Riff-n-Raff's Ramblings

Mirror Post from Pixel Mischief...my other blog!

2007-10-15T00:10:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

In between working, designing and preparing the site for our new **HOT TUB!** I have managed to do some scrapping!

Here is the site for our new tub... today Hank and my nephew, Seth, will install the wiring and it will be all ready - it's being delivered Tuesday!

Ok on to the scrapping... My son Brian and our beloved cat, Noodles

Credits:Background from Jack-O'-Backgrounds, Label from Haunted Labels, both by Donna Rafferty @ Plain Digital Wrapper.
Photo Frame by Jessica Bolton. Pinned frames by Katie Pertiet - Designer Digitals. Staples by Katie Hadfield.
Black Flower - Christina Renee Grab Bag. Ribbons from Merry Boo - Holliewood Studios.
Font is Pea Mystie Caps.

Credits:Breakthrough2 template by Helena Jole. Halloween paper and ribbon with bow by Ashalee Wall.
Flat Ribbons and Boo tags from Merry Boo by Holliewood Studios. Photo frame by Katie Pertiet.
Background from Jack-O'-Backgrounds by Donna Rafferty @ Plain Digital Wrapper.
Black & Wtite Bows and Candy Corn Charm from Haunted Fall by Michelle Coleman @ Little Dreamer Designs.

This is my new *favorite* room in the house - so warm & cozy!

Credits: Background is from French Countryside by Shabby Princess & Christina Renee.
Worn book is from Christina Renee Grab Bag.
Fonts are Koch Rivoli, Lucida Bright, and Traveling Typewriter.

This is the garden that is behind the spot where the hot tub is going...

Credits:Background from Halloween Garden - Donna Rafferty @ Plain Digital Wrapper
Pinned frames by Katie Pertiet - Designer Digitals. Spider from Haunted Fall by Michelle Coleman.
Pin by Gina Cabrera - DDE October Idea Notebook. Spider Web from Merry Boo by Holliewood Studios.

Zig Zag Stitch by Lisa Whitney. Font is McBoo Hmk.

My nephew and his son, my grandnephew - both are named Seth. Little Seth just LOVES our tractor - he wants to drive it every time he comes over!

Credits:Background and Cat/Pumpkin/Star confetti from Merry Boo by Holliewood Studios - The Digishoppe.
Pumpkin charm and ribbon from Haunted Fall by Michelle Coleman - Little Dreamer Designs.
Pin that Tag by Elaine Bittencourt - Plain Digital Wrapper.
Vintage Frame by Gina Cabrera. Pocket by Melanie Willmann.
Leaves, Butterfly, Old Book, button from Falloween by Penny Springmann.
Sketchy Alpha by Lauren Reid.

Fonts are XBand Rough and AL Professor.

And for some new scrap goodies...

Here is my newest addition at

Plain Digital Wrapper

- Haunted Labels!

Here is a little Halloween decor made with the labels - just print, cut out, paste on some old bottles and ~ Voila! Spooky looking eh?

I also want to thank everyone who had my oldest son, Henry in their thoughts and prayers last week. The surgery went well and he is feeling much better after a week. He'll be on crutches for a while still, and he has to go through several months of physical therapy, and attend his college classes as well. I am so proud of both my boys!

That's all for now - I am going to make a little something for the

Scripture Challenge

at PDW, and then I have to do some grocery shopping - enjoy your Sunday!

Big Bucks LOL!

2007-08-28T06:43:00.000-04:00

Not sure how they calculate this or what it means, but hey it's kinda cool:

My blog is worth $1,693.62.
How much is your blog worth?

Bits-n-Pieces

2007-08-18T18:02:00.001-04:00

These are couple pages from the Family Cookout at my nephew's house last weekend - we all had a great time! I usually have a hard time scrapping with my own kits, but I managed to add a few bits and pieces - hence the blog title!

This is my nephew's wife and good friend Darcie - isn't she a sweetie!

Credits: Background and tag-tied ribbon cluster by Tracy Ann Robinson - Shabby Chic Peekaboo Papers . Green Ribbon and wrapped frame are by me - Donna Rafferty. (not released yet) Flowers are from my Field of Dreams kit.(lowered saturation). Blue lace (recolored) and Blue Button from French Countryside by Christina Renee & Shabby Princess. Fonts are Pea Alesa and Xband Rough.

This is my nephew and his son - little Seth - he is such a cutie pie!

Credits: Background by Christina Renee, with another by Katie Pertiet color burned on top.Frame, star, bookplate and and ribbon over photo all by Christina Renee. Flowers are from my own Grungy Graphiti Element pack. Staple by Katie Hadfield. Adventure Art from Cottage Arts Destination sampler. Font is Traveling Typewriter.

More camera fun!

2007-08-01T22:28:00.001-04:00

Wedding Photos...and even a Scrap-page!!

