Tuesday, March 1, 2011

You Make Me Smile!

Happy Tuesday Everyone and First Day of March!  Let's hope it's a wonderful month of SPRING--yay!  I thought it would be fun (for me anywho, lol) to give you a bit of background about myself and why I am enjoying myself so much these days, LOL.  A little insight into my brain so to speak---scary stuff people so beware of what lies ahead, bawahahaha!

Let's start with my childhood okay!  I was a VERY shy child with people outside my immediate family or friends and I mean SHYYYYYYY like would want to puke and break into sweats if I had to talk to anyone else.  BUT I was extremely stubborn and independent too and I could be mouthy to authority on occasion (I see my mom shaking her head yes right now, hee hee).  I always knew that I would do it all MY WAY, MY TERMS and on MY TIME no matter what!  My family was also very much homebodies which isn't a bad thing (and my mom & dad still are, lol) but I ALWAYS wanted to move, get out, see things and travel.  Didn't happen much in my life growing up but I had big dreams of traveling, starting my own company and seeing/conquering the world as I grew up.  I always felt that maybe I was really a child of gypsies because I felt so restless, bored in a way.  I loved to read (still do) and that was my way of escaping to other locations, times and countries.  By the time I reached high school I was becoming better at coming out of my shell, more at ease with people although I HATED getting in front of people and speaking--ugh, nightmare.  I had dreams of going to college far, far away and traveling still in my view.

Long story short, I didn't go to college that far away, LOL and I never did conquer the world or get to travel like I thought.  I met my husband, had two kids and devoted my life to being the best Mom, Wife and Homemaker that I could.  But as a lot of us find out we lose ourselves in becoming what we "think" we have to be or should be.  Life is filled with so many "shoulds" and "have to's" that its easy to forget WHO or WHAT we wanted to become because duty calls.  Not that I regret anything in my life--I can honestly say I have no regrets in my life and I don't play that game at all.  I always look forward and I am a die-hard optimist no matter what---what's the point in looking back when the future awaits us.  Crafting and art helped me find that person I was again without giving up or changing how I lived my life and took care of my family.  And the internet suddenly let me meet others that lived far away who loved the same things I did--Facebook allowed me to keep up with friends--blogging allowed me to share my stories and crafts!  The internet had a HUGE involvement in helping me find myself again---the Suzanne that isn't a Mom, Wife, Volunteer, Sister, Daughter, etc. and it made me very happy.  Soooo when people ask me if the traveling/blogging/crafting/business is tough, I'm always honest with everyone.  Yeah it can be tiring and stressful BUT the payback is so much better that it is worth all the pain.  I enjoy meeting people, I can now talk in front of groups of people and not freak out (or puke or sweat, lol) and I enjoy EVERY MINUTE that I travel.  Even sitting in an airport talking or singing with strangers is another page in my life and why not enjoy it.  I'm getting to see the country, travel, meet new people and friends and teach something I really and truly love to do.  I feel like I live out my dream everyday and that this is what I was meant to do and at the time I was meant to do it.  I was meant to meet my husband, I was meant to have my kids and live my life the way I did===it made me happy and I hope I made them happy.  And now I'm getting to do something I didn't know I wanted to do so badly so YES I am enjoying it.  I don't know how long it will last, but I feel blessed everyday to be able to blog, craft, color and teach---IT WAS MY DREAM ALL along and this is truly what I was meant to do!  Its a SUZANNE ADVENTURE everyday my feet hit the floor and I'm able to live.  And I hope that I'm inspiring not just my daughter but my son too---that its ok to veer off the "planned path" of life but to DREAM BIG and DO WHAT YOU LOVE.  Everything will fall into place and will be as its meant to be, might not be on your exact timeline but it will come when the time is right.  I hope my daughter sees that its okay to dream, fail, survive, aspire, be independent and do what you love no matter what---that's what I hope my work does for her and my son everyday.  Live BIG---and as I always say "You only get one life, so live it BIG and FABULOUS"!!

And for all of you that stop by each day, email me, support me, friend me---I thank you BIGTIME for helping me along the way too!!  YOU make me SMILE everyday :)

PS--Blog Candy Winner will be announced tomorrow :) Stay Tuned!

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You Make Me Happy!


