happy people...

... and if someone is happy, then it's a happy day.

I love to make people happy. Today I was able to do just that for 3 special scrapbookers who won these prizes in the Live, Scrap, PLAY raffles.

Sarah Pretorius and Vanessa Thomas each won an Epson Picture Mate and Melanie Morgan won this cute vintage suitcase filled with scrapbooking happiness.

Happy day to all 3 of you. And thank you to everyone who bought tickets.

Here are photos of more winners.

These scrappers were some of the lucky winners of tote bags from Yellow Fence. They have such funky slogans and I just heard that my friend Stephanie has been working with Yellow Fence. Can't wait to see what comes from that!

The T-shirts that Kelli, Jenaye and I wore at the events are also from this generous sponsor - thanks Shannon!

more tomorrow...

blessings

{L}

I was out PLAY-ing...

... and I've just come in.

The Polka Dot Chick and Chick jnr left for home last night and so I'll be doing a catch up really soon.

I have LOADS of photos to share and LOTS of special thanks to say....

So for now, thank you for waiting for me while I've been PLAY-ing, I'll be back soon.

blessings
{L}

How it happens...

Live, Scrap, P.L.A.Y. starts this week! The only way events like this can take place is with the support of sponsors.

I have received THE most amazing response from wonderful companies who are Participating in the Lives of African Youth.

A very special thank you to:

PLATINUM LEVEL
Bazzill Basics Paper USA
Time & About

GOLD LEVEL
Eprofile Distributors
Epson SA
Imaginisce USA
Scenic Route Paper Co. USA
Scraptifity Scrapbook Design Cafe

SILVER LEVEL
Luxe Designs USA
Rusty Pickle USA
Scrapbooks Etc USA
Sunward Park Guest House

BRONZE LEVEL
Beautiful Scrapbooks
Heidi Swapp USA
Purple Turtle
Scrap Shack Designs
Scrapbook Emporium
The Scrapbook Store
The Scrapping Studio
Yellow Fence USA

Thank you for making footprints deep enough for our children to follow.

blessings
{L}

{Colors}

I've been looking at some paint colours for exterior walls. Truth be told, I probably have every conceivable colour paint chip anyway - right amongst my scrapbook supplies! But still I went and got some more and came across this one here.

You probably can't read it, but the circled colour (second from the top) is called "Gucky". Now isn't that the name of a colour you want to rush out and buy?! What kind of a colour is "gucky" anyway?

And... you will notice I spelt coloUr, like this: c-o-l-o-u-r because that's the way we spell it here in South Africa!

So to my American blog friends, celebrate your red, white and blue COLORS with lots of fun today. Have a great 4th of July holiday out in the sun with your families.

blessings

{L}

Liking these words: "The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." ~ John Ruskin

(very many) Polka Dotted thanks...

... to those 2 amaZing chicks that I'm privileged to call my very good friends.

I know they won't mind me copying & pasting here.


July 01, 2007
PLAY - SILENT AUCTION RESULTS
Can we just say how thankful we are to everyone of you who donated an item to us; who came and bought grab bags and bargains; who bid on our auction items; who bought raffle tickets; who called the store and made arrangements to donate this coming week; who helped us set up and clean up; who emailed and posted good thoughts on the BLOG; and to those of you who emailed us inquiring on specifics on where to mail your donation. You're aMaZing! :)

Over the last few months we raised $1059 from donations and raffles. We were so pleased, but knew we could do better. And with your help...we did! Last night's auction raised $1660, which means we have $2719 to donate to FOOTPRINTS ! Those of you who know us well...know that we are madly planning on how to raise more over this next week before the journey. Our goal is to make it to the $3000 mark...we are so close. So this week, if you are shopping in the store, purchase a few raffles tickets. If you are joining Amy for Easy Peasy on Saturday...buy some page kits, grab bags, or raffle tickets.

HUGS and KISSES to all of you for helping us change young lives.

This is a photo of us taken last night at the auction. The little guy in the photo belongs to a friend and customer of ours...Earleen. Isn't he aDorable?

Here's a photo of the table as you walked into the room last night.
Amy had a great vision with this...it really was "stunning" as our friend, Lara, would say.

