ROMANCING THE CANVAS

VACATION TIME IS HERE!

AUGUST IS RESTING TIME FOR ME...

I have my daughter's birthday and my own birthday...and do you know what I have planned for my birthday? I am so excited! I have asked the CAV's (Veteran Motorcycle Group, which is huge) if I could join them, and ride on the back of one of their motorcycles (even though I have my own GM (motorcycle) license;

WHY? you might be asking...

They are making a ride for Mental Illness across some of our towns on, what better day, but my birthday (August 14th) to join them and hop on the back of one of their motorcycles. When I found out about their ride for the cause...I was stoked!

There is no better cause I could be involved in; 2 men in my immediate neighbourhood took their lives last year to the disease and I, myself, suffer from a mental illness.

So, along with my fantastic month of beach time and birthdays, I am hoping to be zoom zooming as part of this most worthy cause, to spread the word that Mental Illness is NOT something to hide in the closet with, but rather something that CAN be talked about openly and freely. We are good, loving, worthy of love people. We are creative, intelligent and "NORMAL!"

In fact, it is the talking, and the COMMUNICATION about one's disorder that saves lives! It is how one comes to embrace their mental illness, in the same way one would embrace their diabetic illness, their cancer or their need to be in a wheelchair. I know that communication saved me...openness saved me...self love and love from others saved me...and of course GOD and....TA DA - MY ART!!! (who could forget that!!!!)

HAPPY AUGUST EVERYONE...IF YOU HAVE A BEACH NEAR YOU...TRY TO FREQUENT IT'S HEALING PROPERTIES! NOTHING LIKE A LITTLE SAND AND WATER (AND GOD OF COURSE) TO KEEP BALANCE IN ONE'S LIFE.

See you, in September...(I feel like I should be singing that song to you!)

LOVING GOD,

Samara

IS IT TRUE WHAT THEY SAY...

...ABOUT EXERCISE?

Today, I would say so! I am happy, exhilarated, tickled pink (ahhhh pink) by the new type of exercise I just started.

Bee-see-klette! OK, bicycle. I actually went out and purchased a zippy bike! And am I ever glad I did. WOW...now to most people this is likely an average purchase, but to this person, who makes their cards for/because/inspired by/doesn't sell their cards...money runs low...and I put out for this cool blue 2 wheeler. But more cool is this "hat!" I guess the really COOL people call it a "helmet!" lol... It squishes all my curls into one big mop!!! I LOVE how it feels...this is one great big sensory experience. Yipee Doodle...doesn't take much to please me!!!

So today's card is dedicated to CHILLAXING! You will understand when you see the card, thanks to Taylored Expressions.

Happy cycling everyone!!! But make sure the lemonade is ready after you have endured all that passion that comes from new-found exercise!

Click to enlarge picture

Lovingly Made With...

Taylored Expressions Monthly Kit

Copics

Prismas

SU brads

Basic Grey Bling

SU Ribbon

Liquid Pearls

CM Flowers

LOVING GOD

Samara

COLOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE SOUL IS ESSENTIAL...

TO BE FELT

ON A REGULAR BASIS

IN THIS BOHEMIAN GAL'S LIFE!

This past weekend I saw vibrant colors coming from around me, in the shapes of HOPE, LOVE, SPIRIT, DETERMINATION, WISDOM, PRESENCE, TOGETHERNESS, STRENGTH....to name just a few.

These, in my mind...are the colors of the rainbow! It is what comes to mind, when I see a rainbow, when I feel the rainbow's power penetrate straight into my heart. This is what I experienced at my first visit at a new Church in town...well, new to me.

MUSIC, SWAYING (at least I was,) SINGING, AND A BAND that had such joy boosting from them. Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. I felt more prayerful than I had in a very long time...and I learned more from the PASTOR'S VOICE THAN I BELIEVE I DID IN MY MASTER'S IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES! His SERMON hit home...had he been eavesdropping on my heart, inside my head, and spending time with some type of super duper secret Sam Detective Microscope on Little Samara's Life?

Well, I can only imagine many, and I might even wage all people in the seats feel the way I do...as there wasn't a seat to be had 10 minutes before service time!