Since today is March 1st that means it is another super-fun Magnolia-licious DT Challenge!  This month our lovely hostess is Janiel Corley and she challenged us with a fun project and recipe.  To make a frame project that includes at least one of each: ribbon/trim, bling/pearls, Magnolia image, and flowers.  You can find all the Challenge Details at the Magnolia-licious Highlites Blog!  I was so excited to pull out a new image from the Magnolia "Butterfly Dreams Collection" at Magnolia-licious.  I used this cutie called "Running Tilda" and I love the way she's skipping across a spring field of wildflowers don't you?!


I bought a few cheap white frames that were discounted (4x6") at Target for only $2 a piece that I knew I would use for some fun scenes.  This project is actually a present for someone's birthday and I have a few others up my sleeve, lol.  You can pick up cheap frames and have fun dressing them up like this.  I got my color theme from these NEW AWESOME papers from Anna Griffin called "Willow"--I fell in love with them at CHA and couldn't wait to get them.  I love the bold patterns and mix of blues, whites and creams, just beautiful!  For the pictures I took the glass off of the frame so there would be no glare but I'll pop it back in to protect the scene before I give it away.  I decorated around the edges of the frame with layered Primas and some greenery dies made from THIS Marianne Designs Die.  I added stickles to the flowers for a bit of bling/sparkle.  I put them on the frame with Scor-Tape so they stay on there nice & strong.  The sentiment is from PTI "Signature Greetings"--love it!


For the landscape I used the Magnolia Stamp "Summer Background"--I couldn't find it at Magnolia-licious but there are two others that would work beautifully.  "Summer Background-Fairytale" or the new "Tulip Walkway" (which I'm waiting on as I love tulips).  I actually cut my background into pieces (clouds, grass and sun) so I could stamp it as I wanted which is great for larger scenes like this.  Then I just keep them in a baggie all together.  The flowers are a MINI Magnolia stamp called "Mini-Lazy Summer Flowers"--they work great for small flowers on my background, love them!


"Running Tilda" got colored with Copics using B39,B37,B34,B21/C3,C1,C00/E11,E00/YR24,E25,E31,E50.  I added Diamond Glaze to her shoes and Stickles to her dress trim and all the flowers and grass and clouds for lots of sparkle.  Makes you want to skip along with her in the sunny, warm weather dontcha' think?  LOL--at least I do!


I hope you enjoyed my project today and now are inspired to make your own with these fabulous Magnolia stamps from Magnolia-licious!  Make sure to stop by the Magnolia-licious Highlites Blog to see all the fabulous DT projects and find out how to join in on the fun too!



50 comments:

  1. Wow What a fantastic card, so beautifully coloured, really love it.
    Teresa xx

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  2. Wonderful card, and thanks for sharing :)

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  3. Suzanne, Just like all of your other creations, this is awesome!! I love the blue colors and all of your embellishments. Love your story!!
    You go girl!!

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  4. Thank you for this wonderful blog entry today. I'm sure your daughter is inspired and others reading this blog get inspired every time we read it.
    You are AWESOME.

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  5. I love it. Such a springy card. I love your story too.

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  6. Suzanne what a little cutie ! Love the blues and white so pretty together....counting the days till you are here !

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  7. I always enjoy reading your posts! Thanks for sharing a bit more about yourself! Sounds like "life is good." ;)

    Love your project today Suzanne. Your coloring is fabulous (especially love her dress). Such a sweet scene and looks fabulous framed! Will look wonderful hanging on the wall for sure! big hugs, Angela

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  8. Love your story! Reminds me of myself. It is a gift to know in your heart that the paths we take in life do not necessarily keep on the straight and narrow. It is those twists and turns that help us find ourselves and the opportunities are abundant!!
    Fabulous framed projects! I just might need to do that for some gifts myself!
    TFS!

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  9. First of all, your picture is wonderful!! It really makes me feel like spring might just be around the corner... and that's a GOOD thing!! LOL!!
    Your post today was so inspirational, I think you should add motivational speaker to your list of talents! I do believe you spoke for many of us who have felt the same way you did! Congratulations on fulfilling so many of your dreams!!
    Hugs,
    Teri

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  10. LOVE LOVE LOVE the frame!!! You have done an awesome job of this challenge dear!!! The blue and white are stunning togther and the blue dress on your image is BEAUTIFUL!!
    big hugs, Janiel

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  11. I am so inspired by this project! It is GORGEOUS! I love every part of it. Also, thank you for your encouragement in your blog today. So often we forget to dream and dreaming is so important. Have a blessed day!

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  12. Stuning card! Thanks for the reminder to look forward and not back and to enjoy each day. I needed that right now.

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  13. You are an amazing gal! Alexa is lucky to have such a mom! What an example of how to be your own self and still keep all the things are dear to your heart. It works! And most important..no matter what..keep on dreaming!

