Life needs a lift

...the Lipstick Chicks sure can attest to that! So here is Challenge #17, ready?

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2011/03/challenge-17-sponsored-by-candy-shoppe.html

Didja see? I think I might do some lifting this month! The pages are so gorgeous this month...

Sponsor this month is
Candy Shoppe Designs
Check 'em out!


(=
xoxo

fizzy lifting drinks

...or another Lipstick Chick xoxo LIFT!

Go check us out here:
True xoxo Girls Blog

Lift, post, repeat as necessary.

You can see my little creation this month. Sooooo incredibly *not* wht I had planned for the page, but it's fun nonetheless. You don't get extra credit for lifting me, but I probably would give ya a blog mention if you do. (= Props!

This is the January lift -
Prize is from SWEET PEACH CROP SHOP and it's to die for! You'll have to check the link to see the "Second Semester" kit prize. (=

Have fun!

Butterflies Fly by Lindsey Krauss.
Supplies:
Paper: Pink Paislee, Flowers: Urban Lily,
Bling/Pearls: Heidi Swapp, MME, Kaiser, Bazzill Paper, Prima.
Flocked Lace: WRMK, Letters: AC Thickers, White Blossom,
Journaling spot: Maya Road, Ink: Staz-On.Rub-ons: Bazzill, Pen: Sharpie. 

Ok, in case you missed it - I was lifted last month! This contributing chick Mrs. Green lifted so well, it could have been sister pages to my soccer layout (as the matter of fact, I think I like her soccer ball better!) Can't wait to see it with pictures!

uh oh

Some local friends found out I have blog.

Now, I'm not denying the fact that I am not a very good blogger, so let's start there. Most of the time I just don't feel like I have anything important to say, especially when reading blogs of others who blog for real reasons or with real talent. However, I like pointing out pretty things, so that I will do.

Originally this blog was named 'The Midnight Scrapper' as I would stay up scrapbooking all night when Matthew was super young and Doug worked midnights. After that, I stayed with the 'Lindsey's Scraps', of life and the book. Just to give me an out to talk about anything I wanted. Wasn't there another title after that? The title 'Choreographed' you can read about here.

I think it's easier to blog for strangers, maybe I wouldn't have to worry about face-to-face criticism (although I doubt any of my real friends would criticize me unnecessarily anyway). My mantra about scrapbooking is do it only if I'm having fun. I was unnecessarily and meanly criticized once when I first started scrapbooking and showing online. It was right there and then that I decided I would scrap for myself and only for fun and that I would learn to appreciate ALL scrapbookers and scrapbooking. Was it worth it otherwise?

Lightbulb.
That must be why I stick to small and welcoming online scrapbooking sites and design teams. hmmm. Interesting.

But I think all readers need to know something about me:

I am a master of nothing.


You know that saying, jack of all trades, master of none? That should be my tattoo. But, listen. I'm so okay with that. I've realized now that the journey God's taken me on is happening for a reason. A very special reason. I'm gathering that sometimes it is better to be well-rounded in many things so that you're well-equipped for certain jobs (for example, working with kids, *wink, *wink).

So, not to belittle myself, but in an effort for readers to get to know me better, I'm going to have a little fun "rating" myself. Feel free to talk to me about anything I'm about to mention. It's like a star-rating. One * is not so good, 5 ***** is really, really good (or, however you word that).

Ready?

Working with kids: **** -- by far my greatest talent. I'm not at 5 because I think as a teacher you will always have to learn. You have to be willing to accept the fact that you don't know everything and have to constantly look for guidance and wisdom.

Singing: *** -- (5 if you ask my mom). lol. I have a pretty voice, but I have to be so practiced and rehearsed that I just can't hack it on-the-fly. I would love to have an ear to figure out harmonies and not to have to read and learn them as written. I'm working on that. In my car. (-;

Taking pictures: *** -- but I have so much to learn. I think I have a pretty good eye. and yes, Erin, I *LOVE* my details. Ever since I was engaged and especially after I had Matthew. Just have to learn the camera better. Working on that!

Gymnastics: *** -- (formerly). Now I'm only 3*** if I'm on a trampoline. My oh my has gravity and age set in. However, in my mind, I'm a 5*****! I can still do all my skills in my head, and better than I ever did them in person!

