OCD: Obsessive Creative Disorder

Day 1 of 30: Relationship Status

2012-02-16T20:42:00.004-05:00

Day 1 of the 30 day challenge: Write about your relationship status, if you are single talk about how that is.

Source: myrevelment.com via Liz on Pinterest

I'm single. I personally, mostly think it sucks. I love the feeling of loving someone and having someone that you can confide in about things and depend on. I've been burned a hundred times and it hurts and it's hard, but I don't think I'll ever really give up on finding love. This is kind of a depressing post... one that you almost don't want to write.

Source: Uploaded by user via ashley on Pinterest

On the bright side- I am thankful that I have learned to stand on my own two feet and be responsible. I may not be a good housekeeper by any means or keep the yard neat and trimmed. Sometimes I pay a bill late and give myself a hard time, but I also wayyy over commit myself. Right now, my day starts around 6 or 6:30am. I leave for school by 7:30. I drive 27 miles to my school and work all day until the kids leave at 3:45 and then try to get home by 6:30/6:45. When I get home I spend about an hour tending to the dogs and cleaning up their messes. I decide to maybe eat dinner between 7:30 and 8. Then I do school work while watching tv... but sometimes in between I crash out asleep and wake up at 1am. Other times, I watch tv and work until 11... then try to fall asleep but lay awake until one or two... and repeat it all over again the next day. P.S. I also am taking two graduate courses for my Master's in Educational Psychology and am in charge of 34 students in K-4th grade with loads of paperwork. Am I responsible? Sure. Do I get enough sleep? Not nearly- but who really does? Am I crazy? HA! Probably!

Source: imgfave.com via Amy on Pinterest

So what does a single girl do when she does have time?

She sleeps. She cuddles and plays and gives kisses to her Pomeranians. Loves on her kitties. Shops for deals at Old Navy and the Gap Outlet. She looks for crafty bargains or wanders Target or Walmart aimlessly. She hangs out with her amazing friends to craft or shop or eat or go to a yogurt bar or laugh and vent. A single girl snatches those moments when she feels like she can breathe and lives life to the fullest and this single girl, forgets that a man probably isn't going to fall into her lap!

Seriously- you know if I find a guy at the flea market or Joanns or Old Navy or Gap Outlet or Target or Walmart... he's probably got a girlfriend who drug him there!

Well. I'm 28. I'm single. I've opened up and been hurt. I cry and heal. I open up again. I have two Pomeranians and two cats. I teach, I love my students, and I work on my Master's degree. I shop waayyyy too much and need to learn to clean house and budget better. But-

I am ONLY 28!!!

There's still time, there's always time to make change and to choose to be happy.

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

So... I may have started off gray and dreary, but I'm working on choosing to be happy. I'm working to remember those daily moments that make me smile as a SINGLE girl. And, it's gonna be O.K.

Getting Life Back on Track

2012-02-16T00:24:00.001-05:00

Saw this on Pinterest... and as I'm currently feeling overwhelmed, I've decided it's a good start to getting my life back on track. Beginning with this so I can reflect... wanna join me? <3

Source: katywidrick.com via Amy on Pinterest

Laughs via Pinterest

2012-02-11T13:28:00.002-05:00

Because I love my furbabies and laughed so hard at these...

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: dogs.icanhascheezburger.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: harvestbird.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: icanhascheezburger.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: reddit.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: atomicblonde.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

EPIC FAIL!

2012-01-31T21:17:00.003-05:00

For those of you newbies that I LOVE SOOOO MUCH!

I posted the wrong facebook link to Heather's Just Lovely Things blog...

FAIL!

The correct link is:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Place-in-This-World/207160595995123

LOVE you guys! SERIOUSLY!

Welcome Just Lovelies!

2012-01-31T21:15:00.001-05:00

Hello! Any of you who do not know... I started out 2012 advertising on Heather's blog: Just Lovely Things... you can hit the button in my sidebar to check her out and her awesome shop!!!

I can be a current in stock piece, a past sold piece, or we can even work together for me to create a custom piece for you!

For all new followers- WELCOME and Thank you for sharing some love! If you have a blog or shop please leave me info in your comment so I can return the favor! I am full of randomness on this blog and cover everything from art to crafts to pets to shopping to thrifting to teaching AND the daily challenges that sometimes get in my way. I try to keep it real and still give everyone some fun tutorials and pics to enjoy!

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/aplaceinthisworld

Blog: http://luckyocd.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Place-in-This-World/207160595995123

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/luckymarchgirl/

Winners will be chosen over at Heather's Just Lovely blog!

I (ME) I Made a Rag Quilt!!!

2012-01-07T02:24:00.006-05:00

Okay... I don't have kids, so let's take a moment to ooh and ahh over my furry children in all of their holiday wear cuteness!

This big guy weighs 16 pounds and was born in August of 2009...

This little girl weighs 8 pounds and was born in May of 2009 (yes BEFORE Charlie)!

I LOVE my pompoms!

Now then.... here's my Pinterest inspiration pin:

Source: quilting.about.com via Amy on Pinterest

Now honestly, my first reaction was "HEARTS! OMG THERE ARE HEARTS! I MUST MAKE THIS!" Do you see any hearts....

Ummm.. NO! That's because I was lazy after cutting out all of those honkin squares with my regular heavy duty scissors and said screw sewing hearts on these suckers! (P.S. They are more pricey but I would recommend buying spring loaded scissors for your seam snipping too.... and maybe if you can outsmart a rotary cutter using that to cut the squares. I tried and couldn't get it to cut through two layers at a time so I said screw it...)

Basically... I wanted a twin size quilt so I looked up the size of a twin size quilt online... that wasn't as easy as it sounds. I ended up going to overstock.com and looking up a twin size quilt that I could buy and then figuring out the squares.

I hacked my squares very crookedly in 8 1/2 inch squares (to do this I took a piece of printer paper and folded one corner diagonally to get a perfect square and used that as a template because I'm too cheap to buy a cutting mat). I chose five patterns initially... the dark pink was going to be the inside batting... you know, if you want a three layer warm quilt. Ended up I needed more yardage sooo... goodbye batting. I also wanted another pattern, so that ended up being needed yardage too. In the end, I bought 3 yards of the dark pink, 2 yards of both bird prints, and one yard of the two flower prints, the aqua and red dots, and the aqua and white damask. One of those I think I actually got an extra 1/4 of a yard because it was a remnant.

I wanted my quilt to be roughly 90X70... I ended up with something like 64x88 because I did 8 rows across and 11 rows up and down. I would recommend increasing it to 9 across if you want a twin size quilt. I'd say buy a total of 12 yards of flannel. AND make sure you REALLY do 1/2 inch seams, otherwise after you wash your quilt you have to go back and restitch some places that come apart :(.

P.S. If you are like me with your hack job and one side of your quilt ends up totally wonky after you sew it all together you can just cut it to be straight, then when I hemmed that side I did a back stitch over each cross seam... if that makes sense?

choose your patterns, cut out your squares, stack them so that you separate the patterns
lay them out in a pattern or whatever way you want, with so many animals I just did row by row overlapping on a friend's kitchen table, front and back same pattern- right sides facing out like a sandwich
sew one set to the next set side by side... continue for a whole row, throw that to the side and sew next row
sew all of your rows together
sew hem around the entire edge
get to snipping!
wash and dry... and empty the lint trap every 10-15 minutes....
wash and dry again to get all the linties off
read: http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/ig/Free-Quilt-Patterns/Easy-Rag-Quilt-Pattern.htm if I have thoroughly confused you
or :
Source: kellyedgerton.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

aqua and red dot

I had to have this fabric because it closely resembles my Liberty of London scarf and wallet from Target last year...

(Okay... maybe not so much... but sorta... kinda...)

Okay... we really laughed at this print first because everything was mixed in with the nursery prints and we totally thought these were big headed babies in cages at first! They are birds I swear!

I LOVE it! AND my little pompoms and kitties too- one of them is always in my shots!

Linking up to Miss Priss's Pinterest Party!

Goals for 2012

2012-01-01T23:13:00.004-05:00

So... this gets pretty deep and I actually let it sit in the drafts for the last week debating about whether or not to post it. I know a lot of people blog just to share crafts or funny stories, but let's be realistic here. My blog is titled OCD for more reasons than one and sometimes life gets in the way.

I've had a really rough time lately, overly emotional, unhappy, gloomy- it happens.

I have anxiety issues, OCD, and once a month a rough week of depression. I deal with it, I smile, I laugh, I love my friends and family.

Sometimes I get in a hole and have a hard time getting out.

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

Right now I look back and try to figure out when the last time was that I was really and truly happy. It comes and goes in spurts, but when was I last REALLY happy?

Instead I feel like a failure on an almost daily basis. It stems from feeling like I was never good enough growing up. From things that are said to me about my job. From the negative self thoughts that echo in my head as I look at everyone around me and wonder if I will ever find someone to spend the rest of my life with.

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

Now, I speak very openly with my doctor and I am a thousand times better than I was back in 2005 when I began having panic attacks and sitting in the middle of my kitchen floor crying uncontrollably. I had reasons for feeling so hopeless and stressed. They are issues I still deal with on a daily basis.

My favorite color is pink and I love all things girly: ruffles, sparkles, glitter, bows. I love fuzzy four legged friends. I smile and laugh and enjoy all of the time I get to spend with others.