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  14. And the Oscar goes to --- Tilda running through the Spring grass! Soooooooooo cute! This is just the most cheery little frame! Great job, Suzanne! It's a winnah!

    XO,
    Chris Christensen

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  15. Hi Suzanne! I can totally relate to your story. There are some dreams that have never come true, but i'm so thankful for the things that did happen in my life and i have no regrets. Thank you for your life story! :)

    Gorgeous project. You have used the color combo that in our country (Netherlands) we call "Delfts blue". I love it!

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  16. Your post today make me so happy and emotional ( few tears from happiness)
    I just love to read your posts.
    Way to go girl. I really do admire what you are doing.
    About that card, well it's so pretty!

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  17. LOL!!!!!!!! Chris said it perfectly lol.... and the Oscar goes to not the maggie but SUZANNE DEAN LOL!!!((crowd cheers))!!!

    Your creations are so pretty and inspirational.Keep doing what helps you be where you are today.As long as you are in peace with yourself.Life is good, you know.((HUGS))Ruby♥

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  18. Happy March 1 Suzanne - Love your creation!!!! This new Magnolia set is sooooo adorable, can't wait to get all of them! I LOVE your comments, you make me feel so good when I visit your site - absolutely, life is to be LIVED and ENJOYED!!! No time to fret about the past or what the future might or might not bring. Each day is a wonderful new adventure to be thankful for!! Hugs to you, Sharon :o)

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  19. What a gorgeous card--thanks for the inspiration!!

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  20. Such a great frame Suzanne; and DOH! Why didn't *I* think of taking the glass out of the picture frame before stuggling with the glare?? ;)

    I loved reading your story about what you were meant to do. It's obvious you were born to do this.

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  21. Hi Suzanne!
    I loved reading your story. I so admire you and all what you do. You are an inspiration to many of us.
    I so agree with your story. Make the most of every day and live your dreams. Your a fabulous Mother with a lovely home (and Christmas trees heehee)An awesome crafter and I'm sure a very lovely person.
    Oh Yes! Nearly forgot....your frame.
    How sweet. I love the DP that frames the picture. The colors are so lovely and fresh. I love how you have colored the sky and the placing of the little flowers in the background. Tilda as always is colored so beautifully. Love the flowers and how you have arranged them. Not overdone. Love the sentiment.
    Super work.
    Hugs Maz

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  22. Your story of "shyness" really spoke to me. Because I was afflicted with polio as I child, I became a very reclusive and shy little girl. It was only when meeting my husband, marrying, and having my two boys that I gained a sense of who I was on the inside, not on the outside. I learned that I was very creative and always enjoyed a myriad of hobbies. Right now, my favorite is coloring with Copics and I owe you so much for sharing all your skills with videos that I can bring into my home.
    Thank you so much, Phyllis O

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  23. Hi Suzanne...Beautiful card and story....thanks for sharing BOTH!
    Hugs from Indiana,
    Pam:)

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  24. You are SUCH an inspiration in so many, endless ways, that you just never cease to amaze me! You really are a gorgeous woman, inside AND out!

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  25. Love your story, and wish I could write like you. The frame is so.... cute.
    Thanks for sharing
    Linda Wilson

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  26. I am inspired! I think it is awwesome all that you pack in the same 24 hours each of us has each day! Can't wait to meet you in person this weekend!

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  27. LOVE the bold blues and white mixture, Suzanne! It pops right off the screen! Beautiful coloring and love her on that background! Fabulous!!
    hugs, Sharon

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  28. That's too cute!! Love the cheerful outdoor scene for this sweet Tilda image and the lovely addition of flowers.
    Hugs,
    Cabio

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  29. Your story made me feel you're telling my own story...
    When I was a kid, I used to dream a lot (I still do! ;o) ) and my father used to tell me he would buy me a pair of lead's boots to keep me on the floor, not on the clouds... thank God he never did that!!!
    I love to start my day opening your posts and seeing all the beautiful cards you make! Thank you!

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  30. The card is beautiful. I am so glad that we can bring some smiles to you. The internet can be a wonderful thing, in helping us find old friends, meet new ones, share our likes and interests, etc. I think you have managed beautifully!

