Christmas Gift for You!

Hello my faithful blog friends.

It’s been many months since I have had the time or inclination to update my blog or to even make any graphics to share with you.  A lot has happened, some good, some bad, but I am thankful that I am able to wake up each morning looking forward to the day.  That has not always been the case, with me, and life is a joy when the future looks promising.  No, we still do not have gainful employment in our house but we are doing our best to make the most of what we have.

My daughter, Kim, is doing much better now than she has in years; praise God!  The feeding tube was removed from her abdomen and she is doing well with the surgery to widen the stomach opening every 90 days.  She has become stronger, has a new love interest, and looks forward to her days too.  My granddaughter, Suzy, has moved back to North Carolina from her bio-Mom’s in South Carolina.  My grandson Joshua is doing wonderful in school and we are so proud of the young man he is, as he has had some tough things to overcome in his eleven years! He remains a very bright spot in my life!

My daughter, Suzi, still lives in Virginia with her husband and children.  My grandson, Timothy, is now 21 and I expect to hear that he will be getting married soon.  My granddaughter, Tabitha, is having some problems with school but remains positive about it and her future.  She stays in close contact with me, much to my surprise (she is sixteen!) and delight.

As I was coming up to this age, I never saw myself as someone’s grandmother; I certainly never thought I would enjoy being one either! Surprise, surprise! Grandchildren are wonderful.

I sincerely hope you all have not forgotten me or think that I have forgotten you either. Who would have thought I would be able to make you a small graphics gift at this time of year?  It has taken me over a month to make six months worth of an 8.5 x 11 inch calendar!  I am calling this Part 1 with the hope that the last six months, Part 2, will be finished by the end of January 2011. I like this size calendar page because I print one out each month and hang it on the back wall of my computer desk where it is available ‘at a glance.’ This size is also great for resizing to wallet size.  Hope you enjoy using it.

MEDIA FIRE DOWNLOAD HERE


4SHARED DOWNLOAD HERE

 

Merry Christmas to all of you and may God grant you peace and joy for 2011.

Hello and Happy Fall!

Hope all of you who are lucky enough to live in a cooler climate are enjoying the beginning of fall!  I know it will arrive here eventually because I see all the little hints, i.e., school buses making their rounds, geese flying to the southern end of our neighborhood ;-), soccer and football practices, and winter clothes for sale at the malls.  Weather wise, not so much; we are still having 95 degree days though it is a little cooler during the night.

I have been working on an album for a friend of mine . . . it is taking me way too long.  I have to stop being so anal about things and just let them flow.  I'm also working on a poster for my youngest grandson's room for his birthday; he will be eleven on October 1! So hard for me to face the fact that he is no longer a little boy and will soon be turning into a young man.  I already have one grown grandson, Timothy who is 20! 

I have been hearing from some of my online and blog friends lately and it has been a treat.  I guess all of us slow down for the summer.  Some of you have noticed my new hairstyle . . . thanks to my friend Jan for making me update my look!

Hope to speak with you all again soon!

Hi

I guess you thought I had left forever.  Things have been good/bad/horrible/wonderful and my emotions have run the gamut from elation to complete despair.  I haven't been creating any digital elements and the closest I've come to PhotoShop is to work on an album for a friend of mine.

I have missed my online buddies as well as my real time friends; it seems as if I have been a hermit since my job with Libby was completed.

Kim has been becoming more healthy by leaps and bounds! Since separating from her husband and joining the gasteoparesis study, her diabetes has become much more manageable.  In fact, the feeding tube she had to have surgically implanted in her intestines so she could get enough nutrients to sustain life has been removed!!!!!!!!!!  The opening closed up completely in about 30 days.  She still has to have the opening in the bottom of her stomach surgically widened every 80 to 90 days so she can digest her food, via gravity, in the intestines, but life for her has become so much better.

My heart has been aching with the loss of one of the dearest and closest people in my life; my cousin, S. Kent Moran, passed away from oral cancer on August 17.  Kent was part of my support system during all the tribulation of my father's last months.  Our families spent our free time together so we were raised more like siblings than cousins.  Some of my earliest and most cherished memories are of our times together playing in the creek, skipping rocks in the cow pond, or telling fantastic stories to each other and making plans for our adult selves while we hid out in the hay loft gazing at the blue skies of summer in Chesterfield, Virginia. Our bond was one of those that held no matter how much time or distance separated us and I will miss him for the rest of my days.

