Coloring Books and a Little Catching Up

I'm stunned that those of you who subscribe by email are getting these posts. Feedburner made such a big deal of saying the emails would stop in July, and it sort of took the heart out of me for blogging. Thanks for all the positive emails and encouragement!

Today's card was made months ago, after I received an order from Hero Arts. This bookshelf stamp turned out to be MUCH bigger than I thought it was online, and the coloring took for-ev-er. But it was worth it!

Colored with Copics and sentiment from Papertrey. 

So weird coincidence (or God thing...you decide). This morning, while driving my son to church, we were reveling in the fall colors. They brought to mind the line from the hymn "To God be the glory, great things he hath done!" I said the line out loud, and then, guess which hymn was the opening for worship. Yep. 

Fall is my favorite season. 

I was liturgist this morning and take the act of reading "the word of God for the people of God" both very seriously and very lightly. On the one hand, I practice beforehand (even more if there are hard words!) and want to do the words right, as a holy act of service in worship. On the other hand, worship should be joyous and celebratory, so I emote, use inflection, and have fun. To God be the glory, indeed.

Several of you asked for a Lily update. She's poorly named. If you've watched Lucifer on Netflix, you're familiar with the demon Mazikeen. She helped Lucifer torture damned souls in hell. We've decided that Lily should be called Mazikeen because she's torturing poor Cooper. She eats his face, people. Hangs by her teeth from his lip. Poor Coop. 

Cooper's butt makes a nice pillow.

Ms. Happ

Silly Lily

She's a joy and also a teenager...so maddening and crazy-provoking at the same time she's cute as all get out. 

Since we last visited a few things have happened. 

1. We went on vacation in early July to Minnesota, where my husband took engagement photos of his niece and her fiancé! I just took snapshots of the fun. 

3. I started Noom in mid-July and have lost 26 pounds. It's amazing. My muffin top is gone, my resting heart-rate is lower, and I feel so much better. About 12 pounds to go and a lifetime of lifestyle changes that will stick. 

4. Face-to-face classes (a few, at least) resumed at Sinclair Community College, so I'm back teaching in the classroom through a mask. It's awesome, but everyone is really struggling. Pandemics suck.

2. I went to Dallas, TX, for a girls' weekend of wedding dress shopping for our niece. In a house full of men, I never get girl time...what a joy! Many thanks to my SIL for hosting!

Mother of groom, mother of bride, bride, and me

It's kinda hard to believe that tonight is Halloween. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. I hope you all have stayed healthy and are getting somewhat back to normal. 

Having dropped out of the stamping world for about five months, I feel behind, so maybe YOU can catch ME up on what's going on. What are the latest trends? Is there something I really should look into...a product, a video, a technique, an Instagram account? Please let me know!

Mercy, grace, peace, love, and kindness,

Susan

Still Being Inspired by Mia

 This PIN by Mia inspired my card.

I've made about five cards in the past two months, most utterly forgettable. This was today's effort, and with inspiration like that gorgeousness from Mia, it was easy to slip back into our fabulous hobby and feel like I made something cool. Thanks, Mia.

On a different topic, Karen's Card Shop has passed the $3,000 mark. Five years of sales (including a pandemic with limited access to the building) and much good has been done. I wanted to once again thank all who have contributed cards to the shop. My stock is good for now, but with the church opening back up and traffic increasing, we might need more cards in the new year. 

The new year. 

Oh my. 

At the end of 2020, 2021 said, "Hold my beer," and proceeded to prove that 2020 wouldn't be the outlier. I feel we need to speak softly and pray a lot as 2022 says hello. 

Blessings to anyone still reading this blog...and to all who have read it in the past. It feels weird to post again. 

Mercy, grace, peace, love, and kindness,

Susan