Doris' Blog

White Gold or Just Plain Snow

Hello Bloggers!!  Did someone say "Snow"?  C'mon bloggers - this is Seattle - it doesn't snow here.  My east coast family thinks it is all pretty funny given that snow, ice, etc is a given for their lifestyles.  Back east, it is often called "White Gold".  Many folks back there (including some of my family) make snow plowing, clearing out driveways, and anything snow related their way of life.  Maybe that is why I live 3,000 miles away.  I have never been fond of snow although I do think it is beautiful.  I guess that I fear the danger that comes with living in an area that is not suited to snow for whatever reason.  We don't have enough snow plows, money for salt, money for sand, way too many hills, and on and on.  I just hope that folks (many friends included) who are still without power will get it back sooner than later.  Thanks Seattle for doing what you've done so far in making sure schools are closed just for beginners.  The less folks in their cars trying to get somewhere the better.  Stay home and play!!

Well, I certainly did my part this week in staying home and rather enjoying it knowing that the choices were few.  I went as far as my neighbors house when I delivered to him some home made soup.  I've been into making soup so it was fun to share it with someone also stranded!!  Actually he shoveled my walkway and steps so it turned out to be an equal trade of sorts without knowing it would turn out that way.  The soup, by the way, was yummy!  I shopped before the storm thinking that maybe I should and for a change I listened to my intuition.  Wonders never cease!!

 As a result of being home, I've been trying to get ready for company coming in a few weeks.  Two of my sisters, Pauline Holshouser and Lorraine Tuttle and also my sister-in-law, Pat Goulet, are coming to visit and to help Alice and I celebrate Alice's 50th birthday.  I can hardly wrap my head around that one.  Alice, along with Pauline and also my youngest brother, Robert, will always be remembered as "one of the three little kids".  In a family of nine kids, it was always important to prioritize the order of who's who.  There was often not enough room around the kitchen table for meals, so, guess what?  Yep, the three little kids would "dine" in the stairway where they could stair step where they sat.  What a memory eh?  Ok, family, I apologize for bringing it up AGAIN!!  I am looking forward to their visit!!

I got side-tracked from where I was going with the getting ready part.  I am managing to work my way through all the debris of closing two retail stores within a year of each other.  The word purge has taken on a new meaning.  It actually feels pretty good and I have managed to list over 400 items on ebay so that helps also.  If you are interested in visiting my ebay store, you can do so by inserting the following into your URL:  http://myworld.ebay.com/topstamp.  At the bottom of that screen, select "View Store" and that will get you there.  Let me know what you think.  Especially for navigation and environment.  I'd also love to know what you might like to see in my store.  I need all the help that I can get so, please, do let me know.  While you are visiting, just above the "View Store" is the opportunity to sign up for my ebay newsletter.  This newsletter is released by ebay maybe twice a month from what I can tell.  It helps to keep you posted on what is going on.  I love that ebay does this newsletter.  It helps with visibility and I totally appreciate that I do not have to do it and it is done automatically.  Life is grand!!

If you have read this far, I had better count my blessing and stop here.  Like with many folks, I have my own snow photos to share so enjoy!!  It is not as bad as subjecting anyone to all the photos from a vacation but I put them below so that you could skip "just another snow photo" if you so choose.  The beauty of the snow, is, without a doubt, magical.  Until the next time - hugs to all - Doris 

A tree from my front porch.  If you look closely, you can see the school through the snow and tree across the street from my house.  I just love the look of the trees with all the snow on them.

This is my apricot tree taken from my back door.  I barely stepped out.  You can see my neighbots porch in the background just after my fence.  The deck was stacked with snow but I did manage to get the garbage out before the storm hit.  I have yet to go look to see if it ever got picked up!!

OK - last one.  This is my Japenese Maple Tree in my front yard.  It was gorgeous to say the least.  Just think that in only a few days it will likely all be gone.  Take time to play while you can and step outside, make cookies, make soup, or make some greeting cards!!  Have a GREAT week everyone!!