So, you see, the happy and sad, highs and lows that have beset me since April.  I'm sure there are those of you who have had much more interesting and/or difficult lives these past few months but everything is relative so my experiences have been center stage for me. As we finish out this calendar year, it is my intention to try and be a better friend whether online or in person.

Kent

 

 

I so want to get back to this again!

Hey Y'all,

Sorry about this last few months; I just haven't been able to either A) use my computer due to major software problems; 2) because I did have a job that kept me extra busy, or C0 because anything I had to report wasn't something I wanted to talk about.  KWIM?

I am currently out of work but I am working on a digital album for a friend of mine whose husband is a landscaper; I am bartering my services for his services!  Now is I could just convince the bank that I could do something in lieu of the mortgage payment! LOL!

I have been so remiss about staying in touch with my online friends that I am ashamed of myself.  I really do love <3 you guys . . . you patiently wait to hear from me and never give me any grief.  I have had so much grief going on in my life this year, that it is a breath of fresh air just to think about y'all!!

I will be back with some freebies. Any special requests?  Leave a note in the comments section or email me at countryliv at g mail dot com.

Hugs & Kisses!
Liv

I'm Alive!

Hey All,
Just a quick note to let you know that the last month has been unbelievable in it's problems. Everything isn't hunky dory yet but I do have access to my email accounts and the computer is slowly being put back together since the fiasco with Microsoft Office.  MS has actually been pretty special during all of this; they have had numerous techs contact me over and over to help with my PC problems.  We finally (after 4 weeks!) decided that a new clean install would be the only thing that would correct the problems.  So here I sit trying to put everything back on which should take me about 6 months if I'm lucky! LOL!  All those gigs of digital papers and elements and layouts have all got to be re-cataloged and entered into the system (we are talking over 70 gigs worth).  Photoshop will be the last thing I load, but I will get back to making you some freebies soon. 

To all my well wishers and followers: I love y'all!  Thanks so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers and sending good thoughts my way.

Hugs,
Liv

PS: I am working full time now! WooHoo! Food on the table again!

Workin'

Hey Y'all!
Guess what?! Yep, I have a bona fied job! I told you that I have been doing some 'odd' jobs since the design position with Hoorray fell through; I now have an everyday job.  Not designing but still using the computer.  This means I will be around even less than usual but I do intend on continuing to design digital art for my followers.  So wish me luck, take care, and know that I'm thinking of you!
Hugs,
Liv

Snow!

Yep, we got snow, about 4 inches I guess.  But it is almost gone 6 hours later.  Thought I'd share some photos from this morning.

Have a great weekend!
Liv

Happy Valentines Day!

Just a quick note to say 'Happy Valentines Day! You are special to me.'  Here is a whimsical cluster for you valentines layouts:

4Shared is HERE and the password is peaches

MediaFire is HERE and the password is kisses

Enjoy!
Hugs,
Liv

Here's the Freebie I Promised!

Hey Y'all,

Dark, damp, and dismal day here in the Carolinas.  No matter, I'm feeling pretty good considering what wet weather does to these old bones.  I finally got the photo pockets page shadowed, previewed, zipped, and uploaded: 

4Shared is HERE  and the password is peaches.

MediaFire is HERE and the password is clear.

I made you four versions: 1 without any shadows and 3 with various shadows.  The reason I did this is because it is not an easy procedure to add a shadow to a clear item, you sometimes get a huge dark blob! Just slip your photos and trinkets behind the photo pocket layer, be sure and make an appropriate shadow for each of your inserts.  If you find you do not like the shadowing on one version just open another one and shift drag it above your trinkets and delete the other one.  Be sure and rename your pocket page file so you don't overwrite the original.

Please let me know what you think of them.

Have a nice evening!

Liv

Happy Monday . . . ?

Hey Y'all,

I've been busy keeping up with TFS by Ashalee Wall for 5 weeks now!  It is giving me more confidence in myself and helping me cope with problems.  Ashalee really does have a great penchant for talking us through some sticky situations.  I haven't done everything we are supposed to do as it would probably take up my entire day, each and every day; I am slow!

Well, my friend Vic has gotten her 'groove' back and is posting some pretties on her blog This Art That Makes Me Happy!  Please go by and see what's up with her. I am positive you will love her site and she does give-a-ways a lot!

