The Kraft Journal blog

All things happen for a reason I believe.   Last September I found myself unemployed.  After 6 months of unemployment I finally found a job that also came with quite a commute.  I was there for 6 months and truly enjoyed working there.  Great work environment and great co-workers.  But when an opportunity came to me to work closer to home (only 2.4 miles from home to be exact) I couldn't pass it up.  While I was sad to say good bye to all of the great people I was working with, I was also excited to start on this new chapter in life.  I started on Tuesday of this week and I really feel like this will be a great experience!  And now that I'm not giving 3 to 4 hours a day to commuting I can be back online, checking up on all of my great blogs I follow and also can get back into the craft room and get creating again!

So, in my new found free time tonight I came across The Kraft Journal blog!   Oh you HAVE to go and check it out.  I've only briefly have browsed through it and have found some great techniques and tutorials.  I'm sure you'll enjoy!!! 

Be on the lookout as I will now be back to posting regularly and I feel a giveaway is in order so stay tuned!!

Aunt DeeDee

Hurricane Irene Aftermath

I hope everyone on the east coast got through the storm last weekend ok.  I get frustrated reading news articles how the media hype didn't live up to the storm because New York didn't get hit as expected.  Excuse me newscasters but did you get a look at how it hit the other states before it got to NY???   I feel so bad for everyone who had extensive damage.  I know some people are still without power.  Many people didn't think they're in a "flood" area and unfortunately didn't buy flood insurance.

I implore everyone.......BUY FLOOD INSURANCE.  I can't tell you how many calls our agency got on Thursday and Friday asking how they were going to be covered.  There's a waiting period for flood insurance and trying to get it 2 days before a hurricane is about to hit.....welll it's not happening.  OK....that's my 2 bit public service announcement!  :)   But seriously, everyone should really question their insurance policy.  Don't always assume that what you were given 10 years ago when you first purchased your policy is adequate now.  In a weeks time, our area experienced an earthquake and flooding as a result of the hurricane/tropical storm....both of which are not covered under homeowners. 

Well, my family and I were personally lucky.  We live on a hill.  I was on storm watch all night long.  About 1am I went out on my front porch and stood under my small peak out of reach of the rain.  There was a good wind blowing at that point but it was actually pretty peaceful out there.   I went back inside when the lights started flickering.  Figured better get upstairs to bed before the lights went out.  Many people were still on facebook on their own storm watch patrol.  I finally gave up and went to bed when my wireless kept going off and on.  I turned off and unplugged everything in case the power went out. 

At 4:45am my phone rang.  I was sleepy and first grabbed my cell and realized that wasn't the one ringing.  Then a bit of panic set in thinking OH NO!!  Who is calling this early and what happened????  It was an automated message saying that Branchville Boro may be evacuated.   What????  I thought HOW BAD is it out?  I looked out my window and we didn't have any down trees, power was still on and it didn't look bad out.  I went back to sleep.

When I woke up in the morning I called my aunt who lives on the other end of town and said did they really have to call that early?  She said uh yeah!  Downtown was bad.  We have a brook that runs along town.  People were evacuated, some had to be taken out by boat.  I finally got out around 11am to see what things were like in town.  I thought it was bad then and throughout this week I've seen videos and pictures taken earlier and I can't believe how my lil hometown looked. 

Our baseball field was under water, the tennis courts looked like a raging sea.  Parts of the road caved in at certain points.  Houses were partially underwater.  We managed to make it through the night with our power. But after the hurricane passed and the rains stopped, we got hit with the winds that seemed worse than they were during the night.  We lost power around noon.  It was out until the next day.  I feel so fortunate that it was out for such a short time.  I know that others are still without power as I type this. 

And now they are tracking Katia and not sure what she's going to do.  I hope she goes right out to sea.  The eastern coast needs time to recoup and rebuild.  Get back on our feet. 

This is a video of the tennis courts and ballfield:

Here are some pictures that I took that morning, here you can actually see some of the baseball field but earlier photos I've seen.......the entire area was flooded.

Aunt DeeDee

Sharing a great Halloween giveaway with all of my "ghoul" friends!

Wow is all I can say about Country Creations by Denise!  So far, I've been drooling over her great creations!   I'm looking forward to reading more posts from Denise!!

She's have a SUPER giveaway and sure to please any Halloween fanatic like myself, so bop on over to her blog and check her out.  I'm sure all of my blog friends will take my word for it but just to give you a teaser and a peek at her creations.........

See!!!!   Told you so!  WOW right????

Night all!

Aunt DeeDee

Black Creek Primitives

Oh my.....found another blog to follow!  This one is a selling blog and she has adorable prims for sale at very reasonable prices.  I found some fall goodies that I put on my shopping list for next pay day!  

