Sum Sum Summertime

Ah these crazy hazy summertime days. Happy crazy, good crazy peppered with visits and visiting. Crazy with a whole two weeks of precious moments with my grandbabies and family and even grand dawgs. Crazy with my 3 year old granddaughter giving me a peck on the cheek after not seeing her for oh so long and her meowing through our visit (she was a CAT and I enjoyed her feline take on the world through her eyes). I got to hold my brand new grandson for the first time ever. I got time with my daughers and daughter in law too, my heart is full. These sweet memories printing out in my mind as little insta-prints going into a jar where I can take them out one by one in the future and examine them. Lovely time with my Sister who loves me so fiercely and unconditionally that I feel her hug surrounding me always. Meeting new family I never knew existed before - how crazy is this? Its like being given a teeny bit of my family history back. So amazing.

The hazy - all the fires here in British Columbia. It seems not to matter what the weatherman calls the day to be, its all gray and ash. My prayers go out to the people on the frontline of the fires and those who are silently in the back volunteering.

I hope you are having a beautiful summer and I thank you for taking a few moments out to stop in and say hi!

365 Photo of the Day

365 Photo of the Day

365 Photo of the Day and a Fun Project

365 Photo of the Day

Have you ever seen one of these? 

A Fun Project

Turning THIS:

I wish I’d taken a photo of this before I snipped it up into bits… this is was a t-shirt I bought at the thrift store.  I kept looking at it thinking I wanted it.  I caved in and bought and kept trying it on over the next few days and finally thought, no, its “not me”.  So I went to put it back in the box destined to go back to the thrift store, but my hand wouldn’t let me.  That night I couldn’t get to sleep for thinking of what I wanted with that t-shirt and it finally came to me.  And this is the result!

 

A lot of watered down glue, tissue paper, glitter, gems, sequins, Tim Holtz alcohol inks and stamps and this is what my creation is made of.  I love it, it was very freeing.  I made several of these canvases, a few I’ve already given as gifts and need to recall them so I can take proper photos of and share them here.  This canvas was given as a draw prize at my OCC Women’s Fellowship Coffee, held at McKia’s (in the Best Western) at 1:00 each Thursday here in Osoyoos.  You’re all welcome to join us!

Have YOU ever re-purposed a clothes item into art?

Technorati Tags: Osoyoos BC,Osoyoos Christian Center,OCC,Barb Derksen,Mrs Miles,DIY t-shirt,Okanagan

365 Photo of the Day

This is a photo of the lake today… with a bit of photoshoppery applied to it.  I liked the “oil painting” effect!  The clouds were so pretty and it was nice to see some blue sky for a while.  I hear tell we can expect the sun to shine for the next few days. 

BIG THANKS

to

LUSH

I would like to thank LUSH – and in particular the Lush store in Kelowna for blessing my Osoyoos Christian Center Ladies coffee group (we meet every Thursday at McKia’s restaurant in Osoyoos) with some small sample bars of your delicious soaps which I paired with a heart shaped sewn bookmark as small “celebrate love” Valentines themed gifts.  I was truly grateful for your contribution! 

Technorati Tags: Osoyoos,Mrs Miles,Barb Derksen,Barbara Derksen,Lush Cosmetics,Lush,McKia's,Kelowna BC

365 Photo of the Day

Mini Mighty Mushrooms. 

Its only February.  Not even the middle yet.  I could hardly believe my eyes.  Spring is Sprung here in the South Okanagan I’d say. 

I celebrated with this Cinnamon Bun Mountain dessert. 

Pull a nice soft made-the-same-day Cinnamon Bun apart and place it in the dish.  Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle with toasted pecans, toasted coconut, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a ffffssshhht of whip cream and then a square of Lindt.

Can you imagine what my celebrate its summer dessert will look like?

Technorati Tags: Osoyoos BC,Okanagan,Mrs Miles,Barbara Derksen,mushrooms,spring

CAS on Sunday - Ribbons or Twine

I tucked another card under my belt this week!  I created a card for Clean and Simple on Sunday - the theme - Ribbon and/or Twine and I’m pleased with how this turned out.

My card is in a bit of shadow - else you’d see how brilliantly these butterflies light up. 

Supplies:

Embossing folder by Elizabeth, Stamp by Studio G, Butterflies were altered from a cut from the silhouette store. 

♥♥♥

I enjoyed a looong walk yesterday - about 7 miles I do believe, in the crisp fall air.  I walked to the community center here in Osoyoos and observed Remembrance at the service there. 

 

It was a packed house, it was a special time.  Let us never forget.

Technorati Tags: Osoyoos,Rememberance Day,CAS on Sunday

BEAUTIFUL Music - and a sweet FREE Cutting file!

If you’ve followed my blog in this past year you may be aware that my life has been all tangled up with that of a special young lady and her family for an incredible journey and wonderful project.  Her name is Kayla Dawn and she’s a lovely and unique person who has had one of her fondest dreams come true over this time. 

