Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas Mess



I'm one of those people who likes things to be organized in the unwrapping of gifts to ensure that nothing important is tossed in the garbage. However, there's nothing quite like the chaos of ribbon, tags, paper, tissue, bags and boxes flying around on Christmas morning. I'll miss not being a part of that this year.



I'm not certain whether or not I'll have time to post something tomorrow before we leave for England for my father-in-law's funeral. If I don't, it is my hope that the holidays will be full of new memories and cherished traditions for you and your families.

Thank you, again, to all of you who've written such kind, thoughtful comments about our unexpected loss.

Be good to YOU,

Melanie

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Thursday, December 13, 2007

Hug Your Loved Ones Today


Thank you to those of you who left such caring, kind comments. I will pass them along to my husband, to whom they will mean a great deal.

Having lost my own father just before Thanksgiving 9 years ago, I have a good understanding about how to make your way through the year of "firsts" since losing a loved one ... a parent. The first Christmas, the first birthday, the first Easter ... we mark time by those events, and getting through that year of "firsts" is tough, but you do come through it in the end.

PATTYCAKES, I was so sorry to hear in your message that you lost your oldest son before Thanksgiving. My prayers go with you and your family. I hope he didn't suffer.

Again, thanks to all of you for your support and prayers.
Blessings,
Melanie

font credits: Conrad Veidt, Funky2, CK Zenship, 2Peas GGs Love Me, Ransom

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Unexpected Passing

My father-in-law passed away Monday night, suddenly ... unexpectedly soon. My mind isn't on scrapbooking word art today, so please forgive me.

I'll try to post something tomorrow.

Thanks,
Melanie

Monday, December 10, 2007

Love at Christmas

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Whimsy


Just a touch of lighthearted whimsy in the spirit of it being a FRIDAY, with the joy of a weekend on the horizon. I look forward to weekends so much, it should be illegal!!

Hope your weekend is fun. Please remember why you're in the spirit of giving, and not get all caught up in your lists and horrendous mall traffic and other Grinchy-stuff. :)

Blessings,

Melanie


font credits: Gill Sans Ultra Bold, Hawaii Killer, High Strung

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Cherished Gift


I couldn't resist this one. Its eloquence is so profound ... its message divine.

How thankful we are for this most cherished of gifts!!!

Blessings to you all,

Melanie

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Christmas Trees




Just a quick posting to upload this word art that I created yesterday in a layout for a Quote Challenge at DSO.

Here's the layout, too -- just for fun (and I shamelessly used the Warm December kit also created for a challenge at DSO -- which you can find by scrolling down below).






Blessings on your day,
Melanie

font credits: CK Easy Goin', CK Oddball3D, LD Elementary, CK Grunge



Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Gifts of Time and Talent

In the spirit of giving, the talented AmyW has energized 16 additional designers to collaborate on an extraordinary kit that they are giving away this week. One Night in Bethlehem is rich in color, depth and meaning. Brava, ladies and gentlemen!!! It's an amazing present from some very gifted people. Thank you all ... and thank you, AmyW, for having the foresight to gather, inspire, and foster this group on a single mission. If you haven't already done so, drop by AmyW's Scrap-a-Lot blog and get started on the journey to collect this commemoration of the special night so long ago.

Today's word art gift from me uses the colors in KimB's DSO challenge (see yesterday's posting for the Warm December kit you can download). KimB is also participating in the One Night in Bethlehem, and I salute you, too, Kim, for the many ways you display the generosity of your spirit. Hope you can use it.

Inspire others today in the way you live your life. You'll be surprised how it comes back to you tenfold.

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

Monday, December 3, 2007

Candles at Christmas

Candles at Christmas are wonderful reminders of the Light of the World, whom Christians know as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. No greater gift was given to the world, and there could never be enough candles lit to adequately reflect His glory.

Be safe when you light them, but enjoy their warmth and glow as much as you can.

On a different note, I'm participating again in KimB's color challenge at DSO. I had already decided beforehand that no matter what color palette she chose, I was going to make it a Christmas one. Hope you like it!! I love to participate in these -- just wish I had time to do more; but no one pays you just to play. :)

Blessings to you all,

Melanie


WARM DECEMBER kit papers set 1

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Lesson in Giving

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow ... during this season of giving, and all the year through.