I AM FULL OF THE RAINBOW OF LOVE...

AND I PRAY TO PASS SOME OF THAT ON TO YOU

TOO!

THE LOVE RAINBOW - chalkboard art

THE BUTTERFLY RAINBOW - magazine art

Lovingly Made By Samara With....

FIRST IMAGE

Technique: Chalkboard

Paper: Black Stampin' Up!

Pencils: Prisma Colors

Pen: Gel Pen

Ink: White Stampin' Up!

Stamp: Technique Tuesday

SECOND IMAGE

Technique: Magazine Art

Paper: Basic Grey, Stampin' Up!

Magazine: Lou Lou

Ink: Stampin' Up!

Bling: Basic Grey

Fleurs: Basic Grey

Pearls: Stickles

Gel Pen, Sakura Pens, Stampin' Up! Pens, Prisma Pencils

LOVING GOD,

Samara

IN GOD WE TRUST....

Today, as I was driving from my Boyfriend's House, who himself was with the Military for 28 years, toward my house where I travel under many overpasses, I could not help but be filled with tears in my eyes.

Every bridge was LINED WITH CANADIAN FLAGS waiting for the FALLEN SOLDIERS that will be transported to Toronto.

One's heart is torn apart with each flag that waves in the wind, yet we feel, we believe, we hurt, with each ambulance that has stopped on the bridge with huge Canadian Flags on the back of their vehicles, Police Cars, Fire Trucks with Canadian Flags and Flashing lights, all reaching out in respect of OUR BRAVE.

But what startles me each time, is the comradery I feel to each and every one I see on those bridges - in this town...and in all towns I imagine...as the fallen soldier is "TAKEN HOME."

People wait out in the heat, flags in hand, cars are parked on the on ramps, the off ramps and each individual stands "on guard" with their flag...

WE CARE, WE LOVE YOU, WE BELIEVE IN YOU, WE HONOR YOU, WE STAND TOGETHER...and we always will...FOR YOU.

My Lord God, give me once more the courage to hope;

merciful God, let me hope once again, fructify my barren and infertile mind.

~Soren Kierkegaard

GRATITUDE....

IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EMOTIONS WE CAN HAVE!

Today, I know that GRATITUDE is fully in place within me. I looked around me and saw how incredibly fortunate I am. I looked outside of me and saw how incredibly fortunate other's are in my town, I looked at my garden, and saw the devas growing, the birds singing, my dogs playing, my son and his friend laughing and playing their games and KNOW that GOD is all around us. WE ARE BLESSED!

BY "WE" I mean all of us....you, me, and all the others!

GOD HAS A PLAN...and we have only to do our part. We have to feel our feelings, to be true to ourselves, to tell ourselves the truth. There is no one I know better who has done this than Ann Schach, who has the most wonderful blog...you MUST check it out. SHE IS A MASTER.

When her dog (GOD BACKWARDS IF YOU NOTICE) passed over to the next room, Ann was about the most honest person I know on her blog. She allowed us to grieve with her. She shared her grief. She didn't hold it away from us. She invited us in to her life, to her world, to her Missy. Now this is REAL...and this is what I pray for the world. That WE CAN ALL BE LIKE ANN, IN OUR OWN WAY!

Today, I attempt to KEEP IT REAL! Having said that, I want to tell you that each and every day, I worry about my Jordan (25) over in Spain for a month. My children, as you know, are world travellers. I try to play it cool about this and just tell you where they are, and celebrate that...but inside I go crazy! Maybe it is time I let you know this!!! Their mommy worries so...

I MUST WALK AGAIN THE WOODEN PATH

I must walk again the wooden path;
I must stroll the country land
Where sunsets fall like summer plums
and stardust falls like rain.

I must chase again the firefly
on the honeysuckle vine.
And watch an eagle spread its wings
above the tallest pine.

I must see once more a hummingbird
where hollyhocks grow wild.
And run barefoot through Autumn leaves
like I did as a child.

I must stand atop a mountain
when the valley's white with snow.
And linger there till purple haze
spreads twilight far below.

I must do these things lest I forget
how precious life can be.
I must walk again the wooded path
of quaint simplicity.