She is having a great giveway so hop on over to check out BLACK CREEK PRIMITIVES!

Aunt DeeDee

Check out Prim Bear's Cupboard

I'd like to introduce you to a newer selling blog.....Karen from Prim Bear's Cupboard .  Karen has quite a few great prims listed for sale including a really great Prim Pear Painted Pineapple (brought to you today by the letter "P"....sorry had a flashback to Sesame Street there!!)

Hope all is well with everyone.  I'm taking a moment on my lunch break to catch on some of my blog reads.  I hope to have a moment in the evening to sit down and write a proper blog post and catch up on some things I've been working on.  Ok....ok to use up my last 10 minutes of lunch wisely!

Aunt DeeDee

Better Late than Never? GIveaway @ Tolentreasures

I've been so far behind on my blog reading that I totally missed this great giveaway by http://tolentreasures.blogspot.com/2011/07/500th-post-giveaway.html  She's having her 500th post giveaway.  It ends tonight so hurry on up and check it out.  She's got a few giveaways, one for new followers too!

Stay cool! 

Aunt DeeDee

I'm still here!

Wow!  It's been awhile but things had been so hectic here!  The new job has been great.  The commute is a bit much.  I had switched my hours from 9:30-6 to 10-6:30.  There had been a lot of construction going on and it was taking me 2 hours to drive to work.  I couldn't imagine going in any earlier so i opted for the different shift.  It's not so bad except now that the construction has died down, I've been getting to work now a 1/2 hour early.  But I just take the time to sit in my car either reading, listening to an audiobook or going through bills.

Since March, my Mom has been in and out of the hospital 4 times now. First when she first had the kidney failure and started dialysis, then a blood clot, colitis and then another clot.  But she's been doing much better now.  She's doing the treatment she can do from home.  I think it's called Parataneal.  She does it at night when she's sleeping rather than go for dialysis several times a week. 

So we are still busy here setting up her supplies and stuff but hopefully things will start getting back to a little normal. I just put in the application for the one show we do in November so I have to start concentrating on crafting on the weekends.  I get home so late now that getting anything during the week is just impossible. 

With that said, I couldn't stand it any longer not being able to get on the computer at night when I come home so I broke down and got the Inspiron Duo from Dell.



Isn't it the cutest??  The screen flips so you can use it as a tablet or a laptop.  So at least I can come home at night and sit with it in the living room rather than go upstairs to the computer/craftroom.  And I take to work to use during the day at lunchtime.  So hopefully I won't feel I'm missing out on checking in on all of my great prim sites and blogs!!!

Hope everyone is doing well!  Now to check in all of the blog posts I've been missing out on!!!

Have a great night!
Dawn
"Aunt DeeDee"

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

And Happy NSD to those happy scrappers out there!  Sad to say I've just gotten a moment to myself to sit down and get on the computer and hopefully can find some good NSD scrapbook sales still going on at this hour.  I haven't had the chance to get on the computer much in these past few weeks.  Mom had gone into the hospital on Good Friday.  She wound up with a blood clot up by her neck and an infection with the 1st port they put in for dialysis.  So she had a 9 day stay in the hospital.  They removed that port and put in another on the other side of her chest.  And they also put the one in her stomach for the kind of treatment she can do from home rather than going to dialysis.  This one has to heal and she has to be trained on how to do it so in the meantime she still needed the chest port to do regular dialysis.

This time we said we did not want the same surgeon who did it the first time. HORRIBLE bedside manner.  She had gone to him just a day or 2 before she got so bad and in such pain that she finally went to the ER at the hospital.  He didn't seem concerned by what he saw when she visited him.  Ugh!   And then just this past Thursday I had called home from work to check in and was worried when Dad said she was sleeping every time I called.  Told my sis she had to go and check on her when she got out from work (she's a teacher so she gets out earlier than me).  Such a big down side to my job - not getting out until 6 and the good hour and fifteen minute drive home, and that's a good night without traffic!  So she was pretty bad but Mom was adamant about not going to the hospital and they didn't argue with her.  I was so mad at them for not just calling 911 to come to the house.  So by yesterday she was feeling so bad she finally decided to go.  We were really worried that something was happening with the stomach port.  Turns out to be colitis and after treating her for the day she looks so much better!  She'll most likely be coming home tomorrow.  Thank goodness!!!

However, I told her the next time I have that feeling that she is that bad I'm just calling 911 from work and that's the end of it.  Or else I'm calling my uncle, her brother, who will simply go get her and put her in a car.  My aunt asked why I didn't call him and I said I had trusted that my sister and father would be able to "handle" my mom and get her to the hospital.  Oh well, lesson learned.  Mom better hope she stays on the mend because I have full intentions on making good on my threat next time!

