Chel in the Land of ZNE

Importance is relative...

Ok, so the wonderful Ms. Kat has tagged me for the six unimportant things meme.  Really though, it's sort of like that "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" book title - you know - the part where it says "And it is all small stuff..."  Clearly I won't mention my family or loved ones here.  Is anything else really important?  That gives me a lot of leeway with my six things!

Here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person that tagged you. (Kat - http://alteredkat.blogspot.com/)

2. Post these rules on your blog.

3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.

4. Tag six people at the end of your entry.

Ok, here are six unimportant things about me:

1.  I actually enjoy speaking in front of a crowd.

2.  Technically, I have six tattoos. Though one has been covered up with another, and one has been incorporated into another. 

3.  I think glitter helps to make the world go round.

4.  My husband and I met through an internet dating service.

5.  I know how to moonwalk.  (You know, that backwards walk thing that Michael Jackson made famous.)

6.  I don't have absolute favorites.  I couldn't name a number one favorite color, food, musician, or writer - if you asked me too.

Ok! - Speaking of I don't have favorites, I have to fudge on the last rule.  I couldn't possibly think of just 6 people to tag if I tried.  So instead - I tag just one person.

YOU!

If you are reading this, and you haven't been tagged with this one yet, then consider it done!  You're tagged now.

So have a great Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to hearing your six things! 

For Lil' Ol' Me!

Heidi Eberle gave me this lovely blog award.  How cool is that?  This is one of thefirst times I actually wish the award was the kind you could hold in your hand or display on a shelf.  Isn't she pretty?  Definitely appeals to the doll lover in me.

Thank you Heidi!

I am supposed to pass the award on to 5 other bloggers.  I always hate that part.  My blog side bar has well over 300 names on it.  I'd much prefer to just pass it on to all of them ~ : )  That being said - here's my 5 for the day - all of these people are ZNE members who have been particularly close to my heart as of late:

Jessica Neaves - who is helping with a huge aspect of the ZNE ConvenZioNE, and helping me to breathe easy over the next several months.

Donna Cook ~ who is coming all the way from Missouri to both Michigan and California this summer, for both Castle in the Meadow and ConvenZioNE.  Hooray for being able to hang out with you not once, but twice, Donna!

Sarah Huckman - who hosted the wonderful Hanging Up Springtime swap.  I have yet to post my final pics, but I have the most wonderful papercraft clothes line hanging in my front entrance, thanks to her efforts!

LaDonna Welter - because she posts the most extraordinary graphics and inspirational sayings on her ZNE Network blog, nearly every day - brightening up the place (as if it could be brighter!) for absolutely everyone!

And, Kat Tarra - just for being her. A wonderful artist, out-of-the-blue gift giver, constant ZNE supporter, goody bag filler, blog commenter, radio show caller, resident humorist, and ZNE welcoming committee all in one.  : D

And with that... here are the rules of the game:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her/him the award itself. (**Umm, I can't garantee what other people are gonna do. But, uh, I'll do my best!)

4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico' blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. (http://www.arteypico.blogspot.com/ )

5. To show these rules

And, that's all folks.  At least, for today.  Have a great Wednesday!

Making my day!

Ah, how sweet.  The most delightful Kris Hubick blog-bestowed on me the "You Make My Day" award.

I am supposed to pass it on to ten people, but that would be just impossible.  Instead, I am going to pass it on to over 60 people.

In the coming days you will hear more about an incredible project that ZNE members pulled together for our wonderful Founding Member JoAnnA Pierotti.  The Never Forgotten book project involved 68 artists and donors, who in 5 days pulled together an 82 page book and funded publishing hard bound copies for JoAnnA, her sister, and her niece Lindsay.  The book is so extraordinary we are going to make it available to the public in the next few days.  Never Forgotten celebrates mothers, children, love, loss, and healing.

All of the artists who contributed have made my day.

Here is a sneak peak at the book's "Contents Pages" so that you too can see who has made my day, and how many incredible artists are published in this fantastic art volume:

I know, I know, you can't read it.  Just double click on it and lean in close.  Ha!  And don't worry, more information and a legible artist list will be coming soon.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

I'll see and talk to you all, tomorrow.

xoxo - Chel

Aw shucks, yet again.

That darned Kat keeps giving me these meme awards.  She's already on my good side, what more does she want??  Actually, I've seen this award make the rounds, and I've been coveting it because the colors and font are right up my alley.  Ha!

