Travel Journal Sneak Peek

...with footnotes!

Previously I had shown you this

as the blank journal I made

using Teesha's tutorial.

You use just one sheet of watercolor paper:

I am finally using it...for my California Travel Journal!

This is the unfinished cover, with minimal watercolor background

and collage...and some washi tape to reinforce:

Below, first page opened, with flaps:

Next spread opened,

with another flap on the right for Muir Woods:

The center panel (above) has bright

background collage souvenirs as a 2nd layer,

but some will probably be covered up.

•

Flap folded, next spread:

•

Spread below inspired by

our drive south along the coast,

beach hopping and lovin' the waves:

I get all emotional about this background below.

Memories of Dad...traveling with Mom, years ago...

me now in the same spot...

Unfinished, but I am traveling through it happily at last.

Thanks for looking!

~k

Last Saturday in San Francisco

Every morning began this way...

 I try to hold the sound of the waves permanently in my head.

These make me grin wildly. 

First sighting of the Bay Bridge...very impressive,

especially when we hadn't seen the more-famous bridge yet...

but that'll be coming later. (!)

Discovered fruits and vegetables we've never had before.

Loved white nectarines...

Sensory explosion!

We laughed about these purple carrots,

but Michael and I picnicked with them

later in the week and they were fantastic, so fresh.

and, oh! the flowers!

Driving through San Francisco, I was constantly amazed

at the hills and curves

and cars needing to park sideways.

A stop after dinner at one of Kristine's favorite coffee shops.

I felt so happy and relaxed.

And every evening ended with this...

aaah...

Can you feel it?

Hope so.

~k

Arriving in CA

Thank you for sharing my vacation!

I am excited to show you a brief daily diary of photos!

(still working on my Travel Journal...!)

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Arriving in Pacifica last Thursday afternoon

 Hotel on the beach

Next day, after meeting Kristine,

we all went to Twin Peaks for a great view of San Francisco!

 The ever elusive Golden Gate Bridge still hides in the fog...

•

Then, a fun trip into one of the greatest art supply and paper shops

of all time!

I got a few goodies: stamps, tapes, and...

...paper!

A drive to famous curving Lombard Street

where hydrangeas of all colors are in full, exquisite bloom.

 ...and a drive by Fisherman's Wharf.

Such a beautiful day!

~k

I Left a Piece of My Heart...

...in San Francisco.

This is going to be very close to being wordless

because I am having difficulty finding the right words.

It was a perfect vacation.

Michael and I stayed in Pacifica, along the ocean.

Then I had the thrill and honor of meeting a blogging friend,

for the very first time, in the city of San Francisco!

Meet Kristine,

otherwise known as laundrygirl at Dreamer: Believer!

Kristine, an amazing artist and all around beautiful person,

proved to be quite the tour guide, too!

Here's Michael goofing around at the Ferry Building farmer's Market

where the sights, sounds, and scents were overwhelmingly happy.

So, more to come...but I really am overcome

with the thrill of it all.

And pictures will express it better... for now.

♥

~k

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Remember that song?!

I am going on a vacation...

...and though I won't be able to post

til I return next week,

I will try to visit you!

Peace to you.

Be kind to yourself

and take care.

always,

~k

Blog Anniversary! Luau!

Wow! Today is the 3rd anniversary of my Blog!

Thank you so much, friends! I never could have predicted such joy!

You are a generous, sharing, caring community

and my life is richer for knowing you.

I hope I have given something back to you,

'cause you sure have enriched my life with your friendship.

Thank you.

♥

And now, I promised you a few "Triple Birthday Party"

Luau photos,

so here goes!

 Setting up & decorating

 My son & daughter!

♥

Cousins:

 Below, my older brother and Mom:

And now, introducing the Triple Birthday Babies,

my son, my brother, and my Mom-in-Law:

Each with their favorite dessert!

Happy Birthday!

•

Thank you so much for visiting, commenting,

being my bloggy friends.

Always,

~k

Summer of Color 2: Final Week: Watermelon Ice!

Journaling with paper collage,

washi tapes in reds and blacks,

black Sharpie and new Silver Metallic GellyRoll pen

that I was lucky enough to win 2 weeks ago

from Kristin's perfect Summer of Color!

Thank you!

♥

PS. The Luah yesterday was loads of Tropical Fun

and I will get photos up tomorrow...!

Enjoy your day!

~k

Put the Lime in the Coconut...

...and run with it.

Things have NOT been relaxed around here,

but it's been C.R.A.Z.Y with good things,

so that's okay!

You may remember/know that every July I throw

the Annual Triple Birthday party

for three family members

and lots of family & friends.

It's a Luah!

It's on Sunday!

I will try to post photos on Monday.

In the meantime, grab your coconut shells

and grass skirt and shake it!

*

Melting here in WNY,

~k

Summer of Color 2: Week 5 Wild 'N Reckless

"Wild 'N Reckless" (sherbet below)

made me think of the "organized chaos"

that frequents my thoughts and my piles at home.

So, that inspired crazy inks for the background,

used with stencils I love,

and some washi tapes.

Then, I used a favorite contemplative face stamp

with Staz-On black ink.

Here's a close-up of the Chaotic writing:

I had to share with you my Passion Plant, below, too!

Have a wonderful day!

And thanks again to Kristin from Twinkle, Twinkle

for the Ice Cream Inspiration~

See many more here.

~k