Meeting a Blogger Friend!

We all make connections in the crafty blogging world and once in awhile we actually get to meet a fellow blogger!  Last Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet up with Brenda, "Bumblebees and Butterflies" and what a great time it was!  We talked about this over a year ago and have been literally doing a count down since January!   I will try to keep this as brief as possible, but it was quite the day and I have got to show you the lovely gifts that I received from Brenda and Lucy!  I was almost brought to tears with the unbelievable beauty and generosity, which was so unexpected. 

Ken, Brenda, Me, Steve

We decided we would meet for lunch at BJ's to start our day and we even had a fabulous server, which adds to the nice experience.  At first it was nice to sit outside on the patio, but it became quite hot, so we moved inside!  Brenda had her first Margarita and for those who might believe I would corrupt this sweetheart (Lucy and Marjie), she left us the same lovely lady!  There was never an awkward or silent moment among the four of us.  Yes, we brought the husbands along and they were as chatty as we were!!  It really was a great time!

Our First stop after BJ's, was to visit a Michael's as Brenda had heard so much of this craft store! 

Next stop was Scrapbooking Made Simple, where I knew there was a sale going on and since it is a pretty large store, I was hoping there would be time for Brenda to have a look!  Well we did a little damage there as well! 

Now I need to share with you all the lovely gifts that were given to me!  I was actually embarrassed as to the immense amount of treasures that my sweet friends gave to me!  Oh, but I do love them and can't thank Brenda and Lucy enough!  Here we go!

We sit down and start to talk a little at the restaurant and Brenda hands me a bag with tissue wrapped items.  First she hands me something from Lucy, "True Colours."  Now I was floored and not from the Margarita! 

Oh So Lovely!

Inside Pretties!

Sweet Inside and Out!

I have long loved Lucy's alterations of hand bags and shoes, but never expected I would be the most lucky recipient of one!  Is this not gorgeous and notice the "Friendship" and that is what we share!  There were even some lovely trims tucked inside and a very sweet card!  Thank you so much, Lucy!  I will always treasure your kindness and I just love my little purse!  Someday soon, we also shall meet!  Lucy is the one who got me all worked up over shrink plastic, clay moulds and using seed beads!  I even signed up for her online class to learn about making moulds and it was so worth it! 

Speaking of generosity, look at what Brenda presented me with!  Like I said, I was overwhelmed!  Each piece is more gorgeous in real life, than I can capture in a picture and especially with my camera.  I won't go into describing each piece as I know Brenda will take care of that, but just feast your eyes on these works of art!  Thank you so much Brenda, for the most lovely gifts and mostly for the friendship that I will always cherish!

Love this Tag!

How Fun Is This?

Photo Journal

Beautiful Altered Box!

Inside the box!

Treasures inside!

I know this was a long post with many pictures, but I wanted you all to share in a special day I shared with Brenda and Lucy!  I feel so blessed to be a part of this blogging world and for all the friendships that have developed.  Each and everyone of you are special to me and I appreciate the time you take to visit and comment!  Thank you!

Photo Inspired

"Inspiration Photo Challenge" is the current challenge at Frilly and Funkie and this week is the Funkie side is showing their interpretation!  For my DT project, I literally waited until close to the last minute as we actually went on a little vacation and I wanted to incorporate that adventure into the challenge!  To me this tag and that time with family will always be treasured and so I am also linking this up to Brenda's "Tuesday Treasures."  Simon Says Stamp and Show wants "A Bit Of Brown" and there are bits here and there.  Here is my interpretation!

Don't forget to stop by the F&F blog for more inspiration and remember there will be a drawing for a $15.00 gift certificate to The Funkie Junkie Boutique!  Here is the "photo inspiration," so use that beautiful imagination and we can't wait to see your interpretation.

Before I tell you how I came up with this tag, I want to tell you how the ideas came into play.  I knew we were going to Portland, OR, as my sweet daughter used here Rapid Reward points to buy us flights!  She arranged to have her boyfriend say with our older pets.  I was not very happy with her making plans for me, as I have a big fear of flying and even a bigger fear of leaving my older pets and especially with someone who has not been around them very much!  Now once I knew we were going to Portland, I decided to take advantage of the trip for this challenge, but I had no idea what I would do.  The main photo is of my daughter, grandson, hubby and of course me!  My grandson was so thrilled to have a drink with us, being 21 years old,  that he wanted to celebrate by paying for the dinner!  Is that not so darn sweet?  It was also his way of thanking us for the numerous dinners, etc., we have taken care of.  No those are not all alcohol beverage glasses, most are water!  The picture was taken at night outside and with a cell phone, so the quality is not the best.  The ticket photo's, which I love how the larger one makes it own little frame, are of the Rose Garden and a downtown shot!  Living in the desert, this was quite a lovely trip!  I did fine with the four airplane rides and the pets were absolutely fine!  What a wonderful time we had and Portland is quite green!!  The Sun was shinning the entire time and the challenge at Inspiration Journal is to "Create a Little Sunshine," so I am linking this to their blog as well!

Downtown in the distance!

I first started out with a Jumbo tag that I inked up with Distress inks.  I cut green and yellow card stock and embossed and then highlighted.  The yellow was highlighted with the new Squeezed Lemonade, but does not show up in the photo very well.  The movers and shapers leaves were then cut into the yellow CS to allow the leafy green to show through.   I printed the photos and the tickets photos were cut, separated and shaded on all edges to give a nice framed appearance.  I also mounted these on separate CS.  The main photo was shaded and backed and then I just added all my little metal goodies.  All the shading was done with Walnut Stain.

Well with working on the house and getting all nervous about the trip, pets and figuring out a detailed list for the pets and house, that is why I have been kind of MIA!  In May, I had a surprise visit from my son and granddaughter, then Mother's Day, the birthday for the DH and then this!  Now I believe I can get back to the house and crafting!  Thanks a bunch for stopping by and I sure hope you are having a great Summer!

25 Jumbo Manila Shipping Tags 8x4" #12	Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers Base Tray	Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves Die	Tim Holtz Sizzix Texture Fades - Damask and Regal Flourishes Set
Mini Tickets Sizzix Alterations Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die by Tim Holtz	Ranger Tim Holtz Spring Seasonal Distress Ink Pads	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Word Bands
Burlap String - 10 Colors	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Pen Nibs	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Word Keys	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Findings Philosophy Tags
Sweet & Small - A Set of Antiqued Bronze Charms for Jewelry Making, Scrapbooking and Mixed Media	Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool-With 2 Blending Foams	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Peeled Paint