Guess what this picture is?

Guess what this picture is???

It is just a small part of a garbage dumpster full of Heidi Swapp and Advantus products thrown out and destroyed following a show in the US.

Apparently despite the economic recession and world focus on "reduce, reuse, recycle" and despite the fact that there are COUNTLESS ideas just in my mind alone of what one could do with all the "extras" after an event if you don't want to bother shipping it home with you (donate them to a worthy non-profit, a local school, hospital therapeutic scrapbooking program????), this is how Advantus and other companies have apparently handled their "leftovers" from some shows so that no one else can benefit from them.

Lauren Ferguson was at the event, entered said dumpster, rescued, cleaned and then donated as much of it as she could (this is her photo from her blog). Click HERE to read her full story!! Surely there has to be a better way!!

So very sad... and although I still love so much of their product, I'm finding it real hard to continue to support them when these "incidents" keep arising (click HERE to read my personal encounter at CHA).

An ALL-TIME Favourite photo...

As a retired Secondary School teacher, I often forget how much fun I have with teenagers!! Recently I had the privilege of doing a few photo shoots with some simply beautiful girls!! This first one above shows one of my new ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PHOTOS!!! It is simply ENCHANTING and BEAUTIFUL and even a little MYSTERIOUS!!
And this teen's eyes were oh so captivating... it was easy to get lost in taking a TON of photos of both these beautiful girls!!So if you know any teens who would want to have some fun (Grad photos or otherwise), I'm so hooked on doing these shoots with them!!

Ooohhh.... just imagine the shots we'd get in Cancun at the Crop Tropical event!!! Now we're thinking!!

Confessions of a Soccer Mom...

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE watching my kids play soccer because they both LOVE soccer and they are both great athletes, but I must admit I go a little "Momma Bear" when they go up against HUGE kids whose elbows and knees conveniently land right where my beautiful babies' faces are!!!

So imagine my state of mind watching Lindsey this past weekend at a tournament in BC as she "covered" this "six foot something wonder what she eats" opponent!!! Or how about my buddy Justin as he attempts to keep pace with this "six foot five 13 year old wearing size 12.5 shoes" (we asked!).Combine that with the inclement weather we seem to be enduring this season (like this game where it rained, hailed, snowed and sleeted all within 90 minutes) causing unsafe playing conditions even against "normal sized kids"... And injuries are sure to prevail... like what ended up happening to Justin... big guy slips while going for ball Justin has control of and WHACK... kicks him in the leg with his cleats and Justin is down for the count!!I think the only saving grace is seeing how our tiny team kids bond together to fight the battles against the "giants in the land" and really show how HUGE their HEARTS are despite their lack of physical size!!

And... my final confession... I admit I love capturing photos of it ALL... size comparisons (to show that NO I am NOT exaggerating!) and the beautiful moments where I can see how they bond through it all despite some pain and suffering.

Thank goodness the season is over and I can breathe a little easier... at least until indoor soccer starts!!!

I'm waiting....

• future of Brad's job with Nortel
• a resolution with a company that owes me money
  
• unanswered prayers regarding a situation
• my accountant to finish our taxes (unbelievable but true!)

So... here is my theme song for my life right now... maybe some of you can relate... and it just so happens that is one of my current favourite songs (from the movie FIREPROOF... which is a must-see if you haven't already).

Lindsey's Blog Giveaway and Father's Day!!

Sorry for the delay ladies, but Lindsey finally selected her Blog Giveaway Winner as you can see in the photo above!! Before we go further though, Lindsey would like to say a HUGE thank you to those who took the time to comment on her layouts! She absolutely LOVED reading each and every one of them and very carefully wrote out the names to put into her bucket! So... the winner she chose...Scrapbook Lynne!!

You'll notice the extra large smile on Lindsey's face as Lynne has become near and dear to her heart after spending some time together on the last Crop and Cruise! Lynne... you are one special lady and it' so neat to see the unique friendship you have with Lindsey. So needless to say, Lindsey is psyched to give you your winnings (and I think she topped it up a bit with a few extras from her downstairs store MIRAGE!!) so let us know where and how we can deliver it to you!And now a HUGE shout out to the BEST FATHER EVER who is really still just a kid at heart (which is one of the many reasons I think he makes an awesome dad!). These are my favourite random photos for today in honour of my husband who is the most amazing man, my rock, my cheerleader and the love of my life and yes, the best father ever!!

