tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18429782752103316982024-03-05T09:30:33.888-07:00PK's Parlor(par'ler), n. 1. a room in a home for receiving visitors. 2. a somewhat private room in a hotel, club, or the like for relaxation, conversation, etc.P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-83132815974122473472018-01-11T00:49:00.001-07:002018-01-11T02:22:19.051-07:00My Magical Mom: A Tribute to Kathy R. Smith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Once upon
a time, there lived a girl who believed in magic, pixie dust and fairy
godmothers. Her name was Kathy and her golden hair was as bright as the
brightest star. She saw the best qualities in others and was quick to say,
“You’ve got a friend in me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">As a
child, when she wasn’t feeling well, a woman with rosy cheeks “popped” into her
life and showed her that a “spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” She
also taught her, "In every job that must be done, there is an element
of fun." And so began Kathy’s lifelong quest to help others see the fun
and wonder in all aspects of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Adopting
the mantra of <i>Hakuna matata, </i>she embraced its <em><span style="font-style: normal;">meaning of </span></em>“<em><span style="font-style: normal;">no worries for the rest of your days.” After all, worrying
is for adults. And no matter how old Kathy grew, she always remained a kid at
heart. With </span></em></span><st1:place><em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal;">Disneyland</span></em></st1:place><em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal;"> in your own
backyard, how could you not be forever young? Especially with a cute mouse
running the whole show.<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal;">As she grew up and had a family of her own, Kathy taught her
little Mouseketeers all about “the bare necessities of life”, which included
“whistling while you work”, “letting your conscience be your guide”, and most
importantly, to “have courage and be kind.”<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal;">Kathy’s kindness was legendary. She loved celebrating the
big milestones in people’s lives, as well as the small and insignificant. To
her, “love was an open door” and once you walked through her door, you were a
friend for life. I guess that’s why she never acquired a taste for seafood.
“Fish are friends, not food.” <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal;">In her later years, Kathy’s courage was also legendary. Some
would even say out of this world or “to infinity and beyond.” When faced with her
hardest task to date, she continued to “think happy thoughts.” You see a
forgetful blue fish taught her an important lesson. “</span></em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">When life gets you down, you know
what you got to do? Just keep swimming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">And boy
did Kathy “swim, swim, swim.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">So perhaps that is what this life is all about.
Learning to swim against the current. Learning to swim when we’re scared and
tired. And learning that sometimes the path placed before us is not the easiest
one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Perhaps Kathy had it figured out all along ... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“All it takes is faith, trust
and a little pixie dust.” A</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">nd a fabulous set of Mickey Mouse ears. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13pt;">Dedicated to my magical mom, Kathleen Rae Smith (1955-2017). ❤️</span>P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-37564885372039825652015-08-05T08:00:00.000-06:002015-08-05T11:20:43.436-06:00Sweet Peaches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Move over apple pie. Your reign is over. There's a new American obsession. Well, at least in the Smith/Hendrix family. Suddenly, we've all acquired a taste for sweet peaches.<br />
