Eye Spy...

I absolutely love using eye embellishments on my cards. It sort of brings life to my creations (I would rather see googly eyes, than googly thighs). These mini cards are one of my favorites. I really enjoy using them as tip cards and writing something nice about a service well done! People always remember you because it's more unique than putting money in a little brown envelope and handing it to your hairstylist or esthetician (You got me! I write nice things on the cards so my stylist will love it enough to post it on her mirror at work and when other clients are getting their haircut, they will see the lovely note and get jealous that I'm the favorite client of them all!). It really helps when you tip well too!!

"Beauty Parlor: A place where women curl up and dye"

- Aiken Drum

Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. Actually it's me, Almay!

When I headed into my office this morning, I was greeted by grey skies, a force of wind, and a lot of white stuff dropping to the ground. All I could do was look up at the sky and ask, "Why?" There was a moment when the clouds started to dance and a glimmer of light found it's way to earth. Just moments before the clouds closed in again, I grabbed my camera to take this quick shot outside my office window. When I downloaded the picture, I was reminded of Judy Blume's book, "Are you there God, It's me Margaret." If you've read this great hilarious book about adolescence, the only difference between me and Margaret is that I'm not looking for answers in my training bra! I've come a long way Baby, from my size A cup days (not by much though!)

The way the sky was changing today, which is the last day of 2008 tells me that despite the housing issues, job losses, and slowing economy that there is still light behind those ugly grey clouds. I'm almost sure some of these forced situations have helped you learn more about yourself and how much we can all shine! I know it has for me!

"Are you there God? It's me, Almay! I want to thank you for a year filled with losses and surprises! I'm so glad that you gave me an opportunity to find my creative outlet which has allowed me to make new friends and reconnect with others! Thank you for the engineering projects you gave me this year that has paid for my love of paper supplies! Thank you for my trip overseas to see my grandfather before he left this earth to be with you. Since he loved journaling as I'm doing here, I thank you for giving him that gift which he then passed on to me. As oddly as this may sound, thank you for placing me in situations where all I can do is laugh and blog about it! A big fat thank you for blessing me with the best family and friends I could ask for! Most of all, thank you for being a listening ear when I'm babbling away."