Original Inspirations

Happy New Year - 2012

2011-12-31T22:13:00.002-06:00

Another year, soon to pass by into 2012. This morning, when I went outside to run an errand, there was a glaze of ice everywhere. It rained -- on December 31st, in the early morning. Amazing. The temperatures have been unnaturally warm and so much so, that it actually rained. Today was spent with Gavin -- about an hour at the local scrapbook store creating a page (to teach), a visit to the butcher to get a roast for our supper today, a quiet lunch at Wendy's (salad), a light shop at Sobey's for some groceries, gas in the vehicle, and home. Home sweet home. The roast beef, potatoes, and carrots were yum for supper. I sit here typing, with a can of cold Coca Cola (last for a long time to come!) and wishing already to be asleep and itis only 10:15 p.m. It appears that I will not be awake with the clock chimes at midnight and brings in the New Year! Though, I'm certain my kidlets will call and wake us up. I spent time off and on all day and into the evening, indexing a book (The Dictionary of Ukrainian Canadian Biography). And I spent about a half-hour watching part of the Jets hockey game on the television (with Gavin)(I never watch television - so this was quite a feat!).

Just the quickest of sign-off then, to one and all -- wishing you a truly wonderful and Happy New Year in 2012. Here's to many new beginnings, genealogical discoveries, artistic whims, ... and come what may.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T17:43:00.003-06:00

It was quiet! On Christmas Eve, when spent the time over at daughter Samantha and Jeff's place--watching the antics of one-year-old Jax (the dog) play with his new toys from Grandpa and Baba. Watching Samantha and Gavin and Jeff opening their gifts, but not like when they were little! When all the wrapping flew off in milla-seconda. No, now they take their time and check out the gifts as they are opened. We had (fourth year running now)home-made pizza and watched a couple of movies. We watched "How To Train A Dragon" (awesome, awesome movie) and "Hangover II". I know, from one extreme to another. I enjoyed the first movie better than the second. We indulged in home-made triffle! And came home after 9:00, as Samantha and Jeff had other places to be for the evening. And Christmas morning--oh my gosh--Christmas morning--first ever--sleep in! 9:30 we woke up. Even the cat let us sleep in. It was a quiet day for us and we basically did nothing of much. In the evening, Gavin took me for a drive through darkened city streets (will with street lights) and we admired all the Christmas lights that folks have decorated their home and yards with. Today, we were out driving--remember folks, it is December 26--and it was 6 above C. Barely any snow covers the ground, and at one point, we were stopped, waiting at a red light and I looked over at the building beside the street, the water was dripping from the eavesthrough. Way too mild for Christmas in Winnipeg. Let's hope it is not a calm before the storm.

And in going through my files, I found couple of a layouts that I hadn't posted, so this will be them for 2011. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and found time to spend with their family.

Little Notebooks

2011-12-01T20:39:00.022-06:00

When I was in Brandon at a crop two weeks ago, I made these little altered notebooks. They all sold at a grand price of $5.00 ea. They were so much fun to make. And when this dreadful cold virus works its way away, I'll have some energy to make a bunch more!

Pink Wedding

2011-11-29T09:00:00.027-06:00

They (Kendall and Kalyn) were married in July and the wedding colors were a bright pink and brown ... and so that became my primary colors for this keepsake wedding album ... to be gifted to her in another week.

December Daily - No. 2

2011-11-22T21:30:00.012-06:00

Last year, I had made a December Daily album and then decided it really isn't something I wanted to work with ... so I donated it to "the gal" of gals, Kimmie, running the monthly hall crop and she had an impromptu raffle ... which raised I believe about $167.00 that went to the Christmas Cheerboard. So, this year, I decided this was going to be an annual thing for me. An annual thing in that I would make something for her to raffle off, with all the proceeds going to the Christmas Cheerboard ... sharing the love, so to speak! This is this year's project that was raffled away last Friday:

Tea Time

2011-11-13T19:16:00.017-06:00

Using the new Bo Bunny "Enchanted" collection chipboard album (and more pages I created/added in), I created this keepsake memory of a special afternoon with very special folks at Kim's home a week ago. A Tea Luncheon ... a time to remember ... a time to reflect ... a time to move forward ... thank you Kimmie for being so special and well, just being you!

Snowflake - December Daily 2011

2011-11-11T11:55:00.018-06:00

Just finished about 1/2 hour ago, a December Daily using the new Bo Bunny Snowflake collection. Oh the glitter. Oh the sparkle. Oh the wonder. Oh the pages! Here's a peak:

Altered Notebook

2011-11-04T10:47:00.002-05:00

At the crop in Miami, one of the challenges I did was to alter a little notebook. Here's my end result ... which I gifted away.

Halloween Pumpkin

2011-10-30T18:31:00.001-05:00

On Friday evening, at Kim's hall-crop, I managed to complete ... count them ... "three" ... that's it ... three layouts ... and this gorgeous little bitty pumpkin. Pumpkin took first prize of the evening!

.. some more layouts from Miami crop

2011-10-24T18:49:00.003-05:00

Having trouble with posting this evening. Here are the rest of the layouts I did.

Scrapbooking in Miami, MB - October 21-22, 2011

2011-10-24T18:28:00.009-05:00

Here are the layouts I did at the crop this past weekend, minus the four 12x12 layouts. Scanner doesn't scan that size. The last two here were challenges at the crop. Cousins is a side-by side. And the card was challenging for in that I don't usually do circles, so this was fun. There was also a challenge to alter a small notebooks. I gave it to Lori (Love Is In The Details) to gift to someone.

I have taken to journalling on the backs of my layouts! And in my own handwriting!

Morrrrrrrrrrrrre layouts ...

2011-10-23T23:08:00.009-05:00

The first two actually make up a side-by-side (sorry I didn't stitch them together to post here).

Scrapbooking Pages - Challenges

2011-10-16T14:22:00.007-05:00

I have started, this year, doing challenges when they are part of a scrapbooking crop. Makes me think outside of my box and trying to make the page based on a sketch/challenge that is given. Here's a series of layouts that have all been done based on challenges in the past few months.

There are two done of Gavin when he rode in the Ride for Breast Cancer this year, but they are done at different crops (just happened to have the series of pics twice and used them).

Projects made while in Chicago

2011-10-16T09:48:00.005-05:00

A few pics of the projects I made at the one-day event put on by Prima and Swirlydoos, when I was in Chicago.

The photo frame, which flips open and free stands, is of my dearest mother-in-law Mary Tallentire - I have this on my desk at home.

The other mini-album I made, I donated to a crop in September in Cook's Creek - for a fundraising prize. This one project raised $176.00.