May today be full of unexpected blessings, and pleasant surprises.
Melanie
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Sleep Deprivation

What a long week it's been so far. I can't seem to get enough sleep. Probably the changing of the seasons/holidays/hours. Or it could be the allergy meds on top of other meds, huh. :)

Our puppy says it all right here:








Blessings,
Melanie
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Saturday, November 24, 2007

S H O P P I N G

It just makes me WEARY to think about going shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving here in the US. I know there are a kajillion bargains in countless stores, but some of the frenzy just isn't a pretty sight.

Having said that, I defend my right to shop whenever I want, without ridicule from the male gender. Grin.

Hope you have a terrific Saturday, whatever you are doing.

Blessings,
Melanie

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font credits: Adler, BoyzRGross, 2Peas Architect

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING

Here are the individual links for the Nov 21st word art.

Crossing my finger that it will work for you as easily as it does for me.

:)

My terms of use:
2007 © Melanie’s Digital Creationshttp://mmdcreations.blogspot.com/
All rights reserved
Terms of Use
Thank you for making a purchase from Melanie’s Digital Creations.
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All images included were created by Melanie’s Digital Creations. All ownership and copyright of these images are retained by Melanie’s Digital Creations. By making this purchase and/or downloading these files, you agree to these terms of use.
Not for commercial use.
Please do not share, resell, redistribute, or pirate these graphics in any way. These images may not be used to generate income of any kind.
You may submit works created with these graphics to online galleries, magazines, and other publications, with proper credit given to Melanie M.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at: Melberry34@aol.comThank you!
Melanie’s Digital Creations
Melanie M at Melanie’s Digital Creations

Bless This Mess
Kiss the Cook
Be Thankful


New link

I've been getting reports that 4Shared is requiring a password for the most recent word art package. Don't know why -- I don't get the password request when I call it up using the same link, so I'm not sure what the problem is. Try this one: NEW DOWNLOAD

Sorry for any inconvenience!
Melanie

Let's Be Careful Out There


Here in the US, the Thanksgiving holiday traffic has already begun; many started early over the past weekend, but there are so many on the road today, all day, and all night. Prayers are already winging their way to surround you and keep you safe on your journeys.

Knowing how things are with my family, I made some quick word art to illustrate the day. The "Bless This Mess" word art can cover the aftermath of the Thanksgiving lunch/dinner dishes -- or (more fun) it can illustrate everyone stretched out, hands over their full bellies, as they watch their football game of choice. Truly a "mess"!!

Be safe ... and be good.

Blessings to you all,
Melanie
font credits: Scrap Cursive, Trubble, Pea Missy Cursive

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Definitions For Which to be Thankful

I thought these explanations kept things in perspective when I came across them recently, and thought I'd share them with you. We are all more blessed than we know. Just take a look around you and you'll see. [This word art is much larger than it appears in this posting!]

In our family, we are grateful that we still have our Mom. It's been 9 years since we lost Dad, so we never take it for granted when the family has a chance to be together. Thanksgiving holidays are a huge family tradition, and I look forward to participating in that tradition again this week.

Here's a layout I created with a "glamour shot" I took of my Mom earlier this year. The layout was inspired by a World Scrapping Tour word art challenge led by Kim B. I used Kim's word art, and her marvelous kit, Stone Castle (which you can find at DSO). Thanks, Kim!!

Hope you and your family have a terrific week.

Blessings,
Melanie
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font credits: SBC Stone Inscription, Pea Missy Cursive, Coltaine No. 1

Monday, November 19, 2007

Yum

Still not very chatty this morning, but obviously I have something on my mind!!!!

Since being diagnosed with diabetes a couple of years ago, I have frequent severe chocolate withdrawals -- don't you just hate that? There are some nice sugar-free substitutes, I know. I know. But it's just not the same.

If you like this word art, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I have a series of related phrases that could be scrapbooked but didn't want to do them if there wasn't an interest in them. I've set up a poll on the far right column, at the top, for your convenience in replying.

Happy Monday!

Blessings,
Melanie
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Friday, November 16, 2007

TGIF



Thursday, November 15, 2007

You know you love it ...