Ok, so - who is MY daily dose?  Hard to say, I'm a website and blog hound.  I spend all day checking out ZNE member sites, suggested member websites, and their scrumptious blogs.  Once again, the thought of narrowing it down is ridiculous.  I'm not gonna swing this one back at Kat, cuz she already got it. So, I'll just pull a few other favorites out of my hat:

Claudine Hellmuth  (I love her blog.  She talks art, business, doggie goodness, AND Project runway.  What more could you ask for?)

Kris Hubick (I not only adore her blog, I adore HER!)

Tiffany Jane (Her blog is beautiful, just like her!)

Gail Schmidt.  (She's got freebies, a beautiful blog, and fabulous art and art supplies)

And Jan at the Polka Dot Barn (Poor honey had a doozy of a last few months, dealing with some major health issues.  She is vibrant, funny, and an incredible artist - and I am so proud that she is a fellow ZNE Member.)

I'll leave it at that, for now.

Hope you all are getting  your daily dose of joy and creativity!

xo - Chel

One Kind Kat, Ten People, and Three Ginas.

The fabu Kat Tarra gave me a nod on her blog, and the cute little "You Make My Day" award above.  I keep squinting and looking closely (lordy, I'm old) but I can't tell if those are real flowers, or felted flowers.

No matter.  I'm supposed to pass this award on to 10 people who make MY day. 

Yeah right.  Narrowing things like this down is nearly impossible.  But, let's try...

Ok, Lennea Truesdell cuz she's just always a sweetie.

Niki Ginder who is gearing up to start regular postings of Spirito Di ZNE again.  THANK YOU NIKI!

Izabella, because she has won a few well deserved arty awards this week, and when incredible artists like her get recognition, it does make my day!

JoAnnA Pierotti, who invited me to go to the beach house she and her husband are staying at this week, with them.   Even though I couldn't go - it is always so nice to know that you are thought about and wanted!

Deena Warner - because she is giving away some fun blog banners in exchange for fun how-you-met-your-mate stories on her blog (go look!) and because she is valiantly sharing her personal Breast Cancer story with us all on her other blog, here.

Iva Wilcox, because she shared with me some exciting news and it does my heart good to know that some nice things are happening for her.

Chrysti, because she is finally back from vacation, and I missed her while she was gone!

And the three Ginas:

Gina Smith for starting off some rounds of ZNE Verses on the ZNE Network this week.  Woo Hoo!

Gina Lighton, because after viewing two ZNE Network tutorials that I created, she said "I really do think these are two of the best tutorials I've ever seen."  So, maybe she was exagerating.  Maybe she has never seen a tutorial before.  I don't know.  I don't care.  It still made my day!

and...

Gina Gabriell, because she created this claymation short - her first ever - at the start of the week.  Hello - this woman can do ANYTHING!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1RTpRtxxM4

Alright then.  This award goes out to you too.  If you are reading my blog, well heck - you made my day too!

xo - Chel

Thinking...

My lovely friend Izabella was (actually) awarded the fun little award at top, for her scrumptious blog and writings.  The idea with this fun pass it along award is that once you receive it, you pass it along to five of your own favorite blogsters.  I think that is an awesome idea.  Izabella, giver of all gifts ~ (I often say, getting a box from Izabella is like Christmas at my house, no matter the month.  She is extremely generous) was unable to select five blogs to to whom she would tag with her award.  So, she awarded it to everyone in her sidebar of links!

That's how I got it.  Tee Hee.  So, I think I got it by default, by being in the good graces of the extraordinary Izabella.  But then again, there is no place I'd rather be.  So, I'll take her generous award, and run with it.

Now, in the interest of not diluting the original intention of  the award too much, I'll go ahead and return to the original rule of pairing down the recipients to 5, and like Wella Balsom, they'll choose 5, and then they'll choose 5 ... and then..  (Have you read this far?  Leave a comment telling me what Wella Balsom is, and I'll send you a gifty.  Speaking of spreading the generosity around!)

Ok, here are my five - some of which are already tagged because of Izabella's unilateral tag.  So be it:

Zorana.  I always love reading the thoughtful honest posts on her beautiful blog, and the artwork and eye candy is beyond compare.  If you haven't checked out this Thinking Blogger's blog yet, do so today.

Cinda.  Now, Cinda does not do memes, so she may not play along.  But that's ok. She still has a beautiful blog, she's a beautiful soul, and I am a better person for being able to call her friend.  Check her out, today.

