Wonders Never Cease!

It's true! I bet you thought I'd fallen off the face of the earth, huh? Well, fear not -- I am alive and well, if a little longer in tooth and wider in girth (I'm working on that, though. The girth part. Can't do much about the teeth. I suppose I could get veneers or something, but I digress). Lots and lots has been going on in my wee corner of the world, of which I am sure I will fill you in on one of these days. For now, though, I don't want our heads to explode, what with my sudden reappearance here on the blog-o-sphere (is that still a word people use?), the fact that I've actually stamped for the first time in 2014 (REALLY!), plus all of my personal news... it would just be too much to take for a Thursday morning.

I will give you a couple of bullet-points, though.  Because I'm a giver...

• We've moved. We still live in the great state of Oklahoma, but instead of Claremore, America, we now reside about 3.5 hours south in Durant. Durant is located in the southeastern part of the state, and is just north of the Oklahoma/Texas border. Why the move? Well, the husband (aka Sean) took a new position as President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which is located in Durant.  We live on campus in a beautiful old home that was built in 1916 (or maybe 1918 - I can never remember which; I need to go outside and read the plaque to be sure) and is known as Magnolia House. Here's a picture of it, in case you're curious...

Not the greatest photo (I took it), but you get the idea. See the cartoon bison wearning the yellow shirt and blue shorts, leaning up against the front porch? That's Bolt, the SE Savage Storm mascot. Since I'm at it, might as well show you a recent photo of the fam taken on the front porch for a campus publication...

There's Truman, now a high school senior, Carter, who's now in 4th grade and about to turn 10 this weekend (can you believe it?!), Sean, me, and Sweet Pea and Daisy. (Sadly, Ringo, our big, unruly German Shepherd didn't make the cut for this particular adventure. Instead, he has a new family and lives on a farm -- for reals -- about 5 miles from our new home.)

• My new crafty space is located in the basement. It's a good deal smaller, but at least it's not off of the front of the house anymore, where everyone who walked in would see the unholy mess that is its chronic state. I've got it barely functional at the moment -- consider it a work in progress.

See that pipe under the foil-insulated-looking pipe?  It's about 5 feet off of the ground.  I'm 5'6" and, I swear, I hit my head on it at least three times a day. Painful!

Okay, okay, okay. See? This is exactly what I didn't want to get started today: a long ol' post about me and my new environment and so forth. I just wanted to simply say a brief "hello" and let you know I'm intending to resume my crafty/bloggy ways. Then, I was going to show you my first effort to dip my foot back in the pool again, so to speak. *sigh*  I can't even stick to my own script... Oh, well. Without further adieu, here's a little number I created for my M-I-L's birthday, which is tomorrow.  I used this week's MFT Sketch (#192) and the color challenge from this week's Color Throwdown (Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo & Pumpkin Pie):

Ta-da!  I love the fun, graphic images from My Favorite Things' Office Space set, and I was hoping that using bits of washi tape cut with pinking edged scissors would reinforce the idea of tacking something up with tape. To add a birthday embellishment, I used dies from MFT's Lollipop Treats Die-Namics, a sentiment from Lollipop Additions - Birthday, and some orange Hemptique twine.

There you have it, folks. I'm winded now! I hope all of you have been well, and I'd love to hear what new adventures you've been having since I last poked up my head (or hit it on that dang pipe...)

 

 

MFT WSC 192	CTD 308	MFT Office Space Stamps	MFT Office Space Die-Namics	MFT Lollipop Additions Birthday
MFT Lollipop Treats Die-Namics	MFT Cardstock	MFT Razzle Berry Hybrid Ink	MFT Lemon Drop Hybrid Ink	MFT Hybrid Ink - Orange Fizz
Stampin' Up Card Stock	Jody's Foam Boosters

InLinkz.com

Comments

[Amy]

I was so happy to see you in my feedly today. I've enjoyed your blog for years; your cards are amazing, and I really enjoy your sense of humor. Looking forward to upcoming posts :)

[Joan B]

you're back you're back you're back

welcome back to stamper blogland. this was the best piece of news all day!

[gailanne]

What a wonderful home---congratulations on your move and your return to the world of crafty blogging. We're glad you're back.
Suggestion: a neon orange wrap for that pipe?

[Kathy D]

YAY!!! So glad to see that you posted! I have missed your beautiful cards and your witty writing!

[Linda monroe]

Welcome back. Your new place looks really nice. Enjoy crafting again. I hope after a hiatus you find new inspiration and joy.

[Lesa]

So excited to see you back, my friend! Our paths keep crossing in such interesting ways! You've landed at my alma mater and I am on the alumni board! Sorry I can't stay in one box or the other! :)

[Tammy Hershberger]

Well, haven't you been a busy lady! Nice to "see" you again, and LOVE the card! I was immediately drawn to the "tape" in the corners...very clever! Thanks for joining us for the Throwdown.

[Alicia Weiman]

Hello long lost friend. I was just in Oklahoma this past weekend, traveling through on the way to Dallas. Too long of story for here, but I had never been there before...stayed in Muskogee, then left for Dallas the next day!Congrats on the move and your husband's new position.

[Monika/buzsy]

What a fun card Carole. Love that tape holder image. Great use of the colors. The button greeting looks great. Thank you for playing along with us at The Color Throwdown this week. Glad you are enjoying your new home (other than the pipe!).

[Karolyn Loncon]

Oh my gosh - I looooooove the pics of your new home and your space!! It's amazing and perfect, and I'm so happy that you're back!! And the card is brilliant!! See? It's just like riding a bike - you never lose the skill!! We still need to solve the problems of the world. We can start with your teeth if you want to, but there really are bigger problems to tackle than your amazing smile!! LOL We need to chat - STAT!! Call me, text me, skype me - I need my Carole fix and I miss you mucho!! Call me PLEASE?!! XOXO

[Deborah Anton]

Congratulations on your new home and hope the new job is going well. Lots of changes but good ones it seems. Big hugs and I'm always thinking about you. Xo

[Joan Ervin]

It was sooo wonderful to see your card in the CTD gallery this week, Carole....your have been missed!!! Sounds like you and the family are on a fabulous new adventure...I hope this means you will have more time to spend in the basement!!! Your card is awesome, as always, and I know your MIL will love it!!!!! Welcome back and I'm thrilled that you chose to burst on the scene again with our challenge!!!

[Wanda Cullen]

What a great surprise to get your update and see your fun card in the throwdown gallery! Your MIL will certainly love it!

[Jodi Collins]

SO very excited to see you back Miss Carole! Congrats on your move...what a gorgeous house! I super LOVE your card!!! Glad to see you back and thanks for playing along with The Color Throwdown!!! XOXO

[Lori]

Glad you're back! Love what you did with these bold, bright colors. Thanks for joining us at The Color Throwdown!

[Claire Broadwater]

Love your card! It is so bright and happy! Congrats on your win and on your new home! It is gorgeous! XX

[Libby]

Oh how I love you Carole! So good to see something happening here on your blog! I hope your creative juices start flowing again, I am always so inspired by you! I've been following your big new adventures on Facebook - I hope you are settling well and everyone is doing great! xoxoxo