Welcome to my blog!

2009-09-26T16:16:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful shoot last week with this lovely girl!

I am just testing this blog and making changes to it!

New Home

2008-08-04T21:39:00.002-04:00

Here's the link to my new home.

A Creative Journey

See ya there!

Announcement.

2008-08-03T18:43:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone. I just want to announce that I will be moving to a new blog over at wordpress.com. I've been working on it so that it could look pretty for a few days now. I will give you the link when is all ready (sometime this week). I will like to try it there because I sometimes have too much trouble uploading pictures here but, if it doesn't work out there then I'll be back here, lol.
Boy, am I tired today. My feet hurt. my body aches. And I still have tons of stuff to do around this house. Kitchen is all nice and painted. I spend all day today putting some stuff back and moving the things in the kitchen again. I also cleaned the fridge, oven, and microwave, mop the floor, etc.... I'm beat! I'll finish the rest tomorrow! Too tired. I wanted to create something today. Scrapbook. Mini book. Paint. Draw. Read! lol. But I think I'll just relax and get some ice-cream, cuddle up in bed and watch a good movie!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a nice day!

Some good 'ol journaling

2008-08-01T19:59:00.008-04:00

I spend all evening last night working on these two journal pages. It had been a while since I took out my art journal.

I'm happy to say that I will be taking Suzi Blu's class starting on Aug. 18th. I can't wait to get started. Today I'm thinking of doing a couple of scrap layouts and maybe work on a mini book or something, don't know yet, we'll see. I'm feeling crafty today! I love it. Ok. guys, thanks for reading. Have a wonderful weekend.

A few more updates.

2008-08-01T12:05:00.010-04:00

Hello again. I just wanted to post a few pictures of my future all-in-one room. I cleaned up quite a bit. All I have in this room is this:

Of course this room is not even half there yet. All I did was to clean it up. This and this, is how it used to look like a couple of weeks ago.
These are a few of the things I definitely want to keep in this room. Carpet needs to be cleaned since my dear son had some major spills in this room before. The walls may need some painting. I kind of like the colors here, though. We'll see. Furniture needs to be bought. Shelving and storage also needs to be bought. New window treatments and I'm good to go! Sounds easy, right? N-O-T! lol. Not when there's other rooms on the list to-be-painted first!

I love this desk and the mirror, too. This desk needs some work as well.

For fun, here's a close picture of my cuddly dolls. I just love these. I think I'll start a collection!

And a few of my stuff and tea set collections:

O.k, thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day everyone!

Almost done with the bedrooms

2008-07-31T14:45:00.013-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I stopped by to post some of the progress I've done with the cleaning up, and organizing of the rooms. These are some of the pictures I took yesterday. So far the rooms are cleaned. I thought I was never going to be done! My daughter did most of her room, of course I had to let her do some work also, lol. But here is what it looks like so far:

This room is almost done. I need to buy new window treatments, bedding and paint. Below are some pictures of what my son's side of the room looks like right now:

We just need to get him a new bed, bedding, and add paint as well. The colors my daughter and I compromised with were red for the bottom walls and white for the ceiling. I think red is a descent color both for a boy and a girl since the rooms are really two rooms in one.
I know there's no drastic changes but, remember, the point of this was to empty a room so that I can have my own work space, my all-in-one room, hehehe. That room will probably take longer to be completed since there's many things I need to purchase (furniture, storage, desks, etc. ). If you want to see more pictures go here.
Thanks for reading, enjoy your days!

Fun, Projects, Update.

2008-07-30T11:12:00.012-04:00

My sister, her girls and my son went to Splash Zone yesterday, the day was beautiful. We got there a little later in the afternoon but, we had a nice day.

Trying to get a little tan (it wasn't happening, lol)!

This is my sister with her daughter. My sister and I hadn't been out alone for a while and so we needed to catch up on a few things. lol. Well, we weren't really alone, but I mean alone without any other adults...

My nieces and son.

The kids had the most fun, I think!

You can see more pictures here.

Later, last night I went to the movies to see Dark Knight. It was an awesome movie. I specially loved the joker (Heath Ledger)! His character was amazing! I recommend you go and watch it. I love movies that start out and end with action scenes! Great movie! A must see!

Anyhow moving to the creative, here's a quick layout I did the other day. I love the way it turned out. I took this picture, processed it, developed and printed myself during last semester in school. I miss those endless days at the darkroom! They were long tiring days but so much fun! It's too bad my school eliminated the darkroom. They decided to go digital now. So the dark room will be used for some sort of gallery place or something like that. I'm going to miss it. But Oh well, we must keep up with technology, right? Although, sometime in the future I will love to have my own dark room. Humm... another plan! lol.

Update on my home projects: Kitchen is almost done! My son's new space and my daughter's space are clean and ready to be painted a few weeks from today. It's really organized, cleaned out and all it needs is a bed for my son! Lol. For now, he is still using his crib mattress (he doesn't want to give it up, yet). My new space isn't ready yet, there's a bigger mess since I had to bring stuff from my daughter's room into the room. Like the sewing machine and small desk. I'm hoping to get something done in that room today. We'll see. I'll take photos soon and will post the progress, I promise! O.k. guys thanks so much for reading. Have a nice day!

Quick blog

2008-07-29T21:43:00.002-04:00

Hello. Well just stopped by really quick. I've been busy, busy, busy. Went to Splash Zone (swimming place) got back around 8:30 p.m., and on my way to see the Batman movie! Hubby went to see it with my son and they both came back amazed and excited about it. We take turns sometimes to go see movies like these because of my 5 year old. I'll be back tomorrow, I hope with some pictures and an update on my home projects. Thanks for reading!

WHAT A MESS!!!

2008-07-25T18:54:00.015-04:00

Hello. I wasn't going to blog today but I thought maybe I should since I probably won't be doing it very often from now on and I also wanted to give you an update on my new project. I have started reorganizing my home. Sort of like spring cleaning and decorating. I've taken out 3 garbage bags full of junk! And I'm still not close to being done! How in the world did I get my home full of all this garbage? I am moving my youngest upstairs with my daughter and I'm turning his current room into my office/photography/art/craft room. My tiny studio! I've been throwing things away, rearranging, cleaning out the closets, gosh, so many things at once! I tend to do that a lot. I get all these ideas and I just want to tackle them all at once and I want them finished all in a day-which-it's NOT happening! At least not when it comes to redecorating your home! I got some great ideas though. Since money has been tight around this house I'm planning to refurnish and spray paint some stuff I had up in a storage closet. Things that I hadn't seen in years 'till yesterday. I'm so excited. I have a little bit of vintage stuff and probably planning to pay the thrift store a visit soon. I'm sure I'll find other things to add to the art room! I'm also starting to paint tomorrow, alone, since hubby has to work (again!). I'm not waiting for him anymore. I'm doing it by myself. Tired of waiting for people to help me.
Then I'm moving my way up, room by room until the entire house is painted. My house consists of 4 1/2 bedrooms, living room, dinning room, kitchen, bathroom, basement (which is the laundry room, and where the kids play, watch tv, play games, etc... in other words is the messiest room in the house!). I don't know if I could wait until we paint some of these rooms before we get to my craft room.... I can't wait to see it all put together! I think I'll skip some rooms and go for mine next after I'm done with the kitchen (wink), hehehe.
Here's a small tour of the chaos that's going on in these two rooms:

This is the attic. My daughter's room and soon to be my son's room. I'm standing in my son's side of the room facing towards my daughter's side of the room.

My son's soon to be space. We need to get him a bed also. He's still using a small one, crib size. The sewing machine is moving in my craft room, even if I don't know how to sew yet.

Here I'm on the opposite side of the room facing my son's small soon to be room. (My son was watching Toy Story and fell asleep in my daughter's bed. lol.)

This is my daughter's side of the room. This small desk, which I love, is finding a new space in my art room. I will be painting it along with the chair.

Another corner of my daughter's side.

Ok. And this. My friends, is my future all-in-one room. Of course the furniture is moving upstairs to the attic. It's my son's furniture. Omigosh, I'm so excited!

Another view of the mess! lol.

Another corner of the room. The baby paper border has to go! Lol.

I feel like I'm moving to another house! That's how crazy it's in this house. Maybe I'll show you some before and after pictures of the kitchen this weekend. If you want to see a few more detailed pictures go here.

In other note, I haven't done any layouts, or journaling or anything artsy for that matter for like 2 days now. I have to try to fit it into the chaos somehow. Is going to be hard for me because I can't function when I'm in the middle of this mess. I like to work in a clean, organized space. I feel like scrapping. I feel like drawing, painting! But right now I have to finish making room for my son's new space and my new art room (sigh)! Can't wait! Thanks for reading. Enjoy your weekend!

Alone but NOT Lonely

2008-07-24T12:31:00.005-04:00

It's a strange feeling. Never felt it before. Other times when I've felt lonely I usually feel miserable, like there's nobody around when you need someone to talk to or a friend to be with (other than hubby of course). I don't know if anyone has felt this way before but it just feels right this time. I'm actually living a happy time right now. The few friends I have are not around when you need them but then again I don't need them right now...Huh? I know is confusing but I understand myself. I'm happy right now creating, learning, achieving, discovering, dreaming.... life is good! I have too many plans in mind. It seems like a struggle but soon it will pay back all the sacrifices Ruben (hubby) and me are doing. I know it will be better for us, it will get better. God doesn't abandon his children, ever! His grace, mercy and love is with us even when we think things are not going to get any better and that's when God turns our situation around, when we least expect it. Right? Well, I'm trusting Him. I have put all my trust in Him. Things will be better.... but right now, I'm happy! Alone but NOT Lonely!

Wasting time again!

2008-07-23T13:28:00.003-04:00

Hello my devoted readers! Lol.I've been kind of busy these past days but not busy doing productive things. Creatively speaking I've been procastinating...arrghh. I hate it. To top it off I get into this. What a waste of time but I just couldn't stop clicking!! Lol... sort of fun if you're bored and having nothing else to do but, when you have things, projects and ideas building inside of your mind.... well, that's another story!

