where are they now? Sweet Memories for me at that time were listening to my daughter play in her room while I sat on the couch and knit, the smell of the New England Fog and the pure enjoyment of holding my daughter in my arms. My reason for being!

Twenty Years Ago (1987) - I lived in Flagstaff, Arizona on the Northern Arizona University. I was a Graphic Design Major.(...er maybe not at that time as I was only a sophomore). My roommate was probably Wendy. She was my closest friend at the time. She probably knew me better than anyone, but it would be secrets I kept that broke our friendship. I still miss her today. I drank too much caffeine, stayed up way to late, smoked like a fiend (I'd quit in 9 years - cold turkey - to have a child) and had a ton of energy. I was a full time student and was part of a work study program that allowed me to work in another dorm and study while on duty. I was discovering who I was for the first time. Sweet Memories for me at that time are sitting on my couch in my cramped dorm room, walking to class in shorts in the winter and living in one of my favorite spots in the world, Flagstaff Arizona.

Thirty Years Ago (1977) - I was 10 years old, only a year and a half younger than my daughter is now. I was in fifth grade and lived in Haslett, Michigan. It was a different life, a time I care not to remember but do nearly every day. I dreamed of moving away, running away, getting away from my home and family. It would take 3 more years until we did in fact move away from Michigan. Moving away was the beginning of the end of my worst years. I lived in a four room house with my younger sister and my parents. My Mom worked full time as a nurse for an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital I was born in. My father seldom held down a job we always would refer to him as dabbling. My father was a dabbler! I thought I was an ugly overweight girl. I was a beautiful "just right" 40 year old in a 10 year old body. I lived to spend time with my friend Tammy and riding horses in Mason, Michigan. Sweet memories for me at that time were playing with Tammy and her dog, doing anything with the horses and being by my self!

So here are my "tag your it":

Emily Giovanni ~ Stamping and Stuff
April Driggers ~ This is what it's all About
Erin Grotegut~ Inky Smiles
Julie Chandler
Denise Babcock
Deborah Cariker

My Celebrity Look Alikes

Oh My Husband is just gonna die with this. He has a big issue with Oprah, I'm not sure what it is but he does not like the Oprah hype. However, I think she is awesome. Strong courageous woman who made it to her life goals, well at least some of them. Ok ok so I used a younger me photo but it is the best face photo I had and who cares about hair anyhow.

I'm Fun Fibers ~ How About You?

What scrapbooking item are you?

You are Fibers!Fun and crazy at times. You are a warm fuzzy kind of person. You run around getting things done but still find time for fun! You have so many diverse interests that it is often hard to pin you down to any one thing. People love your friendly attitude and carefree ways. You often brighten other people's days. But Fibers Beware - Sometimes people don't take you seriously because of your happy-go-lucky ways. Sometimes you find yourself feeling left out from decision making that could directly affect you. Even though you like to be happy and cheerful, make sure others know that you can also be serious and in tune with reality.
Take this quiz!








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~ Free to a good home ~

I have 12 packets of samples and old CTMH Stamp of the Month fliers (these are chocked full of ideas) left. They are yours FREE if you just send me postage.

If you would like one please email me your address and I'll let you know what the postage is from my zip to yours via first class mail. nperrin3@yahoo.com

The first 12 to respond gets what is left.

Whats happening out there in Celebration

of National Stamping Month I thought I'd list links to everything I could find being offered out there. So besides my own CELEBRATION...which you will find more about on Friday, here is what I've found:

1. Free Milk Paint tutorial from Pat Stamps and the Technique Junkie Newsletter! Pat will also be going Live with her CTMH Art Gallery at the end of September. Keep looking at her website for the exciting addition.

2. Check out the NSM Celebration going on at Inky Doodle and get involved. Don't forget to leave your comment and let Korin know I sent you there!

3. Huge Awesome sale on Cricut Cartridges going on at Inky Smiles. Check It Out!

4. Close To My Heart of course has its own celebration going on. From a daily contest to daily mini tutorials...check the website out daily. Here is the press release that was released announcing the event.

5. The Rubber Stamper is having a Survey Give Away. Check that out!

Well that is all I could find so far. Some talk on two peas and a bit of controversy on Split Coast but other than that...I'll have to keep searching.

Just had to share this "SPECIAL" art project that I found.

Go Check out Inky Doodle's...

Celebration of National Stamping Month!

Join in on all the fun this month. Post a comment on her blog and let her know that Nina sent you! Korin is an awesome artist, I can't wait to see the artwork she ends up posting.