Kris.  This girl (no kidding) has only been bloggin for a couple days now, and already I am hungry hungry hungry for more!  She is a ZNEer from day 1, a provider of unflagging support, and the most wonderful friend a girl could have.  I adore her.  You will too.  Check out her blog today.

Barbe.  This fabulous crafster artist blogger is a cyber soul sister indeed.  She is a fellow ZNEer, Craft Mafia-er, and because she lives out my secret desire to be a rockabilly girl.  I live vicariously through her, and am better able to do this - because of her fun blog.

And, JoAnnA.  Her honesty, vulnerability, strength, and stunning artistic talent all shine through on her blog, which chronicles her daily life, her drive to create, and her ongoing battle with breast cancer.  Read it and weep.  And laugh and cheer too. And finally, love her along with the rest of us.

(PS - Hmmm, looking back at my list - I realize that I have met all of these bloggers in person, except Cinda.  Cinda, get yer butt out to California - and soon!)

If you've been tagged, here is what you do:

What to do if you have been chosen;
1. If you are tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think
2. Link to this post so that people can find their way back to the origin of the meme
3. Display the Thinking Blogger Award

xo - Chel 

1 fun thing, and 29 random things.

Oh, this is fun!  I've always liked the Creativity Portal website.  Well, let's be honest, I like anything that encourages creativity!  And they have a fun assortment of information, creativity prompts, articles, and more.  Also they focus on both visual and written creativity - so its a nice mix.  Well, today I found out that they added my little 'ol blog to their list of "Creativity Inspiring Journals and Blogs."  HOW COOL IS THAT!  Hooray for my little blog.  : )

Anyway, on to very important minutiae.  I noticed that both Chrysti and Shoshanah had this on their blog, so I decided I would do it too.  29 Random Things About Me - anyone who has been reading my blog for a while will already know some of these, but I'll try to throw some new ones in there too:

1.  I love altered art.  It is difficult sometimes for me to fully appreciate photography, paintings, or drawings - without thinking:  "That just needs a bit of glitter here, a fiber there, a color wash over on that part."  Sigh.

2. I go to sleep and wake up thinking about art and my art groups.  Often in the middle of the night if I wake up, I'll get up and check in on all the online happenings.  For no real reason, just to "check."

3.  I frequently say a quick prayer for "happiness for my family."  In my mind, that includes not just my immediate family, but my online community as well.

4.  The state of messiness that my office/art studio can attain is absolutely horrifying. 

5.  I am a dog person.

6.  One of the pets I was the most attached to, ever in my life, was a cockatiel I had when I was in highschool.  I hand fed her as a baby bird. She died when she was less than a year old from a lung infection, and it was my first experience with real crushing grief.

7.  I like to give my dogs rasberries.  The tickle the tummy with a big loud kiss kind, not the berry.

8.  My son is the light of my life.  I have no doubt that he is my reason for being in this world, and I feel truly blessed that I was given such an amazing job - that of raising a son to go out in the world.

9.  I am more than a little bit sexist.  I can't understand why (most) men don't figure emotions and feelings into their daily communication and activities.  (Told you I was sexist.)  When I was younger, I thought this general lack of emotional IQ was paramount to being "lesser" somehow.  When my son was born, I had to take a good long look at how sexist I was, and really challenge those attitudes.  This required a huge shift in my thinking, and I am glad for it.

10.  In 4 days, it will be the fifth aniversary of my mother's death.

11.  A lot happens in five years.

12.  Five years goes by in the blink of an eye, when you are counting forward from the death of a loved one.

13.  I still remember, vividly, the smell of my mother's soap and cigarettes - from when I was a very young child.

14.  I also remember, vividly, what it felt like to sit in my mother's lap.

15.  Friends are our chosen family, and for me - that truth of that cliche has been the greatest and most profound gift and blessing in my life, ever. 

16. Nothing has ever come close to easing the grief of not having a mother.  No one will ever replace her, and I miss her and think of her, every single day.

17. I grew up poor, living with a single parent. My household never had a dishwasher, a color TV, or a car.    We are talking the 1980s, not the 40s.

18.  My mother was a collage artist and I grew up with wall sized collages covering the walls of our apartment.  I never appreciated them.  I just thought they were "weird."

