NOTES FROM THE HOLLER

Today I have chosen the song Believe by Josh Grobin.  I know many of you connect this song with the wonderful movie The Polar Express, and rightfully so but the lyrics of this song are so appropriate for any day.  I used one verse of the song for the journaling on this page for it is one of my greatest wishes that my grandchildren always believe in themselves and their potential to accomplish any thing they can dream of doing in this life. GingerScraps Gallery GottaPixel Gallery I really enjoyed playing with the Never Give Up Collection by CathyK Designs which is available at both GingerScraps and Gotta Pixel.  Never Give Up Kit by CathyK Designs includes: 18 papers (12 patterns and 6 solids), 3 target elements, 2 burst elements, 2 buttons, newsprint eagle, folded arrow, rub-on arrow, 2 bows, crown charm, duct tape piece, 2 compass elements, 3 newsprint/felt elements, checkered flag, no obstacles sign, 6 assorted flowers, distressed metal frame, canvas...

Since our Mother passed away (she died of Alzheimer's Disease in 2008), my brothers and I promised to continue the tradition of visiting with each other and going out to dinner together every two weeks, just as we had done when she was living.  Previous experience, had led me to believe that this promise would be soon broken as most all family traditions had fell to the wayside with both the Kiper Family and the Stewart Family since the death of our Grandparents.  With Mama and Daddy both gone, I suspected and feared that my brothers and I would follow the footsteps of most all our aunts and uncles, and only see other at funerals.  Thankfully this has not happened, for the most part, as we really try to make this a priority in our lives.  Its a shame to admit but it really does require effort to keep such simple traditions alive, for often, I find that there are other things I would actually rather do but I usually go, none-the-less. Last night was such a cas...

Even though the melting snows and downpours of rain have turned my yard into a soft, squishy mess, I have enjoyed the warmer temperatures this week.  As I watch the green blades of daffodils pop up, I look forward to spring and Easter, and I can't wait for the return of those long summer nights!  I have so much I hope to achieve this year with spring cleaning both inside and outside.  In the meantime, I have been scraping up a storm. http://www.gottapixel.net/store/home.php?cat=41 Today begins the new Gotta Grab It Event at Gotta Pixel with lots and lots of goodies all using the above colors, and everything is on sale for only $1.00!  CathyK Designs' Collection is filled with all sorts of delicious elements to scrap all those pages about the things we do as we Rest and Relax.  I used the Rest and  Relaxation Bundle by CathyK Designs to make a couple of sweet pages with photos from my son as he relaxes with his kids, at home in their yard on one ...

Mendelssohn : Spring Song  * Follow to the end today and I have a freebie for you :) The rain beats on my livingroom window here in the holler, and  I am delighted to see it wash away some of the snow that has laid on the ground for weeks now.   Listening to a little classical music (Mendelssohn's Spring Song link above) on this the first day of March, I long to say good-bye to winter for it seems like  Mother Nature has been in hibernation for far too long.  We do have a slight chance of seeing more snow tonight but since the first "official" day for spring is still several weeks away, I remain optimistic that the daffodils and lilacs will be blooming soon. Speaking of daffodils and lilacs, I am reminded of those when I saw CathyK Designs' newly released kit, SPRING HAS SPRUNG .  This collection is perfect for celebrating the beginning of Spring! Spring Has Sprung - Kit includes 21 papers (14 patterns and 8 solids),banner, 2 berry stems, ...

Hey!  I really like the way school gives special recognition to students whom do their best work.  Back-in-the day, when I went to school...yes I did walk  to school, and yes we did not have snow days so I have walked to school before when there was deep snow BUT I always had shoes!  However, good grades were just something that was expected out of us.  No special rewards or recognitions were given but you would get special recognition if you did not make good grades for my parents would have beat me to death probably! Aww! Fortunately, I don't know that for sure because they had put "the fear" in me!  Seriously, school was just something that came pretty easily to my brothers and I. However, I do understand that some children have more problems than do others so a little special recognition can do nothing but boost their egos, and encourage them to try harder.  I know if I had gotten the opportunity to stand in front of my classmates and receive ...

Its the last day of February, and I am glad to wish it a bon farewell!  Temperatures have been freezing this month and snow just keeps falling but as I was taking the garbage out to the road the other day, I saw the daffodils poking their fresh green stems up out of the snow reaching for the warmth of the sun.  Yes, spring is in the air, and I am so ready for its arrival!! I look forward to opening up the windows and letting fresh clean air wash away the winter blues from my house.  I am looking forward to spring cleaning...washing down the walls and cleaning windows, and perhaps, even put a little fresh paint on the walls this year.  As I wait for the temperatures to get above freezing, I will just continue to play with the wonderful spring digital scrapbook kits I have in my stash. and listen to fun songs like this:   Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows by Lesley Gore.   Click that link and listen to this song with me while I show you one of my favori...

As you know, I have created lots of layouts for both Kimberly Stewart Designs and CathyK Designs in past years.  It was a while ago, and both are now in new stores with new creative team members and new fans.  I have several blog freebies that were posted in the past, and I have gotten requests to make them available again.  So I have been doing my best to do so.  Today I am re-posting five of those requests.  I hope you enjoy them :) First up, I have CathyK's Boyish Love Quick-Page.  This kit is a celebration of lovable little boys.  With a wide assortment of papers and fun embellishments, you will be delighted that you have this kit to scrap for Valentine's Day. http://www.gottapixel.net/store/product.php?productid=10009481 FREEBIE NO LONGER AVAILABLE Kimberly's Whimsical Angel of Love Kits are perfect for Valentine's Day and other layouts, cards and or hybrid/craft projects for those you love.  Whimsical Angel of Love - Mini 1...