...when you accidentally-on-purpose embarrass your kids ( in a fun way, of course). But don't you think that secretly they kinda think it's cool? My nieces and nephews do, at least. And they are soooooooo funny about it, too.


Blessings today,
Melanie
font credits: Quares, VTKS Scrubbed, Umbles, Power Regular

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Everybody Wins!

I don't know if I'm just getting sappier in my old age, or if people visiting my blog are getting kinder -- I think it's the latter-- but I can't help but notice that people are saying some REALLY NICE things. It's like swimming in a vat of chocolate: really sweet!

Thank you so much for your very kind comments, and particularly those of you who are becoming "regulars." I appreciate it more than you know.

This quotation is something I aspire to do daily (long before I ever heard it as a "quotation"), because not only does it make others feel better, but it has the added bonus of pulling you along with it. Everybody wins!!!


May your paths be truly blessed today,
Melanie
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font credits: Blackjack Regular, Scrabble, Myriad, Applescruffs, Litterbox ICG, Screwball Final, CK Fan Club, Mixed Up, Dots Type "On Film"

Monday, November 12, 2007

But Both are Special

Milestones AND Moments, that is. Don't get so caught up in the milestones, however, that you lose those precious moments. Scrapbookers -- I'm delighted to say -- DO recognize the little moments that may otherwise go unsung, and it's such a pleasure to see them in the countless layouts posted everywhere. Thanks for the inspiration!



Best wishes today,
Melanie
font credits: VTKS News Label, Rachel Regular, Lithos, LDJ Doodaddles

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Sisterhood of Women

It just makes sense, doesn't it?!!!

Hope your weekend was blessed,
Melanie

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font credits: Colonna MT, Algerian, Brittanic Bold, 2Peas Gift, Paquet Cadeaux

Friday, November 9, 2007

Music, Music, Music

Music has always been a huge part of my life. To such an extreme that when I'm walking down the streets downtown, I feel as if I can hear and feel the beat of my own movie score accompanying my stroll. Sad, huh?!!


I love the universality of music, and hope you do, too. To paraphrase a line from the film, Chariots of Fire, when I'm singing in the choir at church, I "feel God's pleasure." God honors those who honor Him in such ways, and that's a high that's a bigger rush than any drug or drink, I promise you!.

Friday blessings to you all,
Melanie
font credits: Amaze Normal, Amadeus Regular, Paternoster AH, Stake

Thursday, November 8, 2007

My 100th Post


Boy, it snuck up on me! Thanks for all of you whose kind comments make it easier to maintain the creative juices.

Welcome back, Joy and Hilmarose. It's always a particular pleasure to hear from you both.

Soooooo, how many miracles have YOU experienced today so far? We find them all around us and they're truly a Godsend when we recognize them.

Hope you have a blessed Thursday,

Melanie


font credits: Castellar, Chitown, Funky2

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

FRIENDS: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Friends like KimB are an irrepressible, irreplaceable part of our lives. We should gather them around us as we would rosebuds in May and a soft comforter in December. A belated Happy Birthday gift for you, Kim!

Please take time to drop a note or send me a layout in which you've used any of the word art or kit freebies you find on this blog. I would really appreciate it.

Hope each one of you and your family of friends find meaning in everything you do.

All the best,
Melanie
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font credits: JumpStart, Irrep, Wash Me, CK Long & Lanky, CK Mapped Out

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Caffeine, Revisited

They can't fool me. Just because daylight gets here sooner after the time change this past weekend, it's still MORNING. And chilly. Although I love the cooler weather, it's much cozier when you can start the day with something warm to drink.

Chilly + morning = COFFEE.

Now if only it would cure the "don't want to go to work blahs" that also accompany morning. Sigh. Okay, okay ... I'm deeply grateful to be employed, I just have to whine about the routine of it every now and then.


This piece of word art is dedicated to that coffee vixen herself, MINDY, who courageously admits her addiction and still puts on a brave front to the world. Drop by and visit her, say hi, and check out the things she's been learning with her photography class.

JOY, in case you check in again sometime soon, this one is for you. I'm sorry you're having a rough time; please remember that you are not alone.

Hope the week treats you well,
Melanie







Monday, November 5, 2007

A Year in Review

Just for fun!!!