Then I come home and spend time alone and have no one to turn to. Then things get a little bit darker in my mind, heart, and body.

Source: etsy.com via Amy on Pinterest

My goals for 2012 are to work to make myself happy. To choose to do things that could help me be happier.

Get better at keeping a clean and organized house.

Do the dishes before they pile all over the counter.

Make some home improvements.

I want to have a cleaner house so I can have a calmer mind and have a calmer mind so I can have a happier spirit.

I keep many things inside and I struggle with how I feel when I get down and depressed. I struggle with hearing others to tell me to get over it and cheer up, being told that if I want something bad enough than I can get it. There are truly some things beyond our control.

I really hope 2012 gets better than the past, but I need to get the past out of my head and into the open so that others who may be feeling the same way know they are not alone.

Source: sparklingfootsteps.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

A Few of My Favorite Things: Part 2

2011-12-30T13:19:00.006-05:00

So... last year I did a post on my fave beauty products... well, we've made some changes to better products! (No clue why I talk about myself in the plural... maybe it's the four pets). ANYWAY- I also needed to post something because it's been a while...

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Metallic Cream Eyeshadow

Shade: Antique Gold (silver with gold glittery flecks)

Cost: $15 at an outlet store

Verdict: No primer needed, just put some pressed powder on your lids and then smooth this on with a brush... it lasts ALL day with very minimal creasing, most times NONE at all.

Hard Candy Glossaholic Lipgloss

Shade: Fireball

Cost: $5 at Walmart

Verdict: I really like the sparkly red shade that is calm enough for my super pale skin tone, but I'm a lip gloss addict...

Burt's Bees Lipbalm

Just the original version... peppermint and something

Cost: $3 and change a piece, or two packs are $5 at CVS

Verdict: LOVE IT- WILL NEVER USE ANOTHER LIP BALM IN MY LIFE

I was using NYC Stay Matte foundation... but they didn't really have a shade pale enough to match my skin and I got super irritated with the masking lines....

Hard Candy Just Face It: Primer, Concealer, Foundation, Powder in one

Shade: as pale as it gets

Cost: $6-7 at Walmart

Verdict: Longer lasting that my Mary Kay foundation, half the price, great coverage... LOVE

I got a Burt's Bees mini sample box thing on clearance at Target and this was in it... I LOVE the way it makes my face feel cool and tingly.

Price: $8 at Walmart

In other news... I've added another furry child to my family...

She's an actual Pomeranian sized Pomeranian at 8 pounds, unlike my dear Charlie who is a sturdy 16 pounds. Her name is Macey Noelle and she is three months older than Charlie. Both will be three in 2012! She's very timid, but taking Charlie's lead on becoming more spunky. She is always wearing something pink and is glued to my side 24/7. I love her to pieces and my Charlie appreciates the playmate most of the time.

I like to call them The Pomeranians....

Like The Kardashians... but furrier... and smaller, paler.... more Pomeranianlike :P

Laughter

2011-12-02T23:12:00.003-05:00

I have no words for how hard this makes me laugh...

the whites of the cat's eyes...

the pure genius of the thought...

the fact that the dog steals poop quicker than i do in this house.

Latest Crush

2011-11-30T23:12:00.003-05:00

I am in LOVE with these. Wouldn't they be LOVELY and AMAZING together?

Just sayin'.

Target $24.99 (mine on Friday!!!)

Payless $29.99

15% OFF SHOP DISCOUNT!

2011-11-24T22:49:00.003-05:00

ENTER CODE "BLACKFRIDAY15" IN THE SHOP TO GET 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

A Place in This World

Good now through Saturday at noon!

2011-11-24T22:49:00.002-05:00

ENTER CODE "BLACKFRIDAY15" IN THE SHOP TO GET 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

A Place in This World

Good now through Saturday at noon!

Credit Giveaway

2011-11-05T12:33:00.004-04:00

Alright, I'm playing a game on Facebook!

Anyone who gets 5 people to like the shop page and tell me the name of the person who referred them get's an entry for a $10 shop credit with free shipping! Any extra like after five people is another entry! Going until 11/11/11.

P.S. The shop prices are super cheap so you are sure to find something you like!

Show some love!!! Please? :)

A Place in This World Facebook Page

Covered Bridge Festival FUN!

2011-10-16T23:35:00.003-04:00

I took a much needed break and spent the day shopping one of the many covered bridge festivals in Indiana. We hit up this one every year, it's in Mansfield, Indiana near Brazil.

It's like... an hour+ drive....

Hellacious TRAFFIC in STAND STILL BUMPER TO BUMPER lines through the whole town...

But...

I go once....

twice...

three times...

Don't judge... it's addicting and super fun... see pic below!

I came home today with a blown glass hello kitty pendant ($2.99), a pandora bracelet with six charms ($10) (bee, elephant, turtle, apple, angel, and "born to shop" bag), and four nail polishes ($5)

I also devoured:

1 apple dumpling from Heaven with ice cream ($5)

1 grilled ham and cheese sandwich that everyone is in search of ($7)

2 cans of soda ($1.75)

1 bottle of water ($1)

AND

THE

WORLD'S

MOST

AMAZING

MINI-DONUTS!!!

for $4

There were like 2 dozen of those melt in your mouth, cinnamon sugar, elephant ear like heavenly morsels in my bag... and they are all gone... with no picture...

Guess that's another reason for visit number 2!!!

And the fact that I must own the $25 white hat in the above pic that I passed up today... as well as a pair of rhinestone Hello Kitty earrings and a clip in pink hair extension...

Any of you ever been to a covered bridge festival? Thoughts? Recommendations? Tagalongs?

Creative Practicing: A Grad School Project

2011-10-15T18:56:00.003-04:00

This is what you get with 12+ hours of creative practicing:

It involved four hours with a friend to make the rolled roses, wreath, bows and ruffled flowers.

An hour baking a cake.

Three hours making a clutch purse.

Two hours painting and mod podging.

Another hour finishing the painting.

An hour of recipe scrapbooking.

AND another hour + to make the corkboard and mind jar!!!!

WHEW!

Fall wreath with new rolled felt roses (cut in a scalloped pattern instead of just a spiral):

Recipe Scrapbook:

Painting:

(I painted one color band at a time and then dumped the glitter on while the paint was wet. Then added words cut from magazines that are meaningful to me, hope to add more words!)

Finally successful with making felt bows for hair clips!

AND

Ruffled jersey flowers for brooches:

Wine Corkboard

(I used wine corks from a friend that are REAL cork. First though I traced the back of the frame on a piece of foam board, then glued burlap over the foam board, glued all that onto the back of the frame and then glued down the corks- going to add a big bow to the top since it's not centered!)

AND

Mind Jar- for relaxing and calming down in time out

(You fill a container with 2/3 warm water, 1/3 gel school glue, and then a tablespoon of glitter. I also added some food coloring to get a yellow color water. For my kiddos I'll be remaking this in a plastic water bottle!)

Ruffled Zipper Wristlet Clutch!!!

(So excited about this!!! First time I've ever sewn in a zipper with my sewing machine! And used fusible fleece for the first time EVER! Also added the removable wrist strap! I LOVE it!)

Mod Podge Cigar Box

(I used a piece of wood from the inside of the box to cover the writing on the original lid, then I used my pedicure tool to carve the heart and the word joy into the top like a tree carving :) ).

Rolled Roses:

(Tried to make the little roses by making a knot and then gluing it down to felt and gluing down as I rolled... not sure how I feel about the finished product. It's thinner than my normal rolled roses, but would be nice for headbands. The process was much quicker than my normal roll, fold, and glue method.)

Chocolate Pudding Cake:

(Pinned on Pinterest and made for my mom's birthday. It was a big hit and involved NO eggs!!! That part surprised me!)

Source: bakingbites.com via Amy on Pinterest

Creative Practicing: Hour One- Devise a Plan

2011-10-09T11:40:00.002-04:00

I've spent an hour on pinterest (probably more than an hour, but let's not go into my addiction) and have the following picked out as projects to do for my 12 hours of creative practicing:

Source: ladylullabuy.wordpress.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: iheartnaptime.net via Amy on Pinterest

(obsessed with wanting to make a pennant banner)

Source: allorahandmade.bigcartel.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: soulhunting.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Paint something

Source: blogs.babble.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: theidearoom.net via Amy on Pinterest

Paint some beads- idea via The Idea Room blog- linked through pinterest

Source: according-to-kelly.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: everynothingwonderful.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: joann.com via Amy on Pinterest

Make a clutch

Source: allthingsheartandhome.com via Amy on Pinterest

Now to get to crafting!

Grad School: Development of Creative Thinking

2011-10-01T15:14:00.002-04:00

So I'm going to school to get my Master's in Educational Psychology with a focus on Gifted Education.

I'm taking two courses right now, one of which is an eight weeker that ends on the 17th. I am preparing to start one of my final assignments: Creative Practicing.

Assignment: Spend at least 12 hours over a period of time doing something in a new way or something differently.

My take: spend at least an hour a day for the next two weeks creating one new thing each day and then documenting that journey on this little blog. Goal? Do some of those things I've starred on Google Reader and pinned on Pinterest and maybe whip up some new items for the Etsy Shop.

Follow along with me :)

Source: joyshope.com via Melissa on Pinterest

What to Do...

2011-09-13T21:31:00.003-04:00

School started back over a month ago...

