"Life is trying things to see if they work" - Ray Bradbury

A few of you have asked me how I made this refreshing summer drink.
I will give you the individual ingredients.
But don't count on me to give exact measurements!
I usually do my own thing and hope for the best.
Most of the time it works.
This time it worked great!
2-3 frozen concentrate pink lemonade
orange juice
lots of seltzer (added right before serving)
Ice cubes
mint leaves
one thinly sliced lemon
rasberries
juice of canned lycees (best ingredient ever)
and best of all LOTS OF VODKA!


You don't need a party to make this.
Perfect for a Shabbos meal too.

Favorite blog Monday

The summer has started.
How would I know that?
I live in Miami and the weather doesn't change much.
Instead it rains.
And rains.
That's how I know it's summer.
I remember well when my children were young.
Summer meant lots of time to entertain the little ones.
Now that I've passed that phase I still can't help but miss it.
Not in reality, in theory!
Which brings me to my favorite blog this week.
I used to buy many arts and crafts book looking for ideas to do with my kids.
Now all you need to do is check out THIS BLOG.
Creativity oozes out of this lady big time.
Such fantastic, creative and most important, easy ideas you can do with your kids.
Her instructions are clear.
Her photos are clear.
Her ideas are fun.
Check it out.
Take a minute.
Let me know.
(I always say that and I'm still waiting for a few responses!)

Don't forget to takes pictures of your children's crafts.
When Chayale was younger she sat in her room for hours writing and illustrating this cartoon.
I was blown away when I saw what she could do all on her own.

Our children have so much potential.
It doesn't only have to be in arts and crafts.
Whatever it is, take a picture.
Do they hug the best?
Take a picture.
Do they yell the loudest?
Take a picture!
You get the picture!!!
Meanwhile go check out my favorite blog.
You can thank me later.

“Family is not an important thing, it's everything.”

This week I've been busy with wedding festivities.
No time to scrap.
But lots of time to celebrate.
So today instead of posting layouts I'll just give you some photos 'raw'!
It's been a great week and I can't wait to commit all the beautiful moments to memory books.
Meanwhile here are some highlights...

These two kids have brought my worlds together.
Love them for that!

After the wedding we celebrate!

Sheva Brachos at my house...

The new Mr. and Mrs...

Lots of happy people.

And what's a celebration without music and singing,,,

Sometimes you just have to live.
“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
― Mary Oliver

Once upon a time there were two friends who became sisters.

“When we honestly ask ourselves
which person in our lives mean the most to us,
we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain
and touch our wounds
with a warm and tender hand.
The friend who can be silent with us
in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us
in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate not knowing,
not curing,
not healing
and face with us
the reality of our powerlessness,
that is a friend who cares.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey

How many of us are fortunate enough to have a friend of this description?
I think if we do we are merely the recipient of G-d's blessing.
Our friendships are the most valuable relationships we have.
We can talk to our friends in confidence about things we wouldn't discuss with our families.
They keep us going when we sometimes feel we have no strength to carry on.
The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, 
among other things, 
that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman 
whereas for a woman, 
one of the best things she could do for her health 
was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.
Women connect with each other differently.  
They provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.
Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships.
I write this blog to share my thoughts on life through scrapbooking.
What I am sharing now is very close to my heart.
I have a friend who is brilliant, beautiful and wise.
How did I get so lucky? 
I have no idea.
Now I am about to get even luckier.
My best friend is about to become my family.
After next week 
my parents will be my best friends daughter's grandparents.
For us to be forever connected not only by choice
but by blood.
This is one of the the greater gifts in my life.
There have been numerous studies that prove that friendships have an effect on longevity.
I hope and pray that we will live well in to old age together.
L'chaim!
To health, family and friendship.

So many years...
So many memories...

This one is from 8 years ago!

It may be a very simple layout
but the message is clear...
If you're not a scrapbooker you can take a different lesson here.
Nurture your friendships.
Reach out to one of your friends today and tell her you love her.
Send her a text.
Bring her a flower.
Bake her a cake.
Just because.
Because you love her.
Because you love yourself.
And friends are good for your health!

Favorite blog Monday

My favorite blog today is one I've been going to every few day for a couple of years now.
Especially on Wednesday when this fantastic lady creates a page in her journal on video.
I love watching her creative process.
I always learn something new.
She starts off with an empty page and her ideas just flow.
Although I don't know anything about being a professional artist
I still can appreciate what this talented lady inspires me to do.
As she talks her way through the process you too will be inspired.
Take a minute and visit my 'friend' Donna .
You will be so glad you did.
Let me know if you love her blog as much as I do.
I'll be waiting!

