Back in the Saddle Again

Good news!!! I went to my friend Nancy's house for our regular Monday morning Stampin' ladies group and my cardmaking abilities are back to normal! Woohoo!!! I just emerged from my studio space after finishing one of the cards I started there. Ahhh, contentment.

There is always much laughter in the bright, sunny room where we gather. First there are the hugs....so it helps if you are a touchy feely person. The morning always starts with coffee, well... actually it starts with the hugs but then you set up your space and THEN outfit it with coffee. We have show and tell, where we look at each others latest goodies and favourite things, or new card ideas and then we proceed to the cardmaking part. Some ladies like to come with a project precut and ready to be assembled to make the most of these "me" hours and some ladies come with a little of everything ready to be inspired and spring off that creative platform. (Or you go to the box of premade cards and copy one...this is called "scraplifting" or "casing"...still okay!) No matter what, there is laughter. Sometimes there are tears and then there are more hugs. You can come in a down mood but if often evaporates in this time of togetherness. For most of us, there is just no better way to start the week, even if you run off your feet til the next monday.... And of course, praise music playing non-stop. If you are ever at my house on a Monday, you'll have to come along....if you're a girl. The only boy allowed is Max, Nancy's dog, he's very sniffy....but in a good way....he doesn't leave anyone out!

Laundry is hummin' in the laundry room, something should be cookin' in the kitchen but the idea is still trying to formulate itself in the brain. I really don't feel like cooking something with hamburger AGAIN but I had leftover pizza for lunch sooooooo... I was really hoping for a What's Cooking magazine from Kraft for some fabulous mealtime ideas. Time to whip out some old copies....nothing with chips or chocolate right now, please....

Tonight we have a congregational mini-meeting which I have to open the church for. But there is no coffee to make since we want it open and shut and coffee gives people to idea that it's time to be gezellig and hang around. Not tonight!!

A little birdie told me that our thursday night Pilates class might start again. That would be the cooooolest thing ever. Pilates is a form of exercise that uses some yoga but adds a more resistance. We met all of last year in the church basement. We use large purple exercise balls. It looks really funny when we are all outside under the overhang at church waiting for someone to show up with the key....that's usually me, but not always. It would be good for my hips! The right one gives me trouble when I am inactive, and with yoga or pilates, the muscles stay lengthened and don't put the pressure on the bursa that causes bursitis. I wish that eating chips would cure it because then I'd have it made. So if you don't learn anything else today....be kind to your bursae!!

I just finished cutting out my Little Lambs nametags to use tomorrow. We still put them in the basket for a couple of weeks and THEN...we get to store them on the big Bible book, next to the shepherd! That is such a cool part of the curriculum. We started with 3 boys and girls, then grew to 8 and I expect a few more this week. Very exciting!!

That's what's new and exciting around here. I hope you all have a great day and a productive week!
love ya, Tetcy