Some new art, a bad italian accent, & hot glue creations!

Ok, I just finished up an ATC swap that mom hosted on the yahoo group BeeswaxCollage and got the package off to her today, as well as another job application, and a package of books to Natalie W.

For those of you unfamiliar w/ what I'm talking about an ATC is an Artist Trading Card...we make them and swap them sort of like sports cards. :) Mom likes to host 'theme' card swaps on the site every other month or so. A swap is when you decide you'll make X amount of cards, mail them to the host (mom) along w/ some postage, and then she'll mix 'em up and you'll get back so many of cards from other people (amount is usually determined by how many you made and send...if you made 2 cards then you'll get 2 back, and so on).

I participate. Depends on if I'm inspired. :) (yes I have one, yes I wear it when I make stuff...rather inspiring, ha!) Anyway, our topic this month was 'Roma' and nooo...not the tomatoes, The Eternal City...for those of you'ha who don'ta speaka di italiano eets 'Rome' en italiano. Gratzi. Since I'm fresh back from Rome (as of May) then I thought I should make something...and yes this makes me realize I'm sorely lacking in having posted any Rome stories...guess I'll work on that.

Here are my submissions for the swap:

The first one is called "Italian Fashionista," and the quote at the bottom reads, "Oh, what I would give for an Italian sense of style." lol@myself :) I think she's rather cute. I made 11 of her!

The second one "Roma" is made on paper from Rome that I brought back from our honeymoon, the pic is of the capital ruins, there's some italian dictionary page in the background and the 'coin' is made of hot glue!!

How to make hot glue coin:

hot glue gun (lo-temp)

rubber stamp to make design

spray oil

non-stick surface

paint

paintbrush

1. Squirt out some hot glue onto something you can peel it off of...I used the bottom (turn it over) of a casserole dish.

2. Spray rubber stamp with the cooking oil...I used an olive oil kind...or you could probably use plain olive oil. I'm not too sure how Pam would work. Lemme know if ya'll try it.

[edited to add:]
3. [apparently I left out a step...] Squish oiled stamp into the warmish glue, leave there for a bit until kinda dry-ish and firm feeling then pull stamp out. (Duh! I guess I kinda thought ya'll could read between the lines on that one.)

4. Peel off of casserole dish. Rinse. (so it's not oily when you paint it).

5. Paint whatever color you desire. Krylon pain pens work the best, but I didn't have any and used gold acrylic...I think it worked ok. :)

So easy! So cool! Insta coins! I may have to play w/ some of my other stamps! Rather quicker than trying for embossing something and gives a nice lumpy piece to adhere to add texture.

Anyway, time for me to go and begin on supper. David is coming over and I'm making some grilled salmon w/ rice and veggies. Tomorrow is test day for them (mid-term, cardiac class) so I'm making them brain food dinner. :)

Ciao!

Hurricanes? Lemme go out on the porch and check...

Ok, so I've received a phone call or two, please do not panic, as far as I know there isn't a hurricane in the Gulf. There hasn't been anything in the papers, nor did they mention anything on the news just a little bit ago, and I'm pretty sure that UTMB would be sending out an email to all its students ASAP (b/c they were a little overzealous last year on the whole tropical storm/hurricane email thing -- W got several preemptive emails), also...I've been checking the web, in particular the National Hurricane Center, and I came up with zippo folks. I think those newscasters in OK must've been excited over some rain we're getting and slipped and used the H-word. ;-)

Thanks for all the love calls! We'll let you know if we evacuate!!

Wal-mart: the love/hate relationship

Ok, so maybe I'm about to make a Southern faux pas...but I've come to the conclusion that I very strongly dislike maybe even hate Wal-Mart. *Gasp* (did she really say that? how can she truly be Southern and hate Wal-Mart?)

Because let's face it folks, we in the South LOVE Wal-Mart and can't imagine there not being one at least an hour from where we live (see I included you folks who live out in the boonies--I betcha your local Wal-Mart is an hour or closer). Those of us Southern Townies can hardly bear the thought of Wal-Mart being more than 15-20 minutes away! Wal-Marts are everywhere...and let's face it; if you go on vacation it's always a comfort to find the LWM (Local Wal-Mart) to stock up on the forgotten toothbrush, shaving cream, sunscreen, snacks, maps, or local souvenir-type items.

I suspect my hate began in Stillwater...and it wasn't hate for the Stillwater store in particular (although it is one of those that's arranged funny inside or at least it was in 2002) but for the parking and it was occasionally crowded, although to a single-college-girl the crowding wasn't much of an issue because there's always a hot-guy-chance-maybe-I'll-find-a-date opportunity lurking down every isle. (hey, ya never know...we all hear the rumors of meeting someone at a grocery store).

My next LWM was in Kansas City, and I did LOVE that Wal-Mart...it was nice and big with wide isles, decent parking, and very clean. Also it was fun to do married shopping.