Since that time I have gained 10 pounds (seriously).

Went from sleeping 10-12 hours to 4-6 (yes I still sleep like a crazy teenager).

I still haven't finished washing all of the dishes (ridiculous yes).

Now I am the only resource teacher for 29 to 32 students with special needs.

Given they are in their classrooms so I don't have everyone in my room, but I'm definitely stretched to the second.

Source: shenanigansinsecond.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

I feel as though I've lost myself.

I've lost all time for crafting and creating.

I almost feel numb some days.

I've pondered closing my etsy shop.

I've wondered what kind of new designs I could add.

Felt as though I've failed at keeping it going and getting it to it's full potential.

(There are mountains of coordinating fabrics that I bought to make rolled roses for stuff for the shop that haven't been touched.)

Source: None via Amy on Pinterest

I know we all go through times like this, or at least I'm told.

So now I've stolen a quiet moment to ramble on here.

I also stole a couple moments a few nights ago to play around with photoscape and paint.net on the computer.

Source: etsy.com via Amy on Pinterest

Now I'm preparing for another late night of school work.

Good news is that they are working on putting another teacher with me half days to help out at the school...

Until then... I'll be around...

Pinteresting an imaginary vacation and craft wishes!

Source: joann.com via Amy on Pinterest

WWIW: What I was too busy to post!

2011-09-06T21:31:00.006-04:00

The school year started...

I am the only special education resource teacher in the entire building...

That makes my caseload 32...

It's never been larger than 27...

Manageable is 22...

Basically, I lost all ability to have time to blog!

So here are some outfit posts from the last month:

...

DRESS: I MADE IT!!!!

FIRST PIECE OF CLOTHING I HAVE EVER MADE!!!

I used tutorials from Sweet Verbana for:

Boho Dress

Cowl Neck Tee Refashion

Dress: Target (MOST AMAZING DRESS EVERRRR)

Shrug: T.J. Maxx

Jacket: Marian College (now Marian University- my alma mater)

Dress: Walmart (I was sick this day and this was my comfy outfit!)

Cowboy Boots: Kmart (LOVEEEEEEEEE THEM!!!! First pair that has EVER fit my size 11 feet)

Shirt: Cato's

Pants: Maurice's (clearance)

Necklace: Flea Market

Dress: Kmart (red and aqua!!! LOVE!)

Shrug: T.J. Maxx

Jeans: Maurice's

Shoes: Target

Bad lighting... sorry

Shirt: Lane Bryant from Goodwill

Pants: Maurice's (same pair! EEK!) (I washed them I swear!)

No clue what shoes are on my feet!

Dress: Target

Flats: Payless

Lazy hair with a rolled rose clip from an etsy shop I've lost the name of!

Patchwork Poseys: Made by me in my Etsy Shop :)

Shirt: Fashion Bug

Jeans: Walmart Phat Silver Label

Shirt: Family Dollar

Lace Cami: Cato's

Jeans: Maurice's (clearance)

Necklace: Premier Designs

I'm linking up to:

Chiffon Flower Headband

2011-07-30T23:31:00.003-04:00

Okay... so for some reason... I make this face when I'm thinking about the outfit I have on or anything else related to a pic and I had to share it...

Now!!! Here's the new headband I made today!

I'm loving it and thinking these babies need to hit the shop soon!

I suck at taking pictures during the process... so here's what I did:

Buy a foot of chiffon from Joann's
Cut an inch wide strip from the longest part of the fabric
Measure out the strip and cut it into three equal length strips
By hand I sewed a regular umm... long stitch? running stitch? who knows... it's just what you do when you want to get a ruffle...
Gather the fabric as you go, then knot off one end when you are at the end and have gathered it as much as you want
Cut out a felt circle about the size of a half dollar and bust out the hot glue gun
Starting at the end glue the ruffle down, work in a spiral towards the center... if your center looks wonky just add an extra dot of glue and smoosh the flower in your hands... it makes it look better believe it or not!
After you make three... glue them on a metal headband and then cut out three more felt circles the same size as previously and glue those over the back to secure them even more.
Now you can rock out your awesome headband... or just wait a few days and check out my shop on the right to buy one. :)

I'm linking up!!!

Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap Up Party!!!

Beloved Sign

2011-07-30T22:53:00.004-04:00

I made this sign out of an old weathered and beat up piece of plywood I found in my garage...

First I sanded it all over to try to get off any ickiness and smooth it out...

Found some black speckles that looked like possible mold so I sanded it all off and then covered the whole thing in Kilz primer.

Followed by a couple coats of Aqua colored spray paint.

(I swear by Rustoleum's Painter's Touch Ultra Cover... it works better than ANYTHING else! It's the same color I used to refinish my kitchen table which will be revealed sooner rather than later I hope!)

Anyway, after the spray paint I used a paint brush and pale yellow acrylic paint and painted the word BELOVED because it's the meaning of my name. I also sorta didn't measure it so I filled the empty space next to the B by using a foam heart shaped stamp from Hobby Lobby and some pink paint. When I was all done I sanded over it lightly with a sanding block and then rubbed on some Valspar antiquing glaze in Asphaltum.

This pic is a glimpse at my typical photo taking fiascos...

See dog in motion?

This is my next shot... figure B... dog in my lap

Next try... (he felt like he HAD to be in the picture apparently)

Close up of glazing:

This will eventually hang over my headboard... I just forgot to buy nails today! OOPS!

I'm linking up!!!

Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap Up Party

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-07-27T01:24:00.008-04:00

I was taking pictures of the dog... this sequence cracks me up:

Figure 1: Sleeping puppy getting awakened by crazy mama with camera.

Figure 2: "Look at the camera Charlie! Here Charlie! Look here baby! Good boy!"

Figure 3: "Crap! You have red eye!" Charlie- 'oh my God woman put the camera down and let me sleep! whyyyyyyyyy? whyyyyy must you do this to me?'

Figure 4: "Awww that's a cute puppy." Charlie- 'i'm going back to sleep. please put away the camera'

NOOOOW: What I Wore!!!

Did NOT want to get dressed this day.

Shirt: Tie Dyed by me

Jeans: Angels from Fashion Bug forever ago

Shoes: Dollar General

Blah Day

Shirt: Goodwill

Jeans: Walmart

Earrings: Target, came with the second pair you will see down for $7.99

I take pics at night... obviously. These are my wannabe converse that I got for $12.99 from Shoe Show. They are gray on the outside with floral inside.

Shirt: Old Navy @ Goodwill

Jeans: Walmart

Necklace: Jewel Box by Premier Designs

Shoes: American Eagle @ Payless

Earrings: Target

Watch: Burlington Coat Factory

$12.99 with five interchangeable bands, I also glued the rhinestones around it :)

I got this leather cuff bracelet from the state fair last year for $6. Wear it EVERY day!

This is my everyday ring. The center stone is an aquamarine and the side stones I don't know. My mom bought it for me from Avon and it was one of their pricier pieces.

These shoes are the Kelsey peep toe wedge by Naturalizer from Kohls.com. They are seriously the MOST comfortable shoe EVER! I love them. I also love that they were regularly $59.99 and I got them on sale for $20 plus a 15% discount!

Shirt: C.J. Banks from Goodwill (love it, it's like navy blue tie dye an stripes!)

T-shirt: Meijer

Jeans: Target

Shoes: Kohls.com

Necklace: Me, vintage butterfly pendant found on etsy

Rainbow nails!!!

Shirt: Family Dollar

Jeans: Phat silver label from Walmart

Flip Flops: Champion from Payless ($4 clearance! reg. $14.99)

Pink Heart Earrings: Natalia Araya @ Etsy

Geeky Kitty Necklace (LOVE IT): Kuma Crafts @ Etsy

I went shopping last Friday and hit Maurice's. Bought tons of clothes and saved way more than I spent! Hope to post those pics as well as pics of some of my thrifting finds from this summer soon.

Join other bloggy buddies showing off their inner fashionistas or day to day comfy wear:

Pooh Bear Wisdom

2011-07-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

I love you silly ol' bear :)

Bloggy Goals

2011-07-24T06:04:00.005-04:00

So... where have I been all summer break you ask??? Like... since school let out at 3:45 on June 4th? Well... after about two weeks of assigned reading for the school I work at... I started grad school. Lemme tell you... two grad courses during the "short" (LONGEST of my life) summer session is K I L L E R. I was reading at least 100 pages a day to get everything done in the alotted time frame. Awesomeness. Anyway, finished my last final Thursday and spent Friday on a self shopping spree- spent $120 and saved over $200... pictures of those purchases to come soon.

(snagged this pic from Google cuz I shopped these two stores- obviously not THESE specific two... even tho it's hella hot in Indy, we don't have palm trees... Also, have you ever been in a Maurice's? I want to go back to the one I went to just to take pics of the fitting room for you guys! They write your name on these beautiful tiffany blue dry erase pretties on YOUR fitting room door. Then the wall of one that I went to was wallpapered with clothing related quotes... there was a mirror on the other wall, a cute little wooden chair, AND there was a silver bar across one wall where the girl hung my possibilities so that I could see each of them!)

I've been neglecting my poor lovely blog. There's really been no time for me to do anything but sleep, study, shower, study, sleep, and all over again. The yard is a jungle, the house smells funky, fur is all over the furniture, and the dishes are dirty!

