For most people I speak with, sketching faces is "doable" but drawing realistic looking hair is a nightmare! I just came across this video which is FANTASTIC! Take the time to look at it if you are interested in sketching - making realistic hair is truly doable! LOL!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Yes, I know I'm a day late. But I really hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families. It's been a rough - really rough - year for our family but we also had the blessing of my 2nd granddaughter's birth. Can't lose sight of the good things or let the bad ones overwhelm us.
As always, my brother Julio hosted Thanksgiving for us and these are some pictures from last night:
As always, my brother Julio hosted Thanksgiving for us and these are some pictures from last night:
Julio and Laura always go out of their way to make everything look great.
The new up and coming generation! Maddie and Kaitlynn had not arrived yet.
Me and three of my kids. Leonor, Charlie and Pipo.
Despite the fact that my brother's girls probably have every toy and gadget known to mankind, Kaitlynn and Jackie decided to play in the kitchen cabinets!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Digi Page 11/21/10
Yesterday I spent the day at my brother Albert's house celebrating his grandson's 2nd birthday. The poor baby was sick! But the cousins all had a great time in the pool!
My daughter Kristina and Kaitlynn are basically clones of each other!
HOW ADORABLE IS THAT??????
The icon is from my friend Lee! She went into my blog to put a Xmas banner up for me and she put this cute little man!!! Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen!!!??? LOL!!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
TODAY'S DIGI LAYOUT!
I finally got up to a two page layout!!! LOL!!! Love it!
These are the two pages separately:
WOW!
My post on the holidays really hit a lot of nerves today! Horrible as it sounds, I'm glad that there are so many people out there that feel the way I do.
Listen to me. IT'S NOT WORTH THE STRESS. Honest it's not. This is the first Xmas after my father's death; the first Xmas after my father in law's death; the first Xmas after my sister in law (who I've known and loved since we were kids and who is actually my sister at heart) lost her mom. Do you really think that any amount of PRESENTS will make that better? So what does that tell you?
Hug your family; love them. Make sure the day they are not there for a Xmas morning you have no regrets.... Stop worrying about the buying and the gift-giving. At the end of the day - it just doesn't matter.
Listen to me. IT'S NOT WORTH THE STRESS. Honest it's not. This is the first Xmas after my father's death; the first Xmas after my father in law's death; the first Xmas after my sister in law (who I've known and loved since we were kids and who is actually my sister at heart) lost her mom. Do you really think that any amount of PRESENTS will make that better? So what does that tell you?
Hug your family; love them. Make sure the day they are not there for a Xmas morning you have no regrets.... Stop worrying about the buying and the gift-giving. At the end of the day - it just doesn't matter.
THE HOLIDAYS
When you are a child, the holidays are so exciting... you can't wait! Even Thanksgiving is full of anticipation and fun because you know that the family is getting together for fun and food. AND you had days off from school!
As we become adults we get to the point where the holidays are so incredibly stressful. You really can't enjoy them any more. Think about it.
When you were a kid the anticipation was simple - fun, food, friends and family. Christmas was time off from school, looking forward to your "surprises"... a new bike, a new Nintendo game.
As an adult, especially in the last couple of years when we are all going through so much financial difficulty, the holidays bring stress - so much stress. You can't wait for it to be "over". I think that is so sad.
You try to figure out ways to buy gifts you know you can't afford - to entertain your family with food and drink that you will buy by not paying some of your bills this month and hoping you can figure out a way to pay two months in January.
You make list after list of those that you HAVE to buy for. You add only the children at first, chastising yourself that you really can't do much more than that. But then you start thinking "What if so-and-so shows up with a present for me?" So now you add so-and-so to your list. You struggle and stress over this list over and over - adding people - removing people.... Why can't we just feel comfortable saying "thank you" for that gift without feeling like crap because we didn't give them one? Who are these people that are giving you gifts? Don't they love you? Don't they KNOW you love them? Don't you think enough of them and of yourself to accept a gift without having to give one in return because you simply can't do it?
And then of course you go into the "what do I get them" question that keeps you up at night! God forbid you buy them something cheaper than what they bought you!
