Saturday, July 31, 2010

30 DAY MUSIC CHALLENGE: DAY 6


Day 06: A song that reminds you of somewhere...




this song reminds me of las vegas.  I had bought the cd on one of our las vegas trips a long time ago... we left the cd in the rental car, and I ended up having to buy it again when we got home.


30 Day Song Challenge

Friday, July 30, 2010

30 DAY MUSIC CHALLENGE: DAY 5


Day 05: A song that reminds you of someone...




In memory of Mr. A (former patient).

30 Day Song Challenge

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

THE KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER CAMPAIGN


  BACKGROUND:

after experiencing some not-so-nice behavior in the blogging community, I decided to take a stand.  I have always been the kind of person to take a negative situation, and try to turn it into a learning opportunity.  It is either the product of being a social worker, or the reason I became one--whichever came first, I don't know.

I also provide training workshops on personal and organizational accountability.  sounds boring I know, but it's actually very helpful in life.  it's about recognizing and taking responsibility in what you can and cannot change.  If you see or are experiencing something you do not agree with, and you do not do what is in your power to change it--then you are also part of the problem.

I was recently involved (I don't like the word "victim") in a situation that was hurtful.  I got angry about it, I lost interest in blogging, I blamed.  but then I thought, "what can I do to change this?"  I can speak from my heart, and I can make an effort to be mindful of not doing the same to others.  and, even better I can hope that others will join in and do the same.

and so the "kind-hearted blogger" campaign was born.



 AS A KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER I PLEDGE TO:

  • create, inspire, and admire rather than compete with fellow bloggers
  • be understanding of each other-- in the blogging community, as well as in the world
  • stay away from internet/blogging bullying
  • speak my opinion freely, while still being mindful of other's feelings-- be tactful.
  • make an effort--no matter how big or small the gesture, to spread kindness or joy to others
  • acknowledge that I will make mistakes, (I am only human) but remember to learn from them
  • know that at times I will post about the negative stuff in life, and maybe even some complaining (I am only human) but I will always follow up with something happy/positive too.
  • believe that this world is a good place, filled with good people.

    FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN (let me know if you do so I can link you)








    also, make sure to take a look at my blog pal lindsay's wonderful post on kindness. it's beautiful, and perfect, and I feel so honored to have contributed a small part to it.


    MEET THESE KIND BLOGGERS: 