CLAY HARRISON

I was reminded by a reading this morning to not "sweat the small stuff" and to "let go of that which I have no control over". Doesn't GOD tell us this all throughout the New Testament? We all need someone to remind us who we are. Do you have that someone?

Please click to enlarge picture

Lovingly Made With...

Paper: Stampin Up

Punch: Stampin Up

Frame: stash

Big Bird: Gift

Flourishes: Gift

Ink: Stampin Spots

If you wish any more details, please EMAIL me at scrappyandhappy@sympatico.ca

LOVING GOD

Samara

AFRICA STILL RULES MY ART....

....STAMP-N-DOODLES monthly DIGIS of Africa still seems to rule my art, though I have some pieces in between that I will begin to show tomorrow.

For today though, I will finish up the Africa series.

THE WORLD WE MAKE
We make the world in which we live
By what we gather and what we give,
By our daily deeds and the things we say,
By what we keep or wwe cast away.

We make our world by the beauty we see
In a skylark's song or a lilac tree,
In a butterfly's wing, in the pale moon's rise,
And the wonder that lingers in midnight skies.

We make our world by the life we lead,
By the friends we have, by the books we read,
By the pity we show in the hour of care,
By the loads we lift and the love we share.

We make our world by the goals we pursue,
by the heights we seek and the higher view,
By hopes and dreams that reach the sun
And a will to fight till the heights are won.

What is the place in which we dwell,
A hut or a palace, a heaven or hell,
We gather and scatter, we take and we give,
We make our world - and there we live.

ALFRED GRANT WALTON
(1998-1970)

This poem means alot to me this week, as it has been a difficult week, and a week of pain for me, having lost a person in my life that was precious. I realize, like the cross, like Jesus, there is anger, there is "WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME GOD" and on the flip side (like the coin) there is EXTREME LOVE to be found.

I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by friends and by loved ones during this time of pain, to be reminded who I am, to reflect on how important it is to "be the Samara that is gregacious and loving, prayerful and puts everything in God's hands", even the things that I love the most and as well the things that hurt the most.

And this is what I have done. I gave God my anger (like the Psalms of David) because I know God can handle anger, and God returned to me LOVE. The love that my friends have been trying to remind me that I always try to bring into other people's hearts.

So this day, this very day, I am so thankful to many people - to the MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE - for reminding me who I am...a much better person than I believed I was this past week. And that it is quite possible to move forward with excitement for the future, in wholeness and serenity, even when loss occurs.

I do believe in giving credit where credit is due! Jesus and Moses taught me so....

Now onto Africa and some beautiful images...

Thank you Karensinspirations.blogspot.com for the die cut and stamped verse with emboss

Lovingly Made With....

DIGI Main (black and white) Image from Stamp-N-Doodle

For greater details, please email me.

LOVING GOD

Samara

LET'S TAKE IT TO AFRICA!

...WITH SOME STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI IMAGES!

Without a doubt, these are the digis I have enjoyed the most from Stamp-n-Doodle. I found myself getting literally lost in the "jungle" whilst making and creating the ART for the DIGI IMAGE that Lynne creates.
What do you think?

If you are interested in having your own copy of the DIGI IMAGE, be sure to pop on by Lynne's site...she has THE AFRICA THEME OF THE MONTH this month! Very exciting!!!

I SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD

Walking through the breezeway into the parking lot at

my church the other day brought me face to beak with a

beautiful red male cardinal. He startled me as he darted from

a small tree to the ground for a few seconds and back to the

tree. Parked to my immediate right was a small, attractive,

bright red sports car...a convertible, yet! It was a beautiful

tribute to modern engineering and creative ability, but it

couldn't compare with the Creator's creature. The cardinal

was vibrant, alive; in freedom he was able to fly, to investigate,

to care for his young family, to live the life lovingly given him.

His bright red color was even a distraction for the female's

protection. The convertible "red bird" looked like fun, but

was no match for the beautiful bird.

Perhaps in those few seconds of comparison, I was being

reminded that too often I take God's creation and love for

granted. Sometimes the shiny, enticing "things" of this world

draw us in and we miss the real beauty all around us.