2007-07-29T21:21:00.001-04:00

Loving the new camera so far...
Here are a few of the photos I took at my niece, Alissa's wedding yesterday:
(you can click on the images to see them larger)

And I even scrapped a page with my two grand nieces, who were the flower girls - so cute!

Credits :Cotton Candy Kiss Background was a blog freebie from Kristy Ann Designs.
Flower frame brush is from WildflowerStamps by Christina Renee (used in screen mode)Ribbon is from Digital Design Essentials - Summer Blooms Mini Kit.Flower from "Natural Wonders Collection: Flower Sample" digital scrapbooking kit by Jen Ulasiewicz (jensurge)Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman. Fonts are CK Cursive and AL Cadence.

Journaling Reads:
A scene of the dressing room only a few moments before their Aunt Alissa’s wedding. Kiana whirls around while her sister Alayna watches. Both so pretty in their beautiful little gowns; their innocence captured forever in my heart.

The wedding was just perfect - we hugged - we danced - we ate and drank.

After the reception we all went to my nephew's house, went swimming, relaxed in the hot tub, and he even lit off some awesome fireworks after dark. So good to hang out with family & friends!

New Arrival

2007-07-21T07:12:00.000-04:00

After more than 10,000 shots with my Canon Digital 300D, I decided it was time for an upgrade. My older camera is in great shape still, it will be my backup. I have been wanting two cameras for vacation and travel, in order to cut down on lens changes, so here it is...on my doorstop yesterday. woHoo!

Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D)

I'll be playing with this sweetie later today for sure!

Bad Bad Blogger!

2007-07-11T06:47:00.000-04:00

I have been MIA over 3 months this time! But since I have this blog still, I just wanted to pop in and post some of my favorite vacation photos. We drove down with Hank's new boat, & spent 2 weeks at our home in Missouri, and it still wasn't long enough!

Hee He Last time I posted it was April and I was leaving then to fly down there for a week! Guess I have no life except for when I travel LOL! Seriously, working full time does not give me much time or anything interesting to blog about.

We had a wonderful time visiting friends & family. Went fishing, swimming and horseback riding.
We went out in the boat a lot. Our mobile home is only 1/2 mile from the boat ramp. The lake water was very high from all the rain, so the fishing was not all that great. Plus the water tepmerature was 82 degrees! My DH would like to go next year in April when the fishing is a little better.

But here he is with a couple bass he caught:

We had a LOT of visitors to the yard...we saw deer every day! these two fawns finally came out in the open on the last day we were there:

Here are a couple shots of my nephew Andrew at his 1st Birthday party!

And some pictures of the beautiful countryside:

the lake:

More countryside:

Anywhooo, signing off for now, I have lots more photos to post, but that's for another time! Have a wonderful evening!

Bet you thought I was gone forever!

2007-04-07T19:06:00.000-04:00

Nope! Just busy designing but I finally found some time to scrap! We are going on vacation to Missouri next week, so I have been going through photos and getting excited for our trip. We are flying down for this trip and then driving down later for 2 weeks in June/July, and bringing Hank's new boat. He bought a $15,000 Nitro bass boat and trailer (***boys & their toys***). This boat has been his dream for a long time and I am so happy for him! The lake is less than a half mile drive to the boat ramp so we'll be out on the lake a lot! We have friends and relatives down there and it will be so nice to see everyone again.

This is one of my son and my sister Nancy down at the lake in Missouri last year. It was right after Dad passed away so both these LO's make me kind of sad - I still miss him so much. But I feel like his spirit is still with me and as hard as it is to travel back there, I feel as if I am closer to him there. Hard to explain, bit it feels as if it were meant to be.

Background is by Angie Miner - Timeless Beauty Papers.
Riveting Ribbons by Natalie Braxton (love these!)
Several blend modes used on photo layers.

Font is Al Professor.

Journaling Reads:

My sister Nancy does not get to travel much. She was so happy to find tiny shells
on the shores of the lake in Missouri. This is her and Henry. This was such a difficult
time for all of us. April 2006, Dad had just passed away and we were all in a kind of
emotional limbo. The pain of losing my father was very hard on all of us and I don’t
think it really hit Nancy until months later. It was especially hard for her - being
all on her own, Dad was her rock, her safe harbor, her light in the darkness. I know
he will always have a special place in her heart - a heart of gold.

This is just a photo of the windmill in the back yard, but it looked so pretty with the sun on it after a spring storm.

We live and work in Massachusetts, but we bought the property after my Dad passed away last year. I couldn't bear the thought of selling the place. I am so happy that we were able to buy it. I wish it was closer, it's such a long way to travel, but someday I hope we can move there permanently.

Background, Ribbons, Chain, Flower from Treasured Moments by Manuela Zimmermann - manudesigns.com
Grungy frame from Holly McCaig. Pewter Alpha and corner Flourish by Doris Castle.
Dragonfly is from Jen Wilson. Paint Smear is from Kathryn Balint.

Font is Al Professor.

Follow the links...

