Sisters

This is a picture of my sisters and I last Thanksgiving 2008. Our whole family eats at Terry's house in Keyser, WV. She even has her apron on in this picture!

Pictured from left: Amy (Youngest Child), Terry (First Child), and Cindy (Middle Child).

Gratitude

I quickly put together 4 of these layouts the night before Thanksgiving so that I could take copies to my siblings and Mom. "It was nice to get a shot of siblings Terry, Jim & Cindy at Uncle John's 80th birthday. 2009"

Great American Plate

Greg is spending his Thanksgiving with Michelle in Minneapolis. I made the 4 of us a turkey dinner two Sundays ago. This is what it looked like.

"1/2 the meal fruits and vegetables, 1/4 whole grains, 1/4 lean protein.
Our pre-holiday meal was made with whole foods and love."

Our Slice of Life

While driving along 50 west on our way to the Ohio River byway, we listened to the CD "Slice" by Five for Fighting. This is my little "Slice of Life" from the trip.

"I caught your heart on an Autumn breeze. Our melodies are memories."

Gallipolis City Park

I was trying to find a motel near Huntington, WV to book a "free" night's stay, but the closest I could get was much further north in Gallipolis, Ohio. We took our time driving there, on a beautiful fall day, along the Ohio River. Our motel was very nice and the City Park in this quaint city was a perfect backdrop for a self portrait. Bob placed his camera on a water fountain and this is the picture that was in focus. My favorite shot was not sharp, so I added textured filters to it to create my page "Our slice of life", preserving memories of the day and time.

A Splash of Color

I got the idea for dying dryer sheets from Shelz Studio, the neatest paper store in West Virginia. (http://shelzstudio.blogspot.com/) She cleverly used Easter dyes for this project, and I followed suit. When I spoke to her this summer she, like I, hadn't figured out exactly what to do with the colored sheets.

I've seen layouts with color blocks in several magazines, and paired photos of my summer flowers with pieces of the dryer sheets.

"It's always nice to have a splash of color in any photo,or for that matter, any setting. What would life be like in black & white?"

Hercules

Halloween is one of Chris' favorite holidays. We decorate and he always gets a costume. This year he was invited to 2 parties. During this party at Jesse Lambs' they all wore costumes and had a good time watching "My Bloody Valentine". 11th Grade 2009.

Digital Tag (Cherie Mask "Thrilling October")

A Spin on Self Portraits

Bob had me laughing when I photographed him--head upside down--looking through the camera to get a timed portrait of us.

Hupp's Hill Civil War Trail
September 2009

Patriotic

This is a layout I did last year (thus the "poofy" bangs). Photo was taken on election day; journaling on Veterans Day. "My Dad's a Veteran, and I always recognize the patriotic holidays. We display an American flag on our porch everyday. I love the land of my birth and appreciate this life and the pursuit of happiness. I support my country and live within my means. November 2008.

Our Hill at Harvest

Last week Chris and Bob each joined me on walks to the top of the hill behind our house. The day Chris and I walked after school the sun was setting...our prize was seeing a harvest moon! Bob and I walked after a WVU game when the sun was still overhead. The deer were visible on both days. The proof is in these pictures. . . there's no place as pretty as our own home! November 3rd & 7th, 2009.

Journaling and additional pictures under hinged photos.

Digital elements: Tag (Jessica Sprague): Frame (Jen Allyson); Brush (Kate Teague).

Mile High

Colorado's State Capital Building was not as pretty as West Virginia's, but the Civic Center Park was pretty and the capital steps had a unique feature: the 13th step was the "Mile High" mark. I had to take my picture there even though that side of the building was shady and I looked real bony with the wide angle.

Journaling: "We stayed in a motel 18 blocks from the convention center above the Mile High Mark on the 13th Step of the Colorado State Capital Building."

Digital images:
Paper (HAL hootfest December) (Jen Allyson Organic Taupe)
Brushes (Jen Allyson Organic Borders)
Stitching, jewelled wire and flourish (Cottage Arts Simply Faith)

Martha's Treat

My friend & mentor Martha Nesser always included me in celebrations she sponsored. This year she invited Bob & I to bring our kids to a party she & Dining Services planned at WVU Farms. All the children were "V.I.P.s" at this party. Our boys dressed in Power Rangers and paraded in the arena. There was a lot of food. Martha--the fortune teller--once again shared her fortune with those she loved. 1995

Journaling Tag (Cherie Mask "Thrilling October" by Little Dreamer Designs).

Not so Shabby

Bob asked me the other day if I thought he was a good Dad. Unquestionably, he is. When Greg wanted to dress up as a Zombie for Halloween, it was Bob who did the makeup and Bob who compiled the costume. He did a good job with this undertaking too. Photos 1998.