 

A Celebration of Life

Hello Bloggers!!  I want to let everyone know about the Celebration of Life in honor of Cheri Mosher Sefton scheduled for this coming Saturday, 14 January 2011.  Here is the announcement from Mimi's Crop Circle.  This celebration is being held at Mimi's.  Call the shop ((206) 838.7659 if you have any questions.

"This Saturday, Jan. 14th from 9am-11am, we will be celebrating the wonderful life of Cheri(Mimi) Mosher Sefton. All friends, customers, and anyone touched by her life are welcome to attend.

At the request of the family, flowers can be sent to the shop, or you are welcome to make a donation in Cheri's name to either the American Cancer Society or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to help find a cure to this dreadful disease. Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts for the family. Knowing this is a help as they grieve this tragic loss."

I spent the afternoon at Mimi's conducting their Monday afternoon make-n-take.  It was actually very good to hang out there which, for me, helped to get a perspective on things.  There was a great turnout for the make-n-take so that was a delight also.  We played with inchies and twinchies.  It was quite fun.  Take a look at the project below.  These make-n-takes are held every Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 and they are FREE.  Stop in anytime.

Hope that everyone has had a reasonable start on the new year.  I will remain in touch.

Hugs to All - Doris

Here is the sample card that we made today.  It uses two 1-inch sized inchies and one 2-inch sized inchie (these are call twinchies).  The rubber stamp is from Peddler's Pack and the Cuttlebug was used to emboss the yellow mount behind the inchies (hard to see in the photo).  Sample is located at Mimi's so be sure to check it out on your next visit.  Great fun!!

Here is a photo of last week's make-n-take.  It uses 3 1-inch inchies with the snow scene stamped on them.  The stamp is from Hero Arts and although it is discontinued, Bobbie is attempting at getting some so, if interested, please let her know so that she knows how many to order.  The top and bottom of the blue layer were punched with an EK Success punch.  This sample is also at the Mimi's.

Both rubber stamps used in these projects are somewhat intricate so we used Tsukineko's VersaFine inkpad which captures details like nothing else can.  Don't have one?  Pick one up on your next visit to Mimi's!!

 

 

Never A Good Time.....

Greetings Everyone!!  There is never a good time to pass along sad news but I thought for those of you who knew Cheri Mosher Sefton (the Mimi at Mimi's Crop Circle) you should know that she lost her battle with cancer this morning.  The following was released by folks at Mimi's.

"It is with a saddened and heavy heart that I have to report that our founder, Cheri (Mimi), has lost her long battle with cancer early this morning.

A beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and good friend will be missed. We can gain solace in the fact that her suffering is over and she is at peace.

Please, keep the family in your thoughts and pray for strength to get through this difficult time."

If anyone wishes to get more information, calling the store would be OK ((206) 838.7659).  Folks are rallying to keep the shop going and someone there would have more information.

Rest In Peace Cheri.  You will be missed and always Loved!

Happy New Year!! - Well Almost!!

Many thanks to Sarah Brighton who took the photo below while watching it on TV.  I thought that was very cool.  Sarah has an excellent presense on facebook so go check her out.  She offers lots of classes and a host of other things.  I always love seeing her posts on Facebook. 

 

 

Hope that everyone has enjoyed the holidays including today - New Year's Day!!  It's time to get back to the drawing board and put 2011 behind - at least for me.  I'm looking for some health and wealth for 2012.  Wish me luck.  New Year Hugs to All - Doris                        

Happy New Year!! - Well Almost!!

Hello Bloggers!!  Now is this not weird.  Here it is mid-afternoon and I am blogging and it is NOT midnight!!  Wonders never cease.  Want to certainly wish everyone a very "Happy New Year".  Hard to believe that another year has come and gone.  