2007-03-14T23:06:00.000-04:00

to get this freebie:

EDITED: SORRY! No longer available. Please visit www.plaindigitalwrapper.com to see my designs!

LINK

Early Birdy

2007-02-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

Ok So it's NOT March 1st, but I DO have products for sale at Plain Digital Wrapper already! Much faster than I thought LOL!

Here's a preview and a link:

Donna Rafferty Designs

Please let me know what you think!!

My Digital Scrapbook designs will be moving...

2007-02-25T19:05:00.000-05:00

As of March 1st - I'll be selling my designs at Plain Digital Wrapper!

Here is a link to the shop if you want a peek at all the other fabulous designers there:

http://www.plaindigitalwrapper.com/shoppe/home.php

So I'll be busy for the next few days...learning how to get my kits set up and installed in their new home.

Special thanks to Tanya G. for this wonderful opportunity!!

In the meantime, here are a couple pages I did this weekend using fabulous
Artisan Papers by Kathryn Balint!

Groundhog Day Freebie

2007-02-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

Well the little fella did not see his shadow, so spring should be right around the corner!!

EDITED 2-6-2006 The freebie is now available at Distressed Diva...

Link to Freebie

And while you're here, check out my new kit at Distressed Diva. I think this may be my favorite kit yet, and it's only $4.00!

Sweet Child of Mine

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY EVERYONE!

Freebie teaser...

2007-01-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

Hee Hee...this one will be available on Feb 2nd....Groundhog Day!

and a sneak peek at a new kit coming out later this week:

Love to sleep in on Saturdays!

2007-01-27T10:22:00.000-05:00

Although I feel a little guilty since DH is working overtime - but we DO need the money for college bills, and we also like to eat!

I do feel better today...I went out this morning and took these shots:

Equipment:
Canon EOS 300D
Canon 50MM f2.5 Macro lens
Raynox Macroscopic lens model M-250

Sunpack Platinum Plus
7500 Pro Tripod

The Raynox Macroscopic lens is a neat item you can get for $39.95 at B&H PhotoVideo - it clips onto the front of the camera lens and increases the magnification. You can e-mail me if you want more info on it.

OK I am off to take a hot shower, do some stretching and then run errands so I can come back and scrap for a while.

Have a great morning!

~Donna~

friday

2007-01-26T20:26:00.000-05:00

my job has been very stressful the last two days....yesterday my friend at work whom i have worked with for 6+ years gave her notice - she has found a new job. i am happy for her but i will miss her a lot.

when i got home there was a letter from the pastor of my church announcing he is not only resigning from his position as leader of our church, but moving to another town and leaving the ministry all together to become a mental health counselor. again, i wish him the best but will also miss him and his family.

then today at work they gave 5 people a layoff - the company has not been making as much money as forecasted so they are trying to save wherever they can. we are publicly owned by an english company and the stockholders want a return on their investment...5 salaries probably won't get them much.

and my 20 year old son and his girlfriend seem to be having a party downstairs - i think i have counted 7 friends that have come in...plus his little (16) brother
he and his girlfriend are both going back to college on sunday, and i hope the friends all leave then too.

as you can see i am too tired tonight to even reach for the shift key.

i am just thankful for my job, my family and my health - the shoulder is slowly improving, but not without a lot of pain and hard work to keep stretching it.
i guess i need a good night's sleep...kinda crabby...sorry

eta as i finish writing friend #8 has arrived...

Wow...posting 3 days in a row!

2007-01-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

Can ya believe it?
I am finally taking some time to scrap. I have to take a lot of little breaks
to rest my arm - seems like I can get more done in the morning before it gets
sore and tired later in the day. Back to the doctor on Wednesday - I doubt he will
be impressed at how much I can move it, since it hasn't improved in the past 3 weeks.
Thank goodness for Motrin and Aleeve! My primary care physician gave me some Percocet,
but....blah...makes me queasy and dizzy....Eeewww...Some people LIKE to take that stuff?

Ok enough of my whining!

~ Boni ~ I would like to thank you for your comments and constant visits - I tried to find a way to e-mail you and let you know how much I appreciate it but...ACK!...I can't find out how to see where comments come from on this blog.

Credits:
Background by Michelle Coleman - Chelsea's Dream.
Lace is From Grandma's Attic.
Brush is from Gypsy Rose, and stamped alpha all by Michelle Coleman.

Font is Pea Superamy.

Credits:
Background by Michelle Coleman - Chelsea's Dream.

Brad is from Corina Nielson's Skinny Jeans.

Cardboard is from - A Lil Dainty - by Amber Clegg - ScrapArtist.

Tan tag - Linda GB - ScrapArtist - Wintersong.

Blue tag - Michelle Coleman - ScrapArtist - Chelsey's Dream.
Photo border by Teya.

Journaling: The trees in our area are covered with ice and
when the sun shines on the ice it’s breathtaking! I find it
hard to capture the true beauty with my camera. This photo
shows the thousands of tiny lights beyond the branches, but
still does
not begin to capture the entire sight.