And... for those wondering... Brad is still working very hard at trying to keep his job at Nortel even though they just announced this week that they are selling off divisions of the company including the one that Brad is in so... we are STILL in a wait and see position. His job future will depend on who buys them out (maybe Nokia) and what they decide to do with the Nortel employees, but we should know within the next few months. We are at peace with it all which is nice... we know God has our back and no matter what, we'll be okay :)

Announcing CROP TROPICAL!!!!

I'm so incredibly excited that we can finally reveal some information on our next HOT TROPICAL EVENT!!!

Watch City TV on Monday, June 15 for the BIG REVEAL and see more at

www.CropTropical.com!!!

TV ideas needed ASAP...

As often happens in the media, I have an "emergency" TV segment they've requested for Father's Day projects and I need ideas!!!! I am very busy with some other projects:

• finishing the Crop and Cruise DVD... what a riot, but a TON of work especially learning a new editing program!
• finalizing the details of our new HOT TROPICAL news! (hoping to announce this during my TV segment on Monday as it also includes GOLF for the guys!!)
• our family is making a HUGE decision within the next couple of weeks... gathering all the factors, evaluating the options and PRAYING for the right choice!!

So as you can see, my mind and time is spread pretty thin and that's where you can help!!

You can either post ideas here or send them to me at info @ cropandcruise. com.

I know how creative many of you are so let's hear your crafty Father's Day ideas!!!

And... if you haven't already commented on Lindsey's layouts below, you still have until Friday to WIN her giveaway (and humour her!). Thanks to all who have already done so!! She's loving reading the comments!!

COMING SOON.........

I am so colossally excited I can hardly contain myself... I've been dreaming about this for years and the HOT details are finally coming together!!!! We are getting ready to do a big reveal coming soon!!

Just know that it involves SCRAPBOOKING, PHOTOGRAPHY and a TROPICAL location that you will NOT want to miss out on!!!

Can you feel the heat!!!

Lindsey's BLOG GIVEAWAY

Announcing... Lindsey's first BLOG GIVEAWAY!!!! Want to win this beautiful Kaiser stamp set ($19.99 value) and hand-crafted notebook by Lindsey Orthner ($pricesless)...

As promised, here are some of Lindsey's layouts she created at our mother/daughter get-away weekend where she inquired, "Who reads your blog mommy?" and "Can I do a give-away on your blog from Mirage?" (her store in our basement!). So...

Please leave Lindsey a comment telling her which of the following is your favourite layout of hers!!

Lindsey will draw a winner on June 12 so enter NOW :)

And YES, she did create these all on her own!! She would occasionally ask me my opinion on something... and then completely ignore it!!! So very typical of her... wants to do everything her own way!! Gotta LOVE it though!!

Today's Random Favourite Photo...

Meet Kimberly Collis... a fabulously HILARIOUS and TALENTED fellow scrapbooker who just so happened to give me this fun photo op yesterday during a photo shoot at her farm for www.MondayNightClass.ca. Thanks for the fun, food and farm Kimberly!!!!

And stay tuned for Lindsey's BLOG GIVEAWAY!!!! Coming soon!!!

So very sad....

Memory Makers Magazine is saying goodbye... here is an excerpt from their letter...

Dear Friends of Memory Makers Magazine,

After much analysis, we have made the determination to cease publication of Memory Makers magazine with the September/October 2009 issue and cancel the annual Memory Makers Masters competition.

The passion and dedication of the Memory Makers contributors, advertisers, vendors, staff, and readers these past 13 years is what has made this business so rewarding for those of us fortunate enough to publish the magazine. Sadly, in light of increased industry consolidation, severe advertising cut backs, poor economic conditions, and lack of new consumers coming to the hobby, we cannot continue to profitably publish the magazine on- or offline.

As we work to bring this last issue to closure, however, I want to take a moment and thank you for your role in crafting the Memory Makers story. The beautiful thing about this magazine is that it has memorialized the scrapbookers and scrapbooking companies forever that really launched this exciting hobby. We are proud and thankful for that heritage.

If you have any specific questions regarding this closure, please contact me directly.


I have to say that this was one of my favourite magazines to work with... some of my favourite front covers were with them...They will greatly be missed.

My Heart Goes Out to...

My heart goes out to Mothers who are struggling today (Mother's Day) with the loss of a child whether recently or years passed... and daughters who don't have their mom's on this earth to give a hug and "thanks" to on this special day.