But alas... I have until Thursday to catch up on some fun. Thursday is Back to School for this girly (teaching wise- kids come back the 1st). I'm hoping to get in a much overdue necklace creation for Ashley at the Shine Project (see her button on the sidebar for more there), turn two Clinique makeup bags into clutches to be sold in the etsy shop :), and make myself a headband... tomorrow. Now... I still have hopes to make myself a clutch and post pictures of the cute purse I made (first time I've made anything on the sewing machine besides curtains- and only one pair at that!).

I'm hoping to bust out my camera and take some random pics. I have plans for most of next week leading up to school... we'll see what I squeeze out!

I hope your summer has been awesome (and relaxing)!!!

P.S. I just recently got on Pinterest and keep going through spurts of obsession... it was my break from grad school!

You otter love one another!

2011-07-18T22:48:00.001-04:00

Did you know that sea otters hold hands while sleeping so they don't drift away from one another? How cute is that! Watch the video past the 1:19 mark because that's the sweetest moment!

Because I Love You Guys!

2011-07-18T18:49:00.006-04:00

Check out my shop :)

A Place in This World Shop

I'll be back soon- like Friday when I have finished all of my work and finals for my first two graduate courses!

Gotta Share Some Target Shopping Love!

2011-07-13T18:54:00.003-04:00

I'm a teacher... I love Back to School aisles! I went to Target today on a hunt for cute school supplies and also found tons of cute jewelry! Enjoy my window shopping randomness!

(these are all on sale this week! pencils= $1.50, pouch= $1.50, ruler= $1.29, scissors= $2.79, or something like that!)

(Necklaces were all $12.99 I think, earrings were $7.99 for the set of three and either that or $9.99 for the red bears)

So cute!

SHOP UPDATE!!!

2011-07-11T19:59:00.004-04:00

Just listed new earrings and necklaces in the shop! Check them out!

Hoping to get some new patchwork posey and singed satin hair clips listed in the next week...

Also working on getting familiar with the sewing machine, maybe clutches or purses in the future?

A Place in This World

Have YOU discovered Just Lovely Things???

2011-07-01T18:45:00.004-04:00

Okay... seriously, she once asked if she was a drug dealer... she totally is. Drugs = her ruffle headbands of course! She lists them and in like 10 minutes they are SOLD OUT! I get an adrenaline rush every time she posts on Facebook that there is new inventory. So, today I have to share my lovelies that I've gotten from Heather (designer, photographer, hair stylist, mastermind, headband drug dealer extraordinaire... HAHA).

Here's me sporting my lovelies for a self photo shoot:

(I love this outfit, shirt: FashionBug, gold heart necklace: thrifted from a flea market for $2!)

First Lovely I EVER Owned: Beautiful Bunny

(I even screamed when I saw it... two of my loves: bunnies and Paris!)

2nd: Sugar Ruffle

(a duplicate I begged for- she's working on only one of a kinds now, sorry ladies!)

3rd: Peachy Keen Ruffle Headband

(I just ordered this bad boy today!!! Heather is now introducing lines of one of a kind ruffle wraps that all center around a theme. This is part of the Summer Fields line.)

Okay, so you have to check Heather out! I stalk her... on facebook and through her blog on Google Reader. I also stalk her Etsy shop... Check out all of them!

Just Lovely Things Blog & Shop Link

You are going to fall in L O V E!

~Amy Jean~

Quick Organizing Idea and Progress :)

2011-06-27T16:34:00.004-04:00

Easy organization idea for necklaces:

All you need is a towel bar (I have two in my bathroom) and shower hooks:

My necklaces don't get tangled and I can easily find what I need!

AND..... update:

Summer To Do

I was catching up on the posts over at Love Stitched and was inspired by her Summer To Do post so I'm doing my own!

go see my friend's daughter's dance recital X- she is AHHHMAZING
spend my annual day in Nashville, Indiana with Sarah
go in at least one new flea market X- Sarah and I discovered two, but only one was open!
primer, paint, and glaze the kitchen table I sanded down in the garage-X reveal to come as soon as I get poly coat on it
organize my fabric in the craft room X (yes, I consider this organized since it previously was all just thrown in a box)
finish Charlie's puppy scrapbook X- in ONE day!!!
paint something in the house (finish the bedroom, redo the baseboards- something!)
give away some more things to Goodwill (including CLOTHES!)
go through my massive shoe hoarding
complete 2 graduate courses
add at least one new item to my shop
post that tutorial I've mentioned previously for a giveaway
ship out bracelets for the charity project my students participated in- FAIL, missed date in my insane rush to register for Graduate Courses
finally finish and ship Miss Ashley over at the Shine Project her SMS Sweet Sailing necklace as seen in my shop as a thank you for inspiring me to go for it! (she is awesome, we love her, and if you need some inspiration for life- go check her out!)
check out some of the sites downtown
plant something X (my friend got me a hydrangea for my birthday!)
play outside with Charlie X
make a new dessert
revisit Metamora, Indiana
eat a hurry burger- you have to have one to understand
take pictures of summer fun with friends!

More Prints!!!

2011-06-22T05:13:00.001-04:00

Okay... I may have a slight obsession now...

Prints 4 U!

2011-06-21T23:58:00.005-04:00

I needed a break from working on my grad courses for my Master's Degree so you guys get some freebies :).

Let me know if you have any ideas for other color combinations or if you would like to see another quote. I'll do my best to create it and post it here for others to enjoy!

Just click the image to get it in it's true size and then save to your computer!

Etsy Shop Facebook Page

2011-06-15T13:46:00.002-04:00

I just started a facebook page for my Etsy shop!!! Stop by and "like" me please!

Facebook: A Place in This World

Being Me

2011-06-14T00:56:00.006-04:00

Success is... having all of your Google Reader blog posts read for the first time in three months :)

Happiness is... spending a wonderfully relaxing and fun filled day with your best friend.

And peacefulness is... knowing you get to sleep in again tomorrow in your warm, cozy bed with your furries all cuddling by your side.

Petite Banner for Pets

2011-06-13T00:57:00.007-04:00

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little crazy...

The newest of my furry children, who has been around since Christmas, is Stellaluna. She's a sugar glider and fascinates me.

This is her new cage that I scored for $4.50 at a flea market!

I decided it needed some sprucing up... so out came Skippyjon Jones with:

cardboard
paint
brushes
scissors
jump rings
pin or needle to punch holes in the corners of each pennant

I painted squares of color on the cardboard and then just cut out pennant shapes :).

Then you just poke a little hole in each corner with a pin and use jump rings to connect each piece. Oh and I wrote the name with a marker!

I run with scissors :D.

Finished product :D

(I love me some Skippyjon Jones and children books (Stellaluna is a character too))

Summer To Do

2011-06-11T22:24:00.005-04:00

I was catching up on the posts over at Love Stitched and was inspired by her Summer To Do post so I'm doing my own!

go see my friend's daughter's dance recital
spend my annual day in Nashville, Indiana with Sarah
go in at least one new flea market
primer, paint, and glaze the kitchen table I sanded down in the garage
organize my fabric in the craft room
finish Charlie's puppy scrapbook
paint something in the house (finish the bedroom, redo the baseboards- something!)
give away some more things to Goodwill (including CLOTHES!)
go through my massive shoe hoarding
complete 2 graduate courses
add at least one new item to my shop
post that tutorial I've mentioned previously for a giveaway
ship out bracelets for the charity project my students participated in
finally finish and ship Miss Ashley over at the Shine Project her SMS Sweet Sailing necklace as seen in my shop as a thank you for inspiring me to go for it! (she is awesome, we love her, and if you need some inspiration for life- go check her out!)
check out some of the sites downtown
plant something
play outside with Charlie
make a new dessert
revisit Metamora, Indiana
eat a hurry burger- you have to have one to understand
take pictures of summer fun with friends!

What are you doing this summer? Link up or just drop a comment to let me know!

My To Do Before 30 (ish) List

2011-06-09T20:33:00.003-04:00

I made this list when I was 19 after reading Mandy Moore's list of 60 things she wanted to do by the time she was 30 in Seventeen Magazine. I just recently came across it again and thought it would be an interesting share. I had wanted to do all of these by the time I was 30... but that's not going to happen on some of them- thus the ish!

have a boyfriend X (Yes, I really hadn't had a boyfriend yet at 19... but it happened later that year)
get married
have kids
volunteer one day a week
get my cartilage pierced (I now have a tattoo though... this one may cancel out)
publish one of my stories
have one of my paintings displayed
help build a house
babysit X
graduate college X (Now going for my Master's!!! First in my family to go to college!!!)
lose weight
get my hair done in a salon X
get my nails done X
get a pedicure
have someone do my makeup X (Thank you Mary Kay)
read all the books I own
plant a flower garden X
work a sewing machine X (And break it :( )
learn how to cross stitch X
take art lessons
learn how to play the piano
learn how to play the guitar (I own a cheap guitar... it's pink... still can't play)
donate money to charity X (donated to ASPCA for a couple years)
drive on the interstate X (My mother REFUSED to let me drive on the interstate- now it's the only way I travel!)
go to Nova Scotia (part of my Titanic obsession- want to visit the cemetery)
go to Paris
touch a dolphin
see a sea turtle X
get a new stuffed sea turtle X (my first dog ate mine!!!)
kiss a guy X
smile more X
put together a photo album X
see the sunrise

Let me know if you share a list you have for life! I'd love to visit and see what your hopes and dreams are!