I love Xmas. I always have. It's such a pretty time... people are usually nicer... I have time off from the stress of my office... I love Christmas music! But I hate the stress that we have created around the holidays. I HATE to feel that I HAVE to do something that I really can't do! I would not want a present from someone who has had to struggle and stress to get it for me!!!
Why do we do that? Why have we created such stress for ourselves at a time of the year when we should be stress free!!! The year is over, we have time off to relax... we have beautiful decorations, music.... For Christians, its the time to celebrate Jesus' birth... for everyone, it's the time to celebrate the end of a year - good or bad - and the beginning of new one.
CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT PRESENTS!!! Not really. It's about saying "I love you"! You do not need to spend money to do that! A simple card, a handmade gift, a thoughtful gesture.... doesn't that mean anything any more? Is it more important to buy a present for someone than to do little things that show that person you love them?
What we all should be doing is sitting down to dine together with our families. Have fun with a karaoke machine! Dance to some great or goofy music. Take lots of pictures. Create memories! That would be the IDEAL Christmas celebration. Whether or not there are boxes under the tree.
Over the past few years I have strived to give gifts that mean something - regardless of their monetary value. Over the past 3 years I have made a memory book for my brothers - a book of our family during the previous year. I do it through Apple using the pictures I take during the year. My brothers treasure these books. My children, nieces and nephews who are now adults have asked that I make one for them as well for Xmas. We sit around with the books on Xmas day and relive the past year in our family. Lots of laughter and tears. It's a wonderful thing to do and everyone really looks forward to it. THAT is Xmas.
If you are one of the lucky ones that can buy gifts for everyone you love - good for you!!! There is nothing wrong with that! But if you are like most in this country during Christmas 2010, do yourself a favor. Love yourself enough to just say I love you. That really is the greatest gift you can give anyway!
As we become adults we get to the point where the holidays are so incredibly stressful. You really can't enjoy them any more. Think about it.
When you were a kid the anticipation was simple - fun, food, friends and family. Christmas was time off from school, looking forward to your "surprises"... a new bike, a new Nintendo game.
As an adult, especially in the last couple of years when we are all going through so much financial difficulty, the holidays bring stress - so much stress. You can't wait for it to be "over". I think that is so sad.
You try to figure out ways to buy gifts you know you can't afford - to entertain your family with food and drink that you will buy by not paying some of your bills this month and hoping you can figure out a way to pay two months in January.
You make list after list of those that you HAVE to buy for. You add only the children at first, chastising yourself that you really can't do much more than that. But then you start thinking "What if so-and-so shows up with a present for me?" So now you add so-and-so to your list. You struggle and stress over this list over and over - adding people - removing people.... Why can't we just feel comfortable saying "thank you" for that gift without feeling like crap because we didn't give them one? Who are these people that are giving you gifts? Don't they love you? Don't they KNOW you love them? Don't you think enough of them and of yourself to accept a gift without having to give one in return because you simply can't do it?
And then of course you go into the "what do I get them" question that keeps you up at night! God forbid you buy them something cheaper than what they bought you!
I love Xmas. I always have. It's such a pretty time... people are usually nicer... I have time off from the stress of my office... I love Christmas music! But I hate the stress that we have created around the holidays. I HATE to feel that I HAVE to do something that I really can't do! I would not want a present from someone who has had to struggle and stress to get it for me!!!
Why do we do that? Why have we created such stress for ourselves at a time of the year when we should be stress free!!! The year is over, we have time off to relax... we have beautiful decorations, music.... For Christians, its the time to celebrate Jesus' birth... for everyone, it's the time to celebrate the end of a year - good or bad - and the beginning of new one.
CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT PRESENTS!!! Not really. It's about saying "I love you"! You do not need to spend money to do that! A simple card, a handmade gift, a thoughtful gesture.... doesn't that mean anything any more? Is it more important to buy a present for someone than to do little things that show that person you love them?
What we all should be doing is sitting down to dine together with our families. Have fun with a karaoke machine! Dance to some great or goofy music. Take lots of pictures. Create memories! That would be the IDEAL Christmas celebration. Whether or not there are boxes under the tree.