19.  Wait, we did have a car.  When I was very young and my parents were still married.  From the time I was about 3 - 6 years old, my dad had a 1957 chevy, like this one - and my parents collaged it with magazine images and art pictures, from top to bottom - every inch (except the windows). Looking back - that was pretty cool.  At the time, I didn't appreciate the car, either.  Again, we were "weird."

20.  My mother was mentally ill, and when I was small she would go for walks and come home and tell me that the angels in the trees had been speaking to her.  I believed her then.  I still kind of believe her, now.

21. I'd rather be a preacher than a politician.

22. I once worked in a key making and shoe repair shop.  I got to make the keys, but never worked my way up to repairing the shoes.

23.  I was Frenchy in my Junior High production of Grease.

24.  I have performed stand up comedy, in San Francisco, twice.

25.  My father is renowned as being one of the best blackjack players in the world today.  He lives in Las Vegas.  My drive to achieve, sense of humor, and "workaholism" (art-aholism?) all come from my father.  I am more like him, that any other member of my family.

26. My brother, is quiet and introspective - much more like my mother.  My brother and I once worked together and people who had known us both for months had no idea that we were related because we were "SO different." 

27. For years, my mother told me every single day that life was horrific, too difficult and painful to manage, that heartbreak was inevitable and endless pain was part of "the grand plan."

28. For years, my mother told me that my brother and I were beautiful, that we were the light of her life, and that we could achieve anything we wanted if we tried.

29.  I had to choose, which of the above things that my mother was telling me - were true. 

So here is how this works:  You are tagged if you want to be.  If so - add 29 things about yourself to your own blog, and leave me a comment so I can check 'em out.

And, here is to hoping that all of you reading this choose to believe in beauty, light, and endless possibility.

xo - Chel

Joan Riggs! Come on down!

It's midnight here - so you know what that means! IT's MARCH 21!

Time for the fabulous One World One Heart Giveaway!

I am so excited, I couldn't even wait until tomorrow morning!  We had some last minute entries, but this is how I figured it:

We had 52 posts come in, following my giveaway post.  I used an online randomizer, and it gave me #31.  Counting up from the first post, when I got to 32 (yes, I counted twice!) I get Miz Joan Riggs!

Hooray!  I am so excited because there were so many wonderful people and blogs that I got to know through this giveaway.  I hope something like it happens again, soon!

And I am thrilled that Joan will get an entrance into the May Book Club.  As luck would have it, Joan is also in my fabulous Altered Art Obsession group, and she is a ZNE Member, AND she is in my Cercles D'Ame round robin group right now, so it will be fun to talk books with her too - soon!

I think this was such a wonderful idea, I want to thank Lisa Oceandreamer too.  Because, well, she's cool.  So Lisa gets the same giveaway prize as Joan.  Woo Hoo!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

5 Reasons

Michelle at Big Blueberry Eyes posted this meme and suggested that anyone who wanted to, tag themselves. So, I'm game.

Reasons I Blog :

Like Michelle's, my answers are in no particular order. 1. I like to talk.  But I live a somewhat typical isolated artist's life.  Not as bad as some, but still, stuck in my studio or on my computer (by choice of course) the majority of most days.  Lately this blog has meant that I am talking less to myself, and more to that great big blogging world out there. 2. I realized that it is an easier way, and less obtrusive way - of keeping interested parties up to date on the details of some of the minutia in my life.  I don't think all the members of ZNE or Indie-O-Rama are interested in my day to day this and that.  But some people are - so here ya go.  Updates that aren't forced on anywone subscribed to the group newsletters! 3.  Blogging reminds me to check my many friends' blogs.  Again, a wonderful way to keep up when visits, phone calls, and emails fall behind. 4. Relieves some of the guilt (ok, but not much) that I have over not being in contact with so many people who are important to me.  I am trying, to reach out and catch up, somehow! 5. And lastly, for YOU.  Whoever "you" are!  Anyone who takes the time to actually read all this minutia.  For old friends and new, for artists, family, and acquaintances far and wide.  I blog for you.  And speaking of you ~ do YOU have a blog too?  Then, TAG!  You're it! xo - Chel

1 World, 1 Heart, 4 Art Dolls!

Learn More, Here!

What a cool idea! I'm in!  Here's what I'll be giving away:

~One month's free entrance to~

A Place to Bark for Books - The ZNE Book Club!

What does that include?  A $5 donation to A Place to Bark, in your name.

An altered Bookmark Kit mailed to you from Hannah Grey.