Amy

My Current Fave Strong Songs

2011-05-22T02:11:00.003-04:00

Being MIA

2011-05-21T21:58:00.004-04:00

Well last time I posted I was planning to do a giveaway.

Since then...

There was a boy... trusted the boy, thought I had fallen in "love" with the boy
Broke up with the boy... wasn't as honest and caring as I thought
Got a mystery illness that is still healing (think 3+ weeks of: 103+ fever for 6 days straight, blisters, blood in urine, body aches, chills, SEVERE headaches, SEVERE back pain with spasms, issues with my hiatal hernia, vomiting- sorry if TMI)
Finally started feeling "normal" and got smacked with a cold that is leaving me exhausted
AND 1,500+ blog posts to read on Google Reader!!!

There are 9 school days left and tons of work for me to get completed... when I return there will be a giveaway and hopefully some new items added to my shop. Thanks for hanging around! Love to all of you.

Love my Followers

2011-04-01T22:25:00.003-04:00

You can't have a post without pics so I'll share my randomness with you before my post...

I found this bird through Google... he cracked me up because I related to him through my PMSing...

He made my facebook profile picture and needed to be made over for my bday:

My bday passed so he had to be made over for Easter:

All done with photobucket editing stickers :)

Well, Monday is back to school for me.
Tomorrow is a flea market run and Olive Garden with Sarah.

I have 25 followers! That's a quarter of 100! I remember when I NEVER thought I'd even see double digits! Now I'm to 25! Maybe there are even some random readers out there following through Google Reader who aren't official yet?

Anyway, I have a tutorial (like super simple DUH I could do that, but still :P) to share with you soon. Any follower current or new as a random reader who becomes official that wants to comment is eligible to receive the project I'll be doing a tutorial on... stay tuned for your chance :).

Oh, and it has something to do with my new camera :).

Spring Inspiration: Wandering Walmart

2011-03-27T22:58:00.000-04:00

I seriously wish I could afford to buy all of this right now. Check out the Walmart spring goodness:

Candles $5 each, the top three set are Cherry Blossom scented as is the bottom jar with the big flowers (they are three wick candles). The top jar with the smaller flowers is pink peony (I bought that one).

These are $24.00, regardless of size, quilts with matching tote. They are those quilts that are just printed cotton with random stitching, but I love the colors. I really want one to throw over my couch and bring in more color... adding that to my wishlist. :)

These were perfectly coordinated plastic bins with lids! $7.47 each, you can get one large or the smaller come in two packs. I'm trying to settle with the clear shoebox storage containers I have and stop drooling over these!

What have you seen lately that's inspiring you in spring?

New Items in the Shop

2011-03-27T22:20:00.003-04:00

I've added Patchwork Posey Pins pairs and Bird's Nest necklaces to the shop! Thanks for those of you who gave your input! More items to come this week... I have several yards of vintage and bright spring colored fabrics to cut into! :)

School Desk Makeover

2011-03-26T17:54:00.005-04:00

I scored this desk at a local flea market (which I'm kind of obsessed with)...

I went there on a shopping trip with Sarah from Love, Love, Love... she's sorta my partner in crime (willing or not!). I saw it... sat down in it... and watched people walk by until Sarah came up and I told her I wanted it. I wanted it and it was only....

$3.00!!!! Marked down from $20 when I had spotted it two weeks prior!!!
Now this was followed with me backing up and staring at it, then carrying it through the aisles. I said, "Only a teacher would be this excited about a school desk." Sarah laughed and said, "I was going to say that I like it and then I realized I'm a teacher too!" (I love her, she is my bestie and she makes me a better person just by knowing her.)

Anyway, the seat was cracked, but I decided I would mod podge that away! Here's what I got:

I just went to Hob Lob and picked out two sheets of coordinating paper, cut them into squares and mod podged those babies on!

It makes me happy! I sit in it in the middle of my living room with the laptop or a craft whenever the furry pompom brat won't stop torturing me (note his puffball tail in the above picture). My furry children are EVERYWHERE!

I'm linking up to:

and

Go share some love!

P.S. If you get the chance, check out my etsy shop A Place in This World and give me some feedback:

what do you think of my items?
what would you like to see?
thoughts on my prices?

You can comment here or email me at lucky_march_girl AT yahoo DOT com

I'm not above bribing and might just pick someone who gives me feedback for a free item...

You WILL L O V E Mama Jill Designs

2011-03-24T19:38:00.007-04:00

Have you heard of Mama Jill Designs?

O to the M to the G O O D N E S S!!!

I now STALK her etsy shop... waiting for new necklaces to pounce on!

I bought this beauty first (for a STEAL of $15!!!)

Then I HAD to have this one TOO ($16!!!)

The pictures don't even do them justice!!! They are GORGEOUS! AND she backs each one with coordinating fabric! CUH UTE! The back of the pink one is the paisley print and the blue one is the tiffany blue color. She ships quickly and has amazing prices and pieces and on and on and on. P.S. she has headbands and earrings too, you know, cuz you'll need to buy those since I will be snatching necklaces! HA (just kidding, I love everything of hers and have definitely been eying coordinating accessories).

Go check her out and share the love!

Mama Jill's Blog

Mama Jill Designs Shop

SHOP IS OPEN!

2011-03-23T19:07:00.003-04:00

My etsy shop is open!

Come shop A Place in This World!

:)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/APlaceInThisWorld

Choose Happiness

2011-03-13T23:11:00.004-04:00

There's a quote written on the chalkboard in my hallway:

"We tend to seek happiness, when happiness is actually a choice."

Today was full of Sunday blues and probably that monthly hormonal visit coming on. So here's a list of happiness in no certain order:

my paw print tattoo on my shoulder to remember my pup Buddy who died last year

my soon to open etsy shop

Skippyjon Jones

being randomly goofy

painting and giving to others

rainboots and flowers

this angry bird

hearts and sparkles

My pup Charlie, my other pets, my family, friends, and flea markets probably top the list, as well as waking up to blue skies, sunshine, and awaiting blooming flowers! Oh, and my bday coming up on the 17th...

Well, I'm off to burn the midnight oil and then crash out and hopefully wake up in a better mood tomorrow. Good wishes and thoughts to all of you!

Coming this week....

2011-03-06T20:44:00.003-05:00

My bestest of the bestest friend Sarah from Love, Love, Love helped me out last night with getting started on some of the flowers for my shop. After she spent a day with me shopping at a local antique/craft mall and a stop at Joann's.

I put these together while talking with a Southern accent and calling them my jewel tone taste the rainbow poppies... I'm so glad Sarah loves me for who I am lol.

I scored this vintage yellow fabric at the Gilley's craft mall (mentioned above). I can't remember what I paid for it now, maybe $3.50??? There's quite a bit of it. I started rolling and gluing and couldn't stop proclaiming, "It's beautiful! Look! I made a rolled rose! The best one ever! It's because I'm at your house Sarah!" She laughed at me, I'm still impressed with myself...

So, that's a little taste of things to come. I'm hoping to get some items listed tomorrow. Waiting on an order from Etsy of 216 swarovski rhinestones for my flower centers. Stay tuned!

2011-02-26T00:10:00.002-05:00

Preview of types of beauties you'll find in my shop very soon- with possible prices (let me know your thoughts). Shipping on each item with be $2.00 with an additional $0.50 with another item.

Patchwork Posey Pin (set of 2) $7

Singed Satin Flower Pin or Clip with crystal center $5

Poppy Fields headband $8

Small Singed Satin flower clip $4

Felt Flower Clip or brooch $4

No turning back... We have business cards!

2011-02-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

Via vistaprint.com:
Total price: $8.25ish
Shipping: $6.25ish (boo)
500 Business Cards: $1.99
Metal Case: FREE

ME = EXCITED + NeRvOuS!!!

YOU = INSPIRATION + LOVE

Etsy Shop... One step closer...

2011-02-23T22:25:00.002-05:00

I officially opened my etsy shop! Now... it's totally empty LOL! I, however, have a banner and activated it! My plans this weekend are to go ship something to check out the post office services and then pop some items in the shop! SOOOO EXCITED!!!

A Place in This World
Check me out!
LOVE!

Shoe Crushes... because I have big feet.

2011-02-19T23:19:00.007-05:00

I LOVE shoes... they are beautiful and fun and the finishing touch to any outfit. I, however, wear a size 11. I'm also a plus sized girly, but let's face it, even if I manage to lose the amount of weight I need/want to- it's not going to change the length of my feet! So... here are the crushes I came across today while shopping with my mom and then browsing online:

Women's Tattoo Roses Rain Boots @ Target $24.99

*Mossimo Odell Glitter Flats @ Target $12.99 (more pinkish color than shown)

SO Lavendar Flats @ Kohl's $34.99

*NaturalSoul Peep Toes @ Kohl's $69.99

Unionbay Jenna Kitten Heels @ Kohl's $49.99

Candie's Smokey Platform Heels @ Kohl's $59.99

What's the problem? Only the two * shoes come in a size 11!!! And the last pair... well even if they were in an 11, I can't walk in heels over 2 inches to save my life, especially not thin heels! Anyway, I'll probably end up with my crush on Target flats that are very close in color to the kill yourself in heels Candie's :). Those of you with smaller feet- knock yourselves out! Live it up in a pair of these shoes for me! P.S. I also never spend more than like $20 on shoes... normally it's closer to $10. I save the $60 price tag for my sneakers... which I'm still searching for!