    Let's Run Away 
    Seeker of Happiness 
    One Day at a Time
    Little Gorjuss Things
    Inspired Mess
    The Rockstar Mommy Chronicles
    Eliza and Beth
    Heart Handmade
    Love Quirky!
    Fizz Pop Bang Blog
    Coffin Confections
    Daring to Imagine Daring to Believe
    A Soldier Girls Thoughts
    Our.City.Lights
    Pamplemousse
    A Quirky Girl's Thoughts 
    Consider My Dear
    The Daisy Parade
    Evershining Star
    Kaleidoscope Eyes
    Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense
    Sour Tang
    Amylouwho
    The New Me
    Operation Nice
    Michabella Living a Life of Love
    Bread Without Butter
    Lea the Lion
    Today's Gift
    Simplest Form of an Elle
    My Lovely Little Suitcase
    My Empty Nest is Full of Cat Hair
    Gekakel
    Diary of a Crazy Rabbit Lady Too
    500 Strangers
    Paper and Pen
    Sparkle and Twirl
    The An9e1a Project
    Twisted Tree
    Living 4 Quilting
    So Sew Crafty
    Stories at My Fingertips
    Quiltmom's Journey 
    This Mum's World
    Pieces on My Mind
    The Clip Cafe
    Campfire Chic
    Yesterday on Tuesday 
    The Life of Ashley Fastle 
    Life is a Canvas
    Kat's Creations 
    The Cat's Meow
    Indie and Chic
    Easily Distracted
    Glass Plant
    Searching for Serendipity
    With Love, Jamie
    Anzouya
    Jasifer Lions Club
    Brina's Blog 
    Sandra Ortuno
    Pull You Socks Up
    The Hovey Hut
    The Happy Scrappy Place
    Buttons, Bows, and Brogues
    Skook's Playground
    Oh Snap!
    High Hopes in High Heels
    Paper Squid
    Life's Indications
    Art is Just Frozen Music
    Zinga's Zoo
    Down the Veggie Road
    She Breathes Deeply
    Kiorki Printing Press
    Nynga + The Bear
    Dreamy Fairytale
    Everything of Me
    Two Peas in a Pod
    Fishnets and Hip Checks
    Lulu in Los Angeles
    RevasRags2Roses
    The Copy Cat Blog
    Cupcakes in the Kitchen
    Sweetfaced Style
    Medi EVI
    ©x3AlyyyKay™ 
    Little Bee 
    Simply Loverly
    Swell Papel
    Lillabilly
    Toasty-Surprises
    The Not So Pharaoh Farrows
    Victoria's Secrets
    Life on Planet Baby
    Little Jenny, Big World
    Monica Rambles
    The Nearsighted Owl
    Live. Love. Bake.
    AJ the Purple
    Sunshine and Carousels
    My Little Blog Stop
    The Ten Talents
    Style a la Ec lec ti ca
    It's Always Something
    Assorted Musings
    All the Pretty Thingss
    Vivacious Mission
    Melodies and Desires
    I Dream Loudly
    Dreams and Drifters
    Lissame73
    Misinterpretations
    Life Lines
    Mafiosa Grrl
    Beneath the Acacia Tree
    Of all the Nonsense
    Carrie's Cache
    The Feed Lot
    Jillofallcrafttradez
    Expecting the Unknown
    Zomboid
    The Freebird Photoblog
    Ran Tan Waltz
    Matchless Vision
    From Gem with Love
    Moonbeamwishes
    A Little Bit of This & A Little Bit of That
    Fashionable Academics
    Oh-La-La 
    Melissabee
    Soft Weather
    Hold On, Love
    Smelling the Sneezeweed
    Cats & Cardigans
    Service Travel Growth
    Born 2 Be Mom
    Enlightened Cooking
    Dear Kee$ha
    The Land of Liquid Sunshine
    Style Milk
    Little Moments
    Blessed Bee
    Kiss The Olive Goodnight
    Lucky Girl
    She Wears Flowers
    Bushbelles
    Fuyume.net 
    Little One, I Know You Grow
    Whimsical Poppysmic
    Mouse In My Pocket
    Chronicles of Sarita
    Mama's Little Helper
    Sweet Pea and Poppy
    Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style
    Live Laugh Love With the Pondering Princess
    E.ssues
    Pretty Petals
    Cosmetically Curious
    Makeup Fancy
    My World Resting on Your Love
    Bubbling With Elegance and Grace
    Seven Cherubs
    Mother. Musician. and Multi-Tasker
    Dolce At Heart
    Running With Chopstix
    Pammy Blogs Beauty
    Productrater
    Dillightful Musings
    Daily Dose of Dahl
    Make Something Good
    One Step At A Time
    Free To Be Me
    Boho Baby Bump
    A Moment With God
    A Mom's Joy
    The Two Buttons
    Narragansett Number 7
    Diary Of A Super Mommy
    Katie Anna B
    Say Your Right Words
    Chloe's Mom
    Fourty Four Sunsets
    Autism As A Whole
    Elly Belly Babyee
    abbzzw
    A Splendid Little Life
    The Vintage Tea Party
    Crafty Bird Creations
    Michael and Darby
    One Kind Mankind
    Country Blossoms
    She Stamps by Cheryl
    Our Youth
    Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style

    Sunday, July 25, 2010

    NIKOART

    so my husband was gone pretty much this whole week.  he went on a diving trip to the big island with a bunch of his friends.

    he brought back lots of fish (the good blue water kind-- mahi, ono)...and even better than that (well, to me at least), he brought back this beauty:


    a gift from my friend (his friend's girlfriend) nicole, of nikoart.  she sent it home with him.  thank you, thank you, thank you nicole!!!! you made my day--I LOVE it!  this photo does not do it any justice though!

    isn't it gorgeous??