Then we had to go back in time at the Bonham Wal-Mart because folks, when I moved down there in 2003 they weren't even open 24 hours!!! *Gasp!* HOW IS THAT NOT POSSIBLE?! This is where the hate began to set in...crowded, slooooooooow check-outs, no self-checkouts then (although they now sport 4), and a Super Wal-Mart squeezed into a regular Wal-Mart building. I think I got spoiled in KC. Although they do have good parking. :)

Then I went to Denton...I almost don't even want to discuss it. I truly dislike that one. It is perpetually crowded and dirty. I only went for the items that were non-grocery when I had to. Otherwise I stuck to Kroger.

Now, I'm in Galveston and there is a whole new aspect to take in...the tourists. For the love of God, DO NOT go to my Wal-Mart EVER from Fri-Sun. It is so time consuming. People are everywhere. And OMG did I say 'tourists'!

All that aside, I do love the one-stop-shop idea (kudos to Sam on that one) and yes they have low-prices. But occasionally I have to cheat and go to Kroger just for my sanity and the pretty vegetables.

A cool site, project, and snack...

Just a couple of random items....

1. Have you ever wondered how much you're supposed to tip the pizza guy? Just exactly what is the right amount? Then check out this cool website! (b/c there's a site for everything) Go Here: http://www.tipthepizzaguy.com/ Tip calculator is to the right..scroll down a tad. Totally came in handy for our Pizza Guy tonight! Thanks NY Pizzeria!


2. I came across a cool project the other day as I was surfing. It's to make a coffee filter rose. Follow the link and watch the video for it...So cool and OMG they look unbelievably real. Or if you are so inclined and can spare the $$ then you can buy them from Cassie Chappell, who is the person doing the demo w/ Martha and sort of makes them like all the time.

I made one tonight and it was a little harder than it looks, but it could be b/c I was using a pipe cleaner and some masking tape in place of the florist wire and florist tape, neither of which I had on hand. But my rose turned out ok...maybe once I watercolor it it will be prettier.


3. Cute Kitty Pic!!I now have a pic of Pete b/c I made sure to take some on the dispos-y camera (which was of Warren's birthday last week, but he doesn't like having his picture up all over, so I'm not posting them...) Here's our orange guy...
So cute! He's on Warren's backpack...so studious.

4. Here's ya a yummie new snack to try...it was Warren's idea.

Chunk up some strawberries, don't slice them super thin, just cut into bite-sized pieces. Then instead of sugar, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top! Add more than you think...b/c when you stir it up it gets distributed all over the strawberry chunks.

I know it sounds weird, I thought the same, but try it! (It was a green eggs & ham moment.)

Cat dirt & Dog hair...

I swear I will waste half my life just sweeping.

I am thankful that my camera cord is fritz-y so that I was not compelled to take a photo for you tonight of the massive amounts of cat dirt and dog hair that I swept up. Grace should be bald.

What is cat dirt you ask? Well let me tell you...

Cat dirt is the small mounds of dirt that you get around your potted plants from the kitty thinking it's fun to swat out a pawful now and then. Bad Kitty!

It was massive...not work for a swiffer...had to break out the broom. :)

Ahoy, maties! HP anyone?

Ok, seriously...don't these people KNOW that HP (that's 'Harry Potter' to you non-Potter people) comes out in print officially today?!?!?! WHY did they have to schedule the orientation today? They are eating into my reading time! AHH!


So, today was the Elissa volunteer orientation hey-come-work-for-us-for-free seminar. Don't get me wrong tho-- they are an amazingly dedicated and enthusiastic group of people. You leave with the feeling that you must do some of everything for them and when can you start? how can you help? Rather persuasive.

So, now I am trying to decide what to do. I must decide by this next weekend because that is when the first class begins.

Basically the whole program is you complete at least 16 out of 20 training sessions where you are learning to make-ready and sail a 19th centuary barque or tall-ship. All of these training sessions happen over weekends, 9 to 5, spread out until Feb. where then they decide if you've volunteered enough time and effort and if so then you sail in March.

I'm tempted...and have a slight feeling of if I don't do it I'll regret it...My only hesitation is that I don't know if I truly want to dedicate so much time yet. I'm leaning towards doing some volunteer work this year and then maybe next year going thru the seamanship training. They have many other programs and ways where one can still volunteer without training to sail.

It's also kind of daunting to just up and do something on your own where you don't know anyone in the group. My shy streak coming out..

Oh well, guess I'll think on it some more...

My 'Married' Hair...

Well I did it. I went and got a hair cut. Maybe not so traumatic for those of you who just go to whoever and wherever you can. But for me...traumatic!

I've been seeing the same hair lady since HIGH SCHOOL!! Luv you Gwen! Which is big b/c high school is now like almost 10 YEARS ago. omg. so old feeling moment....

K, now that that's past...I don't like trying new people because a)they could f* up your hair, b) your have to start your whole life story over again, c) you have to learn their whole story, and d) they could f* up your hair. Obviously a & d are the biggest reasons for the paranoia about going to a new stylist.

Anyway, if you hadn't seen me lately my hair had gotten long...hello! wedding! needed plenty of my superfinethin hair to do some kind of style with!