Thanks again for making the NIGHT one huge success.


You'll have to check out their blog to see the pictures and for more updates.

Love, love their "pay-it-forwards"!

blessings
{L}

The half way mark

... halfway through the year - officially. Quite hard to believe.

I thought having an event in July would mean time would be kind, and move slower. it just means that the first half of the year has flown. Can I even hope that the second half won't?!

We indulged in this - yummy.... Brought back memories of being in the snow in Washington DC and walking around Anaheim at CHA in January. Our one in Sandton City doesn't have my favorite "sticks" but those were so delicious anyway.

The Polka Dot Chicks have their silent auction today at Scrapbooks Etc. in Mesa Arizona in support of Live, Scrap, PLAY and the children at Footprints. This is such an awesome thing, I am so grateful for the precious friends I have met through scrapbooking.

One of the little boys had a birthday this week. Took 10 of them to Macs, dressed in very similar tops - all red. Quite a sight to see (and control). Not my favourite place to be but they sure did a great job with face painting, candle blowing, playing and balloons.

One little 3 year old, battling with his burger that kept falling apart, complained: "my food not working". I think I feel a mini album project coming here...

I'm doing a HUGE "spring clean" in the middle of winter. The donated product for the projects arrives this week and I need the space. So far, one room done.

Have a great weekend.

blessings

{L}

More updates and Cards...

My life is a bit of a roller coaster at the moment. So I think my blog posts are really going to be updates for a bit.

• I'm on big deadlines for Time & About #3 this week - such fun!

We've got something exciting lined up too. If you love making cards check this out. We'd love to see your carding creations.

• I'm on a rolling deadline for Live, Scrap P.L.A.Y. - such blessing!

The Polka Dot Chicks have got some awesome stuff planned for Saturday, 30th June at Scrapbooks Etc in Arizona. Check it out here.

There will also be some fun stuff happening during the classes here in South Africa starting in just over 2 weeks time! Yikes... lots to do still.

A very big thank you to everyone who is involved in some way with this awesome event. I appreciate it all.

blessings

{L}

P.S. "The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." ~ John Ruskin

Live, Scrap, P.L.A.Y.

Live, Scrap P.L.A.Y. with the Polka Dot Chicks

I love that I have friends who keep tabs on me (fi)! So here’s the update of this unique charity scrapbooking event in support of Footprints Children’s Centre

P.L.A.Y. is an acronym for Participate in the Lives of African Youth

I have very many amazing friends, and these two chicks, Amy Totty and Kelli Collins are doing some awesome stuff for P.L.A.Y. For my American blog readers who are a little closer to Arizona than I am, you can check out this post and perhaps you can PLAY too!

Another friend and amazingly talented crafter did this for me – don’t you just love it!

Closer to home... here are the details for the classes

“The 6 Page Rage”
Complete an amazing six12x12 layouts in the class and then take home another two bonus pages{that's 8 page layouts!}

“Bookin”

Complete the awesome Bazzill Gated Album with fun colours and embellishments to delight in the class and then take home two 12x12 page layouts as a bonus project!

“Summer Splash”
Complete a funky Bazzill Mono Mini Album using fresh colours and great embellishments in the class and then take home two 12x12 page layouts as a bonus project!

We'll be at these stores:

12 July Beautiful Scrapbooks – Benoni
14 July Scraptifity – Randburg
17 July Scrapping Studio – Boksburg
18 July Scrapbook Emporium – Fourways

And look at these amazing sponsors that are coming to P.L.A.Y.

Bazzill Basics Paper, Epson, Eprofile Distributors, Heidi Swapp, Henkel SA, Imaginisce, Luxe Designs, Memories Complete, Rusty Pickle, Scenic Route Paper, Scrapbooks Etc., Scrap Shack Designs, Time & About

Plus... we have sweet, gorgeous Jenaye Collins, making her maiden voyage across the ocean to South Africa, to teach too! So very excited to have her here. If you’ve booked, you’re going to love Naye’s designs.