Sites of Chicago

2011-10-10T11:20:00.012-05:00

July 21, I flew to Chicago and met up with a girlfriend from Arizona there. We spent the 22nd at an all-day scrappy event put on by Prima and Swirlydoos. But on the 21st, I arrived late morning and was solo for the remainder of the day. I quizzed the desk at front on how to take the train into Chicago and off I went, all by myself. What a wonderful way to get around and never having to worry about the traffic. The only downside to the adventure was the temperatures - it was h.o.t. outside. When I got off the train, I asked someone what the temperature was and they said 95 F, but with the humidex it was 110 F. It was stiffling. I had to connect to a second train to get to Paper Source that I wanted to see. From there, I grabbed a taxi to the Magnificant Mile - which is a mile-long explosion of shop after shop after shop; some tall buildings that you enter filled with floors of shopping, shopping, shopping. But when I got out of the taxi at the Magnificant Mile, the only thing on my mind was some to drink. I walked till I found a little place that offered scrumptious muffins and cold drinks. I had two drinks, and no they were not alocholic, but I am not remembering the drinks. Oh yes, one was an orange juice concoction, and the other I think was a bottled sprite that I could take away with me.

I did try to look around in some of the shops, but the temperatures were stiffling. In the process, I managed to walk for quite a bit and take a few photos; only to give up and find a taxi to take me back to the hotel. Was hoping to return later in the evening with my girlfriend, but that never did work out for us. Sounds like a return trip is in order to enjoy all of the sites and sounds ... one day.

Here is a quick collection of some of the few photos I took:

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-09T10:15:00.017-05:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend and the weather has finally come to being October temperatures. We have been exceptionally fortunate to have such warm temperatures so late into October, but today there is a brrrr outside! Time to start layering up again. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving. And in finally getting back to this blog, I am simply going to post a collection of layouts done in the past few months.

Baba's Girls

2011-06-19T22:57:00.018-05:00

Well, here it is. I made three of the same keepsake project called Baba's Girls. For my daughter and her two cousins - the three oldest granddaughters for my mother, their Baba. Each project featured the respective person, and the two pockets in the project had tags with photos of the other two. I gave these to them before June 9, the fifth anniversary of Mom's passing. This Easter past, Jacey took black tank tops and ironed on their nicknames that Baba had for each of them, and on the back of the tanks, she ironed on Baba's Girls.

A Weekend in Miami

2011-05-31T17:57:00.017-05:00

Manitoba that is! Spent Fri., Sat., Sun. in Miami a couple of weeks ago at a scrapbooking gathering. What fun ... the theme was Las Vegas ... even Elvis showed up! And I had some great company ... a roomful of enthusiasts ... incredible ... and next to me, I was distracted by the talented Shelley from Scrapbooking at Shelley's in Brandon ... she had some awesome layouts by the time she left. But, never the mind that ... here's my layouts. I did also complete the ground-work for three albums to surprise some family members ... who go unnamed ... and the project goes unnamed ... would spoil the surprise. So, when they get them, I'll post!

The last few are side-by-side layouts ... so squint your eyes and imagine the pages side-by-side to make one large layout.

Princes

2011-05-03T22:12:00.012-05:00

Well, here it is! My follow-up to Dollies. Dollies, you will recall was the accordion project I did of my Mom and her female descendants. This project is my Dad and his male descendants - Princes! And I didn't want to do it in blues, because I recently did the Angels project in the winter using blues. So, browns and greens and I think it turned out quite well. I still haven't made a slip cover for it to be kept in -- maybe at the next crop I go to.

Easter Cards

2011-04-03T12:11:00.007-05:00

So, for all those readers who may not know me and my creative spirits in this aspect ... I am *not* a card maker. But I am drawn, right now, to make Easter cards ... which I'll work on this coming weekend and get into the mail. I thought I'd share my first go at them here!

Dollies

2011-03-30T22:00:00.014-05:00

March 18, 19, 20 ~ I was in Brandon, enjoying some scrapbooking time with some wonderful folks at the local community centre. I started out with a couple of scrapbook pages--to get my scrapping mojo going. Then, I proceeded with the infusion of pink, pink, pink -- to create "Dollies". Dollies has been a project on my mind for about an half-year now and it has come to fruition. I am quite pleased at how the project turned out, albeit, I did not know till the moment I started as to exactly what the finished product would be. I toyed with another altered book, a large canvas (very large), or an accordion. The accordion style won out and this is the end result. I also made a slip-case box to store this project in. The gals at the crop then asked me if I was going to do one for the fellows. You see, Dollies is about my Mom (the first Dollie) and her 'female' descendants (three generations)! So, I never thought about the fellows, but am now going to do "Princes" in about two weeks -- another accordion of my Dad and his 'male' descendants! The following are scanned copies and I apologize if the quality is not as clear as it should be. They appear in this order:

1. Myroslawka (Marion) Nahnybida (my Mom)
2. Thelma Weslak (me)
3. Brenda Weslak (my sister)
4. Samantha Findlay (my daughter)
5. Jacey Weslak (my brother Les's daughter)
6. Kendall Weslak (my brother Les's daughter)
7. Ashley Cole (my sister's daughter)
8. Kelly Tetreault (my sister's daughter)
9. Trinnity Weslak (my brother Darin's daughter)
10. Claira Herle (Jacey's daughter)

Friday - March 11 - Scrapbooking Therapy

2011-03-15T20:08:00.009-05:00

Well, it had been a long week. On March 2, Gavin's Mom passed away (she had just turned 85 the week before)and on March 4, Gavin's step-Dad passed away. Last week, we attended a double funeral service for them at the Presbyterian Church in Whitewood, Sask. and they now rest side-by-side, together as always.

I had posted on Facebook that the most difficult thing to do is lose a loved one. And then the most difficult thing to do is lose another loved one. It was very sudden for both of them, both falling ill quickly and started new journey's in their lives. It will take me a long time to overcome this suddenness, but family and friends are the blessings that help us through.

By the time Friday night came along, I needed to just go and sit and although I was among some fantastically wonderful friends, still alone with myself and created some memories on the following pages.

March 5, 2011

2011-03-11T12:00:00.003-06:00

What a wonderful day this Saturday, March 5, was. I spent the day in the company of great scrapbooking friends, and taught two large classes how to make their very own Jonque Journals. In the end, my personal accomplishments were the organization of my scrapping materials (that felt real good!) and I managed to make two layouts, below. This scrapbooking event was a fundraiser for the church, and convener Ashley certainly knows how to host a scrapbooking event. Good company. Good food. Good activities. Good venue. Can't wait for the next one in the fall.

Cold January Days

2011-01-23T20:06:00.009-06:00

It's true. It's winter in Winnipeg and this winter is one of those "let's be cold" and "let's be windy" and "let's really give them a fantastic wind chill". Brrrrr. So what better thing to do than spend some time with friend of kindred hobbies ... and that's what I did. Scrapbooked with Tracey and Louise and a roomful of other talented scrapbookers. The results were one Jonque Journal (from a Reader's Digest) for a gal at work for her sister (whose daughter is getting married). Another Jonque Journal on Saturday, a replica of the one I am going to teach next Saturday in Steinbach. And these pages ...