 The year 2011 was a turbulent year for me as most of you already know.  If it was not a health issue, it was an issue or two related to the business.  I feel somewhat validated, however, for the need to close our storefront in Issaquah.  I was not happy about it (and still not happy) by any means and truly miss it and all that it represented.  My validation comes on the heels of the Paper Zone announcing its store closures.  If Paper Zone cannot make ends meets, how is any small independent expected to?  Some food for thought.  If you have a local store near you and just love having it in your neighborhood or nearby, remember to support it, embrace it, tell everyone you know about it, and do whatever you can to help keep it up and running.  

Along those lines, Mimi's Crop Circle, Burien, is hosting a 2-hour Mad Dash on Sunday from noon-2:00 pm. Good news is that ALL Gift Certificates and ALL Punch Cards issued by Friends and Company can be redeemed at Mimi's regardless of the date issued.  Please dig up those certificates and let's get them back into circulation.  They would love for you to visit and so would I.  I'll be there with bells on.  The Mad Dash is HUGE.  See the details below.  

There is lots to discuss here but I am going to keep this one short and be back online soon.  Just for info, my email, topstamp@msn.com, is still valid and the best way to contact me; so, if you have any questions, please let me know.  In the meantime, stay safe over this holiday weekend.  Hugs to all - Doris

 

 

 

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

                                         

                                               Happy Holidays!!

Hello bloggers!!  It's official.  It is now Christmas Day.  Of course most folks that I know are either blowing zzzz's or close to getting up.  That would be the east coast getting up soon.  It's been nice keeping in touch with lots of family and friends on facebook.  I'm still not a big fan but I do love the opportunities for catching up on what is going on.  It can just get labor intensive on some days.

Anyway, my blog this evening is to wish you all a very "Merry Christmas".  I hope that Christmas is all that you want it to be.  I have enjoyed the season and just wish it did not come and go so quickly.  This whole year has flown so fast.  I hope no one blinked!!

I received two fabulous donations for Operation Write Home so checkout the thermoter below.  New donations totally $75.00 came rolling in this past week.  We'll be working on greeting cards for the troops at several locations in 2012.  I will let you know where and when as soon as I have a handle on it and perhaps some of you might join the group working at that time.  It's quite fun with lots of camaraderie involved.

Many of you may probably know already that Paper Zone is closing its doors.  Be on the lookout for sales as they are expected.  It really is sad go see the industry going in this direction.  I am still recovering from our own closure and this one comes as a blow as well.  It reminds me even more that we all need to keep our small independent stores on our spending agendas.  It's the only way that we will be able to keep them around.  There are not many left as you might know so keep your local shop in mind the next time you have a project to get done.

My health continues to improve.  I have been seeing Lisa Eaton. Cascade Dizziness and Balance PT, and the therapy seems to be taking hold.  I do not get up dizzy every morning.  Very glad for that.  I am working the health issues every day.  Lisa is located in West Seattle if anyone struggles with similar issues and wants a consultation.  Melatonin, a natural drug-free nighttime sleep aid, is helping a lot with the sleep issues.  It's been great. 

Well folks, keep the stress down and slow down.  There is no snow to play in but get outside for a while and play anyway.  Holiday Hugs to All - Doris

     

powered by:
Easy Fundraising

Yo Baby!! It's Christmas!!

Hello Bloggers!!  Can you believe it!!  It is nearly Christmas.  I really gotta wrap it up.  And I do not just mean with wrapping paper.  There are just so many small details to take care of.  Seems ongoing and mind boggling on some days.  I hope that all of you are enjoying the holidays and that they are proving to be all that you want them to be.  

Although I have lots to report on, just about the only "thing" I am going to pass along for this evening is the Holiday Open House at Mimi's Crop Circle in Burien.  Some of us old timers are helping out and will be doing some demos and make and takes.  There is also a tag station for making several tags for those special folks in your lives.  Very fun!!  See some of the details below.  Please help us to help Mimi's by dropping by and showing your support.  We need all the help we can get and we want Mimi's to be around for a long time so spread the word.