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Meet Helena Grace Hendrix (aka Peaches)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vjUQLWVL_yj_cWzq-vlqyXRV7ZnqkDEPtmRU3xgce6aYVuCsa59dqR6RbJ4MDWwkjHZk1awytxbcSH_KpKlMqjYzt4IoGAs6bbP4W1JZbSblsdA2bkb4tyiNN-X3Cui15i4_R1NgTcM/s1600/Peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vjUQLWVL_yj_cWzq-vlqyXRV7ZnqkDEPtmRU3xgce6aYVuCsa59dqR6RbJ4MDWwkjHZk1awytxbcSH_KpKlMqjYzt4IoGAs6bbP4W1JZbSblsdA2bkb4tyiNN-X3Cui15i4_R1NgTcM/s400/Peaches.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.laurieruthphotography.com/" target="_blank">Laurie Ruth Photography</a></td></tr>
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Born to my sister Holly on February 9, 2015, this little cutie has captured our hearts since day one. Auntie PK met her for the first time on Valentine's Day, and it was love at first sight!<br />
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It's hard to believe Ms. Sassy Pants is almost 6 months old. She most definitely has her mother's strong will and temperament, but she looks more like her Daddy every day.<br />
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And she definitely has "Gampa" (my dad) wrapped around her little finger. After seeing this video, I told my sister, "It's like he's never been around a baby girl before!" #dadto3<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz7hwt2lnQZJUt-WJo5DxWWk9KsNyQCCBkGtAfHXtMGoFcYESTe_ts6xynHDkxj5NdcdUXt9Mua8c6sjr1b' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Like I said, this little human has learned to maximize her appeal. My dad is constantly bringing back cute clothes and accessories from his travels, like this kimono and cupcake hat! (Who is this man?)<br />
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I must confess, even I have fell victim to her charm. I now find myself scouring the baby aisles at Target and Old Navy in search of darling outfits, matching shoes and even bibs (she's a spitter-upper!). These are my favorite outfits to date...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQM984bULjnBbha8-5MX0dR1CmAAytpcNysW38j-Lt06a4BxTDKRAp4XG0iMQKT4SvcmhPGt-57_-1c4h-vSBOoVzRkxnU8ZNWCQZ2QWuWGnJbxmPIFvrbyaePywxfd_7Go4REj0sq-0c/s1600/BFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQM984bULjnBbha8-5MX0dR1CmAAytpcNysW38j-Lt06a4BxTDKRAp4XG0iMQKT4SvcmhPGt-57_-1c4h-vSBOoVzRkxnU8ZNWCQZ2QWuWGnJbxmPIFvrbyaePywxfd_7Go4REj0sq-0c/s400/BFF.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaches has two aunts and we gladly share the title of "BFF".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6bk4iOyar3mfvuXqQUZMQmOU4XnxQZOktCG5oU_DhVHclDxBuR6SdZP5CxQnCTqIpRwk148VI2Lg3Pknouw_ZNG5CIMEzn0GuwiUg7jU3HTa7zJDNs5XwGQHHq3uKxqVCO-lBp6MTQo/s1600/Red+White+%2526+Cute+Onesie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6bk4iOyar3mfvuXqQUZMQmOU4XnxQZOktCG5oU_DhVHclDxBuR6SdZP5CxQnCTqIpRwk148VI2Lg3Pknouw_ZNG5CIMEzn0GuwiUg7jU3HTa7zJDNs5XwGQHHq3uKxqVCO-lBp6MTQo/s400/Red+White+%2526+Cute+Onesie.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you kidding me with this cuteness?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimeD62sT_4IVI6d7nFMBnp3TBkyqgVL9BMSv8LyAY1yyYIuL5WqjR8HJx265CQLAjf8ss7O9cNK_1av48kC0YQ7_sltgrz9ALs-bvqjnWsGtpB2L79oIVcC6Mtn-3wxuqAPkF1e6wni0/s1600/Tankini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimeD62sT_4IVI6d7nFMBnp3TBkyqgVL9BMSv8LyAY1yyYIuL5WqjR8HJx265CQLAjf8ss7O9cNK_1av48kC0YQ7_sltgrz9ALs-bvqjnWsGtpB2L79oIVcC6Mtn-3wxuqAPkF1e6wni0/s400/Tankini.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We like big bellies and we can not lie!</td></tr>