Fonts are XBand Rough, Jailbird Jenna, and Pea Steph.

My Sweetie and I

2007-01-20T21:19:00.000-05:00

Credits:
Ribbon Border by Raechel Knight.(recolored)

Background is and other elements - Be Mine kit.
May You tag
Stamped Aida Cloth - Country Carnivale.
Paper flowers are from The Spring Collection - French Gazebo Where the heart grows, Ribbons and Green Vellum frame are from The Spring Collection - Linen Closet

All by Jen Wilson.
Paint Swipe by Diane Rigdon - ScrapArtist - Get Creative.
Font is Pea Catherine.

TFL!
~Donna~

TFL!

Another LO for Raechel Knight's CT

2007-01-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

Here is another page. On this one I used Raechel's Ribbon Frame - it's awesome!

The frame really made this LO come together so quickly!

Credits:
Ribbon Frame by Raechel Knight.
Background is from Snowbunnies paper pack by Corina Nielson.
Heart is by Amy C. - Heartstrong kit.
Winter word art by Miss Mint - Frozen Slush.
Other elements (flowers, fastener, tag) are from Treasured Moments by Manuela Zimmerman.

Fonts are Stamp Act, and Pea Jessica.

TFL!
~Donna~

Ice Ice Baby

2007-01-19T06:12:00.000-05:00

Yea we got some ice! This was Monday night. Getting up the drivway was an adventure!

The second photo in the dark is probably the best indication of how bad it really was...50 feet...uphill...NO visibility in the dark! I walked up first to make sure nothing big was down, and drove on through!

Now it's Friday and it's still an experience to travel up & down the driveway, but at least you can see a bit of what's ahead LOL!

Tommorow Hank will probably cut it down with the chainsaw and I'll help him drag away the remains. Kindling for our campfires this summer!

OK I gotta get ready for work...just wanted to get these posted!

Have a wonderful day...TGIF!
~Donna~

New kits are up at Distressed Diva

2007-01-16T06:45:00.000-05:00

Here are the previews...AND if you buy all 4 you can save almost 40%.

Here's a link to the shoppe:

Distressed Diva

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!!

~Donna~

Healing LO

2007-01-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

There was an article in Ali Edward's newsletter a while back about how she chooses a word every
year to reflect on - this LO is about the word I picked for my own.

I used Raechel Knight's kit ~Fresh Start~ - available at SBB.
The name of the kit seems so appropriate for this LO!

Fonts are Incognitype and Betsystype. If you would like to read the journaling - click on the LO and it should pop up a little bigger.

TFL! ~Donna~

Link to Ali's article: newsletter

First Post of 2007!

2007-01-07T17:11:00.000-05:00

Not much to say except I have been working on some new kits, and right now my shoulder and neck aches a LOT! Going to relax on the couch with a book and my heating pad.

But HEY I SCRAPPED!!!! A little preview of what one of the kits look like - I have 4 new ones coming!

I almost saved this with the date 1-6-2006...EEkk I caught it though!

I also made this page last week.

Credits can be seen

HERE

Where does the time go?

2006-12-30T10:27:00.000-05:00

I am the WORST blogger LOL! Sometimes I wonder why I even bother. Does anyone even read this?

Any whooo, I have been feeling not so good for a few weeks now. It started in early November with a pulling sensation in my right shoulder - I thought I just pulled a muscle and it would be gone in couple days - whatever right?

I was in some pretty serious pain by Thankgiving - all up and down my arm so I finally went to the doctor and he said it was bicipital tendonitis and gave me a cortisone shot in the front of my shoulder - OUCH!! He told me NOT to do any lifting at all with it. The shot helped for a few days but then the pain was worse - I could hardly move my arm at all. So I went back to the doctor and he scheduled me to see an orthopedist. HE said I have what is called a

frozen shoulder

. It could take a long time to heal :( I did get another cortisone shot in the top of my shoulder and have begun stretching excercises to regain some motion since not using my arm was the WRONG thing to do despite the pain.

I am feeling a little better since the second shot and I hope I can do some scrapping this weekend, and work on some new kit designs - but I am slower than ever now! I did this page a few days ago - my sweet little grandniece and her Dad:

Credits:Background, and Zigzag Stitch by Michelle Coleman - from Merry Little Christmas kit.
Gold Edging, Red Tag, flourishes, heart and Star also by Michelle Coleman - Glow kit.
All that glitters background used as photo mat by Nancie Rowe Janitz.
Joy charm and Red fiber by Rose Farver - Birthday Chat Sampler.
Wordart is a freebie by Mindy Terasawa - Designer Digitals.
Font is Artistamp medium.

TFL - and have a great weekend!

Time for some fun!

2006-12-01T22:47:00.000-05:00

There are 12 links for surprise items hidden in my November posts. They will expire on 12-7-2006 or after 100 downloads. They are pretty easy to find - so have some holiday fun!

Thought I should post this here...