By the way, I'm still working on the Add-On for Wise Men Still Seek Him.

Have a great day,
Melanie
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font credits: Typist Condensed Normal, Snowdrift, Chopin Script, Fairydust, Liorah BT, CK Peeking Posies, Chitown Script, CK Odd Ball, CK Skritchy, Museum Regular, A Yummy Apology, Mixed Up, CK Snow

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Sunday Thoughts

Family is our mainstay ... please keep yours safe, close to your heart, and always loved.
Blessings on your day,
Melanie
font credits: Engravers MT, Rosewood, Vivaldi, Thurston-erc

Friday, November 2, 2007

Wise Ones

I wasn't going to have an opportunity to post this kit over the weekend, so am uploading it today. As I was uploading it, I remembered a key element I had planned to prepare, so will add that on Monday! I'm still practicing putting together kits, so please continue to bear with me.

As you gear up for this season of holidays, spending time with family and friends, please remember why we do what we do ... why we have what we have ... why we celebrate His birth.

Have a terrific weekend,
Melanie

You can never be too grateful


font credits: Becks, CK Calligraphy, Bauer Bodoni, Copperplate Gothic

Thursday, November 1, 2007

If not for you ...


Today's word art is in honor of YOU. Yes, all of you who leave me such kind comments, cute notes and terrific anecdotes. It means a lot. This smiling laugh is in your honor.

If not for you, it would be much less joy in the creating process. Thanks!!!!!
Blessings,
Melanie
font credits: Beyond Wonderland, EK Brush Lettering, House Sitter's Club

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

November Ivy

Let's see a show of hands for everyone who is ready for November to arrive. Anyone? Anyone?

Me neither!!! The year has zoomed -- everyone is saying it, but it doesn't slow it down any.

However, a new month brings new challenges. And one of the more fun ones is participating in challenges in the digital scrapbooking community.


This not-so-fancy kit was in response to Kim B's Color Challenge at DSO. Here are the downloads for the November Ivy kit:

And a matching word art ... something I love to say to my husband. Blush.

Blessings on your day!
Melanie










This is just evil ...

... to remind you on Halloween day that your babies do NOT want to be parted from their candy when they go to bed tonight.
;-)

Good luck!!!

Have fun,
Melanie
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font credits: TXT Monique, TXT Longhand, Comic Strip, Candy Cane, TXT Fancy Caps

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Legendary

We have all sorts of legends we learn about as we grow up. We have legendary places, legendary people, legendary events ... but one of my favorite tongue-in-cheek types is those people who are Legends In Their Own Minds. Cracks me up every time I think about it. Guess that may make me seem a bit mean-spirited, but it's not meant to be mean. People who take themselves way too seriously may be another way to describe it.
Hope you can use this. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me see any layouts in which you use this or other word art pieces. Thanks a bunch.


On another note, it's now official ... another one of my nephews (Myles) is engaged and the lovely Katy will become an official member of our family. We'll all celebrating their engagement this weekend, informally, and are very happy for them both. My sister is over-the-moon about having Katy for a daughter now.
This layout and its elements are all from Pamela's Digitreats collections, including her "It's A Girl Thing," mini-kit. Check 'em out!

Blessings on your day,
Melanie

Monday, October 29, 2007

You know it's true ...


...how often did you hear YOUR full name called???!!


Blessings on your Monday,

Melanie


font credits: CK Paintbrush, Pea Lindsey, Facelift, Twiggy Regular, TXT Fat hatch

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Brings back memories ...

... hope they're good ones for you, too!

I'm getting my 2007 ponytail cut today -- I hate the in-between times of a haircut gap, when you're letting one style grow out so that you can get a different one, and they have plenty of hair to work with. Gets under your collar in more ways than one! Freshly cut hair always gives me a lift, and since I'm in the mood to get some of my Christmas shopping done, too, it's double the pleasure. Life is good. :) If we allow it to be.
Thank you, Lord, for simple pleasures.

Have a wonderful Saturday, filled with unexpected blessings.
Melanie
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font credits: Sidewalk, Tekton, Pippi BV, Sketchy Times, Blackredis

Friday, October 26, 2007

Happy Friday


Hope this one isn't too awkward to read. It's especially good for boys ... of all ages!