Maybe I should take up bird-watching!

BY BETTY ANN LEAVITT

from SERENITY PRAYERS

Prayers, Poems, and Prose to Soothe Your Soul

BY JUNE COTNER

AFRICA DIGI IMAGES: STAMP-N-DOODLE.COM

All other products from many different Co.

If you have specific questions - please email me.

LOVING GOD

Samara

INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR MY AMERICAN FRIENDS...

I AM SO SORRY I AM A DAY LATE!

I was enjoying this 39 degree temperature with my Oldest Son Jordan, in Toronto yesterday. He just returned from Israel and Egypt after a month, so we had lots to catch up on, and he is off to Spain for a month's music workshop tomorrow, then school again for his MA in a far away town.

Can you hear me sniffing!!!

All of that was a seque to tell you why I didn't post your INDEPENCE DAY CARDS, THAT YOU MOST TRULY DESERVED TO RECEIVE!

I wish you, I wish your country, and I wish your leaders only the best of love, direction and wisdom in the coming year.

May you all be blessed by the mighty hands above!

GOD SAVE YOUR TROOPS!

Digi Images: STAMP-N-DOODLE

Artwork: Moi!

LOVING GOD

Samara

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

IN SO MANY WAYS, WE ARE SUCH A FORTUNATE COUNTRY....

We have been protected from so much! For STAMP-N-DOODLE, I created a few images from Lynne's DIGIS for CANADA DAY, and upcoming will be for the American INDEPENDENCE DAY.

I THINK THEY SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!

YET NOTHING IS COMPLETE WITHING SENDING LOVE TO OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES...

AND PRAYING FOR THEIR SAFETY

ON THIS CANADA DAY 2010.

Thanks GOD!

May you Celebrate in Style the "Eh!" Way!

LOVING GOD

Samara

THE STAMPIN' SISTERS IN CHRIST....

HAVE ISSUED THEIR SUNDAY CHALLENGE!

This is the most wonderful site...on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it is very inspirational to visit their site and find out different people's takes on passages, their journey, the life of Jesus and how that has affected who they are.

Today's challenge came from Isaiah...a passage on Sin and Forgiveness.

Scott Peck, in his book People of the Lie has a definition of Evil...People who sin over and over and over again and take absolutely NO accountability for it. Is this what Jesus would do? Is this what we are told to do in every aspect of being a good person?

The Stamping Sisters have done a stellar job this week of leading us through a journey of sin, mistake, and choosing from a human point of view - and how God views that, who God IS, WHILE we do that...and we all do make mistakes, and we do all sin and are VERY human. Even Jesus...but we have been forgiven! If we believe we have been.

The Challenge today with the Sisters was to use STRIPES.

I have chosen to use my stripes, not in paper but in my silver marker around a passage that speaks to me and to how I see my own life...we WILL be accountable, and we WILL take responsibility and we WILL stay up close to GOD...if we KNOW with all our being how BLESSED we are each and every day...and Jesus, in all his humanity and divinity tells us so!

Please click to enlarge

This passage is from the Psalms of David..33:12

LOVINGLY MADE WITH...

Paper: (Papertrey)

Stamps: (Free Digi - Beate ?)

Silver: (Star Fit - Ecstacy Crafts)

Butterflies: (Ecstacy Crafts)

Pens: (Identi-Pen)

Ink: (Stampin' Up! Ink Spots)

"Striped Stitching": White Gel Pen (Stampin' Up!)

"Silver Striped Stitching": (Uni-Ball)

LOVING GOD

Samara

ANGEL'S EMBRACE EACH OTHER...

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A GOOD FRIEND!
Todays Poem is Dedicated to Marie and Rob...

There are angels who sit quietly
and whisper when we need comfort.
There are those who breathe life into us
when we are breathless.

There are angels who fill us with gracious support
when our souls become fragile,
and those who kiss us goodnight for a peaceful slumber.

There are angels that touch us with sacred laughter
when tears become a burden.
There are those who strap their wings around us
and rock us until the ache in our heart disappears.

There are angels that can send us flying with wonder
when our hope begins to fade,
and those who devote everything to give us
everlasting peace in heaven.