Angels

2011-01-16T20:06:00.009-06:00

For about three years now, I have had this project on my mind and last November, while at the crop in Brandon, I created the project from start to finish. Angels ... my introductory page ... Every day, I am blesed with Anges. Wonderful friends. Loving family. Even endearing pets. In some way, every day, someone impacts our lives. And then there are all those other Angels I've known in my life. Some for a longtime. Someone only for a short-time. They all once were a part of my life. They all were special. They all are folks tha tlived, loved, laughed, and dreamed, just like i do. And they all, in their own turn, passed away. Lifted their wings and flew into the next journey of their lives. Angels wings whisking the breath of the sky, stirring up gentle breezes. Angels that flutter through my memory, day in and day out. Angels whose smiles I remember and who I draw wisdom from. These pages here do not even begin to share memories of these Angels, because there are so many. I wanted simply to capture their likeness and to turn the pages one at a time, and be reminded at how very, very special they are.

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another ~ Luciano de Crescenzo

Here are some photos of my Angels memory book ...

Moosomin's Got Talent

2010-12-26T16:29:00.007-06:00

December 17 - Gavin and I went off to Saskatchewan to visit with his Mom in Broadview; and then overnight, we stayed in Moosomin. Next day, we visited Mom again, and then made the return trip home to Winnipeg.

On Friday evening, I taught a Jonque Journal class to a small group of five enthusiastically creative gals - yep, Moosomin's got talent! We took an old hard-covered Reader's Digest, gutted it and made it into a thing of beauty that they could use to capture their Christmas memories in. I love teaching this class and I love seeing the end results. And here are the end results - aren't they beauties!

The biggest hit of the evening, among all the things I taught, was using the Zutter Distresser - love was in the air! All were amazed! And, I have to say, this is one of those little tools that I, myself, kind of love using!

Chickadees

2010-12-22T22:26:00.005-06:00

In the spring, I like to photograph the geese. In the winter, I'll try any bird I can get close enough too - which is not very often, as they are busy scurrying around. But, last Tuesday, the 14th, after spending a wonderful afternoon with girlie girlfriends chicks, I mosied over to Pineridge Hollow, cause I was so close to there already! And at the front staircase, there were chickadees flitting about everywhere. So, I stood perfectly still, and waited ... and took lots of pictures that just weren't any good ... but out of it all, here are the ones that I just had to share. I love these little fluffy chunklings of winter!

Whimsies from Lady of the Lake

2010-12-21T22:48:00.007-06:00

So, during my visit in Brandon, I insisted to my friend Vernette that we - well "I" - need to go to Lady of the Lake. How can you go to Brandon and not take a few minutes to browse through this wonderland. There is always something there that intrigues me. So, after settling in with all of our supplies at the hall, Vernette agrees to go with me. And even though it's only the day after Remembrance Day, the store is well decked out in Christmas style. Bling and more bling to glitter at you as you walk about. There was the bright pink Christmas tree - drew me there a couple of times. The featured purple Christmas decor in another spot. And oh so many bits and pieces of whimsy throughout. And after we browsed and I, of course, picked up a couple of little things, we lunched, albeit a very late lunch, in the cosy restaurant area, right off from the lounge. And Vernette now insists that when we go to Brandon, we have to make Lady of the Lake one of our stops! Another gal has seen the way ... so, here's some of the whimsy that I photographed!

A Drive Out to Brandon, Manitoba

2010-12-20T23:07:00.011-06:00

November 12, it was me, myself and I, driving out to Brandon to spend the weekend at a scrapbook crop. The day was beautiful, considering we have had some cooler weather leading up to this date. I had my trusty camera resting on the passenger seat, and, of course, I made a stop or more along the way and captured some photos of the roadside beauty. The pics of the water and trees reflecting show off how calm the day was and truly how magnificant are those reflections! There are landmarks along the road, like the White Horse statue (no, I didn't take a pic) and others (old barns), but the ones that I always wait for and love as I pass by are the huge old, old trees that were left along the roadside when they built the highway. And then there is the photos of the clouds - it was cloudy for part of the trip to Brandon, but as I drove along, I could see that the skies were bluer to the west. I stopped at the end of the cloud coverage to catch a couple of photos of the cloud collection and was pleased to discover the sun peaking through at that time. So, because you weren't with me, here are some of those photos.

November 26 - Scrapping Results

2010-11-27T14:24:00.009-06:00

And that about sums that up! Spent a wonderful evening last night in Steinbach with some equally wonderful gals, scrapbooking. You haven't scrapbooked until you have scrapbooked with Tracy, Heather, Kim, Louise, and Tara. And yes, it appears that Tracy is able to return to Steinbach to scrapbook again! She keeps us laughing and laughter, after all, is truly good for the soul.

Here are the pages that I scrapbooked yesterday evening at the crop in Steinbach. The one of Sam and Jeff is actually a partial scan of a 12 x 12 layout; but my scanner does not scan that large (and yes, I know, I could scan two parts and stitch them together; not today!). And one of Colton in my Dad's old truck is part of a two-part (side-by-side) layout; I've only included the one part here.

Trash to Treasure

2010-11-24T22:31:00.012-06:00

Back in April, I participated in a creative adventure that was dubbed Trash to Treasure. Kim at this site: http://artandimagesbykim.ning.com/ (found on the right side of my blog) was the lead of this adventure. For all those that participated, she sent each of us a collection of stuff. You know, it's like "one man's junk is another man's treasure" ... something like that. Anyway, we had to create charms using 'at least' one item from that collection on the charm and whatever else we wanted to use; and, the charm had to have danglies to them. Once I got started, I couldn't stop and finished them all at once. It was a very novice and new creative experience and somewhat different, but easily transferrable/usable in the scrapbooking realm I so enjoy. Fascinating was the process of sorting out what you had to work with and then manipulating things together to end up with a pretty finished charm. Here are the charms that I created:

Dragon Boats at Sunset

2010-11-23T18:25:00.008-06:00

Daughter Samantha and boyfriend Jeff were on a team this year, entered to participate at the annual Dragon Boat races. I, unfortunately, never managed to make it to any of their practices -- and this one evening, I arrived just after everyone left. BUT, not too late to take in the incredible sunset. Photos taken from the boat dock area at St. Vital Park.

The photo with the fellow standing on the docks - he didn't know I was taking that. It just looked like a great photo through my lense, so I snapped it. I caught up to him in the parking lot and got his e-address and sent it to him.

Queen Elizabeth II

2010-11-22T22:26:00.013-06:00

Gavin and I had the first two weeks of July off for vacation. I insisted that on July 3, we would be at The Forks and that I would see the Queen. I really don't think she'll be visiting Canada again; and I didn't want to miss this visit. Queen Elizabeth was born the same year as my mother-in-law; and that's likely my most anything near to being somehow connected to the Queen. But, if I would just keep concentrating on the Wyatt genealogy, I would eventually find the lineage connection to the Royal Family that family-lore says it is. But I haven't found it yet. Although if you recall history, there was the Wyatt that wrote poetry for Anne once and was a friend of King Henry.

Anyway, July 3, 2010 - turned out to be an extremely hot day in the sun, so much so, that my face, shoulders, arms got a good burn. But I wouldn't leave my spot, not even for the hot sun! We got there early and stood it out! Samantha and Jeff joined us too; and the couple next of us made for good company. I was so pleased with the spot I picked--immediately south-east of the Promenade walkway from St. Boniface. She had to walk right past us. And, wait for it, right before she started that long walk across the Promenade (remember, she is 80 years old), a whole collection of Armed Forces folks paraded in and lined up -- ah ha -- right in front of us! I was astounded!