For those of you interested, I am doing well with all the health issues.  It's an ongoing "project" but one that aims to be conquered.  The support from family and friends along with many of you has been incredible.  Thank you for all that you've done and continue to do.  I love hearing from you in one form or another.  Keep the cards and emails coming.

I will be back soon.  In the meantime, keep the frenzy down and keep it fun!!  Hugs to all!!  Doris

 

Let the Holidays Begin@@

Hello bloggers!!  It's been a while since I have blogged.  It's just amazing how time flies and here we are just weeks away from Christmas.  Unbelievable!!  I have to tell you that I am somewhat prepared for the holidays this year by comparison to years past.  I suppose being retired has something to do with it and I am sort of liking it in that I am not in a full blown procrastination mode!!  Amazing what planning can accomplish.  I am hoping to bring that mode into the new year with me.  Hopefully it will stick and continue to improve my life.  Just remember to keep a handle on the holidays and keep them fun!!  That's a part of the plan!!

It has been quiet on the Operation Write Home (OWH) front these days.  Cards for the holidays have already been sent so some of us are on sabbitcal in some ways until we start up again in January.  I have started some all occasion greeting cards so I keep working away at those for the time being.  If you have in mind to make a tax deductible donation of some sort, please keep OWH in mind.  I'd love to see the thermometor keep climbing.  There is no donation too small!!

I just decided this evening to attend the all weekend crop at Mimi's this coming weekend.  I have lots of projects to finish and thought it might be a nice block of time to get some done.  If you care to join me, call Mimi's to get more information.  The fee is $25.00 for all three days and lots of amenities come along with that.  I think it'll be a blast and looking forward to being on the other side of the fence for a change. Their number is 206.838.7659 if you need to call them.  

I had wanted to take a photo of the demo project today but forgot.  Although not many attended, we had fun and also made a very cool project which involved masking, reverse masking, and some phony dry embossing (although great idea).  I will definitely include it in my next blog.  There are also packets left over from the 40/40 class that was held a couple of weeks ago at Mimi's.  Forty cards for forty dollars was/is quite he deal.   If you want a packet to get your holiday cards done, give them a call.

Hope Thanksgiving was as good as you wanted it to be.  I totally enjoyed my solo time again this year.  No cooking, no worries, no anything.  May sound sort of boring but it was just what I needed to do so I choose to do it.  Maybe in March I'll make a turkey.  Who knows!!  Lots of surprises out there!!

It's gonna be a long day.  Have not been able to sleep tonight.  Too much on the brain I guess.  Have a GREAT week and keep the frenzy to a minimum.  

Until the next time..... Hugs Doris

 

 

 

Gobble, Gobble!!

Hello Bloggers!!  I was posting something to my calendar and could hardly believe that Thanksgiving is next week.  Just where has this year gone.  It's been an explosive year for me but I am certainly working through it.  One only has to look around to know that there is always someone worse off than you.  That's definitely the case here.  Although I have health issues, they are, by far, not earth shattering and will iron themselves out.  Many thanks to those of you who have posted comments, sent a card or two, or emailed to say hello.  It's wonderful to hear from you so do keep the contact flowing.  I love it!!

I'd like to thank the folks at Mimi's Crop Circle in Burien who invited me to participate in their 40/40 class this past Saturday.  It truly helped to boost my creative spirit by my contributing 12 greeting card projects to add to the 40 card projects that were being offered in the class.  It was tons of fun and continues to be as some students visit the store to complete all of their projects.  Kits continue to be available if you were unable to attend.  I think that it is important to note that ALL proceeds from the class fee went directly to Mimi's in an attempt at boosting their financials.  It's a GREAT concept and I was extremely happy to participate.  I am sure that we'll do it again, however, we probably will not be as ambious to think that we could get 40 projects completed in a day.   If you would like a kit just call the shop at (206) 838-7659.