2006-11-26T13:31:00.000-05:00

Please meet the members of my new Creative Team!

Here's a link to the welcome thread at DST:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=20910

They have already started posting the layouts they have made using kits from Distressed Diva at DST, ScrapArtist, Digichick, and even more galleries.

Please congratulate them and leave them lots of comments!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

Just a little Thank you gift for everyone that visits my blog:

They are from my Thanksgiving Dinner kit at

Distressed Diva

If you want the matching papers and frame.

Here's the link for the free elements:

Sorry these links are gone!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and don't eat too much!
~Donna~

Sometime I even SCRAP!

2006-11-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

I did this LO last Saturday:

Credits can be seen

HERE

I have two more items going in the shoppe at

Distressed Diva

I am going to take a little break from designing and do some scrapping over the long holiday weekend. I have new unused kits from Jen Wilson, Michelle Coleman, all the ScrapArtist Apprentice kits, Painted Flowers from Helena Jole, Tiff Brady's Grab Bag and stuff I probably forgot about! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, with safe travel, tasty food and lots of fun with family & friends!

Build your own Gingerbread House!

2006-11-20T06:39:00.000-05:00

We built these when my boys were young - they were so fun to make and yummy to eat!!I can almost smell the spicy sweet gingerbread baking - it would make the whole house
smell so wonderful. I'll have to dig out those old photos and scan them to scrap with this new kit, coming soon to

Distressed Diva

Feather Trees

2006-11-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

Ok before you get to the freebie, you'll have to scroll past my two latest kits...High Volume and Merry Magic:

They are available here:

Distressed Diva

I am pleading with you to please check out the site. It's only been up for a couple of weeks now, so we need lots of visitors!!

The other designers there have lots of cute items...so take a look around, and maybe buy something if it suits you. There are also a couple of free kits in the shop too.

