Monday, August 19, 2013

Nineth Year Celebration

My LSS (local scrapbook store) celebrated it's 9th year in business. Actually the store has been around longer than that but my friend and employer has owned the store that many years. She bought it 9 years ago on her birthday so we celebrate both! Usually we have a crop at the store but we are limited on space so it was a first come first serve basis. This year the owners of the park where we hold retreats offered to let us celebrate there with a one night stay. We had more than doubled the attendees we would have had in the store! Our summer employee, Morgan, helped Ray so that Marilyn and I could both go to the retreat. It started Saturday morning and went through Sunday mid afternoon.

I actually did get a little done although I wasn't too sure I would. I had planned all week to get things together to take but I ended up not getting to do that for various reasons and basically threw some things together Saturday morning

I just love this place. It's quiet, peaceful, beautiful and away from almost anything! I've seen this sign many times but it just struck me as funny.

The cottage I stayed in was Farkleberry. I know it makes you laugh but it is actually the name of a Texas plant.










Here is the first 2 page layout I created using paper given to us for a Make & Take. The colors were a bit pale for my liking so I added a bright red cardstock that brought out the hint of red in the design paper from Authentique's "Be(you)tiful collection. As you can see I still need to journal about this event.

These pictures are from 2 years ago when we went to visit our nieces and nephew in the Houston area on Doyle's side of the family. We had not seen them in several years.


Close up of left side.













Close up of right side.











I had another set of pictures from this same trip so with the papers I had left over and some cardstock I created this 2 page layout.













Close up of the left side.










Close up of right side.

I got more layouts done but they aren't finished. I would like to enter these layouts in WOW Wednesday at Cat's Creations. Leave me a comment for a chance to win some blog candy (prize). Cat's gives GREAT prizes! Also check out the other great talent that have linked their projects. Got a project you would like to share. Link up to Cat's blog so we can be inspired!





Our slogan this year for the festivities was "Nine is Fine as Wine" We had wine tasting. I'm not a big wine connoisseur but I did have a taste.








Every time I go to Mitchell Park I make it my goal to take a walk and look for photo opportunities. It's good to stretch my legs and I always see something cool!  As I walk outside the building the moon has risen to the East.


 I see rabbits as I'm walking. The other one is just out of view.










It is also a tradition for me to watch the sunset. Clear open sky with no obstructions in the way! I don't get that opportunity every day. I was not disappointed.









I kind of liked this one with the cows silhouetted.








 Look what else I found!



And don't you love this photo on the right?! It's the sun behind the spider! Way cool!










I had fun taking these photos!
Here's another one!
 Side view

Back to the setting sun. These pictures really don't do it justice. It was so beautiful in person.

 
One last shot. On that note... have a good one!








6 comments:

  1. Awesome photo of the spider and the sunset! Very unique!! I love it!! Love your layouts too and how you added solid cardstock to bring out the colors. It was a fun weekend. I'm glad you got to attend!

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    1. Thanks Sandy! I was most proud of that photo! Thanks too for your compliment on my layouts. I had a blast and so enjoyed taking time to visit with you!

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  2. Thanks for sharing Valerie! Loved how you brought that wonderful pastel paper to life in those layouts. I've enjoyed your layouts a lot because it allows me to have a glimpse into your past! And, even though spiders make me cringe, those photos were beautiful, spider and all!

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  3. I can't decide which is better....your layouts or your photographs. Both are STUNNING!

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