A Special Party Favor, when the book club opens its doors (May 1!).

Entrance to the book club discussion boards and special features.

AND an entry in the book club drawing to win a copy of Artist Trading Card Workshop by Bernie Berlin!

So - leave a comment on my blog anytime between today and March 20 - and on March 21, I'll drop all the names in a hat and have RJ or Abigail draw a name and we'll announce the winner!!

Woo Hoo!!

What's that?  Tell you more about The ZNE Book Club?  Happily!

I spoke with Bernie Berlin today.  What a sweetie!  I have to say - I thought I was busy, but my gosh, she is a one woman whirlwind of creativity and good works!  I wanted to figure out a way that ZNE could do a montly ongoing fundraiser for her fabulous organization - A Place to Bark.

Voila - A Place to Bark for Books!

We'll start taking reservations for the book club on March 10.  ZNE Members can access the club at a discount.  We'll have a new sesssion (and book) every month. 

Hannah Grey is donating the altered book mark kits (at cost) and Claudine Hellmuth is providing the fabulous club poster artwork.  The book club will feature altered art publications, guest speakers, special suprises and LOTS of fun every month!  Here is a sneak peak!

And, speaking of art ~ I have been playing with art dolls lately.  Altered Art Obsession is having several art doll swaps.  I love me some art dolls!!   

The first one is an altered pen doll.  That's pen, as in writing instrument.  I thought to myself, NO PROBLEM.  Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.  Let's just say - I sure hope my swap partner has a sense of humor.  This was the most difficult swap assignment ever!  For some reason, after making my penzilla, I decided that its saving grace would be to make it into a necklace.  Here she is ~ what do you think?

Undaunted by the challenge of the altered pen doll, I moved on the altered clothes pin dolls.  Now, these, quite unexpectedly - I LOVED!  I had so fun playing with some vintage images for these dolls.  I also used some vintage lucite (how fun is that!) clothes pins.  I ended up making three - check 'em out:

      

Aint they dolliscious?

Happy Friday everyone!  xoxo - Chel

Homemaking...

Can you believe I STILL haven't done anything to control the clutter in my office?  I have relocated my primary computer operations to the family room, because, frankly, I can't fit in my seat in my office anymore.  Sigh.

Speaking of my office, and scanners (by association, of course) I also haven't had a chance to upload the incredible gifties I received from the glorious Tiffany Jane Marshall OR - Barbe Saint John.  Don't worry those pictures are coming!  Barbe's earrings arrived within a fingersnap of my ordering them from her shop - Saints & Sinners:

And I am telling you - she just stuffed the package FULL of goodies!  She even included chocolate!

Thanks Barbe.  You're a doll.  : )

Ok, I was blog-a-surfin again (you all must think I do nothing but laze around and surf blogs all day long!) and I found this ultra cool site:

4:53 a.m.

Check out the header on her blog.  LOVE that!  And, she had a meme on her blog - and the sneaky devil tagged whoever was reading it.  So, here we go!

Aprons - Y/N? If yes, what does your favorite look like?

Yep!  I have a few - but I just ordered my favorite one from ZNE Member Ed Smith.  It's vintage, and red gingham.  Need I say more? Lookie:

Baking - Favorite thing to bake:

Chicken. 

I am a decent cook, but have never mastered the art of baking.  I'm impatient.  I don't like waiting for things to rise, I don't like having to keep track of time.  Things burn, stick, or just don't quite turn out right.  I prefer the stovetop (or salad bowl!) to the over.  That being said, just this past Christmas my wonderful Sister-in-Law Jen dand her family gave us this incredible Clay Pot baker.  We've used it to bake Chicken and Potatoes, twice now.  It couldn't be simpler, and I am not kidding you - the juicy yummy chicken just falls from the bone. So, the oven and I are becoming friends.  : )

Clothesline - Y/N?

No.  Get real.  I can't even get my office clean.

Donuts - Have you ever made them?

Yes..when I was a child.  At my friend Rohanna Kenin's house.  In a big 'ol greasy hot oil cooker.  Oh my gosh they were delicious. 

By the way, I looked Rohana Kenin up on the internet - I haven't seen or talked to her since I was about twelve years old - and here is what I found:

http://movies.toptenreviews.com/actors/reviews/a247434.htm

Is it her?  Is she an actress now?  I haven't got the faintest idea.  The picture really leaves something to be desired.  Ha!