***ALSO*** I am still looking for CT members...see the guidelines below in a previous post.

If you are interested, send me an e-mail d_rafferty@yahoo.com with the subject Creative Team.

~~~~~~~~end of Public Service Announcement~~~~~~~~~~~

And without further ado...here is my little blog gift for you:

If you downloaded the Yousendit link - there seems to be a problem, so here is a new link using Megaupload:

Feather Trees

Big sale at Scrapbookgraphics tommorow!

2006-11-16T11:48:00.000-05:00

I know I'll be stopping by to do my share of shopping tommorow!

Heres the link:

Studio Maya

Victorian Fairy Tales

2006-11-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

Now available for $4.00 at

Distressed Diva

I am also going to be looking for 5 individuals to be on a Creative Team and make layouts using my Pixel Mischief kits.

Here are the details:

You will get one kit from the shop for free each month - your choice.

Make two layouts using the kit - you can add other products, but the LO should be made
mostly using the Pixel Mischief kit.

Post the layouts at three or more galleries of your choice.

I will be sending the links using Yousendit, so let me know if you have a problem receiving files through this manner.

E-mail me links to your LO's and you will get another kit the following month.

That's it - easy right?

If you are interested - send an e-mail to me at d_rafferty@yahoo.com, with the subject Creative Team and include a gallery link to some of your work.

The deadline to apply for the CT will be Wednesday midnight 11-22-2006 - and I will decide on the members sometime over Thanksgiving weekend.

~Happy Scrapping~
Donna

2006-10-30T22:26:00.000-05:00

Here are three new kits that will be on sale when the Distressed Diva opens this Friday:

Coming Soon!

2006-10-28T09:26:00.001-04:00

Both of the kits below will soon be available here:

Distressed Diva

I'll post some previews of more kits I have going up at the shop later. Right now I have to go make candy apples for my nephew's halloween party this afternoon. It is certainly a frightful day...rainy and windy...and COLD! But we have lots of fun indoor games planned for the kids (20 kids from my grandniece's class at school) so it should be lots of fun. AND the adult party starts later tonight ;)

Have a great weekend!

Candy Corn & Apples

2006-10-18T21:26:00.000-04:00

The kit will soon be available at this shop:

Distressed Diva

SO happy it's Friday!!

2006-10-06T20:01:00.000-04:00

I am going up to Vermont this Sunday with my husband to go hiking and get some foliage pictures, we plan to have some lunch somwhere then just drive around. We may visit the Joseph Smith memorial. We used to camp and hike there when we first got married (20 years ago - I can't believe it) before heading back home. It's supposed to be 70 and sunny. I can't wait!

Today I ordered a new lens...the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. I am hoping this will be the lens that is on my camera most of the time. I have read really good reviews and right now there is a $30 rebate. I hope it comes before the Pumpkin Festival in Keene NH on October 21st. There are so many photo opps there! ***ETA- BEACH CAMERA ROCKS!!*** This lens arrived the day after I ordered it!! AND it was free shipping. boy was I happy-surprised! AND I love this lens. I'll Post some photos on my Blog later on.

Pumpkin Festival

Here are some fun elements I made to go with the Autumn Watercolors Paperset. If you missed out on the paperset, scroll down....I refreshed the link for a week with 100 more downloads. ~Enjoy~ And have a scrappin' great weekend!

This kit will be available at this shop:

Distressed Diva

I am back with some free papers!

2006-09-30T16:48:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted a thing to my blog for months! I decided to start up again by posting a freebie to share. These papers look so pretty sitting on my hard drive, but they are much more fun to share.

Thanks for visiting.

***Last link is up above***

BUSYBUSYBUSY

2006-06-29T22:48:00.000-04:00

THIS is what I have been up to! The bathroom is finished and it looks wonderful. Needed and update big time. Now I'm in the middle of the kitchen. This is a big job...so I'll need a break before tackling the living room!!

I won!!

2006-06-15T06:52:00.000-04:00

I named Jen Wilson's kit!!! So exciting, because I never win anything LOL!! So this really made my day. I won a free copy of Country Carnivale, and a paper or elemnt pack. And it's SO cool to see my name there!!

I love Jen's stuff, so woHOOO!

Freebie .png file - Faded Rainbow

2006-06-03T00:15:00.000-04:00

Click on image to open larger version, then right click and save to your computer. Enjoy!

2006-05-26T06:52:00.000-04:00

I am trying to get back into my creative mode. I made this for the Altered challenge at ScrapArtist. I have a lot of photos to scrap but I'm having a hard time getting started. If I don't post again before the weekend, Happy Memorial Day to anyone who visits, I have 4 days, Saturday - Tuesday off from work...yi~pee!

How life can change in a month....

2006-05-22T19:36:00.000-04:00

It seems like I have lived a lifetime since my last post. So much has happened. I have not been able to write about it all until now, and even now it is so hard.

In my last couple of posts, I was asking for advice on whether to travel to Missouri to visit my Dad, who was very ill with lung cancer. After reading all the posts here and at the 2Peas website I decided that I should go, and I left on Monday, June 24th, I drove down and arrived on Tuesday, June 25th.

My father passed away 3 days after I arrived. It was so very hard to see him that way. I was in such shock when I first saw him, so pale and thin, no hair, with tubes and oxygen. The first thing he said to me was "I wish you didn't come" I do know that he only meant that he did not want me to see him like that, but it still hurt to hear it. And he could hardly speak at all, his breathing was so difficult. I have tears on my face now just thinking about him. I am glad he is not suffering any more...I prayed that God would take him soon after I got there, I knew there was no way he was getting better, and he was struggling so hard to hang on that it broke my heart. I have never cried so much and I will miss him forever. I did try to talk to him about Jesus, but I am not sure how much it meant to him, or even if he understood. He did say to one of his hospice nurses that he does not believe in an afterlife. But I pray that God will allow us to be together again someday though.