Amy Jean

2011-02-06T23:03:00.002-05:00

I have an obsession...

headbands...

Exhibit 1: feathers, flower, and a wooden button oh my!

Exhibit 2: The pleated ruffles flower (hand stitched, dog eaten, and recreated):

P.S. Streaked hair was a month ago- now it's my dark brown natural color, or as my students call it, me going goth

Exhibit 3: Bloomin' Business (this is a gray pinstripe print that makes me think of a business suit)

Exhibit 4 (not a headband, but could be): Felt Flower clip

Exhibit 5: Poppy Fields singed satin headband (the piece that started my desire to open an etsy shop)

Exhibit 6: Buttercup Clip singed satin with austrian crystal center hair clip

Thoughts? Questions? Tutorials? Let me know. So why haven't I opened the etsy shop yet? I still need to investigate shipping and trying to figure out if headbands can be shipped in an envelope without damaging the flowers? I was thinking just using envelopes would be easiest- though packaging in boxes looks nicer... but I want to keep prices down? Hmm... back to school tomorrow after 4 ice days, so unfortunately these questions are being pushed aside again :(. Happy Monday!

Amy Jean

New Laptop

2011-01-25T21:36:00.004-05:00

Mama got a new laptop! Not exactly a happy story- my 5 year old Dell got blue screen of death and no one has been able to fix it or access any of the amazing printables I had just saved after backing up my hard drive on a cd. Boo. Luckily, tax check is coming and Walmart had an 18 months same as cash deal.

Here's my new beauty:

Everything about it makes me *HaPpY* :)

Craft Room!!!

2011-01-14T23:19:00.004-05:00

After living in my house for soon to be three years I officially have a functional craft room! My male cat and my dogs have always been trouble makers so the only rooms that got any attention at all were the living room, bathroom, and kitchen because everything else was behind closed doors. Well, I worked hard this year and just got the kick in the rear I needed to come and finish up in here. Now I do need a few more containers and a couple boxes of stuff need to move out, but I can see floor! Can't wait to share pics with you all very soon!

P.S. Do you know how amazingly excited I was when I saw that THE Modge Podge Amy commented on my last post? Yeah... that was like the BloggyWood Walk of Fame...

:) love you all
Amy

One Ugly Light to Faux Stained Glass

2011-01-09T11:45:00.005-05:00

So I have this ugly light in my kitchen:

I decided it needed help before I screamed. A hanging light wasn't an option because it's right in front of the freezer and because I'm sure a cat or two would try to take it out! So... I decided to make it look like stained glass:

At this step I just used that paint pen in the background and drew lines all over it. The yellow is where I started painting it in. I used dixie cups with a 1/4 of an inch of modge podge in them at the bottom and 7 drops of food coloring to get the color. Then I just dabbed the mixture on with a brush and filled in all my spaces!

This is my finished product! Oh, and I didn't have red food coloring so I mixed one part acrylic paint to one part modge podge and got the same effect as food coloring!

I LOVE it now! :)

Linking up to (click to see):

Sketchbook Challenge: Highly Prized

2011-01-08T16:03:00.002-05:00

I'm participating in The Sketchbook Challenge hosted on their blog with a monthly theme. This month's theme was highly prized. I worked on this drawing for a week and a half at least. It's helped me also stick to my resolution t0 draw and craft more!

I started with the heart in the open cage because it symbolizes to me the most highly prized thing of all which is the freedom I have and I'm continually gaining as I overcome things from my past to become a stronger person. I used the words in the background to touch on the things and people who have supported me and helped me grow along the way :).

Check out the challenge!

The Sketchbook Challenge: Highly Prized

Changes :)

2010-12-29T14:53:00.002-05:00

So, every New Years I normally make maybe one resolution, but never really put much weight on it. This year I have goals to make some changes that will make me happier and since you are my bloggy buddies, I'm sharing with you!

Eat smaller portions
Drink less soda and eat less sugar
Don't skip meals

Write a blog post at least once a week
Make time to craft at least once a week
Further research shipping prices and post office services

Grade papers weekly so that I don't have a mountain at report card time!
Create classroom jobs
Continue to seek out professional growth opportunities

Get done the things I've procrastinated or just not even attempted to do!

Hope you've had a wonderful holiday and now a great start to the new year! I will be grading papers and doing report card type things!

~Amy~

DinoRoom!

2010-12-08T22:02:00.005-05:00

A little over two years ago now I painted my friend's nursery for her first baby. It was the first time I'd ever done anything like it and it took me almost three full weeks to finish!

Well, my friend had her second baby at 27 weeks in September. Her first son just turned one in July so she needed some quick help to set up a new bedroom for him so her new baby boy could come home to the rainforest nursery. She went with a dinosaur theme and I was able to get it drawn and finished in just three days!!! Good thing too because we finished on a Sunday and her baby got to come home that following Wednesday!!! We had no idea at the time that he would get to come home after being in the NICU for just over two months! But he and his family are doing great and his big brother was loving our dinosaurs!

Papasaurus is the big bronto (cuz dad is TALL)

Mamasaurus

Seanasaurus

Zachasaurus

:) Hope you enjoyed! I really have been crafty! I'm just a lazy uploader and HATE my camera!

Happy Holidays!

A Few of My Favorite Things: Part 1

2010-11-21T21:41:00.003-05:00

So... I thought I would share with you some of my fave new beauty finds.

First off... HI! I'm Miss Greaseball Face could use my T zone as a mirror.
I swore by Mary Kay medium coverage foundation ($14) until my money got really tight and my oily face started eating the foundation alive!!!

Here's my new faves (for half the price!) AND for a coverage that lasts all day with NO SHINE! Hear me???? NO SHINE!!!

Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation (somewhere around $6 a pop and if Mary Kay is a 10/10 coverage, this is a 9/10)

Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder (also close to $6 a pop I believe)

The Falsies Mascara (somewhere around $6... noticing a trend here)

Deep Clean Long Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask (closer to the $7 mark)

Twinkle and Shine eyeliner from Avon ($3.49, this comes in silver and gold... silver is actual glitter in a clear liner... gold is just a metallic shimmer liner with no glitter... def. prefer the silver)
I'm still in love with my Mary Kay Nourishine Lip Glosses... but I have a major issues with owning too many lip glosses, lipsticks, chapsticks, etc. What are your favorites?

Reason #10,980,293 to NOT Grow Up

2010-11-02T17:47:00.005-04:00

I found my first WHITE hair!!!

(Believe me, I then proceeded to flip out and check the rest of my head as if I had lice in total OCD fashion.)

There are so many other colors I would prefer to have...

Letters to my Dog... #1

2010-11-01T19:28:00.002-04:00

Dear Charlie,

I feel guilty leaving for work in the morning with you staring out the window, especially since the neighbors and family tell me that they see you when they drive by at other times throughout the day. However, I then open the door and find the front room covered with many things I will not mention to you getting in to and realize you were very busy away from the window at some point. I just vacuumed the carpet at an attempt of housekeeping, you however disagree with the keeping of the cleanliness part though.

Love you always anyway,
Your puppy mama

Etsy Ponderings...

2010-10-11T23:31:00.003-04:00

I spent $12 today on a yard each of 6 different colors of satin... I've been bitten by the singed flower bug... and I'm overflowing with ideas! I really want to start an Etsy shop to sell what I make (especially with 6 yards of satin to work with), but I'm nervous about the paypal/etsy costs and more than anything the shipping. I have no idea what shipping costs and I'm nowhere near a post office, plus with work post offices are all closed by the time I get out. I've heard there's a post office with an electronic shipping thing at the post office... I may have to go check that out. My first and last giveaway I tried to ship things and ended up with broken pieces back... still working on that one.

Anyway, what are your thoughts? Do you currently or have you ever had an etsy shop? Thoughts on paypal? I know they each take a percentage- is it still worth it? Just wondering...

Thanks to all!

P.S. laptop had blue screen of death for six hours- I've been flipping and stressing trying to fix it... I'm hoping I fixed it and this isn't just a fluke!

Come on Fall Break!

2010-10-07T22:19:00.005-04:00

Possibilities

The more faith you have,
The more you believe,
The more goals you set,
The more you'll achieve...
So reach for the stars,
Pick a mountain to climb,
Dare to think big,
And give yourself time...
And, remember no matter
How futile things seem,
With faith, there is no
Impossible dream!
-Alice Joyce Davidson

One day til two week fall break... so excited to craft and blog! Do you know what $10 can buy you at a Flea Market? $2 glass cheese dome with wood base $1 wood wine box filled with corks $2 ruffly skirt $3 book from 1845 with handwritten momentos in it from the owner $1 poetry book $1 Etiquette book from 1943 Okay... well the skirt came from Goodwill... but STILL! I was SUCH a happy shopper that day with my cart of goodies! Can't wait to share more- and pictures!

Love~
Amy Jean

Back to School

2010-07-28T21:52:00.001-04:00

Teachers start back tomorrow... goodbye BlogWorld!!! It was a great summer! :)

(I'll still be here, just not as often!)

Weekend Wrap Up Party w/ Tatertots and Jello

2010-07-24T15:49:00.005-04:00

Remember the metal tiered thing I referred to? Well, here's the wrinkling I was talking about...