    30 DAY MUSIC CHALLENGE


    Day 01: Your Favorite Song...



    joining in with this blog: 


     
    see the entire list here.

    THANK YOU!

    thank you so much for the kind, and encouraging comments, emails, texts, and messages regarding this post.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much response I have received.  I am so very appreciative!

    It has helped to restore my hope in blogging, and the blogging community.  I replied to a friend's email saying that the reason I became a social worker is because I believe that the world is a good place, full of good people.  I feel validated that this is true.  It gives me so much hope for this world that my em jay will grow up in.

    I make a lot of mistakes in life, and sometimes say or do things that I regret later...or realize was wrong.  I am so NOT perfect.  the complete opposite in fact.  I do however try to find ways to learn from my experiences and my mistakes, and I do hope that certain people are able to do the same.  this is how we grow. this is being human.

    be kind, be compassionate, and believe in the world we live in!

    thank you so, so much everybody!!!

    the 30 day song challenge

     (from google images)

    krystal from krystal's kitsch is participating in the 30 day song challenge and I plan to play along (looks hard, but I'll try)...

    Day 01 – Your favorite song
    Day 02 – Your least favorite song
    Day 03 – A song that makes you happy
    Day 04 – A song that makes you sad
    Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone
    Day 06 – A song that reminds of you of somewhere
    Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event
    Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to
    Day 09 – A song that you can dance to
    Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep
    Day 11 – A song from your favorite band
    Day 12 – A song from a band you hate
    Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure
    Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love
    Day 15 – A song that describes you
    Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate
    Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio
    Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio
    Day 19 – A song from your favorite album
    Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry
    Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy
    Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad
    Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding
    Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral
    Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh
    Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument
    Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play
    Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty
    Day 29 – A song from your childhood
    Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year

    Starting tomorrow...

    Saturday, July 24, 2010

    JUST A BIT OF "SELF-TALK" ON A SATURDAY...

    So, today while browsing my sitemeter... I kept wondering why there were so many clicks coming in from twitter.  I followed the link and was pretty shocked to discover that someone had posted about my blog.

    Apparently the person was quite offended that I had used the name "em jay" since her very good friend has the same nickname.  Then I found a whole thread of tweets about me being "unoriginal" (I had actually never seen the other emjay blog till now).  I'm not saying that it is wrong to be offended or to post that opinion about me, because that is the great thing about this day and age.  With blogging, and twitter, and facebook, etc-- everyone is entitled to their opinions.  I'm also not posting this to point out the person, or to be mad, or upset.

    I guess the reason I'm writing this is because I was pretty hurt, and a little bit disheartened by it.  Especially since I feel I put my heart and soul into this blog sometimes.  And  I also try to be very aware of not copying or offending anyone (though sometimes I take inspiration from others...and credit them)... I have always felt so supported, and have been overjoyed to find such an open community of crafters and bloggers on the web... it really disenchanted me somewhat.  I actually felt like it took the joy of blogging away a little for me and considered quitting.

    But after some self-talk (yes, that's the therapist in me-- can't help it, it's my profession.  and therapists need therapy too!) I decided that it's true everyone is entitled to their opinion and to share it-- it's a free country as they say.  and really, you can't please everybody.  This blog is exactly what it's title is--about me and my daughter emily jay (em jay).  And my opinion is that there's nothing wrong with that.  It's also wrong of me to overlook all of the other wonderful, good-hearted people out there doing their thing...and allowing me to do mine.

    So, I guess in the end this turned out to be an appreciation post of some sort.  as well as a "snap out of it Joanne, be a bit more understanding and accepting and...let it go" post. 

    I guess it goes to show... or prove that I am only human.  We are all only human.  I am letting it go...

    Thanks, everybody!

    Be back later with a bunch of ATC swaps I've been working on...

    p.s. em jay has a fever, again. what is going on????

