Nature walk: Toadstool

Taking leisurely walks around the yard is something that brought some surprising rewards. Beauty is all around the trick is to take a deep breath and EXPLORE.

 

When I saw this mushroom growing at the base of our tree I did something I never do. I sat on the grass next to it in awe and captured this with my digital camera. It brought to mind images of Alice in Wonderland meeting the centipede atop the toadstool. 

When I viewed it from a higher angle I saw  that it resembled a distressed flower. Isn't it like life? in that just by changing our viewpoint something (almost) mundane and everyday can become sublime. In the weeks and months to come I will continue to explore the world around me and reflect on it.

Thanks for witnessing my journey by visiting my blog!

Pug cards: To all the Champions!

 

In this performance based world we live in, the road to becoming a Champion is not an easy one. These pugs resemble many I have seen waiting to enter the show ring or leaving the show ring. It is a rarefied atmosphere I cannot compare to anything else I have encountered before. Each dog has his own personality and is influenced by the pace (and yes! even mood) of his/her handler. In my opinion, they are winners just by being there... but that is just that, my opinion..... Congratulations to all the Champions!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Pug cards: Hearts grow fonder

 

People say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but I wasn't quite sure. When I found this picture it reminded me of my buddy Yoshi, and the look he gets on his face when he is missing his Mommy and Daddy. Dogs in general have a very expressive face and that is very evident on pugs with their wrinkled faces, not to mention those big soulful eyes. I am a proud dog lover and I am sure you can tell that from the many cards I have made.

Thank you for stopping by my blog! It is a pleasure to know my work is being appreciated and repinned on Pinterest/Twitter.

Pug cards: Is something missing?

 

On this my birthday month, I decided to depict a pug with a sad birthday. His cake is missing and he's not feeling the love. My heart just went out to him with the confetti coming down all around and the paper horns tooting (or whatever sound it is they make!). Wishing all my fellow Geminis out there a very happy birthday!

Thanks again for stopping by my blog!!

Pug cards: Christmas Pug

 

Even pugs love to celebrate Christmas. I know it's a bit early but when I found this picture I could not resist, so shoot me. How can you pass up that adorable face?

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!!

Handmade envelope: Thanx

 

This is the envelope I created for yesterday's Yoshi thank you card.  Each envelope is like another page in a page-turner. It beckons you to relax in a comfy chair and open it. The recipient will enjoy adding it to her collection.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Pug cards: Thanx from Yoshi

This was a commissioned card for a dear family friend, Shirley. The idea was to create a graduated ombre look with the greeting. I decided Yoshi would be allowed to misspell thanks since he is a doggie PLUS it looks cuter with an X.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Pug cards: Ahoy Pug!

It looks like this fawn pug is ready to board his ship. He is a captain in the Pug naval service and he is ready to protect the dangerous waters. I can tell he is a brave sailor, can't you?!

Thanks for indulging me and stopping by my blog!

Pug cards: Howdy by Yoshi

Yoshi loves the backyard. It is his domain and everything or everyone within it have to pass his inspection. That includes birds, butterflies and even bugs. No, he does not eat them he is just fascinated by them. The look on his face reminded me of someone about to speak so that is why I chose "HOWDY" as the greeting.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Pug cards: Pug Crossing

This adorable pug couple inspired me to create this cute handmade card. I used a couple photoshop patterns and brushes to complete the rustic scene. I also did not wanna weigh it down with tons of bling.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Pug cards: Yoshi says...

 

For Yoshi, happiness is playing outside with his toy elephant. I wanted to echo that in the look of the card. He is a ball of energy and a photogenic little ham of a pug. This is one of my favorite cards I have created. What do you think???

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Pug cards: Airmail Approved

This is the beginning of my new pug card collection. I will still continue the general canine card collection. My idea for this card was to make it look like a specialty magazine. The tired fawn pug puppy was just too precious to pass up.The old fashioned phone is a Photoshop brush found online. I trust you will get a kick out of it.

Thank you for stopping by my blog! I love sharing my journey with the world

Mini Album: Our Family Photo

 

Their family is a unique and tightly bonded one. In this the last page in the anniversary mini album I created for my sister, the chinese proverb is perfect. This proverb states 'One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade.'

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Mini Album:Live laugh and LOVE

The look on their faces say it all, LOVE!

Thank you for stopping by my blog

Mini Album: Siesta Time

These pages highlight one of their many trips to Mexico. They love the people, food, landscape and how relaxed they feel when there. These hammocks look so comfy I wish I had one right now.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Mini Album: Heart and Soul Moments

 

Heart and Soul defines the love between my sister and her husband. Their love has endured over 20 years (12 of them married). In this day and age of disposable marriages, theirs has held fast through many storms. They are an inspiration to everyone they meet.

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Canine card: Boston Terrier

 

 Research is fascinating to me and this card was no exception. The Boston Terrier was an American creation as it resulted from the crossbreeding of an  English Bulldog and a white English Terrier back in 1891. They have been nicknamed "The American Gentleman" because of their dapper appearance. Even though it was initially used as a fighting dog during the Civil War, they are now a sought after gentle house pet.

Hope you all enjoyed this card... Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Canine card: English Bulldog

 

English bulldog puppies are so adorable to me. In this card I wanted to share a bit of the history behind the breed. Winston Churchill I found was nicknamed the 'British Bulldog' for his dogged perseverance. The name "bull" was applied to them because of their connection with bull baiting. From experience with the breed they tend to be gentle and protective. I believe I featured that with the photo of an adorable bulldog puppy.

Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Handmade envelope: Patchwork birthday

 

I enjoy working with colorful patterned paper like the one for this handmade envelope. Summer is on its way and I wanted to show that. My sister's birthday has always been a happy and scary time. Happy because I get to celebrate her special day and scary because it means my birthday is around the corner. She loves bling so I put plenty of it!

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Handmade card: Wonderful birthday memories

 

Today is my sister's birthday and I created this nostalgic handmade card to show her how much I care. The photo I used was taken on her 5th birthday. In the years that followed our birthdays, which are so close together (mine is on June 15th), were celebrated with one party. It was great for me because it meant a bigger cake, and I love cake!

Happy Birthday Sissy!! Thank you for being my best friend for so many years.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!