Check out Inky Doodle Here!

First Annual National Stamping Month

Celebrate in Style

Check out this awesome Video: http://www.closetomyheart.com/nsm07/video.html
it actually has been out a long time but never released to the public. Go Sticky Boy Go

About National Stamping Month: http://www.closetomyheart.com/nsm07/calendar.aspx

Enter to win: Enter daily to win a FREE stamp set.

'A Launching Pad for Artists'

I just have to share this awesome news. A great friend of mine, Rebecca Mesple who I haven't seen in over, well over 8 years teamed with her husband, Taylor Mesple; are launching their newest venture 'The Maple Room'. The Maple Room is a new performers theater in Durham, ME. Check out the article that recently came out in the Sun Journal.


Rebecca's CD is a favorite between my daughter, Batya and I. Back when we all lived in MA Rebecca and I worked together and she would on occasion watch my daughter. Sometimes we'd attend one of her performances and she'd let Batya sit on stage and listen. Great memories for us both.

I'm so happy for them to be getting The Maple Room opened and running. If you are ever in Lewiston, ME you have to check this out.

Check out their CD's and the websites when you get a chance!!!

" Giving Chocolate to others is an intimate form of communication, a sharing of deep dark secrets" ~Milton Zelman

Annual For Sale or Trade Event

So you are probably wondering why I've choose a chocolate theme for my annual big product sale this year...ok maybe you aren't wondering...but I'm gonna let you in on it anyhow.
Dare I say it, but I am not a Chocolate Connoisseur. Now living in a world where 99.99% of the people I come into contact with are CHOCOHOLICS and not being one is like being a an ice cube in the Sahara. You just don't count because your existence is limited anyhow!
I am constantly being given Chocolate and have even hosted a Chocolate More to Adore open house thinking that maybe someone would notice the contradiction...but like I said before, my lack of chocolate appeal is just not memorable.
So with every delectable purchase you will get CHOCOLATE! Yes, purchase even one item at $1 and you will get CHOCOLATE to help you savor the purchase.

"Relax, it's alright. I understand what you want. Rich, Kind Chocolate." ~ Eric Winter

Wooden Stamp Sets
These sets are $5 each
Click Here to view
These sets are $3 each
Click Here to view

If you are interested in set but want to see a scan of the rubber/wood quality please feel free in emailing me and I'll send you the scanned image. However, please note all sets are either stain free or have limited staining.

Mini Kits
Click Here to View The Mini Kits I have available.
These items are not available for TRADE.

12x12 SB Kits (2 to 4 page kits w/page protectors & embellishments)

Click Here to View

Acrylic Stamp Sets
Click Here to View

Albums

Click Here to View

Trade Listing
Here is a listing of things I'd be willing to trade for:
Cricut - Fabulous Finds Cartridge * Xyron 510 Cartridges * Basic Grey Theme Set - Perhaps * Marvy Mini Bumble Bee punch * Twinkling H2O's Any colors * Fiskars Life Texture Plates * Daisy D Papers

I accept Checks, Money Orders and Cash for these items. There is no tax on them as it has already been paid but if you need me to ship anything I will charge across the board shipping for the actual weight of your items from my zip code to yours.

"The Chocoholic 12-Step program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!" ~ Terry Moore

Email me at nperrin3@yahoo.com if you find something you want to purchase or trade. All offers welcome for negotiation.

Autumn/Winter 2007 Retired List

This years list isn't actually that big. I was happily surprised to see that many of the embellishments were retired but only to be replaced with more modern and stylized items. Such as the buttons were offered in small packs and were kind of cuitsie. Now they are offered in seasons still but in actual buttons and in 100 bulk packs....but you will get to see more of that when the Autumn/Winter 2007 Idea book comes out in September. So look for my Grand Celebration event happening both physically on August 31st and September 1's as well as a cyber version here on my blog. Those of you actually subscribed will be happy, happy, happy you have done so!