So, with camera in hand, I kept watching for breaks between those folks to snap a photo of the Queen. And just shortly after she passed where we were standing, she stopped. Yep, to chat with a female in the line-up; and then, poignant moment, she stuck her head between two of the line-up and looked back right at where we were standing. Classic! And what a photo opportunity!

She proceeded to the stage at The Forks, with everyone who was lined up along the way trailing after her. We stayed put, because we really didn't want to get into that giant crowd, and because, well, we saw the Queen. But we waited where we were, with no one else around, except a guard or two--because the cavalcade that would be whisking her away would drive immediately in front of us. And 15 minutes, later, as the door closed once she was in the car, the thunder started and rain pattered and the Queen's cavalcade drove by. And as it did, Samantha waved at the Queen (remember, I have camera in hand) and she smiled at Samantha and waved back. Poignant again!

I know, enough chatter -- here's the pics!

... and then the clouds opened up and it poured on us ... non-stop ... as we walked briskly across that Promenade walk-way, back into St. Boniface about two and a half blocks to get back to our car ... yes ... we were soaking wet! We went off to Samantha and Jeff's and had supper and watched a movie, while our clothes tumble-dried in the dryer.

Who Will You Remember?

2010-11-11T08:52:00.007-06:00

I remember growing up, going to school, and participating in Remembrance Day services. They were coveted days. Solemn Days. Days for remembering. Days for giving thanks for battles of many years before. Giving thanks for those who worked so hard to give me the liberties and freedom I have today. And it just wasn't at school, because my parents instilled in me that Remembrance Day was but one day of the year when we stopped our lives momentarily and really took the time to 'remember'. And I so remember having to memorize that incredible poem "In Flanders Fields". In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow; Between the Crosses, ...

So, who will you remember on Remembrance Day today? I always remember my Mom's brothers, my dear uncles, because they did serve in WWII. They are who my Mom always remembered and mused about each Remembrance Day. None of my Dad's siblings served. Gavin's Mom's brothers Sam and Art Wyatt served in WWII also. And then there are the spouses of Aunts, like Uncle Ted Gamble, Uncle Wilbert Ostlund, Uncle Walter Sobkow, Uncle Paul Demenick, they served too in WWII. While I type, my husband is busy getting ready to go with his Scouting members to the Convention Centre to participate in the annual Remembrance Day services being held - he remembers; they remember.

In my work to collect a history of the farming community I grew up in, an area settled in the early 1900s by immigrant settlers, I found that those settlers young sons were called to enlist for WWI. Can you imagine coming to a new country? Settling and starting a new life, only to find your young sons gone, off into the world to fight a war. Worrisome times for many.

I cannot begin to imagine what went through my Baba's mind when her sons were enlisted into the army during WWII. Uncle Steve Nahnybida did serve some time overseas. Uncle Joe Nahnybida almost went over, but due to a late train, missed the shipping out and remained in Canada. Most of his troop lost their lives overseas. And Uncle Pete Nahnybida was not particularly taken with being a soldier at the best of times. I imagine that most recruits were just of the same opinion as he. Baba worried most about her son Steve, as he was too far away from home; although I think she likely worried about them all. And my Gigi--how he must of worried too. His sons somewhere in the world. Baba would have been comforted when she received the post card from an organization in New York letting her know that her son was there and doing well. It's the little things like that that probably made a small different in her life at that time.

My Mom, being the youngest girl in their family, missed her older brothers. Uncle Peter gave her a cross during those days, to remember him. My Uncle Steve, when he did return, gave her a Soldier's Prayer Book -- small, pocket-sized, green covered --- that she kept with her always. Even as I was growing up, that Prayer Book was in her purse. It had some traditional hymns in it, some Christmas carols, which Mom sang every Christmas. It was bilingual - Ukrainian and English and even though I didn't know a word of the Ukrainian, I still coveted that little book when Mom gave it to me. When Uncle Steve's granddaughter married a few years back, just before her wedding service, I gifted her with that book. Little things to remember. Even photos that capture that time.

So, for those scrapbookers out there - why not pull out an old photo of someone who served our country and scrapbook about it and your thoughts. Here is a two-page layout I did several years ago of my three Uncles ... I will always remember them.

For the Birds

2010-11-07T12:09:00.012-06:00

So, in my absence, here is a list of what's been happening in our life:

- had some water in the basement at the beginning of June - to say that I was somewhat unhappy is simply an understatement. No particular damage, just quite annoying!

- I spent a lot of time pulling together genealogy notes both personally, for a couple of friends, and for the back-home project I am working on it

- two funerals - I think, with age, that funerals take the wind out of me for awhile and it was particularly so this summer

- two weddings - the folks who were young seem to have grown up!

- Gavin and I spent our summer holidays at home - going here and there every day; and took in Ste. Malo beach three times. The weather was incredibly hot some days and the refreshing dips in the water were a welcome to our days.

- took a trip with my sister-in-law Tanya and her two children, my nephew Darrius and niece Trinnity to Alberta - a whirlwind adventure, but oh so much fun day in and day out - that'll be another posting

- had my adnoids removed and oh what a wonderful sense of freedom. I can breathe better again; my hearing has improved; my sense of smell has returned; and I can sing different pitches again. You would think that when they removed my tonsils when I was 17 that they would have taken my adnoids. It's been a life-time of ups and downs and sinus and cold problems every since. Here's hoping this surgery really does alleviate so much more.

- had my camera out a lot and photographed to my heart's content - so different postings in the next few days will share some of those photos - and with today's post "For the Birds". I like photographing birds and find that, with patience, I am pleased that the shot I get captures their moments.

This is the second year I have photographed her on her nest - she has no voice and the faintest of a hiss; very docile; and a mate who wanders too far away from her.

Okay - so this last photo wasn't that difficult to capture! Watch for another posting coming soon with photos of the world of dinosaurs!

Oh Hello ...

2010-11-06T21:50:00.013-05:00

... yes ... I'm still here. Took a few months break, it appears. And yep, stuff happened during the break, but I'll have to catch that up another posting. Tonight, I want to share some pictures from last Saturday's Halloween wedding social held for Kendall Weslak and Kalyn Einarson. It was a very crowded hall and I was truly in awe of how many folks dressed up and, better yet, the awesomeness of the costumes. Absolutely amazing. So here's some shots.

The bride-to-be - Kendall Weslak

Kalyn Einarson and Kendall Weslak - the happy couple. He sure did a good job with the dark make-up.

My sister Brenda - The Cop!

... and her husband Dave - The Prisoner!

My brother Darin and his wife Tanya - a copy of Halloween ghouls!

Daughter Samantha and her beau Jeff Bourget - dress up as Kendall and Kalyn! Too funny - my brother Les came over to me and says "I'm wondering what's going on, because already had a costume on, and now she went and changed. What in the heck is she doing? And then I see Kendall in her costume. And then I think "who's that then?" Samantha mimmicked Kendall quite well.