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Every day, Peaches shows more and more personality and the grown ups and canines are eating it up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1333mFm3dc8uY-34hlM5igOFnbttB4YkrbPz1K1k3klU5pz3zQ_0EDoFTF7F4lMnl1lkGCuhSBcq_F0XagFbA0WRgiLVSqtJ3W46YlI-wLqNrINDfgjADctHOu-27yIHPUTZZOrfGOu0/s1600/Peaches+%2526+Charlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1333mFm3dc8uY-34hlM5igOFnbttB4YkrbPz1K1k3klU5pz3zQ_0EDoFTF7F4lMnl1lkGCuhSBcq_F0XagFbA0WRgiLVSqtJ3W46YlI-wLqNrINDfgjADctHOu-27yIHPUTZZOrfGOu0/s400/Peaches+%2526+Charlie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie is already her biggest fan and protector.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaIAyTNizizrEWrq5Ct5lwhvBk-1XzjPkQ1uHcsIActdmOhGPmRA1t1ldCt8Y_16Cfs1nB2NaFFr0D-E7bd5cv5vzZmCVOAjGtTQC9RUNDaHvUQCcfzWFkLSEVES1FchA-ip4CwSmt7M/s1600/monthly+onesies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaIAyTNizizrEWrq5Ct5lwhvBk-1XzjPkQ1uHcsIActdmOhGPmRA1t1ldCt8Y_16Cfs1nB2NaFFr0D-E7bd5cv5vzZmCVOAjGtTQC9RUNDaHvUQCcfzWFkLSEVES1FchA-ip4CwSmt7M/s400/monthly+onesies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's got the monthly onesie photo shoot down! P.S. Thanks to Megan Hoeppner for creating 12 of the cutest onesies that perfectly match her nursery. Click <a href="http://www.meganhoeppner.com/#/onsie-twosie/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to order your own custom set for an expectant mother! </td></tr>
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Peaches definitely doesn't miss a bottle, as evident by her chubby cheeks - a Smith trait for sure. She's already wearing 9-month clothing and will soon be transitioning into solid foods. Maybe even pureed peaches!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSypC9eJh1H1aWD4JQ5Y0PZOvlRkwVlbqDkYCBdTxhzSmefDmp2DPwGP4OFXrRcR6b95ZsRyloC6AX6vJVRtoLDijYRtCuM5V4C6mTMWJs7jhcapyXVgHlztSQUXytL7mymsfBybmxEYU/s1600/Cuteness+Overload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSypC9eJh1H1aWD4JQ5Y0PZOvlRkwVlbqDkYCBdTxhzSmefDmp2DPwGP4OFXrRcR6b95ZsRyloC6AX6vJVRtoLDijYRtCuM5V4C6mTMWJs7jhcapyXVgHlztSQUXytL7mymsfBybmxEYU/s320/Cuteness+Overload.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did someone say pureed peaches? Yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB_elQYC-v8h0qkL0ggRdthaxtb-ybf6UghHiDM0w1v85_Tr4ecDLAc8i-eg8Vcb4RwUm7L5D6EUaZqN_r-4vaPad1HevLCBwTEU3FvkIIwxW33H5i-rGEjyUYkcki8E50r4bZ5llVks/s1600/Chunky+Thighs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB_elQYC-v8h0qkL0ggRdthaxtb-ybf6UghHiDM0w1v85_Tr4ecDLAc8i-eg8Vcb4RwUm7L5D6EUaZqN_r-4vaPad1HevLCBwTEU3FvkIIwxW33H5i-rGEjyUYkcki8E50r4bZ5llVks/s400/Chunky+Thighs.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I make chunky thighs look good!</td></tr>
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I spent the Fourth of July with this little firecracker, and my sisters and I had fun setting up a patriotic-themed photo shoot. Apparently I make the most goofy faces and was rewarded with...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXmw7nBkahx18KTb9-KOfnasYwCvCvtKKEwzUjVj-LDaVW2g53HzbfX4VhiJwZO_g30A2uiEeDsUDBXk_LBCbql30NqBYyKj-MUk3OtTl-7-QHqzaa4muWR4ZsNTq655SuZqEHbbXyCk/s1600/Americal+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXmw7nBkahx18KTb9-KOfnasYwCvCvtKKEwzUjVj-LDaVW2g53HzbfX4VhiJwZO_g30A2uiEeDsUDBXk_LBCbql30NqBYyKj-MUk3OtTl-7-QHqzaa4muWR4ZsNTq655SuZqEHbbXyCk/s320/Americal+Girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "God Bless America" sign is from my <i>Paper Crafts</i> days. Thanks to <a href="http://itsallrosie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura O'Donnell</a> for designing such a fun keepsake! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotH4a7zM0lWbMnn5-gXykwzkEqBTtUZKRU6f6EbLY7fFcnk3g3Y0V-pf2rbhf2mNtk3Q_xd7XgrZP8Ck6ejfvDlaGR5HTsKhM5qzL30rDZ1F30Zglhm4yss916ALf89xMw6uuEF6iUKU/s1600/Red+White+%2526+Cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotH4a7zM0lWbMnn5-gXykwzkEqBTtUZKRU6f6EbLY7fFcnk3g3Y0V-pf2rbhf2mNtk3Q_xd7XgrZP8Ck6ejfvDlaGR5HTsKhM5qzL30rDZ1F30Zglhm4yss916ALf89xMw6uuEF6iUKU/s320/Red+White+%2526+Cute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's nothing better than a baby's laugh. Keep working your Southern charm, Peaches!<br />
