September Recipe Card

A few years ago, I was given a treasured gift by being invited to join a recipe card club. Once a month, 12 of us get together to share laughter, stories, and an empathetic ear. There is a wide range of age, style, and circumstances. Officially, we are there to exchange our recipe cards, but, in reality, for us it has meant so much more. Something magical comes together in a creative way. The best part is that we bring food! We believe it would be "just plain wrong" for there to be a lack of treats and drinks any time women get together.

I used to frequent this wonderful restaurant back in the 70's. It was called the Magic Pan. Well, over the years the restaurant closed, but I managed to conjure up the recipe by sampling this salad each visit. It may not be the "exact" taste, but it comes pretty darn close. Whenever, I bring this salad to someone's house, it is definitely a big hit.

Art Tag Swap

Artwork by Nan and Pam

On the third Wednesday of each month, I meet with a bunch of gals to exchange artistic gift tags at Artful Studio. With all my other commitments, I finally decided it was time to relax somewhat and join a fun art group. Plus, you get some fresh ideas, laugh, share family stories, meet new faces, and do what you like most.

Artwork by Elise, Mary, and Jo Ellen

Artwork by Linda, Sherry, and Carole

These are the gift tags I received. Some of them are real beauties! Thank you so much Pam, Jo Ellen, Carole, Sherry, Mary, Nan, Theo, Elise, Vivi Anne, Linda, Diane, and Betty. I probably will not want to use them for the reason they were intended.

Artwork by Vive Anne, Diane, and Betty

Artwork by Theo and myself.

Thanks again, Ladies!

May Flowers ATC Exchange

Some people give of themselves

And never know

The depth or breadth

Of what they have given.

~ by Nancy Van Hoose

~ By Kimberly Baslock

~ By Debra Abel

~ By Terri Gauthier

~ By Vikki Light

Perhaps this is

The power of love

in its purest form.

Seaside Dreams Goes Country

For me the beach has always been my place of solitude. Even though I live more than a thousand miles away from the nearest ocean, my dear husband has provided me with many vacations in my lifetime where I plopped myself down on a beach chair and scanned the sparkling sea. Just having my feet in the sand is all I need to rejuvenate and begin anew. I love old things and if something isn't old, I like to make it appear as if it is. My "Seaside Dreams" collaborative art journal features old vintage beach photos. On Saturday, July 19th, I finally passed my art journal to the next artist to begin her magic. We had a grand day beginning by shopping at "Country View" Bulk Foods (really outstanding items), owned by the Mennonite community, then next to "Erla's" in Cass City, and finally back to Kim's house settled peacefully in the country. We began by working on two projects, however we only finished our altered CD clocks, which turned out beautiful. Hopefully, we will get those fans done for our next meeting. I can't wait to show you them. They are fantastic!

Kim Extends Warm Welcome

Make a Smilebox postcard

Saturday in Marlette, Michigan

It's time to pack my bags for the weekend! We are heading to Marlette, Michigan. My artist friends have agreed to spend the entire Saturday working on our latest "assignments." First of all, let me begin by saying this group of gals never cease to amaze me. Every time we meet, we get so pumped up. What a source of inspiration! We will actually exchange our latest 4" X 4" pages with the theme of "Your Favorite Thing," and our first art journal project. I have entitled my book, "Seaside Dreams." Each gal will add their artwork into my journal. Then, we are making some altered clocks, and a folding fan with photos vintage style. I can't wait to show you what we create!