Son Gavin - Beer Drinking Champion - he created badges to put on his outfit that showed him champion of this event,and that event, etc. Clever.

I have no idea who this is, but I like the picture!

Chantal

2010-07-24T22:26:00.009-05:00

A small-town girl from Miami, Manitoba ... that amuses me and let's me photograph her ... and her beauty shines! Thanks Chantal.

Some Recent Layouts

2010-07-24T16:25:00.008-05:00

It appears that life has kept me busy and that I haven't come here to post often. I thought I'd share some of my recent layouts I have done - all on nieces and nephews.

Two Weeks is not long enough!

2010-07-18T22:47:00.003-05:00

Well, it's getting on late and I should be in bed, because the morning comes way too quickly - the morning, when I return back to work after two weeks of vacation. How come it is that you anticipate vacation time and then when it arrives, it just zooms past you. Two weeks is just not long enough! But I did enough the past two weeks staying at home and flitting here and there with my wonderful husband. Recap:

Saturday - July 3 - stand in hot sun for two hours in anticipation of seeing the Queen at The Forks - I burned myself, but it was so worth it. She's is incredibly strong and poised and simply beautiful for 84 years of age. The same age as Gavin's Mom! And I captured some wonderful pictures of her. Instead of following the crowd to the stage (after the dedication of the stone from England), we stayed put ... and were pleasantly surprised to see her wave (from her car, when the motorcade drove past us) back at Samantha who was waving at her - and with such a beautiful smile. Of course, I got the picture! Then, instantaneously, we were blessed with a Manitoba summer downpour (politely put! grrr) and walked back across the bridge to St. Boniface where our vehicle was ... in the pouring rain.

Sunday - July 4 - we went to the Manitoba Museum - I haven't been there in years and did find some new things to explore. Quite remembered taking our kids there often when they were young.

Monday - July 5 - stayed home - did groceries, etc.

Tuesday - July 6 - off to Broadview, Saskatchewan to visit Gavin's Mom and Dad (he is in Whitewood, Saskatchewan). Visited for BBQ supper at Gavin's cousin Gordon and Maureena Wyatt (they live on Gavin's and Gordon's grandfather Samuel Wyatt's old farm) ... and busily shared Wyatt genealogy with Gordon. Left gift behind for their daughter Ashley who recently married, and we were unable to attend. Stayed overnight in Whitewood, Saskatchewan.

Wednesday - July 7 - visited Gavin's Mom again, then it was homeward bound. We took a side-trip to McAuley, Manitoba to visit the cemetery where Gavin's grandfather James Findlay (and his son Gavin Findlay) are buried. I had been there many years ago, when the kids were small and when I was a novice genealogist. This time, I realized how many more relatives rest there : Thompson / Findlay / Kellsey. Also stopped in at the Municipal Office and they were able to help me with some more family information (particularly on Trenaman family) and I picked up a local history book of the area. We also side-tripped into Brandon, where my darling husband let me browse Scrapbooking with Shelly (scrapbooking store) and I, of course, found some goodies to bring home with me.

Thursday - July 8 - stayed around home again. I did go visiting with a gal and her Mom to show them my portfolio and digital portfolio of wedding photographs. I will be photographing her wedding next June 2011.

Friday - July 9 - off we went to Kenora, Ontario - I love going to Kenora, although it is usally in the fall/September-ish that we go. Found a little chip stand that shared some of their home-made battered pickeral with Gavin (he's the fish eater in this family). We boarded the local touring boat and spent 1 1/2 hours sailing on the waters - spectacular wilderness, gentle breeze, hot sun, and wonderful company who, of course, if my husband! Took a walk along the docks and stepped into the Blue Heron. On the way out of Kenora, we stopped at Dairy Queen - the perfect way to cool down on a hot, hot day.

Saturday - July 10 - I went off to Miami, Manitoba to spend the day scrapbooking with like enthusiasts - it was a basement hall crop / pot-luck - and lots of great company. And I spent some time teaching several of the ladies how to create there very own Jonque Journals from old Readers Digests. Oh, and they all did such a wonderful, creative job - all unique.

Sunday - July 11 - Gavin and I went to a Goldeyes baseball game. I love going to watch them play, but we only go about once a year. So I guess this was our once a year. The Goldeyes lost!

Monday - July 12 - we went to St. Malo to the beach. It was another very hot day and we actually spent some time swimming. It was so refreshing, that I didn't want to get out. Haven't gone swimming together in several years. And yes, I burned, again; this time, my upper back/shoulders. We came back home through Steinbach, where I visited the scrapbook store and found some more goodies to scrapbook with.

Tuesday - July 13 - spent the day at home, and in the event we went to a backyard BBQ, celebrating the recent wedding of Lindsay Giles (Gavin J. and Lindsay went to school together from K-12).

Wednesday - July 14 - stayed home - lunched at the Salisbury House on the bridge (The Forks/St. Boniface), as we had some coupons from the Goldeyes game that were going to expire. In the evening, we visited with Samantha and Jeff, and I was lazy enough to watch television - I never watch television any more, so this was a treat.

Thursday - July 15 - we were local tourists and went to the Manitoba Legislative Building, but did not tour the building actually. We went there to see the Magna Carta that was on display (from England) - a really cool document; and along with it is the statue with the stone that was dedicated by the Queen at The Forks the week before. Awesome! And yes, pictures with Gavin. We lunched at the Legislative Building Cafeteria - the menu hasn't changed in all the years that I worked there, or since!

Friday - July 15 - our destination was Grand Beach, as we went through Beausejour. We stopped at Prairie Scrapbooking (scrapbooking store), as I had ordered some alphabets and they were in. Had a short visit with the owner Debbie and we were on our way. But the weather was really overcast ... and why not! It is Friday and the forecasters are telling us what a wonderful day it is, but really - not! We did get to Grand Beach, but never left the vehicle - so dark and threatening with rain. We drop along the shore in the cottage area, and I got out for a few minutes to try and capture the waves crashing on the rocky shoreline. I loved the sound and could have stayed there all day just listening to it. On the way home, we drove through Bird's Hill - it was quiet; very few folks visiting there during the day.

Saturday - July 16 - overcast today; we took a long drive, but never really left the city. At one point, we were on the south-side of the airport and sat admiring the lightening show and the far-off to the north rain just falling in sheets.

Sunday - July 17 - well, today, and we stuck around home again. Took Samantha and Jeff, and Gavin J. to supper at Pizza Hut. But I have been feeling not so great this evening; bit of an upset stomach.

All in all, I spent many hours on many of these doing genealogy. I have a letter from a lady from last year with oddles of Wyatt family history that I am adding into my records, and finding lots of information that I do not have. I have this rather gian Excel pedigree chart that I have created that incorporated 1463 records (Wyatt folks) so far.

Also, in this time, I had a wonderful way-too-short telephone visit with cousins Martha Harty and Caroline Eberle and Aunt Laura Nahnybida - cousins were visiting Aunty in Coquitlam and I so wished I was with them there.