Cooking: *** I'm going with 3 on this one. I love recipes. I love doing my own thing. However, there is more risk of things not going my way since the move to the electric stove/oven. Grrr. However, I'm a whiz on the grill and on my old gas stove. Hungry?

Scrapbooking: **1/2 -- I don't know. Sometimes my pages are phenomenal, sometimes they bomb. As long as I have my Dad around to brag around about me, I'll stay at 2**. (=

Dancing: **1/2 -- here's the thing. I was a power-gymnast but had grace in my hands. When I got on stage, I learned how to fake it really, really well.

Driving: **1/2 -- I drive too fast sometimes. I've gotten better since moving to the country country, but still have my moments. I'm safe. Just fast.

Piano: * -- I used to easily be a 4****, playing key contemporary duets with my teachers and crazy Rachmaninoff solo pieces, but now? I only have part of one Scott Joplin song left. )= Oh, and Twinkle/ABC.

Cleaning: * -- I just can't stick to a schedule.

Phone skills: 1/2 -- I'm terrible at it. However, Facebook skills are near-reaching 5*****. *wink

Ballet 0 -- I only made it 3 weeks.

Flute 0 -- I only made it 6 weeks. or was it vice versa?

Hmmmm... I'm sure there is more. There may be a second post about this. It was kind of fun, getting to know myself on paper.

So howdy, friends, near and far. I'll be talking to ya soon. <3 xoxo

XOXO to you...

http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2010/12/challenge-14-sponsored-by-candy-shoppe.html

Hey! The new True XOXO Lipstick Chicks' blog layouts-to-lift are up under November's winners! This one is sponsored by CSD. Lots of fun stuff to look at, to lift. New girlies on next month so stayed tuned...

Here is the layout I did - way different for me.

imaginisce, imagine that!

I saw this sketch while browsing the blogs of a few of ScrapStreet's newest staff and just had to try. It was so much fun - and, not surprisingly, quite literal after being turned upside-down (quite like my life usually is...) I used the MLShoebox line I received as a prize and polished off some late summer pics of hubby & the kids. It's fun and bright and is one of my favs of the year, I think.

Sketch:

My take - I saw this sketch printed and laying upside down on my table and that's when I put green hills in where the banners should be (and exactly where my journaling landed - look closely!). I couldn't bring myself to banner anyway, it's one trend I'm hoping to steer clear of. :) I like your banners, I just don't want to do mine!

Paper: My Little Shoebox
Sticky stitches: ColorBok

Pen: Sharpie
Other: Felt rickrack, pop adhesive

So I guess the sketch (for me) should look a little more like this:

Wecome December!

Unfortunately, it's 60 degree and raining - if you know me, you know I WANT MY SNOW!! Soon enough, I'm sure.

I love the business of December. All focused around the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Can't think of a better way to spend a month. or a year. or eternity!

So I'm just sitting down to write up my December calendar and I get to start with the announcement of the new staff at ScrapStreet! Check out this link for the official announcement!

I received my goodies from My Little Shoebox - the entire GREEN collection! They must have known how I loathe double-sided papers because they sent me two of every paper! It's a bit summery for a rainy December day, but I don't think that'll stop me from digging in...

I have no closing! Can't think of a way to say goodbye ... so ... gosh, I better get to work so I have some actual scrapbooking to show ya. I'll be back!

Magistical Memories

Back a long, long time ago (like 2 weeks), I actually had the chance to create a page for myself (before I realized that all these deadlines were upon me). I used a Magistical Memories sketch and was inspired. Although I normally seem to reach for the Mag Mem chipboard first, today it was some Twiddleybitz leaves that fell on the autumn floor. Simple, fresh, and yes, I stamped - willingly, with no one forcing me or otherwise tying my shoes together. I can't believe I had these Inque Boutique and had never used them. (See what unpacking into a new house has done to me?) That and the reallllly old Junkitz that I saved (aw man, do I miss that company...)

Finally a page, I'm really happy with - you may know by now my favorite season to scrap is autumn and I love anything with circles on it. :) Anyway, back to work before my editors realize I was having fun. ;)

My Little Shoebox

I temporarily interrupt this design team call to woot!