Well, football season is over but it went out on a 'super' note: The New Orleans Saints won! As my team, Panthers, are in the National Football Conference with the Saints I was glad to see them win.

Kimberli has been up and on her feet for a couple of weeks now and I'm very happy for her and Joshua.  They have been busy doing all sorts of fun things together from attending the circus to going to the movies and watching the SuperBowl with friends.

My granddaughter Tabitha hasn't been to school much in the last two weeks, she lives in central Virginia and has been snowed in with the rest of the mid and Northeast.  She's been having a lot of sledding fun and get togethers with her friends so she hasn't had any regrets about the cancellations.

I am going to set up and up load a 'clear envelope album page' for you, just give me a little while to make a preview and it will be up!

Hey Y'all

Well, I'm still not doing too well in the posting but my intentions are good. (what's that they say about intentions and a paved road?)  I understand that my last post wasn't anything but gobbledegoop to y'all-sorry.  It was a blurb about an upcoming scrapbooking show being held here in Charlotte, NC by Creative Memories.  It's on the 13th of this month and if you want me to send you the info via email just email me through the comments section.

Kimberli is doing pretty good, she came down for a visit today.  She brought some photos of Joshua at the circus that I am going to scrap but I don't quite have the time right now. We are having more snow and sleet tonight and tomorrow so visiting this weekend is out.  I'm staying in and watching the super bowl anyway and trying to catch up on some of my recorded TV programs. 

I'm working on The Fulfilled Soul with Ashalee Wall and I might see if I can squeeze in enough time to enter a design contest.  I'm not sure about it because with the work I am supposed to be doing for my girlfriend, the TFS, daily chores, and of course my TV time, well . . . (I think maybe I'm afraid that I will not qualify, anyway) 

Did I mention I was making a purse for my granddaughter?  I took some photos of it but they aren't that good, no natural light to take them in but I might see if I can put up a couple.  She wanted a purse made with John Deere fabric! Too, funny! Well, I made it and she loves it so I guess it's all good!

This is a shot of the interior in the first stages:

Then of the little cell or iPod carrier:

Then the finished:    

Y'all have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Liv

Charlotte Area Scrapbooking Event

Hey Y'all,

I just received this info about a Creative Memories event to be held in the Charlotte/Concord area:

CREATIVE MEMORIES HOLDS HANDS-ON EVENT TO INTRODUCE CHARLOTTE RESIDENTS TO THE LATEST TOOLS AND TIPS IN SCRAPBOOKING

WHAT:         Creative Memories is holding a one-day event on February 13 in Charlotte to show off its latest products and innovations.  Event-goers will get hands-on time with new products and complete fun projects they can take home and share with friends and family.  In addition, attendees can learn about the latest tips for taking digital photos and suggestions on how to organize and scrapbook digital pictures. 

Activities throughout the day include: 

•               Digital photography tips and solutions

•                Instruction on how to share stories and celebrate memories using photos

•                The opportunity to make and take hand-made crafted cards

•                Information on how to join the Creative Memories team

 

Everyone who attends will receive a Creative Memories gift bag, valued at $25 and a chance to win some fabulous prizes. 

WHEN:           The 2010 Creative Memories Premier Events takes place on:

                        February 13

                        1-5:30 p.m.

                        Embassy Suites Hotel Charlotte-Concord (5400 John Q Hammons Dr. NW
                                          Concord, NC 28027)

REGISTER:    To register visit www.creativememories.com

COST:           Registration is $10 and includes a gift bag valued at $25.  

$2 from every registration will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

CONTACT:     Allison Checco

612.791.2014

allisonc@fasthorseinc.com

This is all the info I have but you may contact Allison Checco if you need any further info.

OK! So . . . It's Not Tomorrow!

I was pretty sure of myself when I said I'd be back to post on Wednesday, but 'best laid plans' and all that.  I had errands to run and Kim's PC was acting up, so . . . no posts.

Guess what we woke up to this morning?  What makes this even more amazing is that it is after 1:00 in the afternoon and nothing has melted!  This is mostly ice; Kim's town got 4 inches of snow but they often get an inch or so during the winter months as they live closer to the mountains than I do.  The lake isn't even frozen! These photos are so dark because I believe it is getting ready to snow again! What is so funny about this is that if there is even a hint of snow or ice left on the ground on Monday morning-school will be closed! You have to remember this is considered the 'Deep South' and unless you snow ski in our mountains these guys aren't use to driving in this type of weather. 