So, I need to contemplate when I'll take the remainder of my vacation. Hopefully, I can take some of it during the nicer days of August and September. But maybe hold on to at least one week to take a winter vacation to some place warm. Did that two years ago (for the first time) and loved it.

34 Years Past ...

2010-05-04T20:59:00.002-05:00

... and together we hugged each other so hard today. When I grew up on the farm, two miles down the road is where one of my best friends lived ... Valerie Krawetz. We went to school together since Grade 1 ... she married in May 1976 and moved away to Saskatchewan. Somewhere, probably about 15 years ago, we both happened to out in the country at the same time and ran into each other very briefly. But today, today I joined her and her family as they said good-bye to her father who passed away last week. 34 years ago ... everything just tumbled back into my mind ... and she and her little sister Connie and I recalled that we sure did some crazy things back in the day. Hah ... that was so very long ago. Her dad was buried in the Birch River Cemetery, and as I stood there at his gravesite, I recalled how back in 1966, our one-room school-house of children walked to that very cemetery, with our teacher, Mrs. Bannerman, at the lead ... to attend Valerie's grandfather's funeral ... only to do it again not too long after, to attend Valerie's grandmother's funeral. Life is quite a journey. Valerie and her family was like a second family for me ... she was sometimes at my house and I was sometimes at her house. We rode our bicycles to meet up on that back gravel road. I can't even imagine that we were successful riding on the gravel! ... and 34 years later, they're all married, with children, with grandchildren. It has been quite a day today, as the past caught up to me a little bit, and the future is still so unknown.

APAD - January 2010

2010-04-27T20:22:00.033-05:00

APAD - A Photo A Day - that was the way I started 2010 - challenging myself to take a photo a day. Problem is, I should have downloaded them daily and checked them too, because some of them just were no good and got deleted in the end. So, I do not necessarily have APAD - but I do have many days with a photo - and sometimes, some days, with lots of photos! So, to catch up here on my blog, here is the January collection.

Jan. 1 Christmas leftovers ... Jan. 2 Jaguar, grandcat ... Jan. 3 Winnipeg Airport ... Jan. 4 challenge was numbers - I am No. 41 in my Weslak genealogy collection ... Jan. 5 Decorative Snowflake ... Jan. 6 Homemade Door Hanger on my crafting room door ... Jan. 7 Winter Sunset ... Jan. 8 Geranium blooms in my bay window ... Jan. 9 Tea Cup and Saucer that belonged to my Mom when she was young (handpainted in Japan late 1940s) ... Jan. 9 hisbiscus bloom in my living room ... Jan. 11 words of wisdom above the door in my craft room ... Jan. 12 my dear friend Tracey Ullmann aka. Brat ... Jan. 13 Nigel, our cat, at 14 years ... Jan. 14 Blackberries ... Jan. 15 Chocolate Cheesecake (yes, I baked it) ... Jan. 15 Tracey Ullmann with some of her incredible creations ... Jan. 17 family (Tanya, Darrius, and Trinnity Weslak) looking through my scrapbooking ... Jan. 18 Ukrainian needlework I am doing for a dance slip for Samantha ... Jan. 19 Hoar Frost ... Jan. 22 more words of wisdom in my craft room, a gift to me, handmade by Norine Borys, one exgtremely creative and dear friend ... Jan. 23 Button Jar ... Jan. 24 Pictures, Pictures, Pictures ... Jan. 25 the hutch on my desk at work ... Jan. 26 photo collage between my bay windows ... Jan. 27 my mother-in-law's spoon collection ... Jna. 28 ornamental heart hanging in my craft room (I love hearts) ... Jan. 29 Still Standing! intact in the cold of winter ... Jan. 29 wreath at Pineridge Hollow ... Jan. 30 mushrooms ...Jan. 31 "THE Motorcycle" in my living room, hibernating

The Scrapbook Cottage

2010-03-07T11:44:00.005-06:00

... is the name of the scrapbook store in Steinbach, Manitoba, managed by an awesome gal by the name of Sharon. She puts on a couple of large scrapbooking crops each year and this past Friday/Saturday were aptly spectacular. As usual. Friend Vernette from Stephenfield picked me up enroute to Steinbach and we met up with friend Kim there to spend Friday evening and all day Saturday together ... scrapbooking, chatting, sharing ... and in Kim's case, stepping outside of the box! Three chicks loose in the big town ... and the photo of the chicks follow! I taught a class on Friday evening on how to make the butteflies on transparencies using liquid pearls and highlighting with Stickles ... as well as creating your own glitzing swirls on transparencies using Stickles and liquid pearls. Next day, ladies were swirling everywhere! It was great fun. On Saturday, Kim, Vernette, and I stepped away for about an hour and explored the local thrift store ... and I did find a thing or two to bring home ... the local $ store and found some scrapbooking goodness there ... and the local fabric store ... of course, some more little trims to add to my ever-growing collection of ribbons and such.

Three chicks in Steinbach!

Kim and Vernette.

Kim with her glitzed up page for her daughter's room. Her daughter Ria has a Hannah Montana mauve theme in her room. I found two pieces of mauve/purple swirled paper on the take-away able ... and Kim stepped out of her scrapbooking-style box and designed this spectacular one-of-a-kind piece of art for Ria! I can't wait to hear about Ria's discovery.

Grandma & Grandpa Tallentire

2010-02-28T21:33:00.002-06:00

This is a photo of Samantha when she was exactly two months old - taken on September 27, 1981 while visiting Grandma and Grandpa Tallentire on their farm, north of Whitewood, Saskatchewan. The challenge here was to layout the page the way the sketch was presented - hence, all the little pieces, titling, etc.

Country Rose

2010-02-28T15:56:00.002-06:00

Another challenge - needed to roll the paper - so I rolled and created a frame for my photo of niece Kendall.

Use up your scraps

2010-02-28T15:23:00.001-06:00

Well, the challenge was actually "use that stash" - bits and pieces to create a layout with the following requirements. [1]2 or more different types of alphas [2] 3 or more different patterns of papers [3] ribbon [4] stitching [5] kraft cardstock

Baby Bishop

2010-02-28T11:58:00.001-06:00

This is our Norwegian Elkhond when he was a puppy - little Bishop. The layout is designed based on the challenge to use a sketch that was given - to do the layers of paper and circles to simulate the sketch.

Heart Goes On

2010-02-28T11:15:00.003-06:00

For this challenge, based on the theme song from Titanic ... heart goes on and on ... the layout had to have at least three hearts on it. This song is poignant for me, as you will see in reading my journalling on this layout. And every time I hear this song, it takes me right back to that hospital room ... watching the decline of a big heart ... sharing my heart with him ... doing this layout brought back a lot of tears ... because even though your heart does go on ... it still is a little bit broken nevertheless ...

New Home

2010-02-28T10:36:00.002-06:00

This challenge was to make a card - has to include distressing (that's the roughened up endges) and ink - the roughened edges were inked. I made this card for Samantha and Jeff - they are looking for a home - we're off to meet his parents today and together, all of us, looking at a house that Samantha and Jeff have their hearts set on.