I won @ the My Little Shoebox blog!
So exciting. :)

So... which MLS line would you choose?

Lifted!

You know, for XOXO.

I'm honored. I wasn't sure what it would do to my normally-low self esteem if I wasn't lifted on my first time out. However, not only was I lifted, but I think I like this layout better than my own, and I think I'm fixin' to lift my lifter! =)

Take a look at Tracee Provis (aka Fluffy)'s lift layout TRUST! It is so sweet! I just love the colors she chose. (Actually, they've been my chosen colors for Christmas this season. More on that in the December issue of ScrapStreet...)


Mine: 

Hers!

ScrapStreet Magazine Staff call!

ScrapStreet is looking for digital, hybrid, paper and magazine writers, too!

Okay, so the first call is actually for the new partnership GingerScrapsStreet magazine ... 

(info for ScrapStreet Magazine is below, also in this post).

Some super exciting news happening over at ScrapStreet. Read all about it, the staff call and new magazine submission calls here!


Or, here is the info:
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between ScrapStreet.com Magazine and GingerScraps.net.  As we roll into the new year--and our SIXTH as a magazine--we have joined forces to create a new digital and hybrid ezine called GingerScrapsStreet Magazine!

Some of you may recognize Ginger's name from her many years with us as a ScrapStreet digital designer.  Others will know her name and those of her talented Gingerbread Ladies from their amazing work in the digital scrapping world.  We could not have wished for a better partnership!

As of today, we are closing our own digital store and moving everything to GingerScraps.  You can see my LemonLove Creations available starting today.  Katey will be moving soon with a brand new designing name and a fabulous new look.  Keep an eye out for her announcement soon!
Would you like to be a part of our new venture?  We are now accepting applications for staff AND we have brand new submission calls!  Here is all of the info you need.

Do you have a passion for all things digital or hybrid? Do you love sharing new ideas and hot trends with your fellow scrappers? Are you interested in increasing your online presence reaching thousands of subscribers each month?If you are selected for our new digital team with GingerScraps, you will write a monthly article which will include selecting and requesting the work of designers, combining the work into an interesting article, and meeting your deadline. You will receive products from GingerScraps and other industry designers as a thank you for sharing your talents. It is an excellent opportunity to increase your visibility in the scrapping community while having fun. 

To Apply:

Send the following to digistaff@scrapstreet.com

1. contact information
2. a short statement of why you are interested in joining us.
3. a link to your blog.
4. a link to your gallery.

Would you love to see your art featured in GingerScrapsStreet Magazine? Check out our current calls:

January Calls:
Each month we will choose one layout to grace our cover and that designer will receive a wonderful package of goodies as our thanks. All layouts submitted for our article calls are eligible. Good Luck!

Hybrid: Are you a hybrid scrapper? Submit your layouts that use any hybrid technique and tell us what you love about this style of scrapbooking!

Digital Designers: Would you like to be our featured designer for an upcoming month? A kit made by you will be the central point of our magazine and we will show off you and your work to all of our subscribers!

Resolutions: Do you have one big one or whole list of changes to make? Resolve to scrap them and share the layout with us!

Fonts: Are you an addict? Do you love to mix and match and create with typography? Show us your layouts that are in tip top type shape.

Girls Night Out: Show us anything and everything that says Girlfriend time to you. What do you do when you can ditch the menfolk and head out? Coffee? Cocktails? Creativity? We would love to see.

Confetti: Nothing says party like a handful of confetti! January starts off with a party. Toss some confetti on a layout and send it our way.

Organization: January marks the sale of organizers as everyone insists that this will be the year that they perfect the todo list. We want to see your layouts using any and all office supplies. Bonus points if you scrap in a nice todo list or calendar.

Color me WHITE: In the month that tops the snowfall across the country, many of us look outside to see white day after day. How can you make WHITE sing on your pages. Show us your creative uses of white!

Deadline is midnight November 29th ... for all calls.
Please send your work to gsscalls@scrapstreet.com.
Please send a separate email for each submission you would like to be considered for publication. Please keep the image size around 600 x 600 pixels. Thank you! 