If you would like to be involved in any way, please email me:

laradave@mweb.co.za

We’d love for you to P.L.A.Y. too!

blessings
{L}

P.S. You can see some of the special kids on the footprints-play website (under a little construction at the moment)

Whooosh!

...that's my weeks going by!

I've been so busy I've neglected my blog - not good. But in my defense I have been working on Time & About #3 - good. And I do have some really exciting news about Live, Scrap, P.L.A.Y. - very good.

So just to keep you amused I'll teach you how to speak Chinese thanks to my friend Fiona who sent me this....

Learn to speak Chinese in 5 minutes
(saying them out loud helps)

1) That's not right..............................................Sum Ting Wong
2) Are you harboring a fugitive?......................Hu Ya Hai Ding
3) See me ASAP.................................................Kum Hia Nao
4) Small horse.....................................................Tai Ni Po Ni
5) Did you go to the beach?..............................Wai Yu So Tan
6) I bumped into a coffee table........................Ai Bang Mai Ni
7) I think you need a face lift............................Chin Tu Fat
8) Its very darkin here......................................Wai so Dim
9) I thought you were on a diet........................Wai Yu Mun Ching?
10) This is a tow away zone...............................No Pa King
11) Our meeting is scheduled for next week...Wai Yu Kum Nao?
12) Staying out of sight......................................Lei Ying Lo
13) He’s cleaning his automobile......................wa Shing Ka

I'll be back tomorrow with the updates on the P.L.A.Y. events.

blessings
{L}

Food for thought...

...these made me giggle!

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?"

Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And ... The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you!!

If you're on my side of the world, hope you're warm in this crazy weather.

blessings

{L}

Where is May??

May is gone!

I keep saying that I can't believe how fast the time goes by. May was full and maybe that's the reason

1. celebrated my wedding anniversary
2. was my blog's 1 year anniversary
3. it was mother's day
4. and probably keeping me most busy... Time & About #2 came out

I think if I blink, June will be gone too. So I'm keeping my eyes as wide open as possible, so that I get it all done before I run out of time!





Have you seen these...??

Woolworths has my favourite colour in their very handy shopping bags - yummy dark brown. Yes, there are about 30 bags here, and no I don't have any shopping expeditions planned!

These are for those special Polka Dot Chicks. They like them (a lot) and it's a very useful scrapbooking bag to have too - fit 12x12 perfectly! They will look stunning embellished with pink!

I've been to another 2 different Woolies since and haven't seen them. So either someone else is also shopping for Amy and Kelli, or else they just haven't come in yet!

Let me know where you spot more....

Liking this quote: "If you speak kind words, you'll hear kind echoes."

blessings
{L}

Time & About

Here's proof that while missing from blog land, I hadn't been totally gone.....

I am very proud to introduce to you... Time & About Issue #2. The magazine will be on shelves at scrapbooking stores this week.

Think I'm taking a break now? Nope... onto Issue #3.

Had a great weekend in East London teaching at the Spargs Scrapbook Convention. So nice to see the East Londoners again and some Joburg ladies that had also travelled.

We had heard that there was snow in the area (2 hours away!) and decided to go on a snow hunt. We phoned to check that there was actually snow on the ground, unfortunately there was none. Then, at the convention, one of the scrapbookers showed us her photos taken in the snow in that area just 2 days before. Too bad for us...!

Have a great week ahead.

blessings

{L}

On my way...

... to pack my bags.

I have 8 hours to pack, sleep and get to the airport for my flight to East London. I guess I'll sleep a little on the plane!

I'm teaching this weekend at the Spargs Scrapbook Convention. Looking forward to it.

Here's a little sneak peak of the project I'm doing in my session.

I hear it's pretty chilly there. Meanwhile it's freezing here too.

There are more updates for Live, Scrap, P.L.A.Y. coming when I get back...

We need to tell our Polka Dot chicks that July is going to be c-o-l-d!

Won't have email til Monday.

Check your local scrapbook store for Time & About at the end of the week.

blessings

{L}

Twins!!

Did I get you?! :)

Look... it's a twin strawberry - siamese twin strawberry!

And if I turn it sideways... it looks like the shape of Africa!!

I call it "creative fooding". (Just my creative juices working over time)!