Kayla is 18 years old and lives in Osoyoos BC.  She is graduating high school at the end of this month and is looking forward to a future in the music industry - her desire will be to become a music therapist.  She is a very motivated individual who also has a big heart in that she not only wants her music to bless you, but to also inspire.  Her own life’s experiences have given her insight and empathy for those who face challenges and she’s poured that very compassion into her songs.  I encourage you to read her biography which you can find through the links for her media which I will provide at the end of this post.

Kayla Dawn at her CD Launch event

A brief history of our relationship is that my Mr. met Kayla at YouLearn.ca where he is an instructor and after a period of time working with her on a digital music course found out that she writes her own original music.  After hearing her own “flavor” of music recognized raw talent and invited her to join in with a community event we put on called “All Bout Love”.  At this point of working together Miles felt positive he could help Kayla get her first album “out there”. 

Kayla’s family is incredibly supportive and we all sat down and worked out the details of what it would take (reminds me totally of Kayla’s song “Never Give Up”)  to bring this enterprise into fruition.  After we worked all the details out we all launched out on an incredible expedition which would lead to this happy day when I can be here telling you about it all.  I’ve come to love Kayla and her family as my own. She is a young woman of character and I’m proud to be in her life. I just know that one day I’ll be saying “I knew her when…”

CD Cover for Kayla Dawn’s first album

This was Miles first producing venture - he had an incredible amount to learn.  He’s a super-star though with meeting any challenge and pulling it off.  Not only this, he makes it appear easy.  I’m in awe (but don’t tell him I said that coz I don’t want it to go to his head too much *wink*)

With this said, I hope you will check out the following articles and sites to get to know Kayla Dawn and her music and how you can purchase! Be sure to click on all of the links at these sites - they lead to more media!  First of all you will want to check out:

Kayla Dawn’s Personal Website

I have to brag again that my husband created Kayla’s entire website as well.  

Kayla Dawn’s REVERBNATION page

(notice she’s at #1 for Canada!!!)

I hope you enjoy Kayla’s music and it encourages and uplifts your life as well.  We want to give you an opportunity to WIN A COPY of Kayla Dawn’s CD.  All you have to do is to visit her Reverbnation page to listen to her music.  (by the way, you may listen to the full album streaming from Reverbnation for the next few weeks but the list will be reduced to a smaller selection of songs at that time) - so listen up, choose a favorite song and leave a comment here on this post telling which it is and why you like it.  You also get an entry if you “like” Kayla-Dawn on Facebook or Tweet her on her Twitter account.  Leave the link for us to see on a comment in this blog post and you will be put in for a chance to win! 

Will you please consider using YOUR social media to give Kayla some exposure for her very first album, please, by linking to this post today?  Thank you so much - each bit helps. 

♥♥♥♥♥

A Card and FREE Cutting File:

I built this card quite some time ago and now I finally have a chance to post it.  I don’t know the details on the supplies and stamps I used here.

But this little “shelf” and is included in my download.

and these quaint children silhouettes which I traced from a vintage book.  I hope you enjoy! (PS - I’d ♥ to see how you use these files, would you consider sending me a link to your creation and I’ll share from my blog too?)

DOWNLOAD

Technorati Tags: Kayla Dawn,Kayla Turnbull,Album,CD,Osoyoos,Okanagan,Osoyoos BC,Okanagan Musician,CD Contest,Silhouette Freebie,Free Cutting File,Mrs Miles,Barb Derksen,Barbara Derksen,Reverbnation

One BIG Thing - Kayla Turnbull, Osoyoos’ own in CBC Searchlight Contest!

 

We have a very poised and talented young woman in our lives.  We have known Kayla for a couple of years - originally she attended YouLearn.ca where my husband Miles works as an instructor.  Kayla was taking some courses and one of them included a digital music course he teaches.  We developed a friendship with Kayla and her family. 

 

Credit: Osoyoos Times 

Miles and I attend Osoyoos Christian Centre and February 2013 saw us hosting a fun music night called “All ‘Bout Love and Kayla took part in it (photo above) (or read my blog post about that HERE) It was a sensation and this began our musical journey with Kayla.  Miles and she teamed up and decided that he will produce her very first album (recording) which we hope (prayers please!) will be coming out in May 2014. 

( it has been a pretty interesting year on my end, observing just how much work musicians have to put into their creations - I had no idea)

Though recording of Kayla’s first album is still a work in progress, it was decided to allow a pre-release of “Into the Wild” just for this contest (so the final rendition on the album when it does emerge will be completely polished!) 

Soooooo, will  you please visit the CBC Searchlight contest page

 

 

HERE 

and listen to Kayla’s song

and vote vote VOTE!!!

You can click on Kayla’s BIO to expand it and read more - and

The contest opens today and runs until April 6, so EVERY VOTE COUNTS! 

Click where it shows in the above graphic on the CBC Searchlight site.

This year, you can vote up to 10 times per day per region. Please spread the word!  Tweet, Facebook, Pinterest, email - lets put Osoyoos and Kayla on the airwaves in a big way. 