So hoping my momma will be home in time for Mommy's Day tomorrow!  She had to spend Easter in the hospital, I would like to have her be able to spend Mommy's Day home and on the front porch taking in the nice weather.

Ok...off I go to try and find some good scrapbook deals!!
Wishing all Moms out there a happy Mother's Day!
Dawn
"Aunt DeeDee"

Swan dive off the sidewalk!

So if things weren't hectic enough with everything else going on, I decide to take a swan dive (and it most likely resemble more of a dodo bird landing) off our sidewalk on Wednesday.  I had just finally gotten to my regular hours at work and no more training, so I had to readjust the time I leave for work on Wednesday (luckily later in the morning as I'm now working 9:30 to 6).  I walk out of the house and go down the front porch steps fine.  Nothing was wet, the sun was out, no frost on my car.  Walk down the sidewalk and step off the last step into the driveway and a flying I go!  I had NO CLUE what had just happened except that I'm now laying in a muddy driveway, my travel cup opened up and ice goes all over.  I knew I hurt my knee and eventually got up.  Put my hand on the step to help myself up and wouldn't you know it.....it was  FROSTY!  Couldn't even see it!  Luckily it was my knee and not my ankle.  I've twisted that ankle so many times, the last time it was MONTHS that it hurt to walk on it.  So I had to hobble back inside and change clothes and got to work.  It was sore throughout the day but manageable.  Stupid me didn't think better when I came home to put ice on it or anything and night time was horrible trying to sleep.  Thursday morning....couldn't walk.  It was so sore, swollen and stiff.  I had to call out to work.  Just killed me to do so since I've only been there a month and to waste a day on something like that.  Grrrrrrr!!!!!

Thanks to everyone with their kind words last week, still trying to get back to my replys.   Mom is still hanging in there but just depressed.   Hoping we can get her spirits up a bit. 

On the crafting front, my sister brought me 2 big bags of soda cans so I have to start cleaning them out.  I've been cutting out 3d barn stars and snowflakes out of the tin with my Big Shot Pro (I am in LOVE with my Big Shot Pro!!).  I've got to get going on some stitcheries but I seem to do those more in the spring and summer months sitting out on my porch so I'll get my mojo back on those soon!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Dawn
"Aunt DeeDee"

Life got hectic and I'm tired!

I haven't posted recently but life got a little hectic and worrisome at home.  Mom had to go into the hospital.  She has a cancer but more recently had gotten sick in October and November which was what her regular doctor chalked up to pnuemonia, but she never quite shook it.  So she finally got back to her specialist doctor and had blood work done.  Her doctor called one morning and said I want you in the hospital.  She had fluid in her lungs and her kidneys were down to less than 10% function.   So she was in for just over a week and is now getting dialysis (probably spelling that totally wrong!!).  So we are all working together to get through all of this.  I am so glad I moved into the other half of the house.   Now that I'm working further away from home I at least know that when I am home, I'm just next door. 

So between helping out my parents and getting into the swing of things with the new job I haven't had a chance to be on the computer much.   But I'm hoping to have some time this weekend to work on projects....oh and get caught up on laundry, the cleaning.......but I swear I'm fitting in some crafting time!!!

Take care,
Dawn "Aunt DeeDee"

Giveaway Winner Announced!

Whew....it's been a long past two days for me!  Rough getting back into the swing of things with starting a new job.  But after almost 6 months of unemployment it's most definitely a welcome change!  The ONLY downside I see so far in this job is the commute.  REALLY not used to that at all but it is what it is!  I'm hoping that once training is done and I start my normal hours which will be 9:30 to 6 that I will miss a good portion of rush hour.  Without the traffic the drive is 45 minutes.  Today it took an hour and a half and I didn't have a minute to spare.  So tomorrow I'll leave even earlier.  You just never know with this major highway of ours what may pop up and delay traffic.  But otherwise, everyone has been so nice and I think it's going to be a nice work environment!

OK......so on to the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!   Please excuse me that I don't have pictures of the list of entries or a screen print of the random # generator but the camer isn't charged and I wasn't sure how to get a screen print of the # generator.  But after listing each entry and the double entry for those adding it to their sidebar, there was a total of 27 entries.  The random # generator picked # 26 which was...................

LIL RAGGEDY ANGIE!!!!!!!!!    CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Please email your mailing address so Peter Cottontail can jump in his box and be mailed off to you!!

And to show my appreciation of all of those who took the time to leave me a comment and also those who helped spread the word, I picked 5 more winners!  Please email your info and a lil something will be on it's way to you as well!

