Sunday, December 30th and the snow is deep and the temperature cold in Fairport, NY.  With every new year, I try to be a better person, be happier; enjoy my family more, clean out old stuff and of course lose weight.  It has been a challenging few months but Mark and I are looking toward a better 2013. 

My goals for this year (which I hope last more than a month) are to learn to meditate better and practice it.  Plan better and healthier meals for both Mark and I and to connect more with new and old friends.

Seems simple but things always get in the way and it is an easy excuse.  Losing weight is my nemesis but what I must keep in mind is.."it is not always what you are eating but what is eating you."

With that being said I hope to also blog more but that is often the one thing that gets moved to the backburner.  I dream for a healthy, happy New Year. 

My latest learning curve....scrapbooking

I finally started playing with My Digital Studio from Stampin Up and I am concerned that it will become addicting.  I finished a great page yesterday and did not go to bed till 12:30 in the morning.  My mind would not shut down thinking  about so many other ideas.  I hope you will enjoy this page as much as I do...it features my beautiful daughter.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I had making it.  I am taking lessons from Heather Summers at Stamp with Heather.  She is an excellent teacher and very patient with my simple questions.  Have a great day

Spring is just around the corner

I am getting more involved with paper arts and card making. I really enjoy it since it is quick, easy and does not take us as much space as my quilting and sewing (although my room does not look the case).
I met with my book arts group and made an according book. I got an idea from one of the members to make a small gift for one of my best friends, Nancy for her upcoming birthday.

I make a recipe card holder birthday card. I will be adding recipes to the files and sending it along. I hope I can figure out how to add pictures. I also added a little basket for candy treats that I made for a challenge on line.

Sarah, my wonderfully creative and very talented technical daughter has been helping me to set up this blog. so...here goes. Hope it shows up and hope you enjoy the pictures.

New Year Fresh Starts

Lots happening....just been offered a new exciting position and I have accepted.
Just started and completed a wonder blog for paper arts and rubber stamping.
cleaned out my sewing space to rid myself of excess (thanks to my daughter)
My husband has a new job (after being laid off) starting Monday.

Life is good. I hope to post more often this year. Have a wonderful 2010, it can be all you want if you let it happen.

Enjoy, Marie

Villa Warda Vacation in July

It has been awhile but I am getting deep into paper and book arts. I plan to spend the next week at the lake creating some paper arts gifts for friends and of course my family. The weather is going to be hot so being inside by a fan may not be all bad.

The summer already feels like it has flown by and I have not enjoyed as much of it as I would like. Mark and I plan to spend 10 whole days at our Villa Warda on Seneca Lake .

If all goes well I can actually post some pictures when I get home and finally have my page looking a bit more lively.

Enjoy your week, enjoy life, be well! Marie

Won't be long till we are together

I am very excited that both my son and daughter will be home visiting this weekend with their significant others. This wonderful event usually happens at Christmas but this is really a holiday when the kids some a calling.

Ian will be bringing our grand-puppy Rosco, who we love as well as Meghan who we love more.
Sarah and Piper will arrive sometime on Thursday after a long drive. We cannot wait to see them both. It has been awhile.

The cottage is almost done and now I am trying to make it a great place to visit. Most the kitchen is organized and the bedrooms are ready for guests.

Please check our blog about this amazing renovation. My husband has done most of the interior work and lots on the outside too. I cannot be prouder of him. wardavilla.codetown.org

I am off to my sewing group tonight and promise to post pictures soon on my projects. Enjoy the warm spring day.

There is "no place like home"!! Marie in the Beautiful Finger Lakes of Western New York

new look

All it takes is a talented daughter to make this brand new blog look good. Last night I was talking to Sarah, and I mentioned my new blog....my husband did a double take and said...YOU have a BLOG.

Guess I am not so techno inept. Yes I have a blog I replied but now it looks good, thanks to Sarah. We both have a love of Wizard of Oz as you can tell.

I came home and worked on some book arts projects for a few minutes. Hope to take pictures soon to share. I created them from an old children's book and the corners from envelopes. They make perfect bookmarks. Check out http://gomakesomething.com/ for some wonderful ideas.

Have a great night. Life is good when you know where to look.

Marie