Blessings,

Melanie


font credits: Seawave Extended Keyset Regular, AppleScruffs, Angelina, Clean Normal, CK Splash

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Getting braver ...

I'm finally getting around to doing more layouts ... wayyyyyyyy behind the curve of everyone else.

The first layout is a very belated response to KimB's DSO color challenge for AUGUST. Yes, I'm very late. I just wanted to do it for fun because she inspired me with her choices of colors. Everything Kim does inspires me to do something -- design, kid around, chatter, blog ... the list is endless. Yea, Kim!!


The second layout was made using Pamela's (Digitreats) Fall kit. Such a fun one to use!!! Thanks so much, Pamela, for your artistry. It's always fun to see what you'll come up with next.

More word art tomorrow.

Thanks, again ... Melanie

Giggling Boy

Just showing off one of my little great-nephews, with this layout I did in response to KimB's October color challenge at DSO. Jackson is adorable and mischievous ... and I could keep a MP3 player tied up all day just listening to his enchanting giggle. It would make even the grumpiest of ogres smile to hear this little guy laugh.

Today's word art was inspired by this layout ... and I used the colors posted for KimB's color challenge. I'd love to see any layouts you do using it ... please!







Blessings on your day,
Melanie
Font credits: CKBuckaroo, Chiseled, CKFunBoxes



Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Choices

The title of today's blog is one of those words that contains an entire library of books within the space of the seven letters of which it is comprised.

C. H. O. I. C. E. S.

Everyone one of us lives with the consequences of choices we have made -- good or bad ... exemplary or tragic ... laudable or questionable. It's up to us to make the best of them, no matter where we are in life.

The good news is that (1) our sense of humor will often get us through even the most difficult of times, and the best news is (2) that our Lord and Savior ALWAYS has the answer to our questions about which choice to make. You only have to ask.
Today's word art reflects both. Each life path we choose eventually has a puddle or two, and we can either jump over them or splash through them. The key is that we DO get through it.

And in that vein, someone I've watched getting through difficulties over the past year is Silvia. I thought of her in particular when I was making today's word art. What a gift it is to know her. She's such a talented lady, proud of her family, who takes the time to be such an encourager to others, and an inspiration in the way she navigates through her own "puddles." She is a real sweetheart, and you would enjoy getting to know her daily through her blog postings. She's another person whom I know I'd enjoy getting to know in person, and it really makes my day when I hear from her. I say this today as I gift her with the With A Grateful Heart tribute. You're a very special lady, Silvia ... don't change a thing!!! Thanks for the gift of you.

Please take time today to let someone know how special they are to you. It's a wonderful way to muddle through the puddles when you remember that you're not alone!

Blessings,
Melanie

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Well, Shut My Mouth ...

Although I've worked diligently to be diplomatic when speaking with others, writing interoffice e-mails, etc., there are still times when I speak before I think. And it isn't pretty.

Uh huh. You too? It's such a powerless feeling to know that you can't take those words back ... the things that are better off left unsaid.

Maybe this will help. :)

Thanks so much to those of you who are becoming fans of my word art. I'm deeply appreciative of your kind comments, and even more grateful for the fact that you drop by! And a special thanks to Hilmarose and all the others of you who call to task the countless people who can't be bothered to leave a quick note when they pick up freebies. I don't get it either -- it's such a simple, quick, thing to do, and certainly makes it more gratifying to know that you're not working in a vacuum.

On another note: Do any of you have requests for something in particular?? I usually select the topics randomly, but certainly can follow a theme if asked.

Thanks, again, for being such fun to work for!

Blessings on your day,
Melanie
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font credits: Folks PS, Helena Script ES, High Hat Regular, Guilty, Christian Crosses IV


Monday, October 22, 2007

It's a chilly, rainy Monday ...

.... and I'm doing the happy dance in my office. It's as if autumn weather FINALLY arrived, and it's one of my favorite seasons of the year.

Hope you have a terrific Monday wherever you are.

Today's word art is especially for siblings or for moms who have more than one child. It's a fact that Mom likes me best amongst all my siblings. Chuckle chuckle. Well, at least I can pretend. :)

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Blessings on your day,

Melanie

font credits: Chopin Script, iSketchy Times, CK Buckaroo, Holtzschue Regular