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:

elements

papers

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

Blessings on your day!

Melanie

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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

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

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You know it's true ...

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

Blessings on your Monday,

Melanie

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

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

Happy Friday

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

Blessings,

Melanie

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

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

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Font credits: CKBuckaroo, Chiseled, CKFunBoxes

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

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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

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

Not for the Faint of Heart UPDATED

Just kidding, of course.

Thank you to those of you who had kind comments and thank-yous yesterday. I really, really appreciate all of you. Especially you, Hilmarose.

Today is just a lighthearted quotation for Halloween layouts, from the Scooby Doo cartoons. Hope you can use it.

I'll chat more later. THANKS, again.

Melanie

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font credits: Betsystype & A Charming Font Expanded

Postscript: I HAD to add this word art today because I won't be able to post anything over the weekend -- some serious lightning strikes this week shut down our landlines at home. So it's your second day in a row that you get two freebies. KimB, this one's for you! Hope it puts a big grin on your face. Hugs [Kim has some terrific bling things at her store and on her blog today -- you've got to try them!]

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font credits: Joyful Juliana, CK Chunky, CK Mix n Match, Embossed Germanica, Newcastle

Fall Ball ... New Freebie Kit

Okay, I'm trying again to contribute a full kit to the cause of digital scrapbooking. Please be kind. ;-)

And if you can't be kind, just be honest!!!!!

All joking aside, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. I do know this can't possibly compete with the truly great designers, but they've shared so much with all of us.

Enjoy the rest of your day/evening. Thanks for dropping by.

Melanie

DOWNLOAD: Fall Ball Papers
DOWNLOAD: Fall Ball Elements
DOWNLOAD: Fall Ball Word Art

You wanted more hugs

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Sorry, I'm not very chatty today. It's been a LONG week.

Blessings to you all,

Melanie

Font credits: JumpStart, LD Double Rings, I'm Bored, Stripes Caps & CK Mystery

Same Song, Second Verse

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Through the Ages

... and we can be any age that we choose. :)

I know you've heard this before but I thought it was very scrap-able.

Blessings,
Melanie
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I Needed That!

Let me tell you about Joy. I've never met her but I hear from her several times a week. She lives in the Pacific Northwest in the US, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of the country. She seems to me to be a gentle lady who cherishes her family and her home -- and what a lovely gift that is. And you know what else? She is so generous with her kind comments. To hear from her is always a treat, and it's doubled as I envision her by the sea, listening to the waves as the tide comes back in ... and I can smell the mingled fragrance of evergreens and ocean. Joy is a gift to me, and because of that, I want to send her the With a Grateful Heart tribute today.

I appreciate you, Joy!

And on that subject as well, today's word art is for all of you who tell me when the word art of the day touched you ... and you tell me how much you needed it. I know that I have photos that I could use this freebie art today, and hope you do, too. Thank you so much for letting me hear from you. It means a lot.

Blessings,

Melanie

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font credits: DSP Curly & Solid, Effloresce Antique

Overcoming

Thank you to those of you who have left such kind comments this week. I really appreciate them.

Today's word art is dedicated to a family friend whom we lost this week ... someone who was the strong, silent type, who served his community in law enforcement for at least three decades. He shall be missed.

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Blessings on your day,
Melanie

font credits: Chiseled, CK Stensa, Gill Sans Ultra Bold Condensed

Tuesday's Child

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More Erma

I couldn't resist posting this word art ... it's great for some Monday Erma Bombeck humor, even if it's past Monday when you grab it. I know it's rather "busy" but I hope you can use it anyway.

On another note, I want to thank the faithful few of you who post a message or a thanks when you download. It's very much appreciated, AND needed.

Hope your day/evening goes well.

Blessings,

Melanie

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font credits: Calligraphic 421BT, CB Vertical Swirls, Flash Cards JL, Century Gothic, 1942 Report, Crayon Alphabet

My single homage to the US football season...