    Thursday, July 22, 2010

    INSPIRATION THURSDAY: DEADLIEST CATCH

    I have been a fan of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch from the very beginning. This season has been following Captain Phil's death. It's very sad, and also touching--the camera men are fantastic. I really hope they have won, or will won some kind of award for cinematography. They truly are amazing. They have been able to pay special tribute to Captain Phil while still maintaining and not losing focus of the show's true subject-- crab fishing. I think they've done a respectable job. In honor of Captain Phil, and Deadliest Catch--I decided to do a Nautical inspired post.



    You'll probably laugh because Deadliest Catch is such a manly show, and this post and the stuff in it are so girly.  But I'm girl, so here goes:


    (from: 8smake)

    (from: Quizz)
    SIDE A:
    1. Ocean Breathes Salty - Modest Mouse
    2. Girl Sailor - The Shins
    3. Across the Sea - Weezer
    4. Overboard - Ingrid Michaelson
    5. Badfish - Sublime

    SIDE B: 
    1. You're Crashing, but You're No Wave - Fall Out Boy
    2. The Water - Feist
    3. Sea of Heartbreak - Kapena
    4. March into the Sea - Modest Mouse
    5. Hurricane - Lisa Loeb

    NAUTICALFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore



    Monday, July 19, 2010

    MONDAY LOVE

    GOCCO
    My newest obsession is researching gocco machines.  I've been debating for awhile whether to make the investment or not.  I could kick myself for not getting one when paper source had them in stock.  It seems the more I wait, the more they cost!  Here are some wonderful gocco creations to drool over...
     
    ( from ink shop)


     (from mullberry blue)


    (from jimbot)

    (from lineacarta)

    (from run amok)

    I may just have to make do with other printing alternatives--perhaps this one...seems I already have all the materials on hand.  promise to post when I try it out.

    Friday, July 16, 2010

    NIKOART


    just a little bit of NIKOART love... 


    I used Nicole's gnome, owl, and mushroom stamps.  All of her stamps are super cute! Also see Nicole's blog: Hoboville-- she's a very talented artist!

    Wednesday, July 14, 2010

    LOVELY DANITA, AND GENIUS TIM HOLTZ


    I bought these lovely stamps by danita art awhile back from the crescendoh shop.  they are so cute and whimsical, and the perfect size for gift tags...


    I made a mistake and bought a bottle of tim holtz distress stickles.  I had meant to buy the regular glitter glue stickles but grabbed the wrong one.

    I decided-- what the heck, I'll give it a try. and squeezed some on to the background of the red queen tag.  when it dried...OH MY!  BEAUTIFUL!

    it has a slightly matte, chunky glitter look. very vintage-y effect...


    I LOVE IT...and now will be out searching for more...look at all the wonderful colors!!

    (image from: nona designs)

    BALL PUZZLE TUTORIAL

    MATERIALS:
    • empty favor container with a clear top like this, or this.
    • tiny silver beads, ball bearings, or recycle an old ball puzzle by breaking apart and using the balls. 
    • circle cutter (my container is round), or scissors (I use Martha Stewart)
    • anywhere hole punch (I use making memories)
    • cardstock
    • rubber stamp.  I used an owl by nikoart.
    step one: cut out background paper in a solid color from cardstock to fit the bottom of your container


    step two: stamp your image onto cardstock, and cut out to fit the bottom of your container (I used a circle cutter because my container is round)



    step three: punch two to three holes wherever you would like the ball to sit.


    step four: color your stamped image and glue background piece together with stamped image. then glue to bottom of the container.


    step 5: add in your tiny silver balls (two if there are two holes), then put a little glue around container cover edge and cover the box.  let dry.

    my mom is really good at this.  she could get them in super fast!

    you could customize the theme and use them for little party favors...they're so much fun, and easy to make!

    Monday, July 12, 2010

    MONDAY LOVE: STAMPS

    I'm back into the rubber stamping phase again... I tend to go in spurts.  here are some I've been in love with lately...

    love these stamps by nikoart



    cute camera stamp by cocories:


    love every single one by the greeting farm (images found here)



    pink cat studio is adorable too...



    and love, love, love stamps by danita...


    I'm having so much fun creating!