And before I go I want to give a shout out to my girl.
I am continuously amazed by her strength.
I am not surprised by her growth.
I am so proud of her.
It's a beautiful thing to watch your child find her true colors.

Love you Shlam...

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.

I wonder about this alot...
Did my grandmother miss her grandchildren as much as I miss mine?
She lived in Canada and we lived in New York.
I have memories of our family going for visits to her home.
I remember the screen door banging shut as we ran to play in the back garden.
I remember the peonies that blossomed in the front garden.
She took great pride in her green thumb.
I especially remember her strict code of 'you eat what you're served'.
Cereal and orange juice.
Eat it!
(Not like nowadays when I say, 'what would you like for breakfast honey'!)
I close my eyes.
I can evoke the smells and sounds in my mind.
My Grandfather humming tunes to the words as he sat learning.
The smell of Gefilte fish cooking before Shabbos.
It's etched in my memory like a permanent marker.
And I wonder...
Did she miss us when we left?
Did she feel bad she missed our birthdays?
Did she wonder like I do, how to make up for not enough time spent together?
The only way for me to stay connected is by scrapbooking.
You guys know that already.
Yesterday was my first grandchild's birthday.
I've made dozens and dozens of layouts about her.

My two babies 6 years ago.
I was a new Bubby.
And a scrapbooking beginner...

She was so tiny.
And now she is SIX!
My mother always says 'Time walks, years fly'
Sounds better in Yiddish!
So when did she get from here............

to here............

I remember every minute we have together.
What will she remember...

“Grandmotherhood initiated me into a world of play, where all things became fresh, alive, and honest again through my grandchildren's eyes. Mostly, it retaught me love.”
― Sue Monk Kidd

Favorite blog Monday...

Summer has definitely begun here in Miami.

You're probably wondering how I can tell the difference.

Yes, it is always warm/hot here.

I actually love this tropical weather.

Although sometimes  I miss watching the leaves change colors.

Once in a while I wish we had seasons.

Just to be able to look forward to a sunny day.

And then I catch myself and realize that there is a deep appreciation that mostly every day is a sunny day.

I can still look forward to the morning sun streaming through my window most every single day.

I can anticipate the cooler 'winter months' with renewed energy.

I am even looking forward to the summer months where the heat makes you lazy.

When the water is warm enough to swim at any time of the day and night.

Now let's get back to the subject at hand.

Monday favorite blog choice!

Today I am choosing a favorite blog that I love for several reasons.

Stacy Cohen does the kind of scrapbooking  I envy.

A creative perfectionist.

An oxymoron in my book.

I am always envious of beautiful perfection.

She makes layouts that are stunning to look at.

She is definitely one of my favorites.

Check it out!

Let me know what you think.

PLEASE!

"The joy is in creating, not maintaining."

If I wouldn't be afraid of my family, I would use (abuse) every surface in the house with a DIY project.
I love the sudden spark of an idea that worms it's way into my mind.
My chair was the perfect place to start.
No harm done.
Now we move on to the kitchen area.
I showed you the 'before' last week.
Here we are with the 'after.'
I am thrilled at how they came out.
Using old chairs to practice on is a great idea.
I learned a few things that gives me confidence to try this on any upholstery.
Mainly though I learned that you could make something old look practically new.
If you don't look too close!

I bought the Fabric Medium in Michaels.
They did not even know they had it or what it was.
I, the computer savvy girl that I am, looked up the info before I got there.
This old gal taught them something new!

I used my pillow for inspiration.
Isn't this color fabulous?
I am extremely happy with the results.
Can I inspire any of you to take a chance with your old furniture?
Bottom line - Don't be afraid to try something you've never done before.
Be informed and be prepared.
Then let your creativity take over.

"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought."

— Albert von Szent-Gyorgy

Favorite blog Monday

We had a long holiday weekend.

Friends and food, rest and prayer...

No better way to heal yourself.

Inside and out.

Mental overload is not  a productive way to live.
Having too much on your mind can overwhelm you
prevent you from being effective with your work,
and enjoying the moment
Having a clear mind can really help you focus on what matters – in your work and life.
Creative sparks rarely come to us when we are thinking hard about something.
When you look at where insights come from,
they come from where we least expect them.
They only arrive after we stop looking at them.
I feel blessed that we are given this opportunity that forces us to stop.
Feeling refreshed I am now ready to reveal my second favorite blog post.
This blog satisfies me on many levels.
Her profile reads:
rachel awes works as a licensed psychologist + art playgroundist + she likes to affirm the beauty + strength in the real stories in people
I think when you check her out you too will be fascinated.
Please let me know how much you enjoy her works of art.
Her unique way of expression is something that I admire.
I am still looking for a way to define myself and I always admire those who do!
I love that you can 'recognize' her work.
So check her out here!