Over the past few years I have strived to give gifts that mean something - regardless of their monetary value. Over the past 3 years I have made a memory book for my brothers - a book of our family during the previous year. I do it through Apple using the pictures I take during the year. My brothers treasure these books. My children, nieces and nephews who are now adults have asked that I make one for them as well for Xmas. We sit around with the books on Xmas day and relive the past year in our family. Lots of laughter and tears. It's a wonderful thing to do and everyone really looks forward to it. THAT is Xmas.
If you are one of the lucky ones that can buy gifts for everyone you love - good for you!!! There is nothing wrong with that! But if you are like most in this country during Christmas 2010, do yourself a favor. Love yourself enough to just say I love you. That really is the greatest gift you can give anyway!
Monday, November 15, 2010
JUST BECAUSE
I have a very special friend out there, who we will call Marcos. Ever since I met him I felt so much love for him. We don't see each other very often at all but we stay in touch and when I did see him recently on a cruise I felt that "I knew you in another life" kind of feeling. Know what I mean? A brother? A best friend?
Anyway, I got a package from him today with lots of "goodies" that he knows I love. No reason - just because. It meant so much.
So few people do things "just because" any more. Not because they don't want to but simply because life gets so crazy...
Marcos' life is unbelievably hectic also - he runs around from country to country, from state to state... yet he still took the time to in his own way say "I know your hurting and I'm here".
Just Because.
Thank you honey - you know who you are. And for the rest of us - do something nice for someone - just because.
Anyway, I got a package from him today with lots of "goodies" that he knows I love. No reason - just because. It meant so much.
So few people do things "just because" any more. Not because they don't want to but simply because life gets so crazy...
Marcos' life is unbelievably hectic also - he runs around from country to country, from state to state... yet he still took the time to in his own way say "I know your hurting and I'm here".
Just Because.
Thank you honey - you know who you are. And for the rest of us - do something nice for someone - just because.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
So many people - both men and women - I speak to lately are so completely and totally overwhelmed. Life, finances, children, work - it seems like their lives - and mine - are in total chaos right now. It's no surprise that the holidays will make everything seem worse for those that are, or feel they are, in chaos.
I came across this video today and at first it seemed silly but then when you really really listen to it, it is pretty inspirational. So for all of you whose lives are in chaos or who feel that they are totally overwhelmed and out of control.... this video is for you.
I came across this video today and at first it seemed silly but then when you really really listen to it, it is pretty inspirational. So for all of you whose lives are in chaos or who feel that they are totally overwhelmed and out of control.... this video is for you.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Trying to Catch UP!
This is Kaitlynn's third birthday party in February of this year! I cant believe it's been almost a year already!!! It feels like I am SOOOOO behind on my scrapbooks!! Well, coming into the digital age should make it easier to catch up!
Going back to digital
After several months of not doing anything digital ( I have no idea HOW three whole months have gone by!) I did another layout last night. I wish I could post that it was not big deal to go back to digital, but the reality is that it was REALLY difficult!! I couldn't remember half of what I thought I had learned.
So, the lesson? If you don't practice what you learn (at least with digital scrapping) you WILL forget it! But, thankfully I have tons of Jessica Sprague classes to go back to over and over again when I forget! LOL!
It's not close to being perfect obviously, the stamping is too far into the picture block... but I still like the way it came out. Digital stamps (or brushes) are so darn addictive!!! If any of you are interested in digital scrapbooking, you will love Jessica Sprague's classes. They are for everyone from the "digitally impaired" (muah) to the digital genius!
I also signed up for her pen tablet class. Yeah, I thought that would be a good idea since I bought the tablet over a year ago and it's still in the box!
I took these pictures of Kaitlynn at a wedding we went to in Virginia this past July.
Friday, November 12, 2010
VIVA LA FRIDA
I am part of a Frida Kahlo round robin hosted by my friend Lee from Australia. Frida's life is so unbelievably sad... yet at the same time she had such strength... I don't know... there is just something about her that fascinates me.
This was done for an altered book belonging to LeeAnn.