(I failed to take a before picture... let's just say the thing was the old tarnished gold with rust spots! But a $4 deal at my local flea market.)

(This is the part where I got mad and sanded it off for the second time!)

Now... the transformation...

Added a ribbon and an old skeleton key to the top...

Stickers from a scrapbook pad and then covered over with a few coats of Mod Podge...

(I chose the word 'beloved' for the top because that's what Amy means :) )

Okay, so I LOVE words that mean something... so I just started putting them wherever there was missing paint or bubbles/wrinkles...

(I couldn't get the stickers perfectly flat since they were on a curved surface, but I feel like the wrinkling gives character- more so than the wrinkled paint!)

Side 1:

Side 2:

Side 3:

Side 4:

This is my finished project in all it's glory! I'm going to use it to hold my jewelry :)! I'm super happy with the end result, especially considering how frustrated I was with the spray paint!

Go check out everyone else!

Painting Blahs

2010-07-23T00:03:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to paint two shelves, a metal tiered thing, and some terra cotta pot saucers and wooden dowel rods. Spray paint and I are not getting along. It keeps running because it's drying uneven and I'm impatient. Then I ran out of the cheap white so I decided I'd just use the good ivory... but it's taking TONS of paint to get an even finish! The metal tiered candy dish thing... well in certain areas the paint is wrinkling up like it's going to crackle! I sanded those spots and wiped them clean and tried repainting and the same thing is happening again! I don't understand!!! :( So for now I'm angry with the spray paint and the metal tiered dish. Anybody know why it's wrinkling? It's stupidness. :(

WWIW: What I Wore Wednesday

2010-07-22T00:39:00.004-04:00

Here's how the conversation started:
Me: "MOM! MOM! Look at this mirror! It's only $29.99! I've been looking for one I could afford EVERYWHERE!"
Mom: "What? Why? Where would you even put it?"
Me: "In my room after I rearrange the furniture! I need it so I can do What I Wore Wednesday!"
Mom: "What?"
Me: "On my blog! This lady does it every week and takes pics of what she wore! I want to do it too, but I needed a mirror that was long enough!"
Mom: "Okay then..."

Here it is... The What I Wore Wednesday mirror!

And my dog... with what he wears almost every day (some days he wears his tshirts). I realized I've never had a mirror at his height before... he's a little self occupied.

Thursday
Cami: Lane Bryant
Shirt: Kohl's
Jeans: Vanity Fair @ Edinburgh Outlet Mall (the are plus size Angel brand jeans... I can't find them anywhere now and they are the only brand that fit all over!)
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Premier Designs

Friday
Shirt: Walmart
Jeans: Fashion Bug
Shoes: Nike
Necklace: Me (kit from Joy Made Jewelry whose blog link I'm having issues with)

Sunday (didn't get dressed Saturday!)
Shirt: Fashion Bug
Jeans: Vanity Fair
Shoes: Nike
Necklace: Premier Designs redesigned by me
Watch: Walmart

Monday (working hard moving into my new classroom)
Shirt: Old School
Jeans: Vanity Fair
Shoes: I believe I don't have any on at this point LOL
Necklace: Lisa Leonard From Up Here (won via a giveaway!)

Tuesday
There's an obvious stomach issue with this shirt...
Shirt: Walmart
Tank: Target
Jeans: Vanity Fair
Shoes: Nike
Necklace: Heart from Walmart, Beaded by Me

Wednesday
Shirt: Disney Store
Tank: Family Dollar
Capris: Fashion Bug
Necklace: Lisa Leonard
Dog Butt: Charlie

Go check out everyone else @ The Pleated Poppy!

Handkerchief to Scarf Tutorial

2010-07-20T01:43:00.008-04:00

Here's another awesome flea market find:

$4.99 for four pink Shabby Chic handkerchiefs!

I decided they were screaming: PLEASE! PLEASE! Make us into a beautiful scarf! (Later decided they could have made some awesome curtains, but too late :) )
First: I cut these bad boys in half. I only used three of the four because I wanted one left over in it's original Shabby Chic-ness!

Second: I ironed each one and pressed over a seam of about 1/4 inch on the raw edge that did not have embroidery and had been the center of the handkerchief.

I don't know about you, but I'm a little anti-sew! If there's an easier way- I'm taking it! So I just used some Fabri-Tac to glue down the new seam. If you haven't tried this stuff it's $9.99 a bottle at Joann's and super awesome. I've had mine since high school (nine years ago!).

I ended up not liking the unfinished look and was worried the edge would fray that I had glued down so I bought some frilly ribbon from Hobby Lobby and glued it over the edges with the Fabri-Tac as well. I later realized it was elastic and if I wasn't lazy this could have been a beautiful scrunch scarf.

But, here's my lovely finished product anyway (ignore the mess in the background!)

Linking once again to

Burlap Tray

2010-07-20T01:23:00.004-04:00

Alright, I've been redoing (or actually taking the time to DO) my bedroom. I decided I needed a tray for my dresser to sit all of my trinket boxes on and had no luck finding a picture frame that fit my idea. Then it struck me...

These are two wood "screens" (they look like shutters to me) that I picked up at the local flea market for $1.99 each last year. I had planned on just putting them up on the wall as is because I love everything about them, but that never happened and they just sat around neglected.

I suddenly decided one of said screens would make a great tray! So... I whipped out my leftover burlap from my magnet boards and cut myself 8 strips about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide each that were as long as the screen. Then I wove them through like so, alternating every other row. After I had woven all of the strips through I just used my trusty hot glue gun to secure the ends to the top and bottom of the screen after I pulled them tight.

Finish project:

Beautiful tray to hold my little treasures!

I love it! I want to do it to the other one too, but I'm thinking maybe ribbon and lace? We'll see!

I'm linking up to

Go check everybody out!

LOVE!

Wonderful Words

2010-06-27T02:31:00.004-04:00

Sorry for not making good on my necklace posts... I've been hit with some sort of stomach bug. :( I just came across this quote though and really loved it, it's one of the hardest things for me to do in life. I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and I obsess thoroughly over minute details and decisions in my life. I strive for perfection and always want to wait until that perfect moment, or put things off until I can try to do everything all at once so that I feel like I completed something instead of allowing myself to be human and just do things as they need done instead of putting it off and stressing myself out, and lastly learning to find confidence in myself and not need others to tell me how well I am doing or give me their approval. I was awesome in school because I got grades and feedback about how I was doing and it was just there to follow, now in life I constantly worry about how well I am doing because no one gives you grades in real life. There are no grades for how well you do your job (teaching), how clean you keep your house, how well kept your yard looks, or how kind you are to others. Life doesn't give you the feedback and objectiveness of grades. Even in my medicated state I still worry and obsess on a smaller scale. I'm a straight A honor student living in a world that has stopped grading my performance and it makes me question myself and continues to hinder me from gaining the self confidence I so badly need and have never had. Now that I've given that little rant... here you go:

Begin where you are.

Don't wait for the right moment

or the easy moment.

If it needs to get done,

do it.

where you are.

be better now.

change your life now.

waiting for an assurance of success will only stop you.

begin where you are.

Floral Bib Necklace and Earrings

2010-06-22T23:40:00.004-04:00

I found this awesome tutorial from Larissa over at Just Another Day in Paradise for a beautiful floral bib necklace:

Tutorial 1
Tutorial 2

I love it! I didn't have brads that would have worked for this so I used buttons and beads from other leftover projects! I adore it!!!!

I decided I needed some matching earrings...

Found the camera today under the front seat of the car! Tune in tomorrow to see more necklaces that I've created!

LoVe!
~Amy~

Crafts from the Cell Phone Files...

2010-06-22T03:11:00.006-04:00

I had this cheapo tv stand made out of particle board I guess, that I bought on clearance at a CVS for like $5 a couple years ago. I found something better for my tv in the bedroom at the flea market, but didn't want to throw this out. So I whipped out the scrapbooking paper and modpodge and here we go. Basically I traced the pieces on the paper, cut out, mod podged, sanded the edges, punched holes to reconnect the pieces, and put on a finish coat. The top I just cut out without drawing and pieced everything together on top. It's in my hallway now... I LOVE it! (The picture frames on top I'll have to take a better pic of... they are pages from the Green Stack set at JoAnn's with chipboard letters that spell out JOY.)

I love Sara over at Sara's Art House... I want her house... badly. My house consists of a red and white kitchen, very pale yellow living room (like lighter than ivory), a periwinkle craft room, purple spare room, and pale pink bedroom. I wanted some BRIGHT, cheery colors! I just slapped this paint on the canvas, realized it doesn't go anywhere in my house, and decided I'll take it to my new classroom! :)

Here's my inspiration: http://sara-mincy.blogspot.com/ (Check out the right sidebar... there's some small pics of hers there!)

Fabric Flower Pins

Tutorial: http://myblondeambitions.blogspot.com/2010/03/fabric-flower-tutorial.html
Note: I used my glue gun instead of sewing and I bought scrapbooking brads from JoAnn's for $2.99 and $3.99 to use in the center (I poked it through and then glued the felt with the pin over the arms).

Dahlia Brooch

Tutorial: http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2010/05/06/mothers-day-felt-dahlia-corsage-a-few-notes/
Note: I used hot glue on all of it and left off the pocket!