Gavin J Findlay

2010-02-28T10:08:00.002-06:00

For this challenge, we had to use stamps. The gold on black is a stamp that has been heat-embossed with gold embossing powder. The black medallion stamped at the top is also heat-embossed, with black.

Animal Friends

2010-02-28T09:20:00.003-06:00

This challenge was titled Farmyard Friends ~ the photo needed to include a pet or animal. Digging through my collection of photos, I found horse snaps from the farm / Bishop, the Norwegian Elkhound through the years / Midnight, the furry black love of our lives, no longer with us / and Nigel - the he-man cat who rules the house! In the past year, his size has diminished. He is 14 years old and has become quite the old man; lost a lot of weight - sleeps a lot - but still knows how to meow a great loud meow!

Fbe 28 - 6 challenges left!

2010-02-28T08:53:00.003-06:00

Well, today I have till 8:00 p.m. to get all the challenges complete and loaded onto the gallery at Love Is In The Details ~

I have six left to do ~ and with this one complete ~ down to five, and counting. For this challenge, I had to use mist on the layout. Yesterday, I purchased some Tattered Angels mist at the LSS and wow! I am liking this stuff.

Butterflies

2010-02-28T00:17:00.002-06:00

This challenge asked for at least butterflies on the layout - using rub-ons, stickers, of whatever. I was rummaging through my little storage drawers and found this beautiful large butterfly, which matched up nicely with the blues I was already aiming to use for this layout. Samantha, sitting on the large flat rock on the Birch River at my brother's farm - September 2009.

New Baby card

2010-02-27T23:09:00.003-06:00

This challenge is to make a card and you had to use a frame on the card. I used a chipboard and Versamark inked it, adding green embossing powder. After that was set, I re-Versamark inked it again, adding thick embossing (clear) pellets. The picture inside the frame is from Daisyd's "classic baby plaid" paper which I covered with two-way tape and then sprinkled with fine gitter dust. I am quite affectionate with ribbon and this card needed bits of pinks, so I tied some off the side of the frame. The scan of the card does it no justice - it is a much prettier card to see first-hand.

Friend

2010-02-27T22:26:00.002-06:00

Well, here I am again, trying to continue on with all the challenges from the on-line crop of Feb. 14 - this one stipulated that the predominent colors of the layout had to be red / pink / white. The picture is little - but the friend (albeit, petite in stature) is big. I met Norine many years ago through the venue of scrapbooking. She has inspired me in many ways, beyond scrapbooking, and I admire her demeanor, tenacity, sincerity, encouragement, and well, friendship.

You Light Up My Life

2010-02-26T22:38:00.003-06:00

Another challenge from the February 14 on-line crop - the layout had to include some stitching (by machine or by hand or rub-ons or transparency) - I choose rub-ons, although I could have easily have done it by machine. But I really didn't want to set up the sewing machine to do this bit of stitching. Love this photograph of Mom and I - on my graduation day from high school. It was an overcast day--grey, cloudy--had just rained when Gavin and I picked her up. The roadway was muddy. And yet, in this photograph, who would have known the weather outside was so gloomy. I was so happy she joined me to celebrate this achievement in my life. My Dad, on the other hand, did not join us and I was disappointed with his choice. But he soon realized the opportunity he missed and I know he would rather have been there. And that's okay in my books! Mom always found a way to get through every day in our lives -- for better or worse -- and some days were worse -- she always managed to light up my life. And although she is no longer here to share my days -- she still lights up my life, as I hold onto the memories and lessons in life she gave me.

Dream

2010-02-26T21:46:00.004-06:00

Another on-line crop challenge from February 14 - Dream - something you dream about. I took a wedding snap of Gavin and I - removed the color - and voila - my dream layout! Journalling reads: In the beginning, life was a dream ~ and the journey of our lives have been filled with dream afer dream afer dream ~ children ~ travel ~ milestones ~ challenges ~ and yet, teh dreams continue ~ now I ~ make that "we" dream of retirement ~ and the unknown journey of our lives yet to be.

Love the one you're with ...

2010-02-26T20:32:00.002-06:00

This is another challenge from the on-line crop - a photo of you with someone you love - albeit, I love many - most particularly my husband and two darling children - I choose this photo of my Mom, me, and my Mother-in-law taken in July 2005. This was the last time these two wonderful women had a visit, as my Mom passed away in June 2006. We had a wonderful visit and, as always, my Father-in-law insisted on a photo outside before we left. That was a tradition with in-laws - a photo outside before you leave. I'm glad he captured this one of the three of us on that day. It is precious and priceless!

My First Prince

2010-02-26T19:15:00.002-06:00

Well, another week has passed, and as the old saying goes, thank God, it's Friday! This evening, I am spending time trying to do scrapbook pages based on the challenges that were posted during the on-line crop on February 14. This layout is based on the challenge to use a quote from the link that was provided. The quote I choose is: You know when you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well. ~ author unknown. My First Prince was my Dad ~ Stanley Weslak ~ and that was oh so many years ago. He passed away almost 12 years ago, but I still remember him through the years, and particularly so, during my growing up years on the farm. My First Prince!

Ruffles and Me

2010-02-25T21:35:00.004-06:00

I participated, somewhat, on an on-line Scrapbook Crop on February 14 and have until the end of February to get all the challenges done. I think I have ... wait ... I know I have achieved four challenges so far ... and there are several more to go. But I do have photos ready for them all ... so it is a matter of finding some time between now and Sunday before midnight to get them done. Oh well, I'll get done what I get done. This particular challenge had to be a layout that incluced a ruffle and it had to be about myself ... so here is what I came up with! I like this photo of me ... and there are very few photos of me to begin with! It seems I was in a layering, collective kind of mode when I put this together!

Blue Butterfly

2010-02-20T00:06:00.002-06:00

The scrapbook store owner in Steinbach has asked me to teach some technique-type stuff for the upcoming scrapbooking Creative Crop happening during the first weekend of March. Stickles and Liquid Pearls were two products I will be featuring. I created this butterfly with both products combined, and it gracefully adorns this layout of my great-niece Claira. She was so intrigued when we let her crawl on the large mirror when it was placed on the floor.

Literature Challenge

2010-02-17T18:42:00.002-06:00

The most recent challenge for the ATCs is "litterature" - yep, that's how it was spelled! Ironic! Anyway, the suggestion was to consider your favourite author or book. I do have a favourite author - Jean Auel - author of the Clan of the Cavebear series ... and am anxiously awaiting her next novel in the series.

But for this challenge, I knew that I was going to go back to my first book - Dick and Jane. I can remember clear as the day sitting at school in Grade 1 and learning to read. I was amazed that I could do that - utterly amazed - for a six-year-old! And to this day, I still love the Dick and Jane literature, albeit, quite elementary.