Every day - One homemaking thing you do every day:

Every day?  Nothing.  Sigh.  Sorry.  (Not as sorry as my husband is, though.  Ha!) Most days - though - I clean the kitchen.  Don't like those nasty dirty kitchens.

Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze?

Yes.  In the garage.  Filled with waffles, garlic bread, coffee, and other critical frozen supplies.

Garbage Disposal - Y/N?

Yes.  I use it every day.  Hey - can I add that as the housekeeping thing I do every day?  Dispose of garbage?  : )

Handbook - What is your favorite homemaking resource?

People own books about housemaking?  I'd rip mine up and make sarcastic art with it.  Really. Puhleaz.

Ironing - Love it or Hate it?

Hate it.  Luckily, pajamas don't really wrinkle all that much. 

Junk Drawer - Y/N?

I not only have junk in my drawers, I have junk in my trunk.  What can I say?

Kitchen - Color and decorating scheme?

Colors vary - though prefer reds and whites.  Decorating scheme?  A lot of blended themes - but heavy on retro, kitsch, and of course - CHERRIES!

Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking?

Avoiding it so that I have time to play and snuggle with my kids or animals. 

Mop - Y/N?

Well, I mean, we have one - but my husband is in charge of everything in the house that has a big stick attached to it.

Nylons -

Who invented these itchy torture devices?  I own some, but avoid them at all costs.  I'd rather clean my office.  Really.

Oven - Do you use the window or open the door to check?

To check what?  Oh right.  The stuff you are baking.  No, if checking is required - I open the door and then - because I don't bake often - I always forget to step back and usually sustain third degree burns on my cheeks and forehead as I immediately lean forward into the escaping heat.  Fun.

Pizza - What do you put on yours?

Well, pepperoni and bacon (the breakfast kind, not the Canadian kind) for  the kids and DH.  On the rare occasions that I am ordering a pizza just for me:  olives, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts.  Mmmmmm.

Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?

I'm sorry.  A quiet moment?  This is even more rare around here than my cleaning my office.

Recipe card box - Y/N?

Nope.  I prefer cook books and/or the internet - to find recipes.

Style of house - What is the style of your house? 

California Ranch.  (Single story, vaulted ceilings.)

Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N?

Always a tablecloth.  For Christmas I got a nice red tablecloth with some sparkly stuff woven in.  That's on the table right now.  I also have a blue ghingham table cloth that I really like, and for my wedding I received a yellow french country floral pattern cloth that I love.

Napkins are usually paper, and printed.  For instance, we are still using Christmas napkins right now.

Under the kitchen sink - Organized or toxic wasteland?

Fairly organized thanks to the DH.

Vacuum - How many times per week?

Are you supposed to vacuum weekly?

Wash - How many loads of laundry do you do per week?

Are you supposed to do loads of laundry every week?

X's - Do you keep a list of things to do that you cross off?

No.  It would be 476 pages long with 8 Xx on it.  Too depressing!

Yard - Y/N? Who does what?

DH ignores the yard.  I am mortified by it being the blight of the neighborhood.  That's about it on that topic.

Zzz's - What is your last homemaking task before going to bed?

See now, I am really starting to feel like I have a thing or two to learn about homemaking.  Because yet again, I ask - are you supposed to do a homemaking task before going to bed every night?  Does pulling down the covers count?

Ok, fair readers.  Now it is your turn!  If you have some homemaking advice for me - or if you post your own answers to these questions - let me know!

xoxo - Chel

Loving it!

Oooh!  It is ZNE Theme Week this week, and the theme is LOVE!  Check out the incredible Tiffany Jane Marshall's entry:

And Speaking of LOVE and Tiffany - she sent me the most incredible RAK - a package full of wonderufl artsy goodies!  I am going to scan and upload them this week so that you all can see 'em.  She even sent me a little cherry magnet.

I'm a happy girl!

THANK YOU TIFFANY! 

Ok, I was blog-a-lurkin' today - and I found the list below on scrapbookaddict's blog.  I figured I handle some highlighting - so I gave it a go.

Here is how it works:  Copy the list and highlight only the things that YOU have done yourself.  Let me get this out of the way - I tag:

Cinda, Chrysti, Bella, Missy, and ... YOU!  Leave me a comment if you add this to your blog.  Enquiring minds wanna know!

xo - Chel

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had an amazing friend
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
3. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children -does raising count?????
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Ridden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life (assumning my own, counts!)

AND YOU??