 

 

And in light of this momentous exciting and wonderful news - I’ve created a FREE cut file for you to make your own “Sing Sing Sing” banner using your Silhouette Cameo. Click on image to be taken to the download!

DOWNLOAD

(google drive)

Technorati Tags: Searchlight,Searchlight Music,Searchlight CBC,Searchlight CBC Contest,Osoyoos,Kayla,Kayla Turnbull,Osoyoos Music,Searchlight 2014,Searchlight 2014 CBC,Music contest Canada,Music Contest CBC,Barb Derksen,freebie,free download,Silhouette,Silhouette Studio,free cut file,free .studio G

Retro Sketches 96 Challenge Card and FUNNY crafts (?) photo

I’m in my “Happy Little Place” when I create, and when I get to create with my sister Nina and my Sister in Law Judy at the same time, well its all the sweeter.  What a nice way to start the year.  Here’s the Retro Sketches #96 challenge they invited me to:

I decided to make my card like this:

SUPPLIES:

Image - Graphics Fairy

Markers - TomBow

Micron Archival Pen

Cardstock

Designer Paper - Nature Garden Collection by JoDie Lee Designs

Golden twine

Pearl accents

 

I had a set of TomBow markers on my Christmas Wish list and was so happy that my Mr “GOT IT” that these to me would be as cherished to me as a piece of new technology would be to him.  I’ve wanted these for a long long time.  So, now its getting used to them. 

I ♥ all the images at Graphics Fairy - I print them onto fine art paper and they are crisp and beautiful, then I color and “fussy cut” them with sharp scissors.  I must say the TomBow markers are beautiful - just takes some getting used to blending etc.  

Thanks a heap for visiting! 

A CHUCKLE

Seen downtown Osoyoos recently:

Ok… I consider myself an extreme crafter, but THIS?   Wow.  What can one say?  My mind begs the question - is the lovely crochet keeping the bike rack warm?  Is it to buffer a bike or pet leashed to it?  Is it just to prettify things up on our main street.  At any rate, I’m impressed haha!

Technorati Tags: Retro sketches,Challenge Card,Osoyoos

A Bike Ride in June and Beautiful Poppy Pictures

Today I’m going to share a few photos and some encouragement as well.  Being Sunday I’ve been fair bursting out of my skin with the Joy of the Lord!  I don’t quite know how to explain it - so I won’t even try.  I’ll let this sweet video take care of just how I feel when I get close to my God!

What have I been up to this week? 

Well, my sweet Mr. took me out on two fun dates this week.  The first was a bike ride.  Osoyoos has a great trails system but we do mostly walking on them.  We chose instead to bike some of the streets, he was the leader and I just happily trailed along behind.

 

We rode up onto the hills where the golf course is and the conditions were perfect to get a view of Hayne’s Point - the strip of foliage laying out in the water?  Hayne’s Point is a provincial park, absolutely lovely and super busy so you should make reservations if you hope to stay here.

And then we pedalled alllllll the way over to the far side of the lake and enjoyed the silky sand at the new pubic Rotary park (not a campsite)  Such a lovely day with the sunshine beaming on us.  Our weather has been up and down and all over the place from hot sun to thunderstorms with rain. Keeps things exciting.

The second date?  It was to garage sales and out to Dim Sum this Saturday. 

♥♥♥

I want to make a little shout-out to Betty Dish who’s blog and twitter I’ve been following and enjoying lately and who recently hosted a contest/giveaway thing sponsored by Booster Juice and I won… well everybody won something and I’m pretty excited about that. haha!  Betty Dish likes to blog about food and food being good for us.  Why don’t you check her out HERE? (and thanks Betty!)

♥♥♥

I’ve also been making a few cards, just some sillies using up some Stickers I bought a while ago on sale:

Just silly cards like these.  I used a real non-electric typewriter for the sentiment on each.  These are available at Indie Lulu Living on Main Street!

♥♥♥

And I wandered around in the flower patch yesterday and I’ll share some of the beauty with YOU. (and yes, I did lay on the ground a lot to get some of these)  I’ll call this group “Poppy Love”

Osoyoos Lake looks like a big slice of Swiss cheese, with the black 'holes' of ice showing through the snow. And it occurred to me, it now looks similar to another local lake, Spotted lake. Spotted lake gets its appearance from the mineral pockets though. Our lake changes every day - as does the weather.

Spotted Lake

This all makes me think of a poem I just found, about the ever changing weather, though the poem was made about the weather in England.

I wake to a day that is cloudy and grey,

So I put on my hat and my mac.

I walk down the street with my boots on my feet,

and the crafty old sun's creeping back.

I run to the house as fast as a mouse,

And quickly change into a dress,

But before I can go I hear thunder and so,

I'm getting confused I confess.

I creep out the door and slip on the floor

When I find there is snow on the ground.

I walk into a tree, its not easy to see

When the fog is so thick all around.

It just seems to me, and I'm sure you'll agree,

Tha our crazy old weather's unique.

Where else would you find, snow, rain, sun and wind -

Not yearly, but all in one week.

Jean Forrest

What's your weather like?