I am just so glad that he is in a better place right now. And I know even though he did not have faith in God, our Father is merciful and will be there when he is needed most. My father's companion, Evelyn, and I both stayed near him the whole time. We cried and prayed, and we told him we loved him, and that it was OK for him to leave. My sister Jean arrived on Friday, April 28th, just long enough to say goodbye, and then two hours later, he was gone. My Daddy...gone...

I'm leaving in the morning...

2006-04-23T20:42:00.001-04:00

All the responses to this post have just re-affirmed what I knew all along...the Digital community is simply the best and kindest group of people - Someone asked why there were so many NSBR (not scrapbook related) threads on the 2Peas Digital Scrapping board and this is why. Part of scrapbooking is sharing little pieces of our lives...both happy and sad. Even though most of us have never met, I feel like I know so many of you through the 2Peas site, looking at all the beautiful LO pages, and by visiting blogs. I do nothave many friends IRL, the few I do have are close but I am a private person and do not easily talk about things when my heart is heavy. I find it easier to compose my thoughts through writing.
I have just finished reading all of the comments, replies and peamails, and Iwant to thank each and everyone of you for the kindness, stories and prayers. So many of you havebeen through similar situations, and know what kind of pain I am going through. It must have been dificult both then and now, to tell about your experiences, and I really appreciate all the encouragement.
I have decided that I will take the trip to see my Dad. I know it will be painful, but I don't wantto ever regret that I had the chance to see him and did not go. I hope our time together is special and that he will understand my decision to see him even if he does not want me there, I know he loves me very much and deep down he will be glad to see me. I will try to be a witnessand tell him the news about Jesus being there for him, since I am not good with words, I pray the Lord will send hi spirit to help me with this. I know I cannot force my beliefs on anyone but maybehe will listen and be comforted by the news that he does not ever need to be alone.
I'm leaving in the morning, I may be MIA for a while, since I am not sure if I'll have internet access,but I did not want to leave without a note of gratitude to so many wonderful and caring individuals.

Donna

Sad-urday

2006-04-22T19:12:00.000-04:00

First of all I wanted to say thank you to everyone who downloaded the kit and left me a comment...especially to Renee who made me *blush* with her kind words.

The reason I'm so sad is that my Dad is sick with lung cancer and has gotten so much worse over the past week. He only found out he had it last October and already he only has maybe a few weeks left, as his right lung keeps filling with fluid. He lives in Missouri and I am in Massachsetts, so I am torn as to whether I should fly down to see him. He really does not want anyone to see him in his deteriorated condition, but it may be my last chance.
If anyone has been through this I would like to hear about any regrets about either going or not going. I guess I would rather remember him as I last saw him a year before he got sick. I can't even talk to him right now, because he has such shortness of breath.

He will be going home from the hospital next week with a portable drainage tube in his lung, and hospice nurses to make sure he is comfortable. His loving companion of 8 years, Evelyn, is an ex-nurse and absolute angel so I know he is in good hands. She e-mails me every couple of days with an update of his condition, and will let me know when he is home and able to talk better so I can call him next week. He's only 69 years old.

I am not sure what his beliefs are with respect to God, he has never been very religious. But I am a christian, and would like to ask for prayers that God will be kind and merciful for whatever time he has left. If anyone has comments you can leave a comment on my blog or peamail me.

I may or may not answer anytime soon.
Donna

New Link #18

2006-04-21T06:52:00.000-04:00

Guess this link was bad so here's another:

http://s58.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=158B5XQWUJUV3396GJNZO9GUEL

Have a great Friday!

Here are the last two links...

2006-04-19T18:33:00.000-04:00

http://beta.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=BBBA99DC15975210

and

http://s37.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3HFFUE8RBXWZR3F1KZPWCDQUL1

Thanks for stopping by...don't forget to come back for another visit. I don't have much time for designing but I may have occasional freebie links again later on!

Donna

Just more links...

2006-04-19T07:22:00.000-04:00

cause I gotta go to work :( I'd rather stay home and scrap! I'll post the last two links tonight though!!

http://beta.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=A4C1F30607180615

and

http://s64.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0EQ8ANOP0RXE12H6MUJWCO984C

Have a nice day! :)

Another Easter Flower Photo

2006-04-18T18:48:00.000-04:00

I just love spring flowers! So fresh and colorful after the long winter. Love being able to get out in the garden and play in the dirt...warm sun...green grass...wonderful blessings.

Here are some more links:
http://s65.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2H5J6GK3IJ3KK30M0CVDJMSTJ2
and
http://s65.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0LL4AOB51QY0D2FD9OOHUB604O

OK I am SO tired... long day at work today. I am going to make us all veggie omelets for supper and then relax with May CK magazine and watch American Idol. Have a wonderful night!
Donna

Tuesday aka American Idol day!

2006-04-18T06:51:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! Here's a page I made using the kit. The "sweet" font is by Taran Conyers...available at the Shabby Princess Shoppe. I hope you are all having fun! I may post another link or two tonight if I can get to it before American Idol comes on. I'm not too thrilled with Rod Stewart but it will be interesting to see what Chris will sing. He's already won in my book and I am just waiting for the CD!! Have a great Tuesday!

Link:http://s41.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3OK8M97ZPI9BF36MOLA0P6OLH8

2006-04-17T20:27:00.000-04:00

I took this photo of my Easter lily in the window yesterday.. I just LOVE the way they smell. It's in the living room next to where I sit and play on my laptop...MMMmmm!

Here are some more links!!
http://s58.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2KNRBW7M4NZAR24707CV2U7V05

and

http://s58.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=36VI3IPEUBD8U1VDV4XA9HG5MW

OK I am off to do some scrapping! Have a great night! ~Donna

Monday so Soon?

2006-04-17T06:32:00.000-04:00