Don't know why, but it's been on my mind today... know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and it has made me extra thankful today for my own healthy children and my own amazing mother who put up with a lot of "STUFF" I'm sure I put her through to become the mother I am today :)

Blog Giveaway Coming Soon!

Not today... but SOON!!!!

You see, my daughter Lindsey wants to see who actually reads this blog and together we decided that we would post some of her recent layouts and projects, have people vote on their favourite one and she will give away a little "sumthin-sumthin"!!!!

Now... the really cute thing is that my daughter has her own craft store in our basement called "Mirage" and she actually has some really nice things to sell!!!! Seeing as I'm pretty much her only customer (thankfully, she's slowly grasping the "location, location, location" concept of business) we both thought it would be fun for her to broaden the exposure of her 10 year old talent online.

So she wants to put together a prize package for the winner (with Mommy's help) and give it away to someone who kindly humours us and participates by leaving a comment!!! So watch for this fun Blog Giveaway coming soon!!!!

Meanwhile, here is my latest "RANDOM FAVOURITE PHOTO"... my crafty daughter of course :)

Upcoming Alberta Scrapbooking Events!

There are only 4 spots left for the Alberta-wide Scrapbook Your Heart retreat on May 22-24, 2009!! Just imagine an entire weekend away with over 100 Alberta scrapbookers getting pampered in a retreat setting on acres of beautiful forest!! Check it out and be sure to register soon if you want to join us!!

And kick off the summer with a Calgary event hosted by one of Canada's TOP kit companies... www.MondayNightClass.ca on June 12-13, 2009. Lots of great food, great friends, great kits and giveaways and the great Katharina Doyle from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine will be part of this great weekend!! Register TODAY at www.MondayNightClass.ca... hey that rhymes!!!

Would LOVE to see you at these events!!

I'm procrastinating!!

I have so much to do right now, but am having trouble getting motivated so I thought I'd take a break... okay let's call it what it is... I'm procrastinating!! It's okay though because tomorrow is my official "anti-procrastination day" (see Flylady.com) so it will all get done!!

Kay... let's start with just a favourite random photo... my kids on the beach doing a dream photo shoot with Mommy in 2003... LOVE it!!


So I figure it's time for an update on general life... people keep asking me about Brad and his job with Nortel since declaring bankruptcy protection... well, we got home from Crop and Cruise to the announcement that yet another 5000 employees will be laid off!! I figure if he lasts this one, he'll be about second in command as there's no one left!! They've shut down the entire Calgary office effective the end of March so he is now working from home full time and we are trying to adapt to this change and sharing the office (in fact, I'm listening to him right now talking on the phone in mostly acronyms about technical stuff that makes my head spin!!). So we are definitely in a waiting phase as we see what transpires over the next while... can't see Nortel making it out of this... not sure if Brad will either, but meanwhile, I do LOVE having him around and we are learning to compromise (I've turned down my music that I LOVE to work to!)

And... I'm looking into going back to the classroom... I'm going to meet with the human resources people to get on the sub list... don't want to do too much, but it might be fun to be at my kid's school anyways (middle school grades 5-8) and likely the highschool where my neice and several youth I know attend.

And... because I do love to teach and people have been asking for a "hands-on photography class" with me... if there's enough interest, I think I'll run a few right from my home with smaller groups... do some "in-class" learning and then head outside for some out-door fun and practice... basically spend the day helping you learn with YOUR camera! Let me know if you think you'd be interested in joining me in my "home classroom!" and I'll pick a Saturday or two to try it out. But it just won't be as much fun as doing it in the Caribbean like in these photos...Alrighty... off to Bar-B-Q in the snow... we're going to pretend that Spring has come tonight!! Thanks for joining me in a procrastination break!!

A special gift

One of my favourite parts of hosting scrapbooking events is the wonderful people I get to meet and our Crop and Cruise this February was no exception!!

So one of the ladies on the cruise told me she was going to create something for me, but I had no idea it would be this special!!
She made us this beautiful quilt!! It was so cute because she told me she watched what I wore while on the cruise and then selected fabrics based on the colours from my clothing!!
And to make it even more special, she incorporated numerous photos from our trip onto the other side so that we have the memories to last forever!! And the "tag" she used has an extra neat story... one of the photos miraculously transfered to her photo developing receipt from Walmart and it just so happened to be a picture of me!! So she took that as a sign that it was meant to be part of the quilt!! Isn't that the coolest??!!!
So a HUGE thanks to Val for this labour of love... know that it will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come!!! Blessings to you my friend!!