The simple strawberry gives my morning a start in a homemade smoothie - my own recipe.

And pronounced "sow-bebbie" by our cute little Nkosi!

Got any creative fooding to share?

blessings

{L}

P.S. Thank you so much for your comments and emails. It's so nice to know I was missed.

GASP...

...that's me coming up for air!

I knew it had been a long time, but didn't realise I hadn't blogged for a month!

Sorry to have left you all in the lurch. I have good reasons.... Time & About is on its way and should be on the shelves next week.

I'll do a big catch up over the weekend. I have a few things to do that were a little overlooked while my head was down.

Here's a pic of me trying out fly fishing.

I should probably stick to scrapbooking!

blessings

{L}

Paying it Forward...

...all the way from South Africa to... America!

My friend Stephanie,who does those great doodles I coloured in last week is raising funds for a special cause, close to my heart. I have donated an item for her auction - a whole bunch of chipboard goodies made in South Africa, as well as the new magazine (Time & About) I am so proud to be a part of.

So... how many of you have scrapbooking stuff from all the way across the sea?!

It's a great cause so please check it all out on Stephanie's blog and place your bids (quick).


And other AWESOME news.....

Joey is the new Making Memories Idol. So happy for her!

blessings
{L}

"Gratitude"

Just wanted to share this layout I made this morning with a photo taken last weekend.

The layout is for a DT challenge - Basic Grey rub-ons and Bazzill magnetic frame which I've used back to front to get more depth (and to be different!) The letters are using my Cricut's "opposites attract" cartridge and the paper, Piggy Tales and Bazzill.

ETA : journaling reads "for out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks"




Have a great weekend.

blessings
{L}

Those senses

I'm just amazed at how strong the sense of smell is and the ability a scent has to trigger memories.

To this day, the smell of flowering jasmine turns my stomach as a reminder of year end exams. (and I haven't studies for exams in about 13 years!)

This week happy memories were triggered by my sense of smell. I pulled out this old tin of crayons given to me by my grandmother about 25 years ago. As a 10 year old, I treasured them, they weren't just the normal wax crayons.These are called "non-fading crayons for painting". I was being archival then already! See the yellowing sellotape as I had tried to keep them whole. They have a very distinctive smell and as I opened the tin, memories of my childhood creativity came flooding back.

In between my deadlines this week, I revisited one of my favourite activities - colouring in. Stephanie, one of my friends in California does the most amaZing doodles, and challenged us to do something fun with a doodle she had created on her blog. The colours have changed somewhat in the scan, but I think I like the vibrancy.

Really hoping she comes up with some more "colouring in pages". There was definitely something in their for me. Being creative in a way other than scrapboooking awakens the creative process.

Give it a try. Pull out one of your kids' colouring books and PLAY!

I'd love to hear what scents trigger your memories.

blessings

{L}

Giving back...

Tuesday night is usually my TV with one of my favourites Prison Break. However... we had a 2 and a half hour session of American Idol (being a couple of weeks behind the actual events). So I’ll be watching my escapees tonight instead.

I was really touched to see what American Idol is planning to do to raise funds for orphans in Africa in the programme Idol gives back.

Those of you who know me, know that this kind of work is very close to my heart. I have a soft spot, a love, for the African children and for those who have become victims of their circumstances. It’s awesome that those who are in positions are able to use their celebrity status for good.

This is an old layout I did a couple of years ago (2004).
Sorry for the scanned quality. The journaling is on transparency with a watermark photo behind.

The page won the “Overall Excellence” layout at Creating Keepsakes University in Austin. It was through this layout that I got to meet many awesome scrapbookers. My good friends Kelli Collins and Amy Totty were there as was Joey Whittaker. I had an amazing time chatting to Stacy Julian about my experience too.

Journaling reads:
When we met Heidi Baker in August 2003, I knew in my heart that I had to visit Iris, the orphanage they spoke of in Mozambique. I wasn’t sure if Dave would feel the same and while cooking dinner, we had this short dialogue that would change our hearts forever:
Lara: “I want to spend Christmas at the orphanage”
Dave: “ok?”
Lara: “I’m being serious”
Dave: “That’s what scares me”

I made a decision that this Christmas had to be a time of real giving. I am used to living very comfortably! I am blessed with material possessions in abundance and buying Christmas gifts for one another would be superfluous.