Anyhow, I will try to get to all the stuff I need to do today and the days to come! So... it means less time online, researching, blogging and reading other blogs. I just need to stop looking so much at other people's wonderful creations and get to mine first! Right? So without further a do, I'll leave you with that. Take care and thanks for reading.

Polka Dots

2008-07-20T19:56:00.004-04:00

I worked on this little painting on my art journal today. Challenge by "Inspire Me Thursday"

Satisfied

2008-07-20T12:41:00.013-04:00

I worked on this art journal page yesterday. I'm really happy with the results. It was also a very relaxing, non stressful process. Usually I tend to doubt about what to do to the page, what to include, watercolors or acrylics or both, embellishments or not, rub ons or stamps, papers, stickers or all of it, and so on... And usually this process turns out to be a little overwhelming and the picture or the ideas that I wanted to create get twisted a bit. Usually, not always, but this time I'm so happy with the end results.

Okay, hubby got to put my little shelf up on the wall last night. I organized my things a bit, but I'm not completely satisfied because in my opinion, it's still a little disorganized. I will hopefully be buying color coordinating cubbies, boxes, jars, etc. I had to do this also because I needed some room for my printer which was not hooked up yet. It is now, so happy for that.

BeforeBefore: picture is a little blurry, sorry. The point is to show all this clutter I had...lol.

During

I say "During", because I need to get better coordinating bins, boxes, jars, etc..I feel it's not done yet, but at least I feel I have more space.

I know that soon I'll be running out of space, again. More room means more artsy goodies! Lol. My wish is to have my own home studio someday. And I will hopefully include in the studio a darkroom...
Okay guys thanks for reading! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Good, Busy Friday

2008-07-18T09:30:00.006-04:00

Good day my readers. This will be a short post since I have tons to do today. First I have to clean up the house a bit, maybe cook (I don't like to cook, :-) ) then I'll be going to the library to pick up some books and return other books. Then my kids have dentist appointments, then I'm off to Pins and Needles and JoAnn Fabrics. I'm going to find out about some classes they are offering. Then I'm off to a friend's house to visit for a while and then I'll be back home to read and create. So there's plenty to do today. I want to do house cleaning today so that tomorrow I can concentrate on reorganizing my work space. Hubby painted some old shelves he'll be mounting them on the wall so that I may have more space on my desk. Finally!
Pictures will come later, I hope, lol. Okay guys have a nice day. I'll leave you with some of my colorful pencils and a few of my buttons. Thanks for reading.

Note: my camera sucks. Can't wait to get my Nikon!

Trying again today...

2008-07-17T09:40:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was an unproductive day (creating wise, I mean). I had it all planned out yesterday (with my list in hands and everything) when my niece called to ask me to go with her to the downtown library which is a big, nice one, and I, of course, couldn't say NO to that! I looooooveeeee books. I can't get enough of them. I went and got like 10 more books!!! Can you believe it? Now I have like 20 crafty, scrapping, decorating, journaling, sewing, books at home! Lol. Crazy, I know! I keep overloading myself with stuff, lol...but that's ok! I'll manage. Hehehe, so new plans......

I'm getting into these books, I will take notes, and make photocopies of things I would like to do and things that inspire me. Then, I'm planning to make two inspirational files (notebooks) with all my ideas, things to do, sketches, layouts, etc... and another one with the same concept except it'll be for my photography work to have later on during this fall semester. This way I feel more organized and I could focus better, right? Oh I'm so excited!
With that said, I'm off now, I have some reading to do...lol... take care my friends. Have a nice day and thanks for reading!

It's a new day!

2008-07-15T13:37:00.003-04:00

Yes, guys a new day! And after yesterday's post I've been doing some thinking... yes more thinking...lol... and decided that today I will sit and meditate on priorities. I need to set my priorities. And after doing so, I will make a list. Lists work for me a lot! There's nothing more satisfying than to check off or scratch of my to-do-list things and seeing my list get smaller. And then of course start over with a new List! lol. But the point for me is that I have to try not to get overwhelmed by all the things I want to accomplish. I am the type of person that sets myself goals and usually accomplish them somehow. Weather they're small little insignificant things or big things, I usually finish what I start even if it takes me days, months or even years. I feel incomplete when I don't finish what I start or in other cases what I haven't started but are definitely cooking in my little mind! Okay so... today is a new day. I will not be overwhelmed and I will focus! I will keep my focus! Hehe. I will take one step at a time. I will make my list first (after I'm done posting here). And then take it from there...

In other note, last night I painted over my journal cover and got inspired by This is Me Journal blog and decided to join, yet again, in another scrappy, journal challenge. So this is my cover:
This is not a new journal, it's actually my old journal. I just painted and added some letters and embellishments to the cover since I hadn't done so before. And I will be using this journal for the challenges and my personal pages.

Okay my friends I'm off to make my list. Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day.

Some things are done some are not!

2008-07-14T16:28:00.016-04:00

Hey guys. Well I did finish some of the things I wanted to do like clean the basement do some felt craft, scrapbook etc. I did not paint my kitchen like I wanted to because my helper (my niece) had to go work and my dear hubby worked also and I didn't want to do it myself since there was so many things besides painting the kitchen walls, that I needed to do as well. Anyway I did some cleaning around the house. I went to the library to pick up some more books and magazines for some inspo. I've been taking some drawing lessons online, and so I've been busy with sketching and reading books also! I'm also in the starting stages of organizing my work space. I need more shelves. I feel I'm running out of room and sometimes I can't work freely because it's uncomfortable to spend time finding things. So this is another project in its beginning stages.

Here's a little felt toy I did for my son. My first one.

In its beginning stages and then the finished toy! We named him Perky the penguin. Mr. Perky to be exact! Lol.

I think is not that bad for it being my first felt craft. My son just loves it. He even took him to watch Walle on Saturday. Hehehe.

Some sketches I did. Needs work, I know.

more sketching

A Symmetrical sketch and then I used colored pencils to add some fun. I loved this exercise. I will be doing more eventually on my art journal. Loved, loved! So much fun.

A little layout I did for my hubby. Our anniversary was on the 29th of June but I hadn't had the time to finish this until yesterday. I gave it to him and his eyes got teary! Ahhh, I love my him. I feel blessed of having him in my life. Here's more pictures of this layout.

Another layout. Don't like it that much but it works! Lol

I got so many ideas I want to do and projects I would love to accomplish before school starts. I know, I still have about 6 weeks left before school starts again but, I would love to do as much as I can before the fall semester just because I know I will not be doing all this fun stuff when I do start my classes. I know that I"ll only have time for school work. I don't know if taking 16 credits is a good idea. Maybe I'll drop a class. I don't want to be overwhelmed later in the middle of the semester like it tends to happen. I want to learn how to draw, paint, collage, scrapbook, stitch, sew, make greeting cards, art journal, do mixed media paintings, and the list keeps growing every day! I want to sell stuff on ETSY and other places. OMG, I am going to go crazy! Lol. Oh yeah, I also want to buy my camera and shoot more. I want to get more art supplies, sign up for painting classes, take on more challenges, have my own space, my own office, my own studio! So little time, so little cash, would I ever get to do all the things I want? I'm thankful that now I'm learning so many things but is very overwhelming because I want to do it all but at the end I wined up not doing anything! Not because I don't want...Is frustrating... I sometimes feel so limited and I hate that feeling. I must learn to trust more, to have confidence in myself. I have to get organized. I need a plan. I need to set small term goals. I need to make a list. I need to start.... and finish! One step at a time. One project at a time. One lesson at a time! One day a time!
Boy! I feel I just released a little stress here...I feel I needed to get this out of my chest! It's been building up for a while now. It won't stop, though, I know. I have too many things going on in my little mind right now. Too many things I would like to do. Too many ideas, too many dreams... goals! One day at a time, right? One step at a time.....

Felt Fever!

2008-07-10T10:44:00.007-04:00

Yes, I got it! Felt Fever! Lol. Seriously... I went and got some more colors and other goodies I needed at the art store. I also went to the library and got some great ideas from craft books. I told you I was in the "crafty" mood! I just can't wait to start later today with these. I know it'll take me a while but I'll manage to finish somehow, hehe.

Well, I also want to say that I probably won't be blogging for a few days. I have tons of stuff to do at home. Paint my kitchen and redecorate it afterwards, attic cleaning, basement cleaning, and of course, create some felt stuff! So I hope I could come back with some new pictures to show you guys! Thanks for reading. Have a nice day, and weekend everyone!

Another Day...

2008-07-09T11:03:00.006-04:00

Another quick page I did last night. I also did a page on my art journal but guess what? I didn't like it. That's what happens when I'm not in the mood. I was in the mood for scrapping but not for journaling! After trying so many things without any results, I stopped and decided to come back and work on it another day, when the mood strikes again! Lol.

We went to the lake yesterday but, it started to rain a few hours after we got there. We got to cook on the grill and eat and the kids swam for about an hour and then it got cloudy and we saw signs of a heavy rain coming down so we started to clean up and sure enough when we got in the car it started pouring... No time for photos! Hehehe. Anyway we might be going to Splash Zone with the kids next week. We'll see.

Yesterday I was reading through some of my favorite blogs and Lia from Art Junk Girl had some great links for those of us who can't draw and want to learn. I visited Drawspace, and had to definitely bookmark the site. It is loaded with great tutorials, step by step, easy to follow lessons and you can even download the tutorials and save them in your own computer if you'd like. Great site for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. If you like drawing you might want to go and take a look at it. I know you'll enjoy it.
Have a nice day and enjoy the rest of the week. Thanks for reading!

What's new?

2008-07-07T11:01:00.013-04:00

Nothing much really! I spend this long weekend at home with my DH and kiddos. We usually go to see the fireworks but this year we decided to stay home except for my daughter which she went out with my niece to their friends party/barbecue/fireworks (all in one). On Saturday we went to the Natural History museum with the boys. They had a blast! They were very excited about the dinosaurs most of all.

After that we decided to stop by the Library. I got some great craft books which I've been meaning to get. I don't usually do crafts, but I have been getting into these "crafty" moods lately. I 'm willing to give anything a try so I got some craft books. I think I'm going to start with felt. I have tons of felt from when I used to do daycare which were stored in the basement. Last week I brought them upstairs just so that I can see what colors I had and get them organized. Anyhow, I spend my weekend creating this mini book. My first one ever! Let me tell you that these are so much fun to do! Sorry about the pictures again... bad camera, low lighting, etc...

A pastor was giving a class about the four types of temperaments the other day and I had also read a couple of books about the different types of temperaments (Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, and Melancholic). Analyzing them I came to the conclusion that my type of temperament is Melancholic, I would say that 90% is Melancholic and the other 10% has a little of the other three. Anyway, I did this mini book about the good things about this type of temperament and a few "not so good" things that I have which come with the package of having this type of temperament, lol. I mostly wanted to focus on the good things and not so much on the bad...lol. You can see more pictures here. The book still needs more journaling, embellishments and a last photo for the "Persistent" page.

I got so many things I want to do before starting next school semester. Like painting my kitchen, living room, basement, and my son's bedroom. I also need to redecorate my kitchen after it gets painted. Today I will be stopping by HomeDepot to get the paint and hopefully start sometime this week with the kitchen. Okay guys thanks for reading. Have a nice day.

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T20:31:00.005-04:00

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

Click on the image to see it bigger.

Hello

2008-07-03T13:43:00.005-04:00

Just stopping by to say hello. Nothing much going on here besides feeling happy that DH will be home tomorrow and Saturday and Sunday! He works so much. It almost feels like I hardly see him. I do everyday but, for a few minutes and he works almost every Saturday. And we just have Sundays to share time with each other. And not really "alone" since the kids want all his attention also! Lol. I forgot to share with you guys that on Sunday it was our 17 Anniversary. We went out to see a movie and then we went to eat. We had a nice afternoon and evening together. We need to do it more often. Anyway I didn't scrap about it or create anything about it in my art journal but I did played around with textures and this photo.

I want to do something with this image. I want to use it somehow but don't know how, not yet at least. The writing says:

You bring music to my heart. You are a melody to my soul and you brighten up my spirit! I love you.

And finally, here's a quick layout. I used my son's baby pictures. Have a nice day/night everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read.

Finally Done!

2008-06-30T17:36:00.013-04:00

This morning I finally got to scrap on the Scrap Your Day Book. If I didn't explain before, well, every 25th of the month I will shoot my day and then scrap it for an entire year. The book I bought for this project turned out to be smaller than it was supposed to be so I had and will be using 4 pages instead of 2 like it was suggested by Shimelle. The layout will be different, too. Again, because of the size of the book. But the point is to document the day on each month for the year, which I will try to do.

Yesterday, when I went to get my photos at Sam's Club I saw this cute complete kit. I totally fell in love with it so I had to get it. I love it. Next time I'll get the other cute kit they had.

Two other digi layouts I did the other day. The first one is from 365 Day Challenge (day 178, prompt 178).

My first two pages on my new Journal. It's not a molenskie but is close to it, I think. Just practicing before I get a real one.

Sorry about the photo quality. Trust me all these look much better in person! Also, something is going on with my camera. I can't wait to get my camera! Arrggg! Patience, Diana, patience! Lol.

T-Ball and Scrap Your Day

2008-06-28T13:36:00.013-04:00

Today was my son's first T-Ball game. I was a little scared at first, just because he's never played any type of games such as baseball before but, he did really well. I thought he would tell me he was tired or that he wanted to go to the swings, or go home. But he didn't. He followed what the coach told him and played his little game like a big guy! I'm so proud of him. Here's a few photos I took.

Last night I got started with my Scrap Your Day Book. I did the cover and first page. I also ordered the pictures online to be printed and to pick up on Monday. So the pictures of last Wednesday (the 25th) are not printed out yet therefore, the first page can't be scrapped, yet.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. See ya!

Scrap and Art Goodies

2008-06-27T16:05:00.006-04:00

Hello, me again! My second post for today. I had to come back to share the goodies I just got! I'm so happy with this stuff, yeah! New yummy paper, embellishments, some ribbons, a stamp, a travel journal, and another journal I got but will be using for my Scrap Your Day challenge which I will be preparing it soon. So many yummy stuff, can't wait to get my hands on them! Okay that was it. Lol. I had to share this with you guys! Thanks for stopping by!

Just another blog!

2008-06-26T14:18:00.006-04:00

It's been very humid and raining lately around here. Today the sun is bright and shinning but will probably see some rain later on in the day so it's good for me to take my umbrella when I go out later. Anyway, this morning I went to run some errands and buy my son's pre-school teacher her present. Today is officially my son's last day at daycare for the rest of the summer. In the fall he'll be starting kindergarten. I'm really excited about that and a little worried about how I will manage with my kids' and my school schedules. My schedule is not as bad since I will be having Fridays off, but I will be the entire day in school on Wednesdays (9:00am to 9:oopm). Tuesdays I will taking a class starting at 2:30pm. I'm excited to start already. I'm dying to start my photography classes the most. I will be taking Color Photography and Individual Projects. I can't wait. My other classes are: Media Design, Web Publishing (Web Site Design) and Web Editor (Dreamweaver). I still need my camera, though! I think I'll be able to get it next month if our plans go well.

Yesterday I did these two layouts:

This one was for the 365 Day Challenge: Prompt 178: Me, Myself and I

I think I need to buy more kits, I will be running out of stuff soon.

I'm going to put my current read to the side because I am going to start reading this book along with Suziblu and other bloggers. We will then discuss the book and paint stuff from the book. How fun is that? Huh? Lol. I think I will start today, I think I'm a couple of days behind them but I'll do some catching up today. I hope! Lol. Well that's all folks, thanks for stopping by. Have a nice weekend.

What is Creativity?

2008-06-25T10:34:00.010-04:00

In simple terms we can say that it is having ideas or thoughts differently presented. Creativity is gathering or picturing a thought (or an emotion) and allowing it to be expressed in many forms. Creativity is how our inner selves and mind envisions an idea or concept. It is the act of making something either with an existing idea or a completely new idea. Through creativity, an individual can freely interpret and express new things and old differently. It is rearranging things we know and making them look as new. It is also visualizing this idea in certain ways different from the common everyday things. Creativity can be described in many ways but, the final result is very simple—originality!

I believe that through art God has allowed us to see the inner beauty of many things....things that are not visible to the eye but, with the soul and spirit....a gift given to humankind! I believe that through art God reveals His Spirit to us! I love it!

I've been reading The Creative Call and trying to do the exercises that the author suggests daily. I'm only up to exercise 3, but I'm feeling refreshed and renewed through this book's insights. I have also been writing daily on my day book (suggested by the author), writing every single thought and ideas that crosses my mind. I am trying to keep up with every single thing she suggests because I believe that I have talents that have been hidden for so many years and I want to become the artist, the person God wants me to be. I really recommend this book if you are believer in God's purposes for your life. Whatever your call may be, musician, writer, painter, photographer, designer, sculpture, dancer, whatever your talents may be...., this book can help you set a foundation so that you can become the person you were intended to be from the get-go.

Art journal doodles: last night I was trying to organize myself with the challenges I want to be part of.

Another layout that was waiting since last month to be done. Sorry about the images' quality. Shot in low lighting.

And lastly, photos of corners of my home! Thanks for stopping by.

The CatWalk!

2008-06-24T13:10:00.004-04:00

What a wonderful surprise when my scrap sis/online friend Julie told me that one of my layouts was chosen today for the catwalk on SisScrapInStyle. I didn't even know about this election they have going on every Tuesday! I feel so happy, they really made my day! Wow! Thanks Jo-Ann for choosing my Layout, (sigh.....deep breath).

New subject: I am now on a mission, a new project, a new challenge. Scrap Your Day Project with Shimelle! Basically it consists of taking photographs all through the day on the 25th of each month and then making a scrapbook layout out of it, following a few guidelines.You can read all about it here. I hope I'm not too late to prepare my pages today. I'll manage to do them today, I think, I hope! lol.

That's it for today, I can't write too much because I have some scrapping to do! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

This Weekend...

2008-06-22T09:44:00.016-04:00

Saturday I went to my niece's T-ball practice and my son also wanted to join T-Ball and fortunately, they had room for him so he'll be starting T-Ball practice this coming week. He's excited about that!

Nothing much besides going to the park with my son and my niece's T-Ball practice happened on Saturday so I got scrapping later in the afternoon.

I had this piece of lace at home that I cut up into squares and decided to try out a piece on this page.

I'm beginning to try out many things and beginning to see things such as, tickets, price tags, paper and candy wrappings, jar wrappers, cereal boxes and just about anything in a new way. I'm starting to see unusual, odd stuff, and sometimes garbage in useful, recycled ways for my journals and scraps. I feel I'm developing an eye for these odd things and when I see these either in the floor, supermarkets, stores, I wonder how I could use them in my next pages!

Anyways, yesterday was my birthday! It didn't start out very nice but as the day progressed I began feeling much better. And it had nothing to do with me turning older, seriously... I thought my kids and hubby had forgotten about it but later that evening they had a surprise cake for me when I got home from church. I don't know what it is about me but I've always felt a little melancholic when is my birthday. And I promise it has nothing to do with me turning older. For me, each year is a year of new promises, new dreams and hopes. A new year to develop in a personal level, to reflect and to grow wiser. A new day to be happy and thankful for all the blessings and wonderful things that have come along with the years.

Yes, there's also many not so great things that come to us every year like, heart breaks, discouragements, tears, fears, but there's also many wonderful things in our lives to be thankful for and happy about. The joy of life, the opportunities we get everyday to grow, become better human beings, to live, to be inspired, to be free, to love, to be loved, to dream big and to remember that our life is a journey and many wonderful things awaits for us in the future!
I feel great and honestly I don't feel this old! lol... I have a young spirit. Somehow I'm always with the younger crowd not intentionally, though, lol, my daughter hates that! lol! You know? Turning 35 is not that bad, it actually feels good!

One last thing I would like to share with you guys is that I will be opening a photo blog very soon. I will be blogging only my photography there. I'm just waiting to get my camera. I'm getting so desperate now! Really! I want my camera so bad.... but can't afford it yet. Soon though, I hope! He he he. I have so many ideas in mind already. I can't wait to get to them. But anyway, going back to the photo blog, I'll keep you posted on that later on. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read!

Paper Scrapping Fun

2008-06-20T14:06:00.007-04:00

Hello. Well, today I've been scrapping the entire morning. I thought I give the digital world a rest and do some paper scrapping. I'm new at scrapbooking (since December) and I know that in order for me to become better and be able to "master" this scrapping world, I must do it more often. So I've done three layouts today. I'm beginning to get loose and not worry so much about messing up or worrying about weather I'm doing it correct or not, or how balanced the layout is, etc...
I just decided I want to have fun with it, add whatever I can find, and make memories out of my photos!

You could see more detailed photos here.

Okay, so yesterday afternoon, I got this in my mailbox waiting for me:

I had ordered this book at amazon last week and had completely forgotten about it. I think is an awesome book. I believe there's more inside of me that I could give out to the world, creatively speaking. I just don't know how to bring it out sometimes. I read in another blog that this book helped her (sorry I can't remember which blog) become the artists she is and to be happy, accomplished and complete after reading this book. So I knew that I had to get this book because I'm in desperate need of a boost, I want to be complete, to feel good about being a designer, an artist, a photographer, etc.. It was once told to me that I have been given many gifts by God but they were all bundled up in box. I need to let them out of that box! But I need help. We all need help once in a while, right? Specially when we fall into those artistic blocks, we need new ideas, refresh our inner beings and allow our hearts to speak, to create things, to be free, to express ourselves through art, designs, photographs...

I even started highlighting and taking notes! Is never too late, right? Or too old, or too tired, or too busy, right? This is a new day, a beginning for us to create, and become better!

Upsetting Day!

2008-06-19T19:32:00.009-04:00

Today has been an upsetting day for me... too many things going on right now. I hate feeling this way! Circumstances make me feel so "down" and without any energy sometimes, today is one of those days. But oh well, I guess tomorrow is another day...I keep telling myself... one day at a time... one day at a time... Besides, I don't want to make anyone feel upset either so let's change the subject. After all, I managed to create this layout today:

This is what I want to be right now... a paper doll, no worries, no tears, only fun, fun, fun.

Rolling...

2008-06-18T13:47:00.009-04:00

Finally, we got DirectTV again. You know, I don't watch too much T.V. but I do like to watch once in a while and I was starting to miss it, besides now there's no excuses for me not to turn off this screen, right? Now I have another option besides reading... TELEVISION! lol.

Okay here's a layout I did this morning while the T.V guy worked on the installations:

The journaling reads: My brother and I... we always play, jump, watch t.v., play video games and wrestle together. He brakes my toys, and bothers me sometimes but I don't care because I love him and he will always be my brother!

I've heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul. I believe this to be true. So, here's a journal page I did last night while meditating on this.

Have a wonderful day everyone and thanks for taking the time to read. See ya!

Nothing Much...

2008-06-17T15:07:00.009-04:00

Nothing much going on around here today, other than a chilly day, it sort of feels like an autumn day when you look outside. Weird temperature! Anyways, so I've been home doing nothing much other than sitting in front of this glowing screen reading some blogs, tutorials, and playing around with photoshop. There's some great tutorial here. Go check them out.

Original Photo

With Cross Processing Technique:

and then a texture on top of that!

Here's a really sweet layout I did last night. Every time I look at these photos I just smile. I love seeing the love these two have for each other! I never knew the maternal side of my daughter was so strong. She's going to be a great loving mom one day!

The journaling says: When I heard my mom was going to have another baby I wasn't very thrilled about. I really don't like babies that much. When he was born it was okay, I guess...but as time passed by I realized what a blessing my baby brother was. Now, I think I love him more than anything in this world. I'll do anything for him. He even bosses me around and I really don't care... I'll do anything for my baby brother! We watch movies together, we sleep together, we eat together, we play together and we act silly together! I love my baby brother, I want to adopt him, too. I think I have enough experience now, and I don't care if he bosses me around or I become his slave! I love him and that's all it counts!

Okay my peeps, have a nice day (or whatever is left of it)!

At the Zoo

2008-06-16T21:34:00.006-04:00

It was a perfect day to be at the zoo today. The weather was on the upper 70's, low 80's! Perfect day! I went with my friend and her kids, my nieces and my son.

After the zoo I took my friend home and I headed straight to Sam's club to get my daughter a cake. I got her two cakes: chocolate and a strawberry cake! Oh yeah, and ice-cream. She was really happy when I gave it to her. She loves junk food and sweets! Boy what a day. I'm feeling very tired and sleepy! Have a good night, I'm off to finish reading my book. 'Till later!

2008-06-14T18:39:00.006-04:00

Humid, hot and sticky...that's the weather right now! I can't wait to go to Splash Zone on Wednesday. Summer has finally kicked in. On Monday we might be going to the zoo also. Oh yeah, and my oldest daughter, my princess, is turning 16! Sweet 16!

She is such a nice kid. I'm blessed to have her as my daughter, really, I am! She's not a typical rebel teen-ager, she's actually very obedient, respectful and homey. She loves being at home. I usually always have to tell her to go out with friends or to hang out with kids her age but, she's just not that type of a person. As long as she has her t.v and her little brother next to her, she's fine! Lol... I gotta love her!

Here's an old journal page I had forgotten to upload. I'm not very pleased with it and that's just because I had something else in mind when I started with this page but this is what my hands turned it around to be somehow. I guess is OKAY, lol.

Today I worked on these two layouts. I still think digital is way much easier right now. This was fun to do but since I don't have enough tools to work with it just makes it a little harder for me to come up with great, top layouts. But keeping memories and having fun is what's this is all about anyways, right?

Just wanted to stop by also to wish all the male parents a wonderful Father's Day tomorrow. You guys are the best! Have a nice weekend everybody!

Workshop

2008-06-12T17:56:00.006-04:00

Tri-C co-sponsored with Adobe and AIGA a Dreamweaver workshop this morning and I wasn't too sure if I was going to go or not when two of my professors send me the email but last night I decided that maybe this could be an opportunity for me to learn about Dreamweaver since I'll be taking a class on it in the fall. And I must confess I along with Al, my HTML teacher, weren't too impressed by it. Really. It was a nice introduction to the program at least for me since I don't know anything about it, but I did find myself daydreaming the second half of the workshop. I had to tell my mind to come back to earth a few times! I really don't know what it was but, I didn't find it that interesting like I was expecting. I think my fall class is probably going to be much more interesting. Maybe is the fact that I learn by doing and trying things out and I'd rather listen and then do, or maybe the guy was a little boring! Lol! Who knows...

Moving on with photography, last night I spend quite a deal with a few of my black and white prints. I took photos of them, uploaded them to the MAC, then edited them in photoshop a bit to make them look like the real thing as possible and then uploaded them onto my flickr account. I hope you have the time to go and check them out. Of course nothing is better than the real thing but, at least you get a bit of them. Go check'em out if you have any time and please leave me any comments with your opinions and/or feedback. Thanks, that's all for now enjoy your day!

Here's Jazmine and Dariel having fun with Bob and Larry paper masks I found in a box while cleaning the attic yesterday. These were for Dariel's first birthday. For his One year birthday party the theme was "Veggie Tales". I just can't believe I had saved these and other things as well like the cups, plates, balloons and other things. I also found a box full of his baby clothes. Brand new, hardly used infant clothes! Only if you're a mom you can identify with that feeling, I even found myself smelling his clothing (which by the way, still smelled like my baby boy) and reliving those unforgettable moments! Now he's five. Am I getting old or what? Or maybe I want another baby? NOT!!! Is funny because Jazmine tells me I should have another baby but the thought just scares me a little. Maybe when I'm done with school and other plans we have get accomplished, then maybe.... I'll think about it then. Let's just leave it at that. Hehehe.

Have a wonderful evening my faithful readers, lol

Private Screening

2008-06-11T10:48:00.005-04:00

Okay so yesterday I went to the private screening website to check out if they had already posted this year's work and they had. The problem was I only saw my photograph but did not see my animation. So apparently I found out that they had changed the title of my animation! Not only that, but I realized that they misspelled my first name! I just wondered, who in the world did the editing on this page? They just changed the title to what they thought was better than mine? Luckily, the new name is titled "The Apology" which I think fits the animation but, my name being misspelled is not acceptable! Lol, I mean really... Two big mistakes like that shows they are not being careful when editing information and made me wonder if they did the same to other students. Anyways, here's the link. Click on the "media" tab and then look for the "The Apology". The photograph I submitted doesn't look as good as the actual print which by the way was directly manipulated in the dark room. I had to scan the negatives and tweak it here and there in photoshop. I think the real print is way much better. I'm thinking of taking an actual picture of it and the other black and white photos I have in my portfolio and post some up soon. To view my photograph go to the photography tab and the year 2008, click on the 4th thumbnail. Sorry, don't mean to give so many specifics but there's no direct link to my work. Go check it out! Thanks and 'till later!

Fly Away
by Diana Cornielle Copyrighted 2008

Beautiful Patterns

2008-06-10T09:55:00.010-04:00

I was browsing through Etsy and found these beautiful patterns. I'm all into patterns now. I love purses and I usually can't get enough of them. So I might be buying one or two. I also saw these coin and make-up bags. I just love the patterns and styles. Go and check them out!

These two are my favorite. I think I might end up buying them! LOL

Click here for more information on this pink and white coin holder.

This next one is also very cute. I love the black and white because it goes with anything so maybe I'll buy this one instead... so many choices to make! Lol

The following bags are so adorable also. Go check'em out here and here. Too cute! I love, love, love!

Today I'm in a shopping mood! I also found these Travel Organizing Wallets. I don't travel much but, I'm sure I could use them daily to hold other important stuff. I think I'm in love!

'Till later, and thanks for stopping by.

Blog Make-Over!

2008-06-09T21:40:00.003-04:00

I've been busy today creating a new look for this blog. I think it looks cool! At least, I like it....
These past days have been super hot. I had planned to go to the zoo today with my kids, sister, nieces, nephew and friends but we canceled due to this heat. We hope that next Monday the weather is a little less hot so that we can go. I think I'm going regardless of the weather! As long as we're prepared for a hot sunny day. Bottled water, frozen juices, sandwiches, spray bottles with water (to spray each other so that we cool off, lol) and whatever else helps so that we may spend a nice day at the zoo.
On my creative side, well... this new blog look has been the most I've done since the last time. I've been busy cleaning up my house, you know.... throwing things out, organizing, rearranging etc. I'm still not done. Little by little, I guess!
Okie dokie, I'm off to my reading. Good night everyone. Thanks for reading!

Recognition Day

2008-06-06T17:30:00.006-04:00

The hot weather is really kicking in now! I asked for it, didn't I? Well, I got it! Lol. Today the weather is in the 90's... man, is it hot! I like it though.

Today was my son's recognition day. Basically, he graduated from pre-school, so of course they had their little presentation in school and I was there to cheer him up! The kids were all so excited and it was nice to spend all morning taking pictures of this special event. They all had cake, ice-cream, chips and pizza, boy, was my son excited. He received his little diploma and wore a special hand-made t-shirt done by him along with his teacher.

Speaking of teacher, here's a photo of Ms. Timberman. She's such an awesome, loving and patient teacher. She really is. And I really appreciate everything she's done for my son. She has helped him so much. I'm thinking of getting her a special gift. I want to have Dariel make her something. I just don't know what yet. He still has about 3 weeks left before he stops going to pre-school.

Anyways, life is good. I've been feeling very happy lately. Many wonderful things have been going on in my life which are the reasons for my joy right now. Okay, I'm outie now....have a nice weekend!

Busy, Fun Day

2008-06-04T18:03:00.007-04:00

Today has been a busy one. This morning I spend a few hours with my youngest at his "Fun Day" in school. It's usually done every year. The kids spend the day outside with their parents and teachers painting, playing, dancing, playing games and much more. Here's a couple of pictures I managed to take of him. He doesn't like for me take him any pictures, which for me is a real challenge. As a matter of fact, none of my kids like me to photograph them! Great! As a photographer this is very stressful. I hope they appreciate it later in their adulthood years!

Later, after spending the morning and some of the afternoon outside with my little one, I went to school to enroll him for kindergarten. The first time when I went I realized I had left his birth certificate at home so I had to go back to get it and back to the school to complete the enrollment and fill out the paper work. I can't believe he's already going to "big kid school". I sometimes miss my little baby boy.. :( They grow really fast, it seems like he was two the other day...Now he's a "big kid".

When I came back I saw there was a package on my front porch. A box with these goodies. I had placed an order of some art materials I needed for my art journal. After watching Kira's wonderful supply list video I decided I needed few things I still didn't have so I found these at Blick's Art Materials The prices they had weren't bad and they had great deals. Didn't spend much this time. Thanks Kira! I can't wait to start using these.

In a bit I'm off to church so with that said, I'll leave you all. Thanks for peeking!

More Stuff

2008-06-03T13:43:00.007-04:00

I went to Michael's this morning and look at all the goodies I bought. My main reason for going this morning was because I needed to get some Gesso and Medium Gel (the Golden products shown below) but I just couldn't resist not to buy these S.E.I scrapbooking products. They are so colorful and the papers are beautiful! So I had to get them. I can't wait to use them.

Moving on to the digital aspect of scrapping, I feel as if spending all this time with photoshop and scrapping has paid off. I think I'm getting better and mastering the skill for digi-scrapping. This was a quick layout I made last night. These photos were taken last year when we went to the IX Center and when hubby had shaved his hair off, lol and my son needed a mayor haircut, lol...

In my art journal I made the attempt to draw a mermaid everyone has done it or at least tried to draw one, now it was my turn. And I must say, it isn't that bad, huh? I sort of like the way it turned out. I'm still working on it. I feel it needs journaling and other stuff to fill the empty space. I used colored pencils and a blue watercolor pencil for the background. Is funny because I think her boobs need a lift! LOL, maybe next time!

Okay thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day!

Photoshopping and Textures

2008-06-02T15:50:00.011-04:00

I'm working on a photo illustration but it just doesn't seem to be turning out the way I want it. It's sort of a dreamy, surreal image illustration. I just can't seem to have it right. I'll keep working on it, I guess...meanwhile, I've been playing around with some old photos and textures. Check them out, tell me what you think either here or my flickr account. Leave me some feedback if you'd like. Thanks for peeking.

Original:

With Texture

Original:

With Texture:

Original:

With Texture:

Original:

With Texture:

I'm on a roll

2008-05-28T15:28:00.009-04:00

That's right I'm on a roll! I've been doing my visual journal almost on a daily basis which is what I wanted to do all this time but couldn't but now I have more free time to let my feelings, and creativity going. Speaking of feelings this following page expresses how I was feeling the other day. It was just one of those days where life seems complicated and you feel like you're being misunderstood, unappreciated. This was not a very good day for me so I wanted to let it all out on this page. It actually helped me a lot... I felt better, I must say! I feel better! Life! It can be so complicated at times.... lol.

May is here and although is supposed to be spring it's been very chilly lately specially at night. I guess maybe that's the way spring is supposed to be? I don't know, I just want to feel the warmer weather already. I'm ready for it!

Okay, I know I've been talking about school A LOT, lately but I just wanted to show off my new layout about my grades! Yes, people A's and B's! Hehehe.... Next semester I will try going for all A's! We'll see, I guess...

These following layouts were done for fun and ofcourse for memories, that's what scrapbooking is all about anyway, right? Have a wonderful day. Thanks for peeking!

Exhausted

2008-05-27T11:40:00.009-04:00

We had such a wonderful weekend at The Great Wolf Lodge! But, man, I'm exhausted! I think it was worth it, though! We really enjoyed the stay in the family suite we had reserved, it was awesome! We had wanted to go there many times but never took the time to actually go. Here's a few pictures of our kids having fun!

Here's another page of on my journal. I've been wanting to draw these cute girls and I finally did. I am actually getting pretty good at drawing them. This was done with colored pencils, paint, and stickers. The girl's arms can actually move. My first intent was to do a paper doll but the paper that I used was too thin so I just pasted her on my journal instead of keeping her as a paper doll. Next one will definitely be a paper doll, I hope! Thanks for reading, 'till next time!

Creating!

2008-05-22T11:13:00.008-04:00

Good afternoon everyone! I've been busy trying to let my ideas flow either online or on paper somehow. I was so inspired by the video I posted last time that I decided to "recreate" the same thing. It didn't come as beautiful as Jazz's but hey, I tried! lol...Here's what I came up with:

This one is my favorite! I am getting so good at drawing, I thought I would never draw anything like this. Most important though, is that I had lots of fun with all the paint and coloring! Is a stress reliever for me! Lol.

This layout I did yesterday. I used one of my black and white dream photos from class. This was an illustration based on a few verses of the bible (Psalm 3:3, 5-6). This is what it says:
"But you are a shield around me, o Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. I lie down and sleep; I awake again, because the Lord sustain me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side!"

I believe that no matter how many evil and bad things try to steal our peace, nothing will get to us because the Lord will protect us giving us peace and joy in the midsts of it all! And this is how this image came to my mind and then tried to recreate my belief in a photograph. By the way, the girl is my daughter, and the hand reaching down is my nephew's.

This layout was done a few months ago. I just didn't have the time to post it. This is my daughter on her 7th birthday.

This was my first actual paper, needle stitch ever done by me! Not bad huh? I just wanted to show off my attempt to stitching on paper!

Boy, does my daughter have a unique personality! It all started back when she was a young girl! Lol.

Okay everyone that's it for today, have a wonderful day!

Inspired!

2008-05-20T09:46:00.002-04:00

Good morning everyone! Today I'm feeling very inspired. I want to get to my art journal, scrap, take photos, paint and do so much more! Hehehe! I love it when these creative moods seem to want to jump out of me. Lol!
Today is very cloudy and a little chilly here in this part of the woods. I can't wait for summer to get here. I really need the warm weather. This winter was bad up here. I think I had enough!

I think this summer I need to do a yard sale. I've been wanting to for the past two year. My garage is full of stuff for sale. I specially have lots of daycare stuff from 2006 when I had my home daycare. Maybe next week I'll start to gather up more things from my attic and get it into the garage. Once there, I'll start to clean out and organize things for the yard sale. My kids have been driving crazy with this "Yard Sale". They think they're getting all the money (little do they know...hahahaha!!!!). Just kidding, they'll get some if they help out.
Okay I'm off to get my creative ideas to work but before I let you go I'll leave you off with this video: Enjoy!

Plans, goals, life!

2008-05-19T18:21:00.003-04:00

I went to the thrift store today to try to find some good reads for this summer. Found quite a few, 20 to be exact! The good thing is I only spend $5.00 on all of them. Not bad, huh? I have so many books that haven't been read yet. I'm almost done with "The Guardian", which I had started long time ago and never finished it. It was pushed to the side because I just wasn't in the mood for it. I'm almost done with it now and then I'll be moving on to another book. I would love to read at least one book every other week. We'll see...
In another note, I just wanted to mention if I didn't already, that I had all A's and B's this semester again and I feel so happy and accomplished. I am really happy just because I was almost giving up the last weeks and wasn't putting much effort and strength to my classes. I was feeling very exhausted and wanted to quit! But I didn't ofcourse. It's hard being a mom, wife, and full time student. There's times where I just want to quit but I know that I have a purpose and a goal I have to meet. God knows how hard it is though, to have to give up many things just so that I can accomplish this goal. God will give me the strength to keep going, I know He will and besides I am not a quitter and I stick to the end!
Okay, now that I just poured out a little of my stressful life I would like to say that tomorrow I hope to digi-scrap. I haven't done it in a few months so I think is time to start having some fun again! I hope I can post it as soon as I'm done with it. I have quite a few pictures I never got to post which I hope I could do it also.
Moving to another matter, hubby, the kids and I will be going to the Wolf Lodge this weekend. I'm really excited because we have been wanting to spend time together as a family for a while now but haven't had the chance to. Hubby has been working too hard, me going to school and the poor kiddos being bored... this summer I would like to take them out as much as I can. They are growing up too fast and I want to enjoy every moment with them before they get any older.
As for Weight Watchers, I'm actually doing good. Went a little over my points last week but this week I will try to not mess up any day. I lost 2 lbs already and it hasn't been a week yet! I'm so excited and motivated. I Hope things keep going well in this area for me, lol. Well thanks for reading!

Life!

2008-05-16T09:15:00.004-04:00

I must start by saying that I started Weight Watchers two days ago! I really think is time right now for me to make this commitment! I have to keep telling myself that this is for health reasons more than for looks! Yeah, looking great is important but I know that health should be first. I need to do this for me! I am also joining Bally's again. Wish me luck!
Anyway, I've been thinking that is time for me to start building my website. I know I still have a lot to learn but, I could always update and make changes to it as time passes. I really don't have too much work worth to put up yet, on the site, but that may also be updated as I go along in this Design field! Another thing I want to do this summer is to make changes to my projects to improve them and make them work better! I also want to scrapbook some pages. I haven't done it in a while now, miss doing it. What else? Let's see...
Yeah, I've been trying to get back into reading. I have so many books at home that I haven't read, I think I need to get through them this summer! So many plans.... so little time!

I'm back!

2008-05-13T09:28:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! I've been lost but I am found now!!!! Lol... Nah, I've been busy with finals and stuff! But I'm done, yeaahhhhhhh! I was going to take summer classes but decided not to because I really, really need a break. I think I might take a photography class but is only for 5 weeks. Don't know yet, I'll see....
Well I must mention that my small animation was chosen to be in private screening this semester and also a photograph that I submitted. I was soooooooo happy and excited. It was a lot of fun to be part of private screening for the college. I had never attended but this time I did, of course my stuff was going to be there, hehe. It was fun, though.
Anyway, I haven't really taken much pictures lately, only for school purposes. But I am hoping to buy my NIKON camera this summer. I wanted the Nikon 300 but is very pricey and I can't afford it right now so I think I might go with the NIKON D80.
I'll inform you more later on about other stuff, right now I'm ready to start my summer....going to the mall with my daughter so I must go now...see ya! Whoohoo!

Summer Classes

2008-03-31T15:29:00.003-04:00

I registered for summer classes. I don't know if its a good idea in general because I think I need a break from school but, I'll take my chances, lol. I only registered for two classes so it's not that bad (I hope!). Anyway I will be taking Drawing 1. Which I totally need! lol, I don't need it for my major but I do need it for my personal use! I need to go past the stick figures... lol. I will also be taking a photography class and its only a 5 week course. Not bad.

I just have 4 weeks left before this semester is over and I have tons of final projects to get going. I feel like I'm slacking in most of my classes. I hate it when I do that. But I keep saying to myself, "Diana.... this will soon be over, don't mess up now!" I think the only class that I'm still excited about and feel that I'm up-to-date is my photography class. We are getting into dream-like photography, altered images and so on. It is really exciting. I love to shoot and then go to the dark room and see my creations come ALIVE on the paper! LOL.... just kidding. But I do really enjoy Photography, and everyday my passion for it grows deeper and deeper! Okay everyone, that's all for now. Have a wonderful week. Thanks for reading!

Reporting...

2008-03-27T11:40:00.002-04:00

Hello. I just stopped by to say that I haven't blogged for a while now and that's because I've been caught up with lots of projects either from school or personal stuff! I have tons of photos I've taken but haven't had the chance to post them yet. I will eventually!

I'm so excited because my photography professor encouraged me to submit my documentary photos to the art exhibition for my college. I had my doubts at first but, then the more I thought about it, the more excited I got about it. So I will be submitting them next week. So that's another project I'm working on since I have to mount them and follow all these requirements before submitting! So wish me luck! Well I must go now. Thanks for stopping by!

Back on Track!

2008-03-11T20:01:00.010-04:00

This week I'm on spring break. It feels good to get this break. I've been trying to catch up on things. I have a few assignments to work on that I haven't gotten to yet and I'm hoping to do them sometime today or tomorrow. I hope to have them done before Sunday. I want Sunday off from any Homework! These past four days I've been taking it easy and trying to do some scrapbooking and I did two art journal pages.

This first one was a paper scrapbooking page I did of my second child, Ruben. Here he was five years old. The journaling is hard to see here but you can see this layout and my other ones better at flickr, or simply click on the photo for an enlarger view.

This one was digital and on the photos is my sister and my nephew.

This is my art journal page 8. I did this one inspired by the happiness I feel being home this week and having a break from school. Lol.

This is page 9. "Blessed Hands". I pray and wish that whatever my hands touch and create become blessed and holy! Again, you could see the journaling up closer in my flickr account. Thanks for stopping by!

Art Journal

2008-03-09T23:04:00.003-04:00

Lately, I've been thinking about how I see myself and I was thinking about the real definition of the word "beauty". Many things came to mind. Right away, I thought of outer beauty. And wanted to define it but couldn't quite make up my mind. Then I came to the conclusion that real beauty should be like they say, it's what's inside, not the outside. Some people may not agree with this but for me, according to what God tells me in His Word... beauty is what's inside your heart! Yes, it is. So I wanted to journal this on my art journal. And I did... I want to remind myself that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. I want to love myself because of what's inside, and for the things I could do and for the love and compassion I could give to others! This is something I have to remind myself constantly! So this page will remind me that I am full of beauty!

Have a good night everybody! Night, night!

iMAC Love!

2008-03-09T22:26:00.008-04:00

Okay so this was my big surprise! I've been waiting to get my MAC computer for like a year now! I'm so excited about it! Now I can spend more time at home and less time in school! I could work from home on all my projects. To add to this joy, I also got the Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium.

This is going to make life so much easy for me. Life was very hectic without being able to work on my projects from home, now things will hopefully be simpler. Yeah, I know this is nothing but for me, see, is BIG! Life could be very hard when you're trying to get an education, with three kids, a husband, a home and other activities I'm usually involved in! This iMac will hopefully make things a little easier for me, my kids and the hubby!

Next on my list? My NIKKON D300 camera!!!! haha!

By the way I posted more pictures on my flickr account.

Art Journal

2008-03-05T13:51:00.005-05:00

Schools were closed today due to bad weather. I tell you this weather is not getting any better, I can't wait for spring to arrive! The weather up here has been really bad this year.... too much snow and I think I had enough! College was opened but I didn't go the roads were too dangerous for me. I will, though go to my evening class today but I wanted to post pages 3 and 4 of my art journal. I took advantage of my morning off to finish these two pages I had started a few days ago! I am loving this!

Well a few weeks ago I had posted that "the time" was getting close for something I had been waiting for a long time, remember? Well, the time is here but...................

I can't reveal it yet, lol.... This weekend I will just because I want to not only blog it but show you my surprise! Again, this is very meaningful to me and been wanting this for a while now but because of "stuff" I couldn't get! lol...

I'm off to school now, enjoy your day everyone!

Art Journal blog

2008-02-28T10:53:00.003-05:00

I am so happy today although many "family" issues have been going on. I feel that today is a new beginning for me. A new beginning in many ways I can't go into details right now but one thing I do say and is that I have found a new side of me that I didn't even know I had. And I can't wait to learn more and enjoy this new side! I know I sound I'm talking in parables. I usually do, but I understand what I'm saying, lol. Anyway, I want to thank Lia for the comments she left me on my first two pages of the new Art Journal. She posted one of the pages in the "Journal Junk blog". Thanks Lia, you are very inspirational and motivational!
Well I have to get going to class now.... have a nice day everyone!

Art Journal

2008-02-26T21:20:00.004-05:00

Okay so, I'm not a artsy person, I can't draw, paint or even sketch very well and because of these reasons I decided to start my very own Art Journal. I've been inspired by many wonderful artistic people at flickr and many of their blogs. I wanted to create this journal so that my artsy side may be pushed to the surface. In this journal anything goes.... I will not worry about neatness, planning, or how well I'll draw, paint or sketch things. Basically, allow my imagination run as I go but most of all allowing my inner feelings and emotions take over the pages! Is all about bringing out what's inside! Here's my first two pages:

I have really enjoyed doing these. I'm really loving it. When I started with the second page I was actually feeling very "down" and anxious about stuff that had happened on that day. I really felt a big relief when I was done with this page. It actually felt as if my anxiety had been left and dropped on that page. Is amazing but this is true. I've always used wrting as a way for me to express myself and at times relieve some of unwanted feelings and emotions. I have always kept personal journals since I could remember. But, never in an artsy way. I tell 'ya, it also worked for me, I love it! I am currently doing research online about paint, and paper and other techniques I could incorporate later on in the art journal. Some pages will probably be too personal to share but I'll try my best to post my journal pages here.

Best Me Challenge

2008-02-18T18:32:00.011-05:00

Best Me Challenge:
Here's two layouts I did for the third week. Frame it! I created these "frame" layouts with two of my favorite quotes. I love these quotes (among others) because they remind me of who I am, who I must be, and where I want to be!

This weather is really killing me! I sure can't wait for Spring! The weather in Cleveland is crazy. This winter has been terrible. Last week all schools were closed due to the weather. I'm counting the weeks we have left before Spring gets here. With that, I leave you with this quick picture of what I cooked tonight for dinner! One of my crazy inventions! lol...have a good night (or day).

Just blogging

2008-02-16T13:52:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone. I know I'm late but I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I received some wonderful heart chocolates along with a very personal card! I just can't believe it's been 17 Valentine Days for us! Wow, time flies!

On another note, I wanted to show off another one of my vector assignments. I haven't turned this one in yet because is not due until Wednesday but I wanted to post it here anyway. I really enjoy this class a lot.
I'm hoping for a 10 on this one!

Well, I've decided not to continue my 365 Photo challenge. I have been doing it but, it's become very hard for me since I am currently working with a film camera for my photography class. I have to shoot 2-4 rolls a week anyway. So, I decided that that's enough to handle right now. Next semester I will be taking digital photos instead of film. Please, dont' get me wrong...I love film, I specially love being in the dark room, but is not as fast when it comes to sharing it online. First I have to scan, edit and post my work. And right now film and the whole developing and printing process is enough of a challenge for me! Besides uploading has become really hard for me at home. I'm currently uploading my stuff in school.

ART JOURNAL: My gosh I'm so excited about the new and first art journal I'm working on. I just have a few pages done but, I'm really excited about it. I've found that it frees me from stress, is a new way for me to relax and be free. I found some wonderful sites to help me with this art journal project. Watch out for future photos.

SMALLVILLE: Hubby and me are up to the fourth season. I never knew I would like this T.V series so much. I love the story-lines, is like watching a really looooonnnnnnggg movie! Hehe. Besides, we have taken this time to spend it together as a couple. We really look forward every evening on the weekends to watch this together and spend some quality time. We usually grab ourselves some coffee or chocolate and cuddle up in bed to watch it! It's great!

Well everyone have a wonderful weekend and I'll talk to you guys later!

Vector Graphics

2008-02-13T15:23:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! I know is been a few days but, I've been busy like usual. I just wish I had much more time in my hands. I've started a couple of projects and I have a few processing in my mind! I just wish I could execute them right away! I'm really excited about the new things going on inside me. Is unexplainable, but I've been feeling very artsy and creative lately.

I am still having problems loading pictures but I've come to the conclusion that my computer sucks!!! Really...it sucks! Is asking to be replaced! And I'm about to answer its request! Soon, real soon....hehe!

I've started a vector class this semester and I wanted to share my first two assignments with you guys. This class is a little bit of a challenge because I don't draw, I just don't know how, other than stick figures, I really don't know, which is why I will be including a drawing class during the summer. You can see more of the work I've done here.

With this I leave and hope that I'll be back soon! lol.

General

2008-02-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. Today I've been thinking about joinning Weight Watchers online. About three years ago I joined (not online, though) and I was really loosing some weight. So I've been thinking about joining again online this time, but I'm a little shaky about it. I don't really know how well I'll do this way. I guess I'll have to do some research on that. I need to get on a healthy diet. Not that I eat alot of junk food but, I do love starchy foods. Bread, rice, pasta and all that yummy stuff. Is very hard for me to keep away from it. I crave for it alot. But I know I could do this! I did it before, hey...why not now? The reason why I'm thinking of doing it online is because I've been very busy and I know that it'll be hard for me to go to any meetings. Weight Watchers is great, I recommend it to anyone! Wish me luck.

On another note, I must confess that I've been behind on "Best me Challenge". But I will try to catch up today on week 3 and 4. As for my 365 photos, I'm upto date I just haven't been able to load them up yet. Something is going on with my computer. Is not allowing me to do so, well atleast not to my blog. I'm thinking of getting my pro-account at flickr soon so that I can load them up there. I love flickr. I get so many inspirations from there. If any of you haven't had the chance to navigate around this website you guys should try it. Flickr is amazing!

Well, I have to go now so that I can try catching up with some Best of me stuff! Chao!

The time is coming

2008-01-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh! The time is almost here....I won't reveal things just yet, but all I want to say is that this time has been in a waiting process for a long time. It may be insignificant to others but for me is very important. I'll keep you posted!

Hint: I've blogged about it before....(wink!)

Feeling Frustrated

2008-01-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

I know it's been about a week since I've blogged. I guess I won't be doing it on a daily basis but atleast twice a week or maybe three times, who knows! Things have not been going very well for me on a personal level. Lots of things going on in my mind right now and to top it off, I've been trying to post my photos on my 365 Days blog and it's not working! arggggg! I'm almost in the process of making my own website. Its probably going to take me a few months but, I sure can't wait. This dumb computer is so slow, is driving me nuts!!!! I need my new MAC computer so bad! I feel so limited! I hate this, I really do! Anyway, I'll be posting my 365 Days photos once a week. I've been and will continue posting them once a week for that entire week. Less stressful for me since this computer doesn't want to cooperate!!!! I want to do it every Monday, but today it looks as if is not happening! I'll try later, or maybe tomorrow.
Talk to you later!

Taking a break!

2008-01-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm taking a break from my assignments to blog some thoughts! Hey have you guys heard about the $800 we should be receiving as a tax break? I so much need this money. I need to get my MAC computer. Switching back from a PC to a MAC is driving me crazy! Let me explain myself...see, in school I work with a MAC but I have a PC at home and as you could imagine, most of the time I'm in school doing assignments and working on projects. This means less time for me to be at home with my family. Not to mention, that when I do work at home when I go to my classes I have to switch most of my files. Awwwww, what a pain! This money will come handy for my software programs, portable hardrives, my Photography printing paper and other photography supplies, which by the way, is very pricey! OKay, enough complaining!
I guess I'm back to work! Talk to you later!

Just Blogging

2008-01-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

Finally! Man! I've been trying to blog for the past hour, seriously! Something's wrong with this slow computer! It took me forever to download these pictures! But finally...done!

In another note, I hope you all had a nice weekend and Martin Luther King Day off! I sure did! Not that I had fun, but did alot of catching up with things around the house, my assignments, and reading. I even started this new journal I've been wanting to start. It's my Inpirational Journal. I will be putting things in here that inspire me, things I want to get, ideas for organizing, decorate, etc. Here's a few photos I shot of it yesterday.

I'm still wanting and waiting to move in to my son's room and re-do it and transform it into my working space. I can't wait. Not yet, though....soon, soon....lol

Well tomorrow I'm off to school, and the running around begins, driving and picking up the kids. My 4 year old son just gives me the hardest time every morning. He does not want to wake up, yet go to preschool. I'm always rushing in the morning! Just because my son does not want to cooperate with us (my daughter and me). My daughter is almost always late because of it. This week I will challenge myself to be early dropping off my Jazzy and Dariel to school! Hehehe.

Have a wonderful night!

Calm, Cool and Collected

2008-01-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

Like I've mentioned before, this week was very busy, and it seems harder just because I have to get back to the routine of things again. Well to keep me going I decided to adopt these three words in my daily meditations: Cool, Calm and Collected. With that I leave you with this layout:

Busy Schedule

2008-01-17T18:37:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad is almost Friday! Gosh what a week it's been for me! Trying to organize my new schedule. Hectick week! Here's a picture I took today while I got organized a couple of hours before class started.

I've been feeling so bad lately because I 'm not in church during the week services. I really do need to start making time for God. I'm feeling so guilty! Sundays is not enough, I need to get a "spiritual" boost during the week as well! So I decided to join the intercession ministry. Today will be my first day going. I really like this ministry because for one, it forces me to be closer to God by praying, and second, I like praying for others and interceding. I know I have the calling for prayer... I just know I have to do this. I have to fit this in my busy schedule! God should be first anyways, right?

What a week!!!

2008-01-16T16:06:00.000-05:00

Wow, I've been so busy this week, is unbelievable! I think I'll be blogging less just because I know I won't have too much time to do so on a daily basis. I think I'm going to have to be taking some vitamins, specially vitamin B for energy! I really need it. Well, let's see...so far I'm loving my classes! They are so much fun! I love what I'm doing, I really do. Usually people will start college thinking they know what they're going to major in and when they actually get into their major courses, they realize that that's not what they want to do the rest of their lives. But to be honest, in my case I feel like I'm loving this more and more! I can't wait to start making money while I enjoy it! Ha-ha! Now... that, you don't see very often! lol. I must admit, these classes are very challenging, but I like the challenges that come with all this learning stuff! lol.

I just want to say that I am starting an art journal. I have this wonderful sketch book that I wasn't really using and so I decided to use it like an art journal. Later I will post pictures of the art journal along with these other two smaller journals I had to get. One was for my interactive media, and the other for my my personal thoughts.

Well, I'll talk to you guys later on. I must get working now!

No More Limits

2008-01-14T18:27:00.000-05:00

I started school today. I am really excited about my classes this semester. I know I will be enjoying them even if there's assignments, projects or stressful finals! I will be learning and doing what I like! These are my classes for this semester:
Black and White Photography 2, Vector Graphics, PSD Format, HTML, and Interactive Media. Cool huh?

Anyway, I hope that everyone had a nice weekend. I sure did. Specially Sunday. God (once again) spoke into my heart making me reflect on all the wonderful things He has created for me and promised me. Sometimes I must be reminded of all the gifts and potential that I have inside. I sometimes, forget that there's wonderful things for me out there. I have put limitations in my life in which has caused me not to give the best of me and therefore, my abilities to do, or create, are locked inside me. Doubts, rejections, loss of faith and other obstacles take control of what I could offer to others or how I allow my creativity to flow on a daily basis. This weekend I have decided that there are no more limits for me! I will be the best I could be and more....I will succeed in all I do (and create!). I will take chances to be different. I will allow all my ideas to flow and I will put them in practice. If I fail, then at least I could say I tried!

With that said, here's my second week of "The Best Me" challenge layout!

Just Blogging

2008-01-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

I got my books yesterday for school. So far this time I only spend $120 in books. Not bad for a total of 3, usually is triple that amount. Of course, I know I still have to get my other "supplies" for my Black and White class which is very expensive. Gosh, I can't wait to get my NIkkon D300. I'm sooooooo wanting it! I have my other Nikkon but is a film, I need a digital NIKKON!!!! whaaaaaaaaa, I want it, NOW! !!! He-he-he. I sound like my 4 year old.

Well anyway, this weekend I have tons of stuff to do. Hopefully I will check off my to do list by Sunday and I'll be ready for my second week challange.

When I went to get my books yesterday I stopped by a store and saw these beautiful colorful bowls and I had to take photos of them. I just love all the bright colors.

Have a wonderful day everyone, talk to you later!

Week One Challenge

2008-01-09T18:46:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is. Week 1 challenge Layout and journal:

1. My car is so messy right now, everytime I get inside I want to scream! Is very hard to keep a car clean when you have three kids and a husband! I try, though...always nagging to everyone to clean up after themselves, but kids being kids, (and husband) they'll do their mess either way! But this week, what's left of it, I will clean out my car and make it smell good and fruity!

2. Challenge 2! I did take a few photos today with my small digital camera when I was picking up my daughter from school. I usually wait for her outside in my car so I went ahead and took this photo of my nasty, messy car! lol. Maybe I'll show the after photos in a later blog. He, he.

3. Gosh, I hate doing laundry! I'm a week behind laundry and I better do it this week before classes start next week, then I won't be able to catch up, and all the clothes for 3 weeks will be on my basement laundry room waiting for me! Then again, I have a healthy, beautiful, teen-ager that may help out with this task!* wink* *wink*

4. I have all this art stuff from when I use to do daycare at home, and I really don't know where to store it other than an old cabinet closet, which is running out of space. I have a few scrap stuff, photos, album, papers, glue, ribbons, etc... on small plastic containers on my bedroom floor. Yes, FLOOR! I need to find somewhere to put all this. I know I'll come up with something! I always do. lol.

Actually, I'm waiting on my dear hubby to make me a desk he's supposed to have done loooooooong time ago. The company he works for makes custom furniture so, he' s able to get one for me. I'm planning to have my boys share a bedroom so that I can convert a bedroom into an office/studio for me! I can't wait. I have so many plans for this room!

5. Okay I've been so busy with this blog, scrapping, other online accounts, house duties, etc, that I hardly have the energy anymore to read at night. I love reading, don't get me wrong. But I feel so tired at night and sleepy. During the day I'm so busy, busy, busy. I need to finish reading this book I started a couple of months ago. Gosh, I can't imagine how it'll be after Monday! C.H.A.O.S!!

New Challenges

2008-01-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Okay, so today as I read through some blogs I came across with a couple of challenges some "creative" girls are doing. At first, I wanted to take up on the challenges but with classes starting next week, well, I knew I was going to be very occupied with projects, assignments, and family chaos. But, then I thought, sure why not? At least I'll try it!

The first challenge is an easier one for me...since I'm a photography major-in-progress (I should say my second major, Interactive Media being my first), is 365 Photos a Day. I know I could handle this one better although most of my pictures will probably be Black and White, just because that's one of my courses this semester. I don't have a good quality scanner so I might not post all my photos, but I'll give it a try.

The second challenge which I first read on Liliana's blog is "The Best Me" led by Sarah. I love this idea so much. I'm hoping to take these very seriously just because I hate to loose at anything, and If I don't stick to these I'm going to feel awful! Is just how I am! Part of this challenge is to journal everything which I love doing so I'm really excited.

Last week's challenge was to list 5 things that you want to do FOR YOU and DO THEM. But you must journal about them in some way, it can be a scrap booking page, a journal entry, a blog post, a page in a mini book, however you'd like! Since I'm a week behind...

This week's challenge is to deal with something that you have been putting off.

I'll try to catch up for two weeks, but it'll have to be tomorrow, though because I'm getting ready to go to bed now. Wish me luck, most of all I want to have fun with these!

Oh yeah, check out my New Layouts

Scrap Shopping

2008-01-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

I just came back to post pictures of the items I got today. I think I won't start scrapping with these yet, just because I want to design something really nice and cute and I don't have everything I need yet. I like to work and have everything I'm going to need handy and I know I don't have everything yet to create something that'll satisfy my taste! He-he...I'm a perfectionist!

Just blogging

2008-01-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I spend it with the hubby, (again) watching Smallville. My daughter got me into it now, I'm up to the second season and is getting interesting. Ruben and I love to spend the time together watching T.V. and our new program, Smallville, is a perfect time to spend quality time.

Today I went to PatCatan's (an arts & crafts store) to browse for scrapping stuff. I feel so overwhelmed when seeing so many things but I still wanted to get to know the Scrapping tools world. I got myself some cute papers, swirls template, glue, buttons, and a pre-made kit that was on sale. I wanted to take so many things...but I had to hold myself because I could go bankrupt...lol. I've been doing my layouts digital but I want to try hands-on. I guess I'll be posting my "Hands-on-Scrap" layouts when I'm done.

Anyway, yesterday I did another layout. This time it took me less time than usual. This one was put together really quick, I think. But I like it. Well blog to you later!

NYC Bodegas

2008-01-04T18:39:00.000-05:00

During the Christmas holidays I went to NYC to spend it with my mom and other family members and on the day we were heading back to Cleveland we stopped at one of these bodegas (mini-supermarket or sometimes grocery stores), and I took a couple of pictures of this one. It made me think how much I miss having these grocery stores where I live. I mean, they're in every corner and sometimes 2 or 3 in one same block! They're open 24/7. I love it! But most of all they have all types of spanish items, foods, etc. I miss these so much! There's a few of these in my area but they're scattered around far away from each other. When I first moved to Cleveland (12 yrs. ago) I missed my family so much but I mostly missed these convenient bodegas among all other convenient stores available in NYC's uptown 181st st, hehe...NY, you gotta love it!

So I wanted to do a layout for these two photos and here's the result:

Life's Simple Things

2008-01-03T22:34:00.001-05:00

I was thinking how sometimes life's obstacles allow me to forget and appreciate the simple things in life and how many times I get caught up in the bigger things that sorround me and worry me at times, instead of taking in consideration the wonderful "small" things God created for me to rejoyce in them. Life's smaller things are what makes me happy and yet, I tend to forget often about these simple, small things.

For instance, nature, I am so lucky to see the changes each season brings and the feelings that are so familiar with each change. The smell of flowers during spring and the rain that comes with it, the warm hot weather in the summer yet, I complain how hot it is or how cold it is in the winter. The wonderful leaves changing colors and falling during the fall.
My voice, which was given to me to worship and praise in moments when I haven't felt like singing, or laughing, yet, it was that one heart given praise which gave me the strength to take that one more step forward.
My dreams. Eighter physical or spiritual... Given to me so that I may push myself to keep going forward towards those dreams and allowing them to become a reality in my life.
Also, inner beauty is sometimes overlooked because we live in a world so vain and judgemental that we tend to forget the person that's inside the body and under the clothing and attire.Not just others' inner beauty but my own.
Our free-will, given so that I can make right choices and wise decisions.
My honest and loyal friends, my family, and so on....

Simple pleasures are life's greatest treasures! Let's enjoy the simple things in life!

Feeling Sick

2008-01-03T15:29:00.000-05:00

I am feeling sick today. Yesterday I had a runny nose and was sneezing alot and last night I had a really hard time falling asleep. It was so uncomfortable but I managed to finally fall asleep about 2:00 am. I woke up this morning around 12 noon, which I NEVER do! lol. I hope to feel better later on so that I could rest tonight.

Gosh I haven't been outside since new year's eve! On new years day it snowed so much that it was hard to see a single car in the streets, ofcourse if it was in NY, everyone would be out! That's how New Yorkers are! lol. My mom which lives in NYC told me the weather was so cold that it was also hard to go out. Temperatures dropped in that area alot. It was cold around here but not as much, I guess. I am really getting desperate to go somewhere! I like being at home but not for so long. I need to get out but, I'm too sick to do so today! Well maybe if I feel better I'll managed to find somewhere to go. He-he! Okay, I'll be back later to post more I guess! Laterzzzzzz!

Scrapbooking Addiction

2008-01-02T23:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm getting addicted! There. I said it! Scrapbooking is more than just a hobby, I just found out that scrapbooking is a stress reliever for me! And it sure helps bring out the creative side of me.

Today I spend almost all day creating two new layouts. I can take advantage of the time I have right now to do so before I start school again, so why not? Right? hehehe...

I am so excited to for this coming semester. All my classes sound so interesting. I know is going to be tough and I'm going to work my butt off to do well again. Which means less time blogging, (hopefully not), scrapbooking, myspace, t.v (not as if I watch alot now anyways), less time for me and more time for projects, assignments, and school stuff which, I will enjoy I'm pretty sure!

Well time to hit the sack! Good night!

Smallville Show

2008-01-02T01:11:00.001-05:00

Today I spend most of the day watching my daughter's DVDs of the first season of Smallville with the hubby. She had wanted all seasons of Smallville for like 2 years now and she finally got it for Christmas! She's been wanting me to get into it as much as she's into it. She's a fanatic of "Clark Kent", so I started watching the first season. There's like 4 or 5 DVDs in each season, and I've watched only 2 DVDs.....I got a long way to go since there's 7 seasons! (The things a mom has to go thru for her kids! lol).

Well is time for me to go to bed now. Is like 1:30 am and I'm really tired now. Have a wondeful night and once again I wish you all a wonderful prosperous new year 2008! Night, night!

Good bye 2007

2007-12-31T16:11:00.000-05:00

I just want to wish you all a wonderful New Year. I wish that this year is a wonderful one to everyone. I sure wish this for myself. I look forward to this coming year...a year of new beginnings, new blessings and lots of love, peace and prosperity for my life and for those around me. I have great expectations for this coming year. I have lots of goals, as well. One of them is to finish my school with A's and B's. I got one year left to graduate! I sure can't wait for that! Another of my goals is to loose some weight! Lol...let's see how that goes...hehe!

Today I finished another layout, and I want to share it with you guys. I'm actually really getting into this digi-scrapping!

Happy New Year 2008!

First Digi-Scrap

2007-12-29T13:41:00.000-05:00

Okay so I've always wanted to scrapbook but always felt overwhelmed by the entire thing. Recently though, I had the motivation to do an album for my daughter and thanks to my new online friend Liliana
Liliana, who gave me some wonderful links I accomplished my first album. It is very simple and clean but I think is not bad to be a first time scrapper. I had so much fun with it, though. Now, I decided to try some digital kits and these are the ones I came up with (I'm new at this so please be easy on me...lol)! Enjoy!