...is a quotation from the legendary Dallas Cowboys football coach: the late, great Tom Landry. I had the privilege to meet him and his lovely wife, Alicia, a few years before he died. They were so humble and gracious, down-to-earth, and they truly lived life in a special way. He is still missed.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Tears of Joy

You know about those times, when your eyes brim over because you cannot contain your joy? One of those occasions I remember with such fondness occurred about 10 years ago. My cousin from Brazil came for a visit. We had not seen her for 30 years, and my Dad was beside himself, he was so happy. Paula was the only daughter of his second brother (who had married a very special Brazilian native), and because he had lost all three of his brothers, any contact he had with their children was extremely special.

The last time we saw Paula was the night before she left for Houston, Texas, to have open heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart. She was one of the first heart surgery patients to benefit from the skills of the renowned Dr. Michael DeBakey, and what a success story she became! After her father died at an early age, Paula and her mother moved back to Rio de Janeiro to be with her mother's family.

Paula stayed with my parents for two weeks, and we had such a joyous time. It was hard to see her go.

One year later, my father passed away suddenly. It is wonderful to have such terrific memories of the times we had with our own father, and with the times we shared him with our cousins. I'm smiling through the tears today, reminiscing.

Another happy-through-tears moment came when we celebrated my sister's 50th birthday earlier this year. She has been plagued by a series of critical illnesses over the past four years, and we almost lost her twice. We greeted her 50th with a girls' weekend at my house. She has not only survived her ordeal, she is now thriving, enjoying her younger son's senior year in high school. And she is singing again.

I used various works of art* from Kim B to make this layout, celebrating the joy that is Melissa. I pulled them together in a different sort of way to add life to the layout, because that's what Melissa does with everyone who knows her. Brava, Melissa!

As for Miss Kim? That cutie-patootie shocked me speechless today when she gave me this distinctive award:

Thank you, Kim, for such an honor. I appreciate, always, your kind words and encouragement.

Hope you all have a day full of wonderful memories-in-the-making. Hope you can use this gift. DOWNLOAD

Blessings,

Melanie

*Credits: Kim B's Designs -- Starry-Edge1 overlay, Faded Flutters Purple, African Sunsets, Bowed Blooms, Odds & Sods, So Who,
Denim Flair; Fonts: Liorah, Lightfoot shadowed

Oops

Thanks for the notes and suggestion about the link not working for today's word art on 4Shared. I haven't got time to find a workable solution (Hilmarose's suggestion was a good one) to create a new version at the moment. If you want it quickly, send me your e-mail address. If not, I'll get a new "legal" according to 4Shared version done over the next day or so.

Thanks for your patience!

FILE HAS BEEN RENAMED AND RE-UPLOADED, THANKS TO HILMAROSE'S HELP.

Wisecracking

I had to laugh when KimB sent me this quotation. I loved it, and it sounded soooooo like something that she would use to describe herself. This one's for you, Kim!

Here it is, October 2nd, and I'm already feeling the end-of-the-year anxiety. It's one of the busiest times of the year for me at my job, but it's also one of the MOST FUN, in general. Thank goodness for the things that give me pleasure, like photography and scrapbooking, because they help me maintain peace in my head when I'm trying to juggle all the tasks, activities, events, etc. You gotta love it.

Guess I'm feeling a little "cracked," too!

Hope your day is seamless and blessed,
Melanie

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New Day, New Month

And a reminder to add some play to your day. :) Your comments are greatly appreciated and most welcome.

ON ANOTHER NOTE, don't you just love it when the right thing happens at the right time? I had just taken a series of photos of my mom, sisters and nieces -- our glamour shots for the year. Then, along comes Pamela's beautiful "Darling" kit. A photo of my niece, Rachel, found its home in a layout using Pamela's kit. I only added some word art using the TK Doodle font; everything else is in the kit.

Pamela has a wonderful sampler of this kit to download on her Digitreats blog, but the kit is chockfull of lovely goodies. I found it irresistible. You can get it at her shop at the fabulous Stone Accent Studios.

Have fun, and have a great Monday.

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Blessings,

Melanie