So, my ATC is based on just that - and reads "In the beginning, there was Dick and Jane, Spot and Puff" ... and features of a Royal Puff!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T11:27:00.004-06:00

Last week, on the Love Is In The Details scrapbooking site, there was challenge to create a Valentine's Card and send it to someone. I did the challenge right when I saw it, which wasn't much longer after it was posted, had it all enveloped up and ready to mail, but dear husband said we should just deliver it. So off we went across the bridge, to the other side of the river! - and hand-delivered the card to Amber. Here's my month of Love card!

ATCs - Challenges

2010-02-09T10:14:00.004-06:00

On Sunday, I was out of sorts and slept the afternon away. Felt a little better and spent some time browsing various "vintage" related blogs. There are very, very many talented ladies out there! And having browsed my heart away, I felt inclined to make something, so I tackled to challenges recently to create an ATC card - one was vintage related (my red velvet number below) and one was wings related. I will be sending them to the Challenge Coordinator and he, yep a he, will in turn send me someone else's ATC card for each of these challenges. Here are my results:

On-Line Scrapbooking

2010-02-06T14:12:00.002-06:00

Have you ever done one of these? I have not, so I am going to join this one and spend the day thinking outside of the box - and try to complete all the challenges. Maybe I'll see you on-line too!

When the Kids Were Young

2010-01-24T21:37:00.011-06:00

In my scrapbooking adventures last weekend, I did some photos of when the kids were babies ... which seems so very long ago ... I scanned the 12" x 12" layouts and then tried stitching two sides together to make one picture for here of each ... not too sure that I have mastered the art of stitching things together on the computer yet ... but this is what became of my layouts.

And then there were a couple of 8 1/2 x 11 layouts too! One of my husband - then boyfriend - taken at my parents farm - check out the chicken checking him out!!! And one of my Mom holding her grandchild no. 9, baby Trinnity.

Mother of Mine

2010-01-12T20:20:00.003-06:00

I spent the day in Steinbach today at the local scrapbook store with a girlfriend, and, a new friend. I did one layout titled Myroslawka, one mini-chipboard album - and both were of my Mom. The chipboard album has one little photo of her and her dear friend Ingy. Back in 2004, they fell in love and then in late fall, she learned of her cancer. He was there for her through the long battle. A generous man with his kind heart and love. I also altered a Reader's Digest and am not finished it yet - the theme is Love.

Scarpbook Layouts from Last Night

2010-01-09T21:44:00.009-06:00

That about sums it up ... I was scrapbooking last night ... here is the result!

More of September 7, 2009

2010-01-07T21:07:00.005-06:00

Here are three more 6" x 12" layouts I did of photos from the photo-shoot I did on September 7 with Samantha. Sorry, they scanned on a bit of an angle. Right about now, I sure wish it was as nice and warm as it was that day. Last night, it dropped to -41 degree celsius (windchill factored in) ... dang, that was cold, cold, cold. I still feel the cold today, but they are predicting that it is supposed to warm up nicely for the weekend.

Hoar Frost

2010-01-01T22:10:00.010-06:00

Usually, when there is hoar frost, I am travelling to work on a transit bus, admiring the morning sunrise unravel along the way - showing off the hoar frost. And usually, at that moment, I am thoroughly annoyed that I am not at home or somewhere else - with my camera in hand - to photograph the beauty of hoar frost. Well, on December 22, just a few days before Christmas, there was hoar frost. And guess what - I was "not" at work! So, in my hectic day of errands, I zipped back home and grabbed my camera and snapped some photos while I continued my errands. The icing of hoar frost licks differently throughout the day, and eventually, with enough sunshine or wind, it disappears. But while it is there, I love it! I'm glad I had this day to walk outside and photograph - but oh, it sure was cold outside when I was doing this; hence, only a few pics.

December 19 2009 - the Weslak gathering

2010-01-01T17:35:00.008-06:00

It was our annual gathering of the Weslak family - by brothers, my sister and I and our families. It was the annual 'let's everyone bring something to eat' gathering, where we all take turns cooking foods that were served when we were growing up at Christmases past - this year I made home-made wild rice, and also home-made creamed baby potatoes (with dill, like Baba used to make). There was way too much food, but oh, it was nevertheless tasty, tasty, tasty. Wild mushrooms. Meatballs. Turkey and stuffing. Ham. Perogies. Cabbage Rolls. I know I am missing stuff here! And as always, it was wonderful watching the joy and antics of all the kids, big and little alike! They all sat patiently waiting for the acting-Santa Claus (this year it was Gavin J.) to hand out all the gifts. And every gift was welcomed. Even the littlest people said thank you after every one. Colton, the baby of the bunch, didn't say much though, but he sure enjoyed his new toys! THANK Jacey and Chad for hosting us in 2009. So, without further adieu, photos: little blondie is Trinnity (Darin and Tanya's daughter), two cowgirls are Trinnity with older cousin Samantha Findlay, little cowgirl on horse is Claira Herle (Jacey and Chad's daughter), three folks together is (left to right) Gavin J. Findlay, Ashley Cole, and Samantha Findlay, family photo is Kendall & Kaylyn and their pooches, gal in touque is Jacey Herle ...

First Kiss of Winter

2010-01-01T17:27:00.005-06:00

Well, the snow was long time coming in late 2009 - it arrived on November 28. But, it was only a dusting - a kiss on everything. And didn't stay around very long. The real first dump of snow came at Christmas! And of course, it had to make up for arriving so late in the year - winds, snow, and down-right cold temperatures - all in one generous helping! But these photos are from the first kiss in late November.

Tree-Top Chatter

2010-01-01T17:20:00.004-06:00

While visiting with Gavin's Mom, outside the front door of Broadview House (Broadview, Saskatchewan), there is a large tree ... and we were entertained by the antics of this large squirrel. Or perhaps it was more entertained with us as we assisted Mom to get into the vehicle to go for a drive for the day. It didn't stray too far, sat upon a branch and observed us. Someone feeds it peanuts, as they were strewn on the lawn nearby. How cute is that!

November 15 - east of Whitewood Saskatchewan

2010-01-01T17:10:00.005-06:00

There wasn't much snow yet, but the temperatures have dropped into the beginnings of the winter season by this date. Gavin and I drove out to Broadview, Saskatchewan (just west of Whitewood)to visit with his Mom. We had a great visit in the evening with his cousin Gordon and Maurena Wyatt, catching up on family news. More particularly, Gordon and I spent a good deal of time talking family genealogy. The bug has bit him this year, so it was nice to share some of my research on his Wyatt ancestry with him. Gavin and I then stayed overnight in Whitewood at the local Inn, and went to Broadview next morning to collect his Mom and bring her back to Whitewood for a visit with step-Dad Ron, who resides at the Whitewood Nursing Home. After all the visiting was done, and Mom was back in her abode in Broadview, Gavin and I started out back home to Winnipeg. Just east of Whitewood, there is this small pond on the north-side of the highway. Keep in mind, it is already November 15 - and yet, there they were! Still some Canada Geese that had not flown away to the south yet ... strutting across the ice-covered crusted pond ... and I'm thinking it's goodly thick enough because the weight of all the geese is not cracking the ice. They entertained me for a few minutes ... and I guess Gavin did too, in that he idled the vehicle on the side of the highway so I could take some photos and watch their (the geese) antics!