Are you ready to be a part of this fabulous new magazine?  We cannot wait to see everything you have to offer!


The 2nd call is for one of the best teams you'll ever work on! 

Here's the link to that call!! Or, here is the info:

Call Title: ScrapStreet.com EZine Team Call
Ending Date: November 29, 2010

Note: ScrapStreet.com EZine is looking for fun and creative designers who
love to scrapbook to add to our team. Layout, card, and altered artists
are all encouraged to apply.

The Job:
Our team publishes a monthly EZine with thousands of subscribers and a 5
year history. We love finding and showcasing talented scrappers and
beautiful products. If you are selected for our team, you will write a
monthly article which will include selecting and requesting the work of
designers, combining the work into an interesting article, and meeting your
deadline.

You will also receive products at least 6 times a year from a variety of
manufacturers and will scrap several items to showcase their lines. It is
an excellent opportunity to increase your visibility in the scrapping
community while having fun.

To Apply:
Send the following to staff@scrapstreet.com
contact information
a short statement of why you are interested in joining us.
3 of your favorite creations showcasing your style.
a link to your blog.
a link to your gallery.

End date: November 29, 2010
Link www.scrapstreet.com

Need a Lift?

Okay, I'm brand new at this - but I think I've got it.
See, I'm creating for this blog's dt - I create, you lift. It's called truexoxogirls (it's rated G, I promise!) What you do is go through the layouts, lift and link and you're entered to win a fabulous prize.
See last month's winners and then layouts to lift here:
http://truexoxogirls.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-13-sponsored-by-scrap-attack.html
So go lift, me or someone else on the blog (there are lots to choose from).

And the prize? Check this out: A huge kit from Scrap Attack!

One WINNER will claim this prize. p.s. International Winner must pay their own s/h.

Scrap Attack Scrapbooking is an online scrapbooking store & community. They have a wonderful store that is stocked with beautiful scrapbook supplies all at 10% off MSRP everyday – {no} coupon needed! They pride themselves on having a great selection of scrapbook supplies with competitive prices, fast shipping and outstanding customer service. Scrap Attack Scrapbooking, otherwise known as SAS, also “rewards” you for shopping with them. For every dollar you spend you are rewarded with points that can be cashed in on your next shopping visit. They also have a fun and friendly online community, creative gallery & monthly challenges. To join in the fun please visit their site atwww.ScrapAttackScrapbooking.com.

Creative Peace

Aaah, bliss.

My scrap room is in complete disarray. My fingers are marked with blue ink. I didn't get enough sleep.

But what is that feeling? Ahhh, it's my creative soul at peace.

When I started my pages last night, my husband came home and came in to say hello. I told him I didn't even think I could do this anymore - to scrapbook successfully, that is. Too much stuff and not enough inspiration.

What was borne from that is a simple two-pager. It's not ground-breaking. It's not state-of-the-art. It's not even all that current. But when my four-year-old picked up the pages to take a look (okay, downright pushed me out of the way of photographing them!), it made my heart beat a little warmer.

After all, that's what counts, right?

If you're coming here from the ScrapStreet blog, hello, welcome! Here are the pages that used my shadowboxing technique and calmed my creative being. =) If you're here visiting me, visit the ScrapStreet blog to read more about how I framed my photo and treated my corners.

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy. I did!

choreographed

cho·re·o·graph

   [kawr-ee-uh-graf, -grahf, kohr-]  Show IPA

–verb (used with object)

1.

to provide the choreography for: to choreograph a musicalcomedy.

2.

to manage, maneuver, or direct: The author is a genius atchoreographing a large cast of characters.

(thank you dictionary.com)

A discovery. Not another reinvention of myself (laughing out loud). But a discovery (realization, comprehension, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, grasp, recognition, understanding, thank you thesaurus.com).

That's who I am. I love to be choreographed.

See, there was this article in September's ScrapStreet titled "My Style". But I think I was pouty from the beginning because we had to define ourselves with stamps and stamps are literally the last supply I use. Doesn't matter how super cute stamps are (and those digital stamps by Phindy's Place were super cute!) they just don't agree with me. And I don't like the way I sounded when typing, nor did I love my projects. Chip-on-my-shoulder scrapbooking, if you will.