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Love,<br />
Auntie PK (Your BFF)P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-30992504391845550652014-12-03T06:00:00.000-07:002014-12-03T06:00:03.562-07:00Paper Crafts Magazine Swan Song Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyJdekWUngPuHFAv0rqrf7036HMS9dn6d6lWRD-n8AxEGkZJg7ME-In1mh6nUSVonDMHI_1i4Sn8_WoSTmVaiUavkgoA_9HVWrNmVfNJuaX859ga51Zhyphenhyphengn-ZjmgjvF0KZ_V7T1GiSAE/s1600/papercraftshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyJdekWUngPuHFAv0rqrf7036HMS9dn6d6lWRD-n8AxEGkZJg7ME-In1mh6nUSVonDMHI_1i4Sn8_WoSTmVaiUavkgoA_9HVWrNmVfNJuaX859ga51Zhyphenhyphengn-ZjmgjvF0KZ_V7T1GiSAE/s1600/papercraftshop1.jpg" height="100" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to your next stop along the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="entity _586o" data-fulltext="Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Swan Song Blog Hop" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Swan Song Blog Hop" data-type="ent:group" data-uid="872242999475887"><i>Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking </i>Magazine Swan Song Blog Hop</span><span data-si="true"></span>! You should have arrived here from <a href="http://mprantner.blogspot.com/2014/12/paper-crafts-scrapbooking-magazine.html" target="_blank">Miriam Prantner</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You'd think I would have gotten used to these goodbyes by now. I said goodbye to our Moxie Fab Cath last <a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2013/11/moxie-fab-thanks-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">November</a> and bid farewell to my job at <i>Paper Crafts</i> last <a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-beautiful-ride.html" target="_blank">August</a>. It's been quite the whirlwind of emotions. And even though I haven't been a part of the magazine for over a year, I still feel very attached to the editors, designers, readers and even the pages of the magazine itself. You spend 7 years at one place and it's bound to leave a lasting impression. And it has.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have so many stories to tell and pictures to share, but there's no way I could do them all justice here. So I'll share some highlights. I know readers always love seeing what went on behind-the-scenes. Despite popular belief, we did NOT paper craft every day! We were busy publishing magazines each month, writing blog posts (between<i> <a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/" target="_blank">Paper Crafts</a></i><a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/" target="_blank"> Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.moxiefabworld.com/" target="_blank">Moxie Fab World</a>), concepting features and columns for future magazines, filming videos and the list goes on and on. But we still managed to sneak a little fun into each day. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNhUBlMviG9BI8KtzioOhdLxr6rGvb9iHaivyBVF1H2L1b8_IFBogjSVXQRn-jF7d0EKDzZDqpJOCrnAMh-Vt6ox0pt1sFf71iBz9T4jNry6k8inaPVShnNoIrJvRSGm_iUEoq-QOjCA/s1600/Christmas+2008+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNhUBlMviG9BI8KtzioOhdLxr6rGvb9iHaivyBVF1H2L1b8_IFBogjSVXQRn-jF7d0EKDzZDqpJOCrnAMh-Vt6ox0pt1sFf71iBz9T4jNry6k8inaPVShnNoIrJvRSGm_iUEoq-QOjCA/s1600/Christmas+2008+050.