Item Number
Description
Idea Book Page Number
My Stock

C1237
Relax
Summer pg 60

C1238
R & R
Summer pg 66

C1240
Splish Splash
Summer pg 66

C1249
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Summer pg 72
I have a new set for sale

C1246
Hollydays
Product Review pg 11
I have a used set for sale

C1248
Winter Reflection
Product Review pg 12
I have a used set for sale

C1250
Rejoice
Product Review pg 11

C1254
Fairy Wishes
Summer pg 72

C1255
Just Because
Spring pg 84

D1002
The Simple Things
Spring pg 81

D1003
Girly Girl
Summer pg 80
I have a used set for sale

D1012
Confetti and Favors
Summer pg 76

D1022
Baby
Summer pg 74

D1023
God Bless You
Spring pg 82

D1025
All You Need
Summer pg 80

D1026
Beauty Seen
Summer pg 81
I have a used set for sale

D1027
Joy
Product Review pg 22

D1030
Wedding
Spring pg 82

D1031
Gift Tags
Product Review pg 18

D1032
Fall
Product Review pg 18

D1036
Heritage
Summer pg 81

D1038
Child Boy
Summer pg 80

D1051
Expecting
Spring pg 73

D1054
Speckled Background
Spring pg 79

D1055
Best Friends
Summer pg 81

D1060
Santa’s Helpers
Product Review pg 11

D1062
Zoo Friends
Product Review pg 26

D1066
Romantic Backgrounds
Spring pg 79

D1068
Police
Product Review pg 17

D1069
Army
Summer pg 70

D1070
Marine
Product Review pg 16

D1071
Fire Fighter
Product Review pg 17

D1072
Coast Guard
Product Review pg 16

D1075
Navy
Product Review pg 17

D1076
Air Force
Product Review pg 16

D1084
Love Tags
Spring pg 77

D1087
Elegant Floral
Spring pg 51

D1090
Retro Flowers
Spring pg 67

D1091
Groovy
Spring pg 67
I have a used set for sale

D1092
Flower Girls
Summer pg 73

D1096
Holiday Borders
Product Review pg 12

D1101
Blue Jeans
Product Review pg 18

D1114
Create-a-File
Product Review pg 18

D1116
Be Mine
Spring pg 61

D1117
Square Elements
Spring pg 77

D1118
Circle Elements
Spring pg 7

D1119
Easter Garden
Product Review pg 2

D1120
Brilliant Bookplates
Spring pg 77

D1121
Beautiful Spring
Product Review pg 2

D1122
Spring Flowers
Spring pg 67

D1124
To Love More
Spring pg 62

D1125
The Giving Hand
Spring pg 62

D1129
Slide Frames
Spring pg 76

D1132
Playful Tags
Spring pg 76

D1133
Seed Packets
Summer pg 69

D1134
Elegant Script
Summer pg 91

D1144
Down on the Farm
Summer pg 64

D1145
Fresh Picked
Summer pg 69

D1147
Grapevine
Summer pg 69

D1149
Tea Party
Summer pg 68

D1150
Garden Vegetables
Summer pg 69

D1161
Witches Brew
Product Review pg 8

If you see something you are interested in let me know and I'll try and get you a set! email me directly at buzabouts@myctmh.com with Retired in your subject line.

UPS Memo

UPS Memo To: Drivers and Security
Date: June 26th , 2007
Subject: Crazy Close To My Heart Consultants!

This time of the year has come around once again. Close To My Heart is releasing the New Idea Book and Catalog. Please be extremely cautious of Close To My Heart Consultants (CTMHCs) for the next two weeks.

How to Deliver the New Idea Book and Catalog:
1. Be sure you have fixed your squeaky brakes - if not, park your truck two blocks away so the CTMHC can not hear you coming.
2. Put in your earplugs and secure your safety glasses.
3. If you see children looking out the window, put your finger up to your lips and say "SHHHH".. They are on a "lookout" for you and are being paid to "alert" their mothers (CTMHCs) when they see you coming to the door.
4. Approach the front door and very quietly, set the package down in front of the door (Make sure you place it in FRONT so when she opens the door, the box will be in the way and give you a little more time to escape).
5. Back up as far as you can and reach for the doorbell, (BE READY TO RUN !!!). Ring the doorbell and make a mad dash back to your truck and drive away....DO NOT LOOK BACK !!!

The UPS corporation is informing you of this because in the past years, CTMHCs have been known to scream at the top of their lungs with excitement and try to tackle you with hugs for delivering their catalogs. After you have been smothered with appreciation for getting them their catalogs on time, watch out for flying packaging material as they will open up the box before you have had a chance to leave, or they have gone inside. They have also been know to drive up next to you at a stop light in their mini vans and SUVs and ask if you have a package for them. Turn up your radio and pretend you cannot hear them. Do not let them approach your delivery truck at an intersection. CTMHCs have been know to stop traffic and throw all your packages off the trucks until they find their new Idea Book and catalog.

Best of luck to you with this mission, and remember: Let's Be Safe Out There!!!!!

Non - Directors Dinner (Olive Garden - San Diego, CA)

While at Leadership this last weekend we decided to head off onto our own "Special" dinner. Directors and up were whisked of via Limo's to a private Zoo train tour and dinner. We whisked ourselves off to Olive Garden to partake in our own little celebration. We celebrated the Directors we will become.

I have to say it was a night to remember with good food and awesome conversation with friends. Although distance separates many of us (even one in England) we still take the opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves of each other. Three Acrylix Chix, three Hot Hearts and one String of Hearts unit members in attendance. Hey we can all say we are the great or great great grand kids of the infamous Karen Morris.

The view from the conference was an astounding one of the Marina. It reminded me of my Grandfather and his time living on his boat the "Sea Nile" up in Northern California. I don't know how my Grandmother handled it all those years. Summers on the boat and winters in a mobile home. YUCK...but then again it was just the two of them. I think I need to try and find some photo's of those times and do some scrapbooking so my kids can see what a hoot my Grandfather was.

I will share more photo's as they come in from all my picture taking friends. The above photo's were shared with me by Jennifer.

My San Diego Trip

I flew out of the DFW airport early am on Thursday and got back late in the evening on Sunday. I had a wonderful time in San Diego where I participated in a Leadership Conference for the scrapbooking company I work with.

I learned so much while I was there. The weather was refreshing and I was able to totally get a rejuvenation. Although I didn't get much sleep I did come home tired but rejuvenated. The company lavished us with goodies. I felt like a queen. I stayed at the Bay Club Hotel & Marina

We had the opportunity to listen to Lyn Conway, President and founder of A Fresh Perspective. She was dynamic and had a unique way of saying things that just really hit home for me.

I had the opportunity to visit with friends that I haven't seen in nearly a year. I got a chance to create some fun artwork using new product that will be released in September. I searched and searched for "Sticky Boy" but alas could not find his sticky little self. psst...I have to say Pam did find him in the women's room actually stuck to the seat of the toilet. Good thing she looked before she sat down. Sticky Boy is our Acrylic Mascot. He was our introduction to the wonderful world of Acrylic Stamps and remains the sticky in our drive. I'll have to create some artwork of him (as I did find 3 sticky boys at convention in Salt Lake City, UT in 2006). I will also share some photo's of my trip as soon as someone shares them with me...as my CAMERA died on the trip to San Diego and I was camera less the whole weekend. However, I have awesome friends who shared theirs with me. Thank you - Tricia, Pollyanna, Jennifer and Sundi. I owe you big time!!!

What Do You Rock Out To?

I got an update today on one of my favorite blogs (Stamping and Stuff) where she is talking about what do people Rock Out to. Emily from Stamping and Stuff talked about some songs/artists that I have never heard of. Showing my age I guess.

This totally made me think of this song my long time friend, Julie and I always just belt it out to. Whats Up by 4 Non-Blonds. Now I have to say this is odd because I listen to country & Blues music and am totally not a "headbanger" by any means...although I do listen to some classic rock (NOT the '80's stuff either my young friends).

So I've attached a pic of my friend Julie and I at my wedding reception belting it out to What's Up - 4 Non-Blonds. Here are the lyrics and you can click on the title and view the video - hear the song. I'm sure you can relate to the belting it out part when you hear it.

What's up

25 years of my life and still

I'm trying to get up that great big hill of hope

For a destination

I realized quickly when I knew I should

That the world was made up of this

Brotherhood of man

For whatever that means

So I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed

To get it all out what's in my head

Then I start feeling a little peculiar

So I wake in the morning and I step

Outside I take deep breath

I get real high

Then I scream from the top of my lungs

What's goin' on

And I say hey...And I say hey what's goin' on

And I say hey...I said hey what's goin' on

And I try, oh my God do I try

I try all the time

In this institution

And I pray, oh my God do I pray

I pray every single day

For a revolution

So I cry sometimes when I'm lying in my bed

To get it all out what's in my head

Then I start feeling a little peculiar

So I wake in the morning and I step outside

I take a deep breath then I get real high

Then I scream from the top of my lungs

What's goin' on

And I say hey...And I say hey what's goin' on

And I say hey...I said hey what's goin' on

And I say hey...And I say hey what's goin' on

And I say hey...I said hey what's goin' on

25 years of my life and still

I'm trying to get up that great big hill of hope

For a destination