Now, I don't mind the page I wrote. I even had opportunity to read it a month or so after I wrote it and I still didn't mind the article. My favorite part is in the design notes of the second project that says: "I found this project much like myself: imperfect, challenging, and sometimes better on the second try."

I've had very little scrapping time lately, but very much time to really think about myself, my life, where I am and where I'm going. As the kids get older and define me less, I guess I'm in a state of rediscovery. I'm not sure what started my train of thought, but it went something like this:

In music, I played piano, but I had to be extremely practiced and was only a concert pianist. I couldn't play from mere chords. I needed pages and notes and lots and lots of practice time. I still sing the same way.

When acting on stage, I have to work very, very hard at memorizing my script (and still usually forgot plenty). Forget improvisation - it wasn't for me and I usually made an ass out of myself. I needed to be first scripted and then extra rehearsed.

In gymnastics, I didn't get good at covering mistakes until I was late in college. As the sport went, I did better when I was choreographed, practiced and in control. In control enough to go out on autopilot or, as we liked to call it "Going Brainless". Perhaps that's why my best event became floor, where I could perform but only when extremely disciplined.


My favorite way to be led is by the Bible. (= Certainly don't mind following there!

Seeing where I'm going here?

Well, heck then, doesn't that explain a lot when it comes to scrapbooking? My favorite layouts come from sketches. See the similarity? The basic groundwork is laid and then I get to elaborate. The only things I like better than scrapping from sketches are scraplifts - using others' pages as inspiration. I've tried not to make this habit, I've only done less than a handful; but the pages that result are, by far, my favorite pages. Again, it's because I got to turn something scripted into my own. 

I guess I originally had trouble with this realization because I remember growing up being told 'be a leader'. 'Be a leader'. 'Be a leader'. But I never was. I was always better on a team. It  wasn't until lately that I realized that I need to teach my kids not necessarily to be a leader, but to have a mind of your own. Make your own decisions. Follow what you think and know to be right. Not what the crowd is doing and certainly not what any ol' leader is doing. 

Wait? What does that have to do with being better off as choreographed? Oh yeah, back on track. I constantly feel bad about not being innovative. About not being unique. About not having a style. About not being the first to do this. Or not being the one that thought up to do that. 

Choreographed. That is me. Practiced. That is me. Scripted. That is me. Sketched. That, too, is me. 

You're about to see my blog title changed. I'm still me, just morphing and getting to know myself better. And finally coming to terms and being happy with the fact that I live and create better...

when choreographed.

If you give a mom a mop...

(inspired by Laura Numeroff, written by me)

If you give a mom a mop,
she'll want to wash the kitchen floor with it.
But before she can wash the floor,
she'll have to put the basket of shoes away first.
After she puts everyone's shoes away in the garage,
she'll want to clean up the outside toys.
After skillfully tossing the last bike helmet into the bin,
she'll return the empty shoe basket inside to the laundry room.
When she gets to the laundry room,
she'll see a few loads of laundry that needs to be folded.
When she brings them to the living room to fold,
she realizes there's a little dusting to do.
While admiring the dust in the living room,
she'll realize that she really doesn't like the layout of the furniture.
In order to redecorate the room she has to unwire and rewire the tv, cable, dvd and Wii.
So she decides to rotate the rest of the furniture forty-five degrees
which, in turn, uncovers a whole new layer of dust.
On her way to get the rag and dust spray,
she stumbles on the kitchen chairs that
were left in the dining room
(to be able to clean the floor).
She pushes past the kitchen chairs, grabs a glass of wine,
pushes the folded laundry aside,
and sits down with a little Food Network.

The next morning, while making the kids' lunches,
she'll see the mop & bucket...

I have a plan, really I do...

It's mid-summer here in gorgeous New York. VBS completed. Got a couple trips to the beach in. Went on our annual 2-week camping trip. Still have twenty-four lazy days left.