So down here were it is perpetually 70%+ humidity, a daily 40% chance of rain (whether it rains or not is trivial), and temps hovering around 90ish, it was time for a freakin' haircut! long hair! so hot! and not in the "I'm hott" kind of way!

*Notice how the nice lettering is on the picture where it is rather legible. Yes I upgraded photoshop. Ok, so maybe my font on it could be a tad larger. Hard to tell when I'm working in the window, will have to play more.

So, I go get my hair cut by a very nice lady named Angela, who has a two year old daugter and grew up down here and graduated from La Marque where I hope to soon be gainfully employed. She did a decent job for $16...like the cheapest haircut I've had in years!!! Sooo not as cool as Gwen....no shampoo (although she did ask) and a semi-dry cut?!?!! *sigh* with no styling afterwards. Oh, well ya get what ya pay for I guess.

The whole point of my rambling thus far is that Warren has apprently not seen my hair this short before (not that it's really that chopped...it's still a tad past my shoulders) but he liked it and said so, and then he says, "Now you have married hair."

Excuse me? MARRIED hair?!?!?!?!? What exactly is Married Hair?! Why is short hair equated to marriage? Because we new wives suddenly have less time for our sexy long single girl hair? Trust me I have to fix it more when it's short!


--------------------------------------------->
The 'married' hair....which is now on it's way back to a nice medium un-wifely length. Sorry for the ghetto photo...


So tell me...Is your hair married? :D

Salt water Rain?

Ok, so my mother swears by the power of salt water...but geez, even the RAIN is salty down here.

As if the ocean wasn't close enough...I run into Walgreens to pick-up b-day pictures (remember digi-camera is fritzing? bought cheap disposi for the b-day pics...) and it was slightly misty outside. When I came out, it was raining and I distinctly tasted salt in the rain...'course this could be b/c the ocean was RIGHT THERE (Walgreens on the East End is on Seawall Blvd.) so close I could have ran across the street and jumped in.

Nice thought, but I didn't.

I guess since the water cycle is so short down here being as we are like right by the ocean, that the clouds don't have time to get un-salty.

And how do clouds get un-salty anyways?

Introductions all around...

Hi ya'll! Welcome to my blog! Let's be honest...right from the beginning...I've never been much of a journal keeper. Oh, I tried in jr. high/high school and wrote from time to time random entries throughout college but it's never really stuck. However, I am now more determined. And rather inspired.

Anywho--on to more positive writings! I should introduce myself: Hi, my name is Kari Worsham, I am addicted to books, reading (hence the book addiction), altered art, ATCs/ACEOs, scrapbooking, movies, Tivo, Wii (and I'm so not a gamer, but the Wii is awesome!), antiques, paper, candles, knitting? (it's a new hobby I'm trying) and my new hammock (So Comfy! Thanks Mom!). Normally I would be employed as an elementary teacher, but seeing as how I just moved down here I'm job hunting. Also, I should mention I've been married once before, but he died in a rather sad & tragical accident, but we'll talk about that some other time. Just lettin ya know in case I make mention of the fact somewhere.

My dog and I married a great, wonderful, nice, interesting, & funny guy named Warren, who is down here attending medical school at UTMB. He is originally from Allen, TX a part of the

Dallas suburbia area (oh yeah! I was born in TX but raised in OK so I lay claim to both states). He's just begun his 2nd year of med school. So busy! & interesting! He saw his 1st real patient today in the cardio unit all on his own and got called Dr.! Yay Warren!

Here is a pic of us...taken by my best friend's sister last fall. Check her out! It's an engagement pic taken at the Dallas Arboretum. Way cool place with some GORgeous flowers. We had fun that day.

H.R.D. (Her Royal Dogness) Princess Grace...I suck at the captioning...must get full version of Jasc Paint Shop. It reads, "Won't somebody play with me? How can you resist this face?"

Grace and I have been together since 2003...since the 'tragedy'. Thank God for my dog...she's what kept me going and gave me something to do to keep my mind occupied. Dog Therapy for sure.

Anyway, she fully speaks english, of course, and is not truly happy until her full pack is in town (a.k.a. the rest of my family - mom, cousins, aunts, grandma, etc.). She loves company! And she graciously accepted Warren into the pack. Although I think there was some bribery on the sly...

Warren has 3 fish...unfortuantely my camera cord decided to STOP WORKING. Great. Which means that I can't take pic's until the slooow people at Fujifilm fix it...and I refuse to buy more rechargeable batteries...So...fish pic's sometime in the future.

Also, our newest member to the family is named Pete. He is small, orange, furry, and feline! We rescued Pete at the Humane Society...he was only 2 mo's old! So cute! So small! So orange! [Imagine cute, small, orange kitty picture here].
So, after some adjusting he and Grace get along famously now. We've even progressed to occasionally throwing ourselves under the dog and wrapping around the nearest paw, only to run off as fast as he can soon after.

Ok, guess that does it for the intro's. Hi ya'll!