This was done for an altered book belonging to LeeAnn.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
On Death and Dying
My father in law passed away on Saturday, November 6th. He had a stroke on October 5th and had been suffering for the past month so his death was a relief.
I remember when my father was dying I was shocked by the pure agony he had to go through before he died. The sense of total helplessness I felt to make his leaving easier for him. The desperate prayers that God would take him - would release him from the cancer that was so incredibly devastating.
If we had an animal in the condition that my father or my father in law were in we would put him to sleep. We would end the suffering humanely. Not only WOULD we do it, we would be EXPECTED to do it. We would be considered "humane" and "kind".
Yet we have to sit by the bedside of a human being and just let them linger in their pain, in their desperation to die. The fact that humane treatment is expected and demanded for an animal yet "unacceptable" for a human being just blows my mind.
Euthanasia is criticized as "murder" or "suicide". I have to believe that those who feel this way - who believe that euthanasia is wrong - have never held the hand of their father while he fought for a breath; while the pain was so all consuming he almost loses consciousness. I have to believe that those opposed to euthanasia have never sat in a dark room for days on end listening to the "rattling" of death - the unforgettable horror of listening to someone you love die.
Euthanasia should be a choice made by those that are dying; respected by those that are living and promoted by those that are alive today - because one day it may be you who lays in that bed asking someone - anyone - to end your pain.
I remember when my father was dying I was shocked by the pure agony he had to go through before he died. The sense of total helplessness I felt to make his leaving easier for him. The desperate prayers that God would take him - would release him from the cancer that was so incredibly devastating.
If we had an animal in the condition that my father or my father in law were in we would put him to sleep. We would end the suffering humanely. Not only WOULD we do it, we would be EXPECTED to do it. We would be considered "humane" and "kind".
Yet we have to sit by the bedside of a human being and just let them linger in their pain, in their desperation to die. The fact that humane treatment is expected and demanded for an animal yet "unacceptable" for a human being just blows my mind.
Euthanasia is criticized as "murder" or "suicide". I have to believe that those who feel this way - who believe that euthanasia is wrong - have never held the hand of their father while he fought for a breath; while the pain was so all consuming he almost loses consciousness. I have to believe that those opposed to euthanasia have never sat in a dark room for days on end listening to the "rattling" of death - the unforgettable horror of listening to someone you love die.
Euthanasia should be a choice made by those that are dying; respected by those that are living and promoted by those that are alive today - because one day it may be you who lays in that bed asking someone - anyone - to end your pain.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thank you
For all your emails, teleohone calls and thoughts. They are truly appreciated.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, November 6, 2010
We have lost another good man
My father in law, Alberto Farinas has passed away about an hour ago.
His death, although not a surprise, is devastating for our family. A wonderful father, husband and friend, he will be sorely missed.
I have known and loved Alberto since I was 15 years old and have lost another father today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
His death, although not a surprise, is devastating for our family. A wonderful father, husband and friend, he will be sorely missed.
I have known and loved Alberto since I was 15 years old and have lost another father today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thank you Marisol!
My wonderful "almost" daughter in law sent me a really nice email today and at the bottom of that email it said:
"Faith is not about everything turning out OK; Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out."
It made my day because it is something that we tend to forget. Why get crazy about things? It's not in our hands anyway!
Thank you sweetie.
"Faith is not about everything turning out OK; Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out."
It made my day because it is something that we tend to forget. Why get crazy about things? It's not in our hands anyway!
Thank you sweetie.
Great Video on easy and Pretty Flowers
I just saw this great video on making very simple but pretty flowers. I know lots of you are into making your own flowers (THIS IS FOR YOU BEA!!!) so thought you might enjoy it. It looks easy to do!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
DIGITAL ZETTI!!!! CAN IT POSSIBLY GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS?????
YEP!! You understood me right! DIGITAL ZETTI!! As you guys know I am a total zetti fanatic. Well, I just purchased digital zetti images and alphas!! Deviant Scrap has these wonderful zetti digital images!!!
Can it POSSIBLY get any better than this? Now I just have to find time to play with it!
Can it POSSIBLY get any better than this? Now I just have to find time to play with it!
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