On Saturday evening, I was also able to participate in the Stampers Night Out event at Impress in Southcenter.  Talk about a fun time.  It was so cool to be surrounded with so much creative energy.  The evening was also to recognize the work being done by Sandy at Operation Write Home.  Sam, our heros piggy bank, made his way around the crowd and donations are reflected in the thermometer's update shown below.  Sam loves to be fed and knows that shipping all these wonderful greeting cards is his way of making a difference.  You can as well by contributing a tax deductible contribution to keep the cards flowing to our troops.  You can mail your contributions to moi at 3420 45th Avenue, SW, Seattle, WA  98116.  Checks can be made out directly to Operation Write Home.  No amount is too small.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I hope your plans are shaping up and include lots of fun and camaderie with family and friends.  I think that I will hang out with Alice, my sister, and her family for at least part of the day.  Just maybe I can beat them at a game of 10,000 for a change.  We just aim to have fun and to keep it a low key day.  Anyone have a favorite pumpkin soup recipe?  I'm feeling like we gotta have some this year!!

OK boys and girls, enough babble for one blog.  Thank you for reading and staying in touch.  Make it a GREAT week.  Hugs - Doris

 

powered by:
Easy Fundraising

Many Thanks to ALL Contributors!!!!!!

A GREAT Start on the Week

Hello Bloggers!!  It's Monday once again and already the 7th of November.  The rest of the year is going faster than it needs to go.  With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I am looking forward to celebrating with my family.  In years past, I opted to celebrate alone (by choice) but now that I have every day off, seems only the right thing to do.  Do not need that "me" day like in the past.  Every day is a "me" day.  I hope your plans are shaping up and that this holiday will be all that you want it to be.  Just remember to keep it fun.

Another great demo today at Mimi's Crop Circle in Burien, WA.  Vicki Chow conducted the demo so I was able to participate as a "student".  It was loads of fun.  Mimi's is a HUGE scrapbooking store located in Burien that caters to the Scrapbooker but are expanding into rubber stamping as well.  It's a GREAT store and definitely worth a visit.  I have sort of adopted it and they have welcomed me with open arms.  It's a great place to hang out, play a little, and feel like a part of something.  Let me know that you are stopping in for a visit and I'll do my best to be there and visit with you also.  This evening following the demo, 4 of us headed out for dinner together.  Now how many times can you do that from a scrapbook or rubber stamp store.  It was total fun!!

Just in case you are interested, there is still room in the 40/40 Holiday Card Making Day at Mimi's this coming Saturday.  I will be one of the instructors with 10 designs that I have contributed towards the class.  I'd love to see some of you, so, if you are so inclined, do give Mimi's a call.  At only $40.00 for 40 cards, that makes them only $1.00 each.  Where else could you get your Christmas cards made for only $1.00 each and well before Thanksgiving.  Now that is planning.  Here are the details.

Time:  10:00 am until finish

Where:  Mimi's Crop Circle, 152 SW 152nd Street, Burien, WA ((206) 838-7658)

Details:   The 40/40 Holiday card making day is only one week away and there are still openings!! Come join us for a full day of fun, camaraderie, and a 40 project making day for only $40.00 and get all your Christmas cards done!! There are 4 instructors who have all contributed their talent to make this a totally awesome day. I will be one of the instructors and look forward to seeing many of you. Do join us!! Call Mimi's today (206) 838-7658.

I hope this blog finds you all well.  I get such a kick out of bumping into some of you on the streets of West Seattle.  It's always fun to reconnect even for just a couple of minutes.  I will blog again soon.  I actually like blogging.  It's sort of a fun outlet for just "stuff".  If you have a favorite blog (besides mine of course - hee hee) let me know.  I'd love to check it out.

Until the next time...... Hugs to All - Doris

Here is the card that we made today at Vicki's demo.  It was a resist technique where we embossed an entire background of snowflakes (all unmounted) on a curved acrylic block that was then stamped with Versamark.  Three different ink colors were applied.  It was fun and beautiful.  Now I have my first Christmas card already made.  Imagine that!!