LORI EBERHARDY
from Serenity Prayers,
Prayers, Poems and Prose to Soothe Your Soul
book by: JUNE COTNER

Today's Card is Dedicated to Michael...

Please click image to enlarge

Lovingly Made With...

Paper: (Papertrey) (Stampin' Up) (Basic Grey)

Stamp: (Layer's of Color)

Coloring of Butterfly: (My Copic Pens)

Rub On: (Creative Memories)

Heart: (Stampin' Up)

Ribbon: (Michael's)

LOVING GOD

Samara

SO THE BIG SECRET IS REVEALED....

Image is a STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI

MY JORDAN AND LAURA ARE GETTING MARRIED!

Well, OK, they are engaged! Oh, my Jordan was SO romantic (as usual) with Our Laura! He took a ring for Laura to Israel, and when Laura went over to meet him, they were at the beach just talking and such - and Jordan reached into a bag and (took a deep breath) and POPPED the question! And of course, Our Laura said "YES"!

Isn't that just the best!

Now, it is the best because his sister, Ayla, and I have been BUGGING him for 2 years about this! About a year ago we were instructed to STOP (by Jordan)! And we did.

Although (shhhh) Our Laura and I talked about it ALL THE TIME!!! Girls will be girls...she's the one who named me HOTT MOMMA and eventually (but not too soon please God) HOTT GAMMA! (lol) She is the absolute best, Our Laura. I love her to bits! And my Ayla is over the moon to have a sister!!!

When the HAPPY COUPLE called from Israel to tell me the good news, I just screamed and screamed and screamed with glee for 5 full minutes of Israel long distance calling card time! Our Laura and my little JoJo (25 years old!) but my 1st born, just laughed and laughed!

And so it goes...

Lovingly Made for

STAMP-N-DOODLE

with their DIGI images

as part of being on their Design Team

LOVING GOD

Samara

SOCCER ANYONE?

OR IS IT SOCCER EVERYONE?

I went to the City yesterday to the Markham Street Festival and could not miss all the flags attached to the car windows. I am sure this is happening all over the World right now, as the FIFA challenge is ON!

For my Soccer Challenge, I decided to be true to my Design Team at STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI and use their Monthly stamp club. Is this not priceless?

Well, the funny thing about this is that I had a lab who used to sneak out of the yard, mid-day, and go down the street to the highschool and play soccer with the kids in their outdoor gym class! When we found Amadeaus, the coach said she was one of the best players! This kept up for months. The coach allowed it to keep happening because he said our dog's presence motivated the otherwise unmotivated grade 9 and 10's to get with it and "beat the dog" for the ball!

Click to enlarge image please

This is what the STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI reminds me of! Be sure to "pup" over to SND and more specifically, BLOG-A-DOODLE, and see all their doggie digi's. You won't regret it....they are SOOOOO cute!

Given that DOG is GOD backwards....I think today, DOG will be our blessing!

Card is Lovingly made with....

Stamp: Stamp-N-Doodle Digi

Stamp words: Stampin' Up!

All the rest: Taylored Expressions Monthly Kit

LOVING GOD

Samara

SPA TIME!

...SINCE WHEN ISN'T A DOG ALLOWED SOME NICE SPA TIME?

Oh my gosh, when I saw this DIGI from STAMP-N-DOODLE I saw the card completed! I laughed and laughed, knowing the direction I was going to go with it. As a designer for Lynne, I hoped she would be OK with my wacky SPA idea! Turns out, I'm in the clear....reminds me of that gorgeous blonde lab commercial with the pup doing all the spa stuff. Anyway, enjoy...and maybe give yourself a bit of SPA time!

Click to enlarge image

LOVINGLY MADE WITH...

Stamp: STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI (from the JUNE MONTHLY STAMP CLUB SET)

Coloring: My beloved Copics

Paper: Papertrey - I put scor lines using Martha Scor Board

Letters: CTMH

Embellishments: (gifty mish mash...sorry?)

LOVING GOD

Samara

LOVE IS IN THE AIR IN MY FAMILY.....