“If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment.” – Linda McCartney

I am not one of these people that take pictures and leave them in my computer.
I choose my favorite ones and have them processed.
I have a huge drawer that I keep filling with more and more photos.
I mean to scrap them right away but you know how it is...
Every once in a while I reach in and grab one.

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT B

The other day I was having love in my heart for these two wonderful people.
They both bring me joy that is hard to put into words.
At least for me
Writing is not my forte.
I work hard at it.
The more intense the feeling, the more difficult to describe.
Because I want to get it right.
Words limit me.
Therefore I scrap!

If you could say it in words there would be no reason to  paint ~Edward Hopper~

I used paint chips for the journaling and the circles.
I sprayed a finish on the words to keep it from smearing.
The flower is a fun find from TJ Maxx.
Hard to resist a  book like this for $3.99.
Seems like a doable craft for the little kids when they come  visit.
Unable to resist, I tried one.
Love the way it came out.
Notice how both girls are wearing the same colors!
No way I could resist using the flower here.
I did add sprinkles of white gel pen to lighten it up.

While I was feeling goosies all over for my wonderful daughter, I was inspired to make another page.
This one is a little undisciplined!
But I love it non the less.
I knit a beautiful head scarf  and asked for some photos of her modeling it.
I hardly notice the scarf when I look at her beautiful face.

So there you have it.
Now I must go to my next project.
(after I Daven, clean up, eat, finish work,etc...)
Here's a preview of what I am working on.

Wonder what I can do with that messy old seat...
Keep you posted!

Favorite blog Monday

Favorite blogs for me are like my favorite friends.
I never compare them.
I need different ones for different reasons.
Depending on my mood I reach for one...
Each one inspires me to be better in their own unique way.
I feel lucky to have them in my life.
Friends and blogs.
Sometimes they merge into one.
I will be sharing my favorites with you in no particular order.
The very first blog I will be connecting you today is one I turn to for a happy feeling.
Through her blog she has given me the opportunity to experiment a little more than I am used to.
I purchased one of her classes and I am loving it.
This lady has what it takes to stand out.
Every day is lived in color.
Even a simple post of her posing is beautiful to look at.
I hope you take the time to look through her blog.
You will most likely learn something.
At the very least you will feel good all over!
Without further ado........

My Beautiful  Blog Inspiration....Alisa Burke

Enjoy.
I hope you will let me know by your comments if you love it like I do....

Love you forever, love you for always...

As I've told you guys many times
living far from my children is a bummer.
I hate it!
The days pass and I am left here feeling the void.
Yes, we talk on the phone.
We could even Skye.
But it's not the same.
I want to see them
touch them
smell them...
Nothing can replace that.
And while I sit here feeling sorry for myself
I scrap.
Here is my scrap for the week.
This is what I do with the time I could have spent taking the girls out for lunch.
Or maybe jumping on the bed with the little ones.
Nevertheless, I try to reach across the miles to express how much I love and think about them.

This layout came about after a trip to Michaels.
When I need a break I go there to see what is on markdown.
This week I was thrilled to find glimmer mist spray.
A wonderful flower stamp.
And these beautiful flowers.
My daughter's birthday was this week.
She is my inspiration for beauty, color and survival!
No one I know can make something out of nothing like this girl can.

Having my spunky grandaughter here for a week this year was a special treat.

I don't know what it is about photo booth pictures that makes me happy!

In one strip I see it all.

The joy.

The love.

The fun.

It's all there.

Very inspired this week by my blogger friends.
Which leads me to this....
Every Monday I will connect you with a blog that inspires me in some way.
Art
Music
Maybe an article I read
and of course food!!!
Or anything else that comes to mind.
So come back tomorrow and see who will be the first on my list.
(even I don't know that yet...)
Although I am not good with commitments
I will try to be here every Monday with something interesting for you guys.

It is the trouble that never comes that causes the loss of sleep.

Many times  I open my e-mail
and find an inspirational poem or story
that my friend wants to share with me.
Most of the time I smile or laugh or press delete. (sorry!)
But today a wonderful friend of mine sent me this poem.
I knew I had to share it with all of you.
Reading the right thing
at the exact moment you need to
is one of G-ds many little gifts
he sends your way.