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthdays were a big deal around the office. Former art director Stace Hasegawa created these Coca-Cola-themed signs for my cubicle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEs8fvtVNIczVCfybWcB_2akT0qzIzazdaFEB3YRCe3Tq2M8hewtlzUA7Jb6Getx_q0AfQEZdyKSqbPYu7ndFeRjd6IDHzCsV1LLdYR_UyezVBWxuQp9XkhFMXhBbFmmaajyWsjW_pZo/s1600/IMG_1729%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEs8fvtVNIczVCfybWcB_2akT0qzIzazdaFEB3YRCe3Tq2M8hewtlzUA7Jb6Getx_q0AfQEZdyKSqbPYu7ndFeRjd6IDHzCsV1LLdYR_UyezVBWxuQp9XkhFMXhBbFmmaajyWsjW_pZo/s1600/IMG_1729%5B2%5D.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved celebrating holidays, especially the ones where we could dress up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQKuINYMwf-pE6fQc3yJg95tNO3eU5UpGX69Wz6tNzy0D2HFRaoF0P97hdizagkXewtuZUzalL6_lCgijEQ3nwjIzhvRJQf8QW0WFu0SWf8V1SMrUMAAOLOqG06vJyWLOmp9S0S6_6pY/s1600/Fourth+of+July+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQKuINYMwf-pE6fQc3yJg95tNO3eU5UpGX69Wz6tNzy0D2HFRaoF0P97hdizagkXewtuZUzalL6_lCgijEQ3nwjIzhvRJQf8QW0WFu0SWf8V1SMrUMAAOLOqG06vJyWLOmp9S0S6_6pY/s1600/Fourth+of+July+003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Pink Day is a real holiday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1it9dopqpMgVpvYRiP8V13uKab8bLgIoRp45GNGSioLENmT5mAK27pIDu6_EJLzwYYn3u1jzIPR2VzV6KUwbg45DRJ4r6teU1mwfwxO2RaChKK6H9MKlZSF9MNNkO-GiYkitN-yuJ5s/s1600/CHA_SIC+Promotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1it9dopqpMgVpvYRiP8V13uKab8bLgIoRp45GNGSioLENmT5mAK27pIDu6_EJLzwYYn3u1jzIPR2VzV6KUwbg45DRJ4r6teU1mwfwxO2RaChKK6H9MKlZSF9MNNkO-GiYkitN-yuJ5s/s1600/CHA_SIC+Promotion.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHA was our favorite event to mingle with our designer friends & readers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yBIs0-DsLUI6JbTtuCJXAdfQLfJlc-uV4TcHToIDzD-96srpMJ3z3mOIK1rNQ_lTZgnz8yWj6f3aOFC_g3L8je0cRUM2GRz56_GR5KYdGi-8ud33Xc7CxyWrM_niOf7sXmoHhYLw8Wg/s1600/CHA+Birthday+Event.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yBIs0-DsLUI6JbTtuCJXAdfQLfJlc-uV4TcHToIDzD-96srpMJ3z3mOIK1rNQ_lTZgnz8yWj6f3aOFC_g3L8je0cRUM2GRz56_GR5KYdGi-8ud33Xc7CxyWrM_niOf7sXmoHhYLw8Wg/s1600/CHA+Birthday+Event.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating <i>Paper Crafts</i>' 5th birthday in 2009.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztiH6iD6BtRSzx7_1z1Y3m32dAwXX3IVFoCMNwIcLuFr9Jl49rM2rAjRCf3hbFEkQRYAcQukMEiRkJ-cqVHynSicSdkzD4jOgPUzcN8IPMKF5loO0mtTHhKksJQ7-N16oQ-djd03n32A/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztiH6iD6BtRSzx7_1z1Y3m32dAwXX3IVFoCMNwIcLuFr9Jl49rM2rAjRCf3hbFEkQRYAcQukMEiRkJ-cqVHynSicSdkzD4jOgPUzcN8IPMKF5loO0mtTHhKksJQ7-N16oQ-djd03n32A/s1600/019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always loved walking the CHA floor with my girl, Megan Hoeppner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZNixtNwlkzI_b0Wt9cfo238wpAFXAcv9YkwyVJ31AcuGi8Ur4qbqlN8ZLpBmsAoyYLAVEqgXhwe4bv3WrXPAmIZu0B6U10a2Rgnal65Vkt4MMn2gQ-NS3RlUQcCzbAMI_dZoJV-UTI0/s1600/GTG_Ed+Board+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZNixtNwlkzI_b0Wt9cfo238wpAFXAcv9YkwyVJ31AcuGi8Ur4qbqlN8ZLpBmsAoyYLAVEqgXhwe4bv3WrXPAmIZu0B6U10a2Rgnal65Vkt4MMn2gQ-NS3RlUQcCzbAMI_dZoJV-UTI0/s1600/GTG_Ed+Board+2011.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our annual ed board meeting brought the beloved Go-to Gals to Utah.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qCsFI5A5qw-jV7ELLXx0B8m8HbphzxHqWwRC-rV2ABgqOcumdm95qzMXeCaZplzMhApKkOhl6kKqw3jilTcC7b232FwdZ_ogNJwwMG1PAV2dXo-pAGsKGCDupyGt47GQV5MN9qU2hQg/s1600/GTG_Ed+Board.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qCsFI5A5qw-jV7ELLXx0B8m8HbphzxHqWwRC-rV2ABgqOcumdm95qzMXeCaZplzMhApKkOhl6kKqw3jilTcC7b232FwdZ_ogNJwwