Reflections...on Living Creatively: October 2011

Monday, October 24, 2011

Book Review: Gardens of Water

Gardens of Water: A Novel by Alan Drew

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A touching, honest and sad look at life in Turkey following the 1999 earthquake. A conservative Turkish man struggles with raising his children among American relief workers, whom he sees as the enemy. After almost losing his son in the earthquake, he faces losing his daughter and his family's reputation to a teenage boy from New Hampshire. The final tragedy of the book lies not only in what happens to his daughter, but also in the man' regrets.

Culturally rich, emotional, and engaging. A highly recommended first novel from Alan Drew.

View all my reviews

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Project 365: Week 42

Cute kids and randomness...

Enjoying the last few minutes of Girls Weekend

Loving the sunny weather and colorful trees

Heading home from the bus stop

Lovely sunset

Vivian stayed home from school after some dental work. We caught up on Phineas and Ferb.

Why is there a BEE trying to get into my house? In the middle of October??

Two lazy bones, lounging in the sun.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Mother's Day 2011: A Scrapbook Layout

Love the shaped edge of the cardstock...

... the pop of yellow and lace...

...and glittery letters!

Supplies:

Paper- Creative Imaginations; Prima; My Minds Eye

Alpha- My Minds Eye

Flowers- Prima

Rhinestones- Kaiser Krafts

Lace- Prima

Distress Ink- Worn Lipstick

Adhesives- Helmar 450, Scrapdots, and Adhesive Runner

All supplies can be purchased at Scrap-Tastic!

Here's the Pencil Lines sketch I used (#246):

I love sharing my artwork with others! I would appreciate a post on Facebook, Twitter, or other media!!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Project 365: Week 41

I could have sworn I took a photo every day this week... I guess not! Nonetheless, here is what I have...

I have such girly girls...they love putting together outfits for school!

Love wasting quarters on the crane!

Some vintage sheet music ornaments I've been working on.

Spent some time with friends this weekend!

More crafting! Making fabric flowers for barrettes and headbands.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Baby Lucas: A Scrapbook Layout

My friend and co-worker welcomed baby number 3 this past summer. I loved her adorable birth announcement! So scrapworthy!

Pencil Lines Sketch #247

Supplies:

Paper- My Minds Eye (Fine & Dandy; Lil' Robots)

Die Cut- My Minds Eye (Stella Rose)

Stickers- My Minds Eye (Stella Rose)

Stamps- Unity

Distress Ink- Dried Marigold, Peeled Paint, Broken China