WORRY
Is there an imaginary cutoff period when
Offspring become accountable
For their own actions?
Is there some wonderful moment when
Parents can become detached spectators in
The lives of their children and shrug,
'It's Their life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties,
I stood in a hospital corridor
Waiting for doctors to put a few stitches
In my daughter's head and I asked,
'When do you stop worrying?'
The nurse said,
'When they get out of the accident stage..'
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

When I was in my thirties,
I sat on a little chair in a classroom
And heard how one of my children
Talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
And was headed for a career
Making license plates.
As if to read my mind, a teacher said,
'Don't worry, they all go through this stage
And then you can sit back,
Relax and enjoy them.'
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

When I was in my forties,
I spent a lifetime waiting
For the phone to ring,
The cars to come home,
The front door to open.
A friend said,
'They're trying to find themselves.
'Don't worry!
In a few years, they'll be adults.
'They'll be off on their own
They'll be out of your hair'
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

By the time I was 50,
I was sick & tired of being vulnerable.
I was still worrying over my children,
But there was a new wrinkle..
Even though they were on their own
I continued to anguish over their failures,
Be tormented by their frustrations and
Absorbed in their disappointments..
And there was nothing I could do about it.
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.
My friends said that
When my kids got married
I could stop worrying
And lead my own life.
I wanted to believe that,
But I was haunted by my parent's warm smiles
And their occasional,
'You look pale. Are you all right' ?
'Call me the minute you get home'.
Are you depressed about something?'

My friends said that
When I became a grandparent
That I would get to enjoy
The happy little voices yelling
Grandma! Papa!
But now I find that I worry
Just as much about the little kids
As the big ones.
How can anyone cope
With all this Worry?

Can it be that parents are sentenced
To a lifetime of worry?
Is concern for one another
Handed down like a torch
To blaze the trail of human frailties
And the fears of the unknown?
Is concern a curse or is it
A virtue that elevates us
To the highest form of earthly creation?

Recently, one of my own children
Became quite irritable, saying to me,
'Where were you?
I've been calling for 3 days,
And no one answered
I was worried.'
I smiled a warm smile.
The torch has been passed.
PASS IT ON TO OTHER WONDERFUL PARENTS
(And also to your children... That's the fun part!

So as I continue to worry I distract myself with scrapping.
A few months ago I knit vests for my nephews.
I finally got pictures of them wearing my gift.
It makes me happy to give my brother and sil work not only made with my hands
but with my heart as well.
If I wouldn't scrap this
who would remember?...

I love the paper for this layout because it feels like I'm saying
'these vests were knit with love from start to finish'.
I used all the pictures because I couldn't get enough
of these cute faces
in one photo!

The voice that speaks inside.

My salon chair looked tired.Sooooo tired.
I got this chair from a thrift shop 30 years ago.
So my guess is it's about 40-50 years old.
It's been used almost every day and it's still as strong as ever.
But it was definitely time for a new fresh look.

So one day it hit me.
Before buying  a new one.
I can make it a DIY project!
What do I have to lose?
Can't look worse than this!
Hmmmmm, so now I needed an idea.
It has to be a creative one.
Google - Painting Vinyl...
The only paint I had at home was seafoam green.
I wanted to start it right away.
So I painted it green and didn't like it much.
Change the color.
White is better.

I dug out my handy sander.

Found a bottle of primer.

And got to work!

Looks better already.

But still doesn't have my name on it.

Could be anyone's chair.

How could I make it stand out.

Hmmmmm...

Back to Google.

Did anyone ever use Sharpies on vinyl?

Found only one chair HERE!

GOT IT.

Yes that's it.

I can draw and doodle all over it.

Who says that's not ok?!?

Now I was really having fun.

I removed the handles, lifted the chair off the base and had a ball!

The end result is fun and artsy and has my name written all over it (so to speak).

Start and just jump in!

I adore Silverstein's poems.
So I found one that worked  for me and wrote it on the chair.
Love it so far.

                                                                                                                       

Some things I've learned.
1.Take the time to prep. End result is much better.
2. Don't wear anything you do not want to stain.
3. Do Not get a manicure the day before you start.
4. Give yourself a lot of time. It will probobly take longer than you think.
5. Sharpies are your best friend!

So there you go.
Now when my DD asks me what I'm doing with my doodles I can show her this!

                    

                        

                                 BEFORE                                                                   AFTER

                                                            

I am really happy with the result.

Now I need to make wall art to match.

GTG!

When I try something new I feel like I am really living.

Trying something new often requires courage.

Trying something new opens up the possibilityfor you to enjoy something.

Trying something new keeps you from getting bored.

And most importantly

Trying something new forces you to grow.

Go ahead.

Try something new.