Our Easter was very nice yesterday...we went to my MOL house, after church. We brought a ham and veggies, cooked for her and then cleaned up. Just me, Hank and Brian, it was quiet but nice.

Hope everyone has their taxes done! Anyway here is the reason for visiting...more kit links!!

Enjoy!

http://beta.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=402321312F23B3FB

and

http://s62.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3US9V4E3EU5AN1H4KQLQ7I7HWX

Happy Easter and two more links!!

2006-04-16T00:28:00.000-04:00

http://s62.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1KUCUHA9EJ1BQ0RN37G9V3T3DO

and

http://s62.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1HMD8T3GSSRS82NLCJYKTKAZNC

Be sure to come back on Monday for more links :)

DandyLion Kit ~Preview and Link 1~

2006-04-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

Here is the preview: The kit has 19 parts and a total of 14 links. I will *try* to post a link every day. I am using Yousendit so the links will be good for 7 days. Happy Spring!

Here we go with Link #1

http://beta.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=F5B744146E9A7444

Be Nice! Leave a comment! *And I would LOVE a link to anything you make using the kit! Thanks for visiting my Blog. ~~~Donna

NEW!!

2006-04-02T18:48:00.000-04:00

I have a new slider with some of my favorite digital pages.
And tht's all I have to say about that.

I have a new header!

2006-03-31T06:29:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's Friday already!

I haven't posted all week, but I did manage to get my blog header up! Here's a little something I made a couple weeks ago for the altered challenge over at ScrapArtist. Credit for the papers I used goes to Lisa Cohen.

Sundaze

2006-03-26T14:17:00.000-05:00

OK I really miss the sun! I did go for about a 20 minute walk this morning, then cleaned up in the garden a bit. It did start to snow a little, but at least it's not TOO cold. I could actually plant peas and spinach now, so maybe I"ll head back out this afternoon.

Desperate for flowers! I did this LO from a photo I took last June at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens...beautiful place!!

Credits go to Jen Wilson.

2006-03-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

AHHHhhh...Saturday! We had our weekly field trip to Walmart this morning. Just the usual...socks for DH, dog food, bird seed. Silly birds think it's spring and are eating about 25 lbs of sunflower seeds a week!

So I gave up on the 21 day journal. Yeh, I got one page done. I'll probably finish it up at some point though. I have been better at eating healthier and I walked for 30 minutes 3 days at lunchime last week. (OK so Friday was really only 20 minutes because it started to rain) I really like getting out of the lab for a bit and walking. It's so cool to listen to my favorite tunes...I love my i-Pod! I got the 1G Nano, the prices have dropped $50 since I bought them for my boys at Christmas, how could I resist? And I also got the car charger/wireless transmitter, it plays through your car radio and charges at the same time...works great!

Here's a LO about my youngest son. He definitely has his own ideas and opinions. Don't they all at age 15?

CREDITS: BG is Peace Watercolor by Ashley Olson. Newsprint B by Kim Hill.
Dani Mogstad - Both Chipboard Alphas. Tag Alpha by Keely Simpson.
Letter Y by Michelle Coleman. Letter U from an Alpha by Bennett Holzworth.
The letter S is brought to you by Anna Aspnes. Grungy photo border by Teya.
Font is CK Jacque.

Have a great Saturday night!!

2006-03-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

ETA: March 28th...I added a new link AND my name to the file!!

http://s60.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3QK5SFM0WJ3G80LWUL6U9LPP0S

I made these a couple weeks ago from an old garden book, and some buttons. I hope you enjoy them...leave me a comment, and maybe even a link to anything you make with them!

Cheers!!

2006-03-22T06:53:00.000-05:00

Can you guess what new toy I just got? Love it...I'll be rockin later for sure!!

2006-03-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

Yup...my life is boring. Or perhaps I am just busy and have so much excitement in my life that I can't find time to write about it. YA RIGHT LOL!
I have been struggling with the fact that my Dad has cancer. I found out in mid-January, and it has been very upsetting for me. At first I had an almost panic-like feeling. a heavy pressure on my chest like I could not breathe. I cried so much. I don't know how I got thru a day at work. as soon as I left for the day I would cry all the way home.
I am dealing with it a little better now. still very upset though. I talked to him last night and I felt better. I hope and pray for him. that he has a lot of good quality time left, and that the pain in his leg will go away so he can walk and do all the things he likes to do. re-build his antique tractors. poke around the yard. dig in the dirt and plant things. putter. I love him dearly, and wish we lived closer. Going to visit in June will be bittersweet.
So that's what's on my mind. I have started Rhonna's 21 day challenge journal. It's been 7 days. My journal is on page 1 still. BUT I have been doing pretty well with dieting and my morning workout. so. tommorow I will reweigh myself....and maybe catch up on the journal!

Riff-n-Raff's Ramblings

Mirror Post from Pixel Mischief...my other blog!

Big Bucks LOL!

Bits-n-Pieces

More camera fun!

Wedding Photos...and even a Scrap-page!!

New Arrival

Bad Bad Blogger!

Bet you thought I was gone forever!

Follow the links...

Early Birdy

My Digital Scrapbook designs will be moving...

Groundhog Day Freebie

Freebie teaser...

Love to sleep in on Saturdays!

friday

Wow...posting 3 days in a row!

My Sweetie and I

Another LO for Raechel Knight's CT

Ice Ice Baby

New kits are up at Distressed Diva

Healing LO

First Post of 2007!

Where does the time go?

Time for some fun!

Thought I should post this here...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sometime I even SCRAP!

Build your own Gingerbread House!

Feather Trees

Big sale at Scrapbookgraphics tommorow!

Victorian Fairy Tales

Coming Soon!

Candy Corn & Apples

SO ~~happy~~ it's Friday!!

I am back with some free papers!

*BUSY*BUSY*BUSY*

I won!!

Freebie .png file - Faded Rainbow

How life can change in a month....

I'm leaving in the morning...

Sad-urday

New Link #18

Here are the last two links...

Just more links...

Another Easter Flower Photo

Tuesday aka American Idol day!

Monday so Soon?

Happy Easter and two more links!!

DandyLion Kit ~Preview and Link 1~

NEW!!

I have a new header!

Sundaze

SO happy it's Friday!!

BUSYBUSYBUSY