Crude Oil for $3 a Barrel?

I've said again, and again, that I need to scrapbook more about myself -- and I mentioned Friday that I found a new challenge blog geared to just that. Well, I've done it. I have created my very first page based on the prompt....The Beginning.

I had a lot of fun pulling this together, and used a variety of online sources including the Time Capsule at dmarie.com to pull the journalling together. Unfortunately for me, the time capsule information is American, so there were a few things with respect to pricing that I had to verify elsewhere - but it wasn't too difficult.

I think the most shocking discovery for me was the price of crude oil. It was $3 a barrel in 1972 (adjusted for inflation that would be like 6 or 8 of today's dollars). If I'm not mistaken, on Friday, oil closed at around the $115 mark - which is of course the lowest that what we've seen in quite some time. Oh, how times have changed!

In case you're interested, here is a closer look at the journalling, which I computer printed on patterned paper. I used my new Cuttlebug Border Embossing Folder (which are awesome) to give it a bit of punch, and cut the title letters on the Wishblade. The paper, I thought, was a bit 70's retro looking, and while not normally 'my style', I think they suit the mood of the page.

I definately plan to continue to work through the challenges listed on the So Tell Me Your Story Blog. Since I'm a bit behind, the next one for me will be my name. I'm not sure yet how I'll tackle it, but I've got a few ideas to play with.

Well....I found another Challenge Blog

After enjoying some long overdue recreational computer time last night -- I found another awesome challenge blog that is just starting up. It's called So..tell me your story! All about me challenge blog and you can find it HERE. The blog promises to inspire you to create layouts about "YOU". New challenges are posted twice a month (on the 1st and the 15th) with obviously 2 weeks in between for you to get creative. In all honesty, this twice a month timeframe might be a little aggressive if you don't have a lot of free time, but I think I'm going to give it a shot. The first challenge was posted July 1st, so I'm not that far behind at the start. I'm not sure if at this point I'll try to catch up, or if I'll jump in with the August 1st challenge...I guess I'll just have to see how it goes. Here's the list so far:

1. The Beginning: Create a layout about the day you were born. (July 1)
2. Your Name (July 15) and
3. 10 Things you want to accomplish in your lifetime.

I'm definately looking forward to setting time aside this weekend to get started on this!

This blog is definately suited to me right now. One of the things on my list is to scrapbook more about myself - and these challenges if I can keep up will get me thinking about (and hopefully doing) just that. In fact, Challenge #1 was on my list almost word for word -- so I can't ignore it now can I?

Playing Catch Up

Wow! Just a week ago I was talking to my mom about how summer was only half over and how there was loads of time to be doing whatever we needed to be doing to enjoy ourselves --- today though, I have a very different outlook. Now that we are one week into August, it feels like time is slipping away and it feels more like Summer is just about ready to come to an end. Oh what a difference a week makes. Anyhow. I've been absent from the blogosphere for the last couple of weeks....and it feels really weird. I actually haven't even had time to blog surf, never mind write. Yikes! I hope things slow down soon. So here's the quick scoop on what's been going on.

1. Plans for the crop October 4th are really starting to fall into place. Our list of event sponsors is growing by the day and things are really coming together.
2. Voting at the You Kow You Rock Blog has commenced. The list of entries in their first ever challenge is huge and there's a lot of talent in this group for sure. It's really neat to see not only what people are listening to, but how one can be inspired to create based on the everyday. Pop on over and cast your vote for your favourite Rock The Cover entry.
3. I've been busy preparing my next 2 articles for Craft Critique -- the first will run next week (Friday I think) and is about Tombow Dual Brush Pens, and the second will run sometime later (I'm not sure exactly when) and that one is on Adirondack Alcohol Inks. I just love pulling these articles together, it gives me an excuse to play!!
4. We spent the holiday weekend at the cottage, and the kids had a blast showing their grandparents around when they stopped in for a visit. I unfortunately didn't take any pictures at all, but I know that my Dad did -- so I'll have to be sure to get some copies made.
5. I've done a couple more digital pages for my year-in-review book -- not near as many as I would have liked, but I've got a good start.
6. The kids spent last week at hockey camp - and had loads of fun (as I knew they would). It's so strange having to get out the hockey gear at this time of year -- it just doesn't seem normal.

That's it for the highlights (for the time being anyhow). Hopefully I can figure out how to cram some recreational computer time in the next week or so. There is no doubt that that has been a difficult, if not impossible task lately.

Rock The Cover

Remember a couple of days ago, I mentioned the Rock the Cover Challenge on the You Know You Rock Blog? Well I finally grabbed a few minutes -- and completed it.

My album inspiration was: "All That We Needed" by the Plain White T's. and here's my card (all stamps Close To My Heart)

I think it's pretty obvious that the colour and the torn yellow panel was my inspiration for this, but I'm the first to admit that it has a totally different 'feel' than the album cover - but oh well, I suppose that's okay too.

This was a fun challenge, making me remember that inspiration to create can (and should) be found in the everyday. I can't wait until next month to see what kind of challenge the gals at 'You Know You Rock' will come up with.

If you haven't already done so, you still have time to participate in July's challenge too since voting doesn't begin until August 6th -- what are you waiting for? Go! Get creating! Do be sure to pop over to the blog, check out their gallery and vote for your favourite even if you don't manage to make an entry for yourself.

Have a great weekend!

New -- You Know You Rock Challenge Blog

I happened across this new blog when perusing Allison's "Newly Discovered" list, and while they are just fresh - I will definately be keeping an eye on them. They will post a new challenge monthly, and if you choose to accept it, you will have 2 weeks to create. The remaining 2 weeks of the month will be for voting. I'm not sure how that's going to work, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Their first challenge was posted July 6, so there is still lots of time to get involved and play. In their words.... "Here's CHALLENGE #1 - ROCK THE COVER!Take a look at the CD in your player. Check out the art on the cover and be inspired in some way! We're not going to be literal here. Just take an element that you like and use it in a card!" Doesn't that sound like fun? I wonder what's loaded in my player right now....I must go check.