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  31. You make me smile too, Suzanne! Love those Magnolia images and how you design with them. But this one made me smile for a liitle different reason. The fact that the sentiment reads "You Make Me Smile!" when your Magnolia Tilda has no smile on her pretty face. ; )

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  32. Your card looks exactly like what my girls and I did today...we frolicked outside (ok, ok, your scene has flowers and ours muddy green-grey grass!) and it was wonderful...just like your project! Gorgeous!
    Rene :D

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  33. Wonderful story. I'm sure your children are inspired by you. Love your project and what cute stamps!

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  34. Suzanne,

    Thank you for sharing your story, today it was what I needed. I just had the exam from (you know), and I was feeling a little blue.

    Just to give you a little background on myself. I too was a VERY shy kid who eventually grew out of it. I still don't like speaking to large groups, but I will do it. I did some travel when I was in the ARMY, I loved it. I believe in living life to the fulliest, because this life is the only one you get, so you better enjoy it. I don't get to travel as much as I use to, but I'm still enjoying life. I have a wonderful, loving, and supportive husband I can't live without, and a son I adore.

    Now I'm 43 yrs old, a SAHM, a part-time college student, and a crafter. I will finally have my BA degree in Accounting in May,(which is one of my dreams).

    Your project is just adorable. I love blue. So if you get tired of looking at it, you can send it me :).

    March is National Craft Month. Happy craft month, and craft on girl.

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  35. First off, I love your card. It is totally beautiful. And the colors are awesome.
    Thanks for sharing your insight of yourself. You had me laughing and tearing...loved your story. You sound like you are so secure in yourself and are loving every moment of your life as it is. That is so neat. Blessings to you and your family.

    hugs
    bobbi

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  36. I love what you shared about your life's journey! :) And the adorable Magnolia image you framed is FABULOUS. You make me smile too!

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  37. Absolutely adorable, just love this Suzanne. hugs Sharon

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  38. Hey Suzanne, loved your story! So true you cannot look back only forward to the future :) I just love your card you do such lovely work!

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  39. Hi, Suzanne! I can't remember having read so much on a single blog lately:) That's because we always seem in a hurry to "travel" among blogs and stick to the point which brings us together: crafting. But your story, so wonderfully sincere just grasped my attention. I even found myself thinking alike. Thank you for sharing with us; I'm so happy to meet you if only on blogland. You have a great life and what you do is just wonderful. Great perspective on life too: no looking back or having regrets.:)
    Gorgeous frame and amazing coloring. Love how you play with shades and light.One can see how much you enjoy it too!
    It's great to read from you and thanks for your outlook on life, Suzanne!
    Have a great spring with many achievements, sweetie!
    Hugs, Iulia

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  40. Suzzanne, Your frame is gorgeous, I love the blue and white and of course your coloring is so inspiring.
    I find your description of your life so similar to mine, I am also living big as I can and I love hearing such beautiful things from people like you. Thanks for sharing your story and you also make me smile and happy.

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  41. Oh so delightful, Suzanne! This frame made me smile - BIG! In spite of your crazy hectic schedule, you always pull together something that is such a treat for the eyes. Here the bright bold blue just sings across your image and the yellows and greens are doing the happy dance.
    Hugs,
    Barb

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  42. The blues are so striking and this is such a beautiful scene with this sweet Tilda! Gorgeous work as always Suzanne. Loved your story too. You are truly inspiring with all you do! It is amazing what stamping has done for so many.

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  43. Thank you for sharing some of your life with us and reminding me to Dream Big. You have truly inspired me today!

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  44. I stumbled upon your blog one day and have never looked back. Your stories and adventures with 2 teens are so down to earth - mine are 19 and 21 and your post today captured what all Moms feel. Thanks for sharing your life and your creative talents with us. It is always a pleasure!

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  45. Gorgeous! Glad you don't puke anymore!! LOL your an inspiration!

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  46. So great to learn more about you! Great card too!

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  47. Wow, what a great story, Suzanne; so inspirational to all of us. Your family must be so proud of you!
    And, what a work of art, literally! Love how you put it in the frame, just perfect..... Tilda looks so adorable skipping across the lawn; you are just amazing, lady!!!

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  48. Woooowww what a fantastic card, so beautifully coloured, really love it.xxx Janine

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  49. Suzanne you inspire me every day! When I took your class in Greenville SC, I saw and yes felt your enthusiasm to teach and live your life outloud!!! Thanks for sharing your family, life and your heart with us. I know this traveling is good for you and all of us who go along with you in your blog and in your pictures. The stories are awesome and I look forward to reading your blog. God Bless You on your fun journey throughout the country.Donna K. NC

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I appreciate all your lovely comments and taking the time to stop by! hugz,Suzanne

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