I am going to use today to catch up on my digi files and try and sort my hard drives.
Hugs,
Liv
PS:  I made a digital album page of clear pockets.  If any of you are interested, leave me a comment on this post and if I get enough interest I will upload it for you.

Not Following Through

Hey Y'all.  Yes, it is me, here at last.  My goal to post on my blog everyday has gone bust. I have the best intentions but cannot find the time that I want to use for that purpose.  I have time to do the things that have to be done, I just don't make the time that is needed for me.  That having been said:  I did a layout with some Soul Art that Ashalee Wall shared with us (The Fulfilled Soul group) about time:

 The image should be clickable so you can read the poem.

Today is a wonderful friend of mine's birthday!  Happy, Happy Birthday Rose! May the coming year be all that you want it to be.  Rose is a special person that goes out of her way to be kind and loving to anyone who needs it. She resides in the United Kingdom and has a beautiful blog that you should visit.

I also want to send a shout out to my friend Vic; she has been at CHA way too long!  We need some words and photos from you dear soul! I certainly hope you are not exhausting yourself out there in CA!

Alrighty then!  I've made some progress.  Have a great Tuesday everyone.  Hope to be back tomorrow.
Hugs,
Liv

Happy Birthday Suzy!

Today is Suzy's sixteenth birthday!

Best wishes for many more to come! Love you.  Your cousin Tabitha asked me to tell you Happy Birthday too.  Don't have your cell number so I hope you see this.

I did a layout tonight and just wanted to share it with you.

 O'Scraps-AshaleeWall http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=23765&cat=307&page=1: The Fulfilled Soul-Paper and SoulArt ; http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=23764&cat=307&page=1 Feistuff: Something Pop Paper http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=22492&cat=0&page=1; CreatWings: Creation23 Journal WA (discontinued); CatherineDesigns: C23-Butterfly2 (discontinued); ScrapGirls-Jan Hicks: Curled Edges; Bow by Mary; MyStock: Wooden Frame; Background paper in frame; dark bg paper; paper clips; staples; pushpins; binder clip; frame string; fern; note paper

This is one I did the other day of my little Joshua:

All papers and elements from Outside The Lines by Ashalee Wall and Taylormade available at O'Scraps. Some slightly altered and/or recolored

Blogger has made some improvements that I'm not use to yet so bear with me.

I want to send a shout out to my friend Rose, her birthday is coming up next week! Hope you have a wonderful and lovely day Rose!

Hugs,
Liv

The Last of the Vicki Chrisman 2009 Eye Candy

Hey Y'all,

Well, I'm finally back on line and ready to present my favorites of Vic's November and December 2009 projects. I think I've probably listed all of these months projects because they are all so awesome! Don't forget to go to her blog, and click on the month you need to get the supply lists and instructions for these beautiful items! Some of the photos are clickable for closer views.

This little album is so cute and Vicki put so much into it, amazing!

This is a shadowbox frame of Vic's Sweet Mamma and her Daddy, so sweet!


Check out these gorgeous Christmas Ornaments:

I have to tell you a secret and hope it doesn't make anyone too envious . . . Vic sent them to me for Christmas! Oh . . . . lovely, lovely, lovely! They are so gorgeous on my little tree. I tried to take photos but, alas, I'm no photographer and they were back-lit too much!

******

I love these little gift tag/ornaments too:

Check out this beautiful container and album pages:

Wouldn't you love to have this trinket box? So feminine and dainty!

Another little trinket/album box:

How about this beautiful hanging!

Last, but certainly not least, is this lovely little wooden trinket box:

Can you imagine someone going to all this trouble over absolutely everything they do? Vic does everything by hand. She cooks, paints, scrapbooks, alters, organizes, entertains, house-keeps, and much more plus she teaches and demos and her art is published in so many mags you wouldn't believe! She is my idol and a wonder woman! And she is just as kind and genuine as anyone could possibly be. Please be sure and go by her blog and leave her a nice comment!

Hope you all have enjoyed the 2009 tour of Vicki Chrisman's blog 'This Art That Makes Me Happy!'

Hugs,
Liv