Dog Biscuits

Recipe: http://robertapm28.blogspot.com/2010/02/recipe-dog-bone-treats.html
Note: I'll admit it... I taste tested them... and BLECK! The dog loved them though, and so did his doggy friends that we shared with. :)

OH NO! I've lost my camera!

2010-06-22T03:00:00.003-04:00

(My little weed eater... I chopped these down with clipper things and he laid down and started eating them!)

Holy cow... it's gone.

I can't find it anywhere!

My camera has disappeared! I'm so sad because I've made tons of awesome crafts :(.

Guess I'll have to use my cell... even though I've gone over my messaging/data package! (Oops!)

I'm so excited about my crafting... I can't wait to share! :)

LoVe YoU ALL!

Life...

2010-06-15T03:09:00.005-04:00

(got this in an email once a long time ago... still cracks me up)

So... I really have done a few crafts over the last couple months. I've made necklaces, fabric posey pins, felt flower brooches, a mod podged table, a painting, and others I'm sure I'm missing. I just don't seem to have the patience to upload pictures and post them. That's a new goal of mine starting this week, I want to post at least one craft or creative post per week. So, my classroom is all packed and waiting to be moved to the school I've been reassigned to (80 boxes). I got a violation letter from the city for having weeds or grass in excess of 12 inches tall (I killed the weed eater, had no money for a replacement, was packing at school 9+ hours a day for the last 10 days, and it's rained like you wouldn't believe). I proceeded to take care of those much overgrown weeds last night, then tried to finish up today since the letter I received Friday had today as the deadline... and managed to drop a large cement block on my toe. OUCH!- which doesn't even begin to cover it. Possibly broken, won't be spending the money to find out since there is nothing that can be done for it. At any rate, I'm basically a broke 27 year old again for the time being except for a small allowance I have to get a few things at a craft store in the next few days. Then my summer goal will be to learn to be okay with not spending money and spending more time tending to things at home. That means lots of yard work and tons of inside work. I've lived in this house for just over two years now and I've neglected the homemaking duties for far too long. Can't wait to post pics of a clean and decorated house! Wish me luck... I'll need it!

Little Irritated

2010-06-03T23:58:00.006-04:00

Okay... I'm a little irritated here... maybe more than a little. Why are there random comments being left on my blog that look like they are written in hieroglyphics? Then when I click to check out the user who left them, it's a blog full of the same hieroglyphics. I try to delete the comments, but they don't go away. It's frustrating me. So... I have now turned on comment approval in order to try to prevent more of these comments from posting.

BTW... it's summer break!

Right now that means I have to pack up my entire classroom for the district to move to my new school because they closed our current school due to budget cuts :(. I am so sad to be separated from my school family and students, but I won't go into that right now because I've cried enough today!

A parent came in today and volunteered to help me... she was in shock at how much I had... that's kinda what happens when you are a resource teacher for ALL grade levels!

Hope to be back posting soon!

LOVE!

Aquarium Background Project

2010-04-26T21:15:00.006-04:00

Alright, so this summer I bought an aquarium from my brother for my pet turtle. He says it's 100 gallons, I'm not sure if it's really that big... but it's sizable. Anyway, it was going to make it's home in my living room because there's no room anywhere else in the house! So, I put it in front of the window and HATED seeing the cords and window through the back... I needed a background.
The catch...

I HATE the generic ocean themed backs (sorry for those of you that have them, no offense, it just doesn't suit me!)!

Instead I went to Walmart, bought myself two poster boards and a roll of wrapping paper. If failed to take pictures of the process, but here are the steps!

1. Measure the size of your tank, tape your two poster boards together and cut off the excess.

2. Cover small portions in Mod Podge and affix your wrapping paper to the poster board, smoothing out bubbles as you go.

3. Trim off excess wrapping paper and flip your board over.

4. Add any needed embellishments. I made my poppy flower with construction paper and used a permanent marker to draw the swirlies!

5. Scotch tape onto the back of your tank! You're done! :)

OH!

And... that aquarium stand?

My brother had totally ghetto'd it up with unfinished two by fours and scraps of wood from other furniture to make it more 'stable'. We took the raw two by four pieces off the sides and then he 'helped' (sorta forced/bribed him) to spray paint the multi-colored fake wood finishes all white. I distressed the edges some and later used foam stamps and paint to decorate it with a couple pink flowers and green swirly accents. I'll have to post that pic later! Hope you enjoyed!

Friend Makin' Monday

2010-04-26T21:01:00.007-04:00

It's Friend Makin' Monday with Amber again!
(Click the button above to go visit!)

Today we're listing our five favorite things... aside from obvious ones (crafting, pets, family, etc.)

Here are mine:

1. Shopping (shoes, purses, dresses...)

2. Quotes that mean something...

3. Flea Market Adventures and Finds...

4. PINK!!!!

5. Old towns lined with shops and friendly people...

One Week Later

2010-04-20T22:15:00.005-04:00

In just over an hour it will be one week since I took my precious dog, Buddy, to the vet for the very last time. I still miss him terribly. I have cried every single day over him, with the freakish exception of yesterday which may have just been exhaustion. I still look for him to come down the hallway when I'm getting ready for bed. I wake up in the middle of the night and look down off the side of the bed to check on him and he isn't there. The pain feels like it's going to rip me apart sometimes. I've had the screaming cry, the sobbing, the quiet never ending flow of tears... to some people they are just pets, to me he was my furry four legged child. The librarian at school put a book called "Dog Heaven" in my mailbox. It made me cry, but it made me smile too. I know Buddy is out of pain and in a better place. Within the next week the vet I took him to will call and let me know that his ashes are ready for me to pick up. I know it will be hard, but I'm hoping it'll help in some way to know that Buddy is back home here where he belongs. Thank you for all of the comments on my posts this week. Every single one distracted me for a few moments and put a smile on my face. I love every single one of you so much! I'll be back to let you all know what I've been up to in the craft and flea market therapy soon.

Dishing It!!!

2010-04-15T19:46:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I just stumbled upon Amanda's blog Serenity Now and saw this amazing "Dishing It!" party. I love making new blogging buddies and I totally need a pick me up right now, so here it goes!

~How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging since the summer of 09... I think LOL!

~Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because my best friend from birth, Sarah @ Love, Love, Love, and I had recently reconnected and discovered we were both craft junkies and flea market addicts... well she showed me my first craft blog (Reinvented)! Well, after that I was addicted! I couldn't get enough of the craft blogs and we spent HOURS online with her sharing blog links with me while I flipped out over this newly discovered world!

~Tell me about your blog's title. Why did you choose it?
I have OCD- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and I wanted a fun title, then OCD: Obsessive Creative Disorder struck me! I HAD to have it!

~What do you blog about?
I blog about crafts, flea market finds, life events, mostly crafts.

~What is your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing is finding all the awesome crafts everyone else has posted and getting comments on my posts! I love knowing someone out there actually reads my posts and likes them! Just when I was hating on my photo taking skills I got compliments on them!

~If you had to choose one famous person to become your blog's next devoted reader, who would you pick?
When Traci over at Beneath My Heart became a follower of mine I nearly wet myself! Seriously! I love Traci's projects and her comments and emails are always so sweet. And then The DIY Showoff Roeshel! Whenever someone whose blog I've followed and drooled over becomes my follower it's like I've had a celebrity run in! Goofy, I know, but hey, it makes my day!

~What's the funniest comment you've ever received on a blog post?
Not sure I've really come across a funny comment yet, I just love every comment I get!

Alright, hope on over and check out everyone else!

"Dishing It" with Amanda@Serenity Now

Last Night

2010-04-14T15:02:00.004-04:00

When I came home from work yesterday, Buddy wasn't at the door to meet me. He also didn't come when I called his name. I came through the living room and found him laying down in the kitchen. He got up and went outside to use the bathroom and came back in like normal. I took Charlie and put him in his crate, Buddy came in and laid down on his blankets beside my bed and we all went to sleep to take a much needed nap.
I woke up four hours later and couldn't find Buddy anywhere. I started to worry that I had left him outside and didn't remember. I checked the livingroom, kitchen, bedroom, and then checked them all again with no sign of him. That's when I went back and found him lying on the bathroom floor. He was just laying there, breathing pretty shallowly, and was fairly limp as I pet him. Over the next few minutes he got up and began to wander around the house. He was running into things and stopping to lean against anything near him and looking for some place to hide.
I called my vet's answering machine to tell them that it was time and I would need to bring him in in the morning. As I watched Buddy I began to worry he wouldn't make it until morning. I called the vet again and wrote down the number to the emergency clinic. My mom came to get us and took us there. Buddy let me pick him up and carry him which he hasn't done since he was a puppy. They took us into a back room and I laid Buddy down on a blanket covered table where he stayed with his head on my arm. One of the ladies came in with a vet and they talked to us and then gave Buddy a sedative shot to make him fall asleep. I stood there with my arms around him and my head on his shoulder as he slowly started breathing easier and closed his eyes. We left around 11:50 after kisses, tears, pets, and whispered goodbyes so that the vet could give him the euthanasia shot.
Today would have been his 12th birthday. Part of me wanted to stay with him until midnight so that he would be 12, but another part of me knew that he was sleeping and no longer really with me, and that God had already answered my prayer to let him live until his birthday because he would be born again in Heaven on that day.
I stayed home from work today. There was no way I could go in with how I'm randomly crying. Even though there are five other pets here, three of which are four legged mobile ones, the house feels empty without my Buddy. I will love and miss him forever.