I have a blog!

Okay, so I did it.... Yep, me....I know it's unbelievable, but YES!! I took the plunge! No....not the Nestea Plunge!!! The BLOG PLUNGE!

I actually decided to create my very own blog!! And yes, I admit, there was a time when I just shook my head in disbelief over this huge blog phenomena. I thought to myself, "A blog?? Why the heck would anyone need a blog?" I mean what happened to the good old fashioned diary? Are we that technologically dependent that we can't even jot down our thoughts into something that isn't plugged into an outlet or a network cable anymore?? Well, I finally came to my senses and realized, "DUH! If I am writing in my diary or journal....I won't know if someone is emailing or instant messaging me! So....thus, here I am! (crap....hang on, I think an email just came in....)

Okay, I am back! It wasn't anything important....just someone insisting I need Viagra. Okay, so where was I? Oh, yes....this blog thingy. Aside from the fact that I have resolved that my diary won't "ding" at me letting me know that I have mail, I began to realize this blog thing could be a very valuable tool in keeping my friends, family members and my ever-so-wonderful Stampin' Up! pals informed. We'll see how this goes. I have to admit, I am a bit excited about knowing people might just be reading stuff that I have to say. I wonder if my ears will ring when.....no, that's dumb....I bet they won't. You'll have to pardon me, as my thoughts will tend to trail from time to time. However, now it's time to focus.....

So.... what's been going on with me lately? To tell you the truth, a whole lot of BAD stuff.... I have been ill since the beginning of May. I have a very LONG history of health issues relating to kidney infections and kidney stones and without going into much detail and boring you all, I'll just say it's been a super-miserable ride; a ride I never wish to get on ever again. Kidney stones are hands down THE most painful thing a human can endure. I mean imagine taking a hammer and bashing yourself in the nose - repeatedly.... to me, that sounds like fun when compared to passing kidney stones. Yes, I tell you no lies...

Okay, so enough of that. I wanted to talk about this online class titled, "Got Sketch? 101" that I decided to join. It is hosted by Valerie Salmon and Janna Wilson who are two of the most talented scrapbook artist's I know. As you can probably tell from the title of the class, each "lesson" is based upon a sketch design by either Janna or Valerie along with a project sheet/instructions and then off you go to create your own. Well, this may not sound like much, but if you know either of these two women, they are sooooooo talented. They have pulled out all the stops and have delivered some serious inspiration!! These gals never cease to amaze me. It was the best $21 I have spent since I bought that "clap-on clap-off" thingy years ago.... (kidding!)

Seriously, you should drop by and check it out. It's is THE best online class I have taken....well, since I became an Ordained Minister online back in the '80's!! It's not too late to sign up!! Click on the Got Sketch logo to the right.....Of course you don't have to use the same materials as shown in each lesson and you can interpret the sketch however you see fit. It is actually quite amazing to see all of the many layouts that are posted based on one single sketch and yet how unique each and every layout turns out. And I was kidding... I am not really an Ordained Minister...just don't say anything to to those friends of mine who think they're "married"! The joke is on them, eh!?

I love this class because it has helped me think outside of the box. It has brought me out of my comfort zone completely! I am actually completing my layouts in digital format....this decision was primarily because I have been sick and didn't feel like making a big mess of my scrap space AND I have wanted to try digital scrapbooking for a very long time. So far it's been going really slow, but I have enjoyed learning how to use PaintShop Pro.

Okay you wild and crazy kids.... I am signing out for now. However, you'll want to come back in the next few days because I have a wonderful project to share with you!!! Not from the Got Sketch class, but one that won't disappoint, I promise!

Thanks for stopping by....I am really excited about beginning my blog. It will only get better! Keep coming back. There will be projects, prizes, and laughter for many years to come.

Warmest wishes,

Candice