Some Camp Croppin' Photos!

Sorry for the delay... but here are some fun photos from one of my favourite annual events here in Calgary... Camp Croppin'!! What a fun group of ladies (and Justin!) to have as our talented guests this year!!! Here's the whole group...
In addition to Becky Fleck (Basic Grey) and Joey Otlo (Bazzill), we had the always fun "Bo Bunny Girls" in our midst (Jeri Tanner and Kris Silvester)...

And these two fun-loving guests... Janelle Smith and Justin Quinn (7 Gypsies) were keeping everyone on their toes!
And Chris Connelly from Karen Foster (who also sponsored our Crop and Cruise... yeah!!)...

And one of Canada's favourite gals... the ever entertaining Vicki Boutin designing with ChatterBox...So fun to get to know others in this industry and introduce them to some of our Canadian ways eh? (Including the awesome Chicken, Brie Cheese and Fig Spread sandwich at Earls... who knew it would be so good!!!!!)And one more sheer pleasure of the weekend was getting to again help judge the layout contest... not only does it please me to no end to know that the main reason they do this is to raise money for the Children's Hospital Therapeutic Scrapbooking Program, but I simply LOVE seeing all the assorted layouts and reading (and crying and laughing) through so many of them!!

The extra neat thing is that the overall BEST layout for the event belonged to a lovely lady named Kate Kading who I finally had the privilege of meeting at Leica Forrest's Saskatoon event in March! She was overwhelmed at the honour, but oh so deserving and you will just have to wait until the layout is published in an upcoming Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine issue!!! You HAVE TO SEE IT!!!!
So thanks everyone for another great event (loved seeing so many Crop and Cruise faces too!!)

You HAVE to watch this video!!!!

You have got to check out this amazing lady named Susan Boyle who tried out for Britian's Got Talent show and simply BLEW EVERYONE AWAY!!!!

Why does she have the attention of the world??? Watch the video for yourself and you will see... Susan Boyle... may our world learn a valuable lesson from you and may all your dreams come true!

Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY to watch!!

Becky Fleck, Page Maps and Basic Grey!

I had so much fun doing this TV segment with Becky Fleck (she was a tad nervous as this was her first time doing TV, but I was the one that trashed the table display midstream sending things flying... nothing like live TV to make things interesting!!) You can watch it all here...

Becky is a gem and a true fan of Calgary and comes here LOTS to fly-fish the Bow River! Her PageMaps books were flying off the shelves at Scrapbooker's Paradise, but you can also see a regular article in each issue of Memory Makers magazine and find free monthly sketches online at www.PageMaps.com.

AND... Basic Grey..... LOVE IT ALL!!!! I got to play with their Porcelain and Marrakech lines... this layout of my little girl is a new favourite!!!

This Crop and Cruise layout is the one I did on air in about 3 minutes!!! Pretty easy when you have a Page Map, coordinating supplies and Becky herself guiding you through!!!And this one I simply played with at home... the colours are so inspiring!!So a huge THANKS to Becky for being such a great sport and don't forget that there is a blog giveaway running right now on the Crop and Cruise Blog for some Basic Grey goodness!!

And now if only we could somehow get Becky AND Basic Grey on our next Crop and Cruise vacation in the Fall of 2010.... hmmmmmmmmm....More Camp Croppin' coverage and photos coming soon!!

TV Segment with Becky Fleck, Page Maps and Basic Grey!

Becky Fleck, author of Page Maps and designer for Basic Grey is coming to Calgary for Camp Croppin' hosted by Scrapbooker's Paradise!

Watch Friday, April 3 at 8:30 am on City TV's Breakfast Television for a fun segment with Becky where we'll be creating a Page Map layout with some yummy new Basic Grey products!Speaking of Basic Grey, there were wonderful sponsors of our Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruise for Canadians and here is a super quick and fun layout I put together using the kit they sent us!
And... check out the Crop and Cruise Blog for a fun GIVEAWAY including some Basic Grey!!

And... if you are coming to Camp Croppin' in Calgary this weekend, the first person to come find me and shout (while doing a happy dance):

"I wanna go on a boat with Crop and Cruise!"

I will give a special prize from HP worth $25!!