1. Carmen @ primcats
2. Connie
3. Amy @ cottageprims
4. Michelle
5. Lecia @ Farmhouse prims

I had a few inquiries on the shabby barn stars, if they would be for sale.  I should have some listed this weekend and will post a note here when I do for anyone that may be interested.  

Have a great night and thanks again to all who entered the giveaway and helped spread the word about my blog!   I'll be planning another giveaway soon so stay tuned!

Aunt DeeDee

Barnstars and a GIVEAWAY!

Well good news.........I was offered a job!!  Woohoo!!!  I accepted and now it's just subject to the background check.  So once that goes through ok, then I should get the final offer and start date.   So now I'm preparing to going back to working days and because of the commute.....longer hours.  But my nights and weekends will still be my crafting time!!   I'll be working this weekend in getting all the cleaning and laundry done so I don't have to worry about it coming home at night.  And I also found time to work on some new stuff. 

I had gotten the Sizzix Big Shot for Christmas and have been playing with it since.  Was excited to get the 3D 5 point star die and experimented with recycling soda cans and I also had some nice cardboard/chipboard type of scraps.  Where I used to work in an insurance agency, we ordered ID card holders.  And they had these nice strips of cardboard in the packaging.  I had been grabbing those for awhile knowing they could be recycled somehow.  I used a lot for Santa Key doorknob hangers.  And then I knew I could use them for the 3D star!   (Mental note to contact one of my old co-workers and see if she can still collect those for me!)

So here is the one made from recycled soda cans.  It took 2 and 1/2 soda cans to make one star.  I die cut the pieces, embossed them with the curly embossing folder and then used Ranger alcohol inks (total of 3 colors and a little gold) to color the pieces.  And then assembled.

The 2nd one is made with the recycled cardboard pieces and used a nice shabby set of coordinating papers.  Distressed the edges with inks and also assembled. 

And now onto the giveaway!  With spring and Easter on it's way, I decided to offer up one of my Peter Cottontails.  He's really looking to go to a nice loving home and I hear he's planning on bringing some extra goodies along with him.  So what is needed to bring Peter to your home?   Easy!  Just be a follower and leave a comment for one entry.   Want a second entry?   Post on your blog or facebook and let me know in your comment and that will earn you the 2nd entry.  New followers......the more the merrier!  Please enter!!!  Signup by Monday, March 7th Midnight EST.  Winner will be announced on March 8th!   Good luck!

Have a great night,

Dawn "Aunt DeeDee"

Still unemployed but getting craft mojo back!

Wow, it's been awhile since my last post!   I've been still searching for a job.  In the beginning when I was laid off, it was like "Ok, I haven't had a vacation in awhile and let me take some time".   After the 1st week or 2 you get motivated into finding a job.  By the 4th, 5th, 6th month.....PANIC sets in!  I found that especially towards the end of the year there were absolutely NOTHING posted jobwise.  I think most places are wrapping up their end of year stuff and not looking to hire.  Now that it's the new year, things seem to be picking up a bit, but the problem is...there are so many people out there unemployed it's almost like playing the lottery.....not great odds!   Next week I have a 2nd interview on Monday at which they said it's between 2 of us and they'll most likely make a decision that afternoon.  I'm really hoping for that one.  It's a little less money, but still local....15 minutes from home!   If that one doesn't pan out, then I have a 3rd interview for another place that has seem promising up to this point.  This is supposedly my last stop in the interview process.  Everything seems really great about this job except for the commute.  When I calculate the cost of gas alone I'd spend in the year, I'd probably be making less than the closer job.  But at this point, I'm hoping one or the other hires me.


So I've had some time on my hands.  I got back into researching the family history more and got a bit added onto the family tree.  Finally came across some older photos of my one grandfather which was nice.  Up to that point, all I had were really old ones of my grandmother when she was little and her side of the family and then my grandfather once they were dating and then married.  So nice to find older ones of him and some of his family.  We know that one my direct ancestors (a great great etc grandfather) came over on the Mayflower, so that's exciting.   I'm trying to get photos that go back to at least my great-great grandparents and then I want to try to incorporate those photos into some sort of altered craft or scrapbook type of item.  Here's one of the photos I found of my Great Grandparents.  I just love the old vintage looking photos. 

And I've tweaked my bottlecaps a little.  My parents gave me a Sizzix Big Shot for Christmas and surprise!  I can flatten my bottlecaps with it.  That was probably the coolest thing I've done with it yet!  When my camera batteries are charged I'll share photos. 

And I've noticed that the # of my followers is starting to creep up.  Stay tune this coming week, as I think it's time for some sort of spring giveaway!!!!!

Hope all is well with everyone!
Aunt DeeDee