Iris Ministries in Zimpeto Province, Mozambique provides the daily care of feeding and schooling for about 500 Mozambican children. These children are either orphaned or have been abandoned or severely abused – many of them are street children and/or HIV positive – and they cannot care for themselves. Iris’s operational needs are great, and they have a need for volunteer staff to help look after these children and the many more they will be receiving due to the AIDS and malaria problems in Mozambique.

Money that would have bought our gifts was instead spent on loads of sweets and treats for the orphans. We took much-needed mosquito nets and tennis balls, soccer balls, Frisbees, 500 ballpoint pens (the Mozambican children treasure a writing tool) and a pile of coloured cardstock and stickers.

After communication difficulties due to unreliable services at the orphanage, we were able to make our final plans just 3 weeks before our drive to Mozambique to spend Christmas with the children.

This wasn't the only problem we encountered along the way. Officials simply looking for a bribe gave us such a hard time at the border posts. They questioned us endlessly about the goods loaded in our car. Finally after over an hour we were let through. We laughed at how difficult it had been, all in the name of wanting to give.

We arrived at Iris Ministries gates and saw little children running to see who the new comers were. We descended into a sea of children, rubbing their noses against our car windows. This was just the beginning of the constant attention each child strived to attain from us.

That Christmas day of giving tangible gifts is incomparable to the love and appreciation we received from those little orphans. The children were so grateful for the piece of chicken, potato salad and rice, only one of 2 days out of the whole year that they eat meat. Our Christmas meal consisted of the same, eaten in the same way as the children – with our fingers!

I walked around the hall and did attempt to capture the hearts of the children through my lens. Some of the children posed innocently and smiled as I took their pictures. I knelt up close to this little boy, but he showed no emotion. Even as my camera clicked, his glaze remained pensive. There was no communication between us and I was frustrated that I could speak no Portuguese.

I am saddened looking at this photo- his eyes stare blankly, without emotion. The only light in his eyes came from my camera flash. I wonder still, what thoughts were on his mind. Where did he come from, what happened to his family, what did this child’s future hold?

I returned home being grateful for the fullness of my life. I am thankful for my good health. I know I will think twice before complaining about an empty wall needing a picture or the lack of a great big study desk for all my work. I know there is much more than material wealth and I am grateful for my family who love me and enrich my life.

My sole expectation of the visit to the orphanage was to give: little did I know that I would receive so much more...

Look into the eyes of a child...

I have had the opportunity to visit Iris on 2 more occasions since that Christmas and each one is as touching as the first.
It was this experience that led me to the involvement I have with Footprints and to the realisation of this year’s event Live, Scrap, P.L.A.Y. (Participate in the Lives of African Youth) too.

P.S. Thank you for all your well wishes and support regarding my new position at Time & About. I am so looking forward to this experience.

P.P.S. a great quote: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." ~Mark Twain

blessings
{L}

I'm a law-abiding citizen...

... and I had Mr Johannesburg Metro Policeman confirm that for me today!



I got pulled over in a roadblock. Weird... I just had a feeling I would be parked at the side of the road when I saw all the police cars. Even though I knew 100% I had not done anything wrong, it's still so horrid being questioned like that. I guess they're looking after the roads with the Easter weekend coming up. So drive carefully see.





Look at the gorgeous roses I got from
my father. I think he loves me!
And I just found out last night
that he reads my blog, (hallo H, love you too!)





I couldn't' get onto my computer this afternoon with all the thunder and lightning. Instead I sat with 6 layouts I've done over the last week and did all my handwritten journaling. Feeling good about that.




The Making Memories Idol competition is now on Round 5. My totally talented friend Joey has made it to the Top 5. This was after anonymous voting. We'll have to wait for Monday to vote for the next round. Thinking of you Joey!



Well, with the long weekend, tomorrow will feel like Friday. Need to keep focused...lots to do!

blessings
{L}