And as much as I don't want summer to end, I'm looking forward to a new beginning. And herein lies my plan. You see, Matthew gets back on the bus this year, for second grade and to his new school. He gets on super early, near eight o'clock (yes, that's early for me!) Now McKenna has school at about nine pretty close in town. Figuring I'll have both kids dressed, fed and packed up by eight o'clock, that leaves one whole hour.

Here's my plan.

As soon as Matthew's on the bus, I'll let McKenna have an activity of her choice. Either it's tv time, puzzles, my dsi or whatever. Some alone time for her. What I'd like to do is hop on the computer with a bowl of cereal and a hot cup of tea every morning and spend a good forty-five minutes with my ScrapStreet girls and this thing that's been long-called the "breakfast club". You see, even though I'm one of the first North Americans awake on ScrapStreet, I'm rarely there early. Ok, so lately, I'm rarely there at all.

But that's not it. If I can find a way to scrap without chatting (fat chance), I can also use this forty-five minutes in other ways in my scraproom during the week. Actually scrapbook, perhaps? Clean? Chat? Sketch? Whatever my scrappy heart desires.

The thing is...
It seems whenever I make a plan and say "definitely", it never happens. Ever.

However, I miss scrapbooking so. Just for the pure joy of recapturing memories and chatting with cyber-friends. Just for the feel of photo and paper. I mean, look! I designed one - yes, just ONE, scrapbook completely by and for myself this summer. And it was back in June. And I *love* it. I can do this. I need to do this.

Little Sunflower by Lindsey Krauss. 

Supplies: Paper: Basic Grey, Lily Bee Design, 

Tags, button: Basic Grey, Rhinestones: Recollections.

So, on school days, I'm putting off the toilet-cleaning and house-tidying and meal-planning till after the kids are gone and I'm taking some time for myself. And that's the way it's going to be.

And now, I'll take bets from y'all - who's betting with me (that I can make this work) and who's betting against? *sigh*

Operation Write Home bloghop

You've finished the OWH blog hop!!! 

link up! for now, go back and visit Operation Write Home as your last blog stop!

http://www.owhhomefrontblog.org/

Welcome to my blog! Read to the bottom for a sketch and a chance to win a package of Thickers!

I can tell you that I participated in Cards for Heroes last year and won a totally amazing photography workshop with Karen Russell. I'm in that now - and wow! - so much to learn! 

But it really wasn't about the prize for me. I'm not a card-maker by nature. However, a project like OWH just inspired me to create for someone else. I'm looking to top my number from last year - 22 - and to get them all sent out in a timely matter this time!

Blessings to you, fellow card makers and supportive scrapbookers. I'm glad to see you hopping, hope to see you creating for OWH, too!

I found these awesome tips on the OWH website homepage:

• *No glitter.

  Sparkly messes can make heroes visible at night - so please don't use glitter that flakes off the cards.

• *Themes.

  General are best for flexibility! Thinking of you, birthday, love, miss you, holidays are also loved.

• *Size.

  The best size that allows the most cards into a box is 4.25" x 5.5", fitting into standard A2 envelopes.

• *Handmade.

  Handmade cards are loved by our heroes over storebought, so we only send crafted cards.
• *AnyHero cards.
  Write a short note in one of the cards you send in and encourage a hero far from home!

I'd also like to offer an extra special thank you to all of our American families that have sacrificed for our freedom. I was in Army 'brat' myself, I lived the life for 12 years and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Blessings to my own Dad and thoughts to all of his fellow soldiers lost in fighting. 

This is a scan of something my Dad keeps framed in his house. This is a moment years ago - 1991 -  of my Dad rubbing of his best man's name at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial (Rafael A. Chavez, 1947-1970). If you look in the middle of the photo, you'll see the reflection of American Flag flying high - what an amazing capture. The photo itself is stunning.

Leave me a comment, just to let me know you were here and so I can go out and visit you. It's all about community support, after all.

Yours in Faith,

Here is a quick card sketch to get you rolling. To win a brand new package of Thickers, 
1. Follow me!
2. Comment and I'll randomly choose a winner. 
3. If you post a link to a card using my sketch by midnight your time on Monday (eta: extended! I'll draw sometime next weekend, so get your sketch interpretations in by Friday, June 4th, midnight your time) I'll enter you twice! Happy Scrapping!