THERE IS A HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT IN MY FAMILY....BUT IT HAS TO WAIT FOR A BIT.

Suffice to say, this might be a clue *wink*!

But before I go on, pop on over to STAMP-N-DOODLE for their new CHALLENGE and for your own copy of this new digi stamp that I used below!

PLEASE double click to get the entire essence of this STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI card!

STEPS TOWARD A CONSCIOUS COMMITMENT

Making a Genuine Connection

The ground of a strong and lasting commitment is the passionate connection between two people whose beings say yes to each other. When two people connect being-to-being, they experience a deep "soul-resonance" that goes beyond mere romance or desire. Something powerful and real inside them starts waking up and coming alive in each other's presence. It is often surprising because they cannot reason themselves into or out of it. Although it seems to arise mysteriously out of nowhere, it may also have a certain familiarity:

"I felt when I met him that I had known him before, as if for many lifetimes. I especially remember waking up next to him with the profound feeling that I had just woken up after a thousand years."

From: Journey of the Heart by John Welwood, Ph.D.

*****************

Card was Lovingly Made With:

Stamp: STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI STAMP

Paper: Papertrey

Buttons: Stampin' Up!

Thread/Ribbon: Michael's

Die Cuts: Remisce

and of course my COPICS

Card Lovingly Made With:

Stamp: STAMP-N-DOODLE DIGI

Paper: Papertrey

Background Stamp: King Rubber

You're My Hero Stamp: Taylored Expressions

Clips: CTMH

Ribbon: CTMH

Inks: Tim Holtz

Punches: Stampin' Up!

LOVING GOD

Samara

THE LITTLE ANGELS IN OUR LIVES.....

ARE THE TRULY PRECIOUS GIFTS FROM GOD!

When Lynne, from STAMP-N-DOODLE gave out this pic as a freebie, I thought about it, given I am not a "cutsie" artist and thought, what the heck! Then I remembered bathing my Ayla in the sink, and my Jordan in his little white plastic tub and well my 13 years later (and me at 41 years of age) my Taylor, I think I just stuck him out in the rain (lol) and had to give this one a go.

GOD, THANK YOU FOR OUR ANGELS...what would we do without them...

Please double click to enlarge picture

LOVINGLY MADE WITH...

I must happily say that everything is made with STAMPIN' UP! Products

with the exception

of my copics (and the circle - a gift)

and THE STAMP-N-DOODLE BABE IMAGE

LOVING GOD

Samara

LAYERS OF COLOR...a fantastic store and blog

I HAVE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH FUN...with these new stamps I just ordered from Laura Campbell and her family at LAYERS OF COLOR. You must check them out...they are SO different, creative, and can add to any type of creative work one does. Laura is an ecclectic artiste so looking at her work is a wonderful dive into the Divine....literally.

So today, I'd like to Honor This Magical Family, God's work at His best!

The Tree of being

All human beings powerfully sustain one another. The lovers

of God in this contingent world become the mercies and the

blessings sent out by that gentle King of the seen and unseen

realms. Let them purify their sight and behold all humankind

as leaves and blossoms and fruits of the Tree of Being.

Baha' Ullah (1817 - 1892), Persia

Lovingly made with...

Image: LAYERS OF COLOR

Button: Basic Grey

Ribbon: Michaels

Ink: Tim Holtz

Paper: Papertrey

Metal: Dollar Store

Stickles: Michaels

LOVING GOD

Samara

FUN WITH STAMP-N-DOODLE - IT'S A BLOG PARTY! THE SEARCH FOR PUZZLE PIECES IS ON....

Just thought I'd start the party off right with an image from STAMP-N-DOODLE!

...HMMM Now, where to start?

Well, here is a clue for those of you paying attention...

for a piece of the puzzle you will have to "RIDE 'EM COWBOY" like they did in the WESTERN movies...hmmm. I wonder what type of hint that could mean?

Remember...you are playing with STAMP-N-DOODLE! That gives you a bit of a double hint!!!

Now, hop on over to VICKIE'S BLOG at Vickie's Scrapbooking and Tidbits for the next clue and some more Stamp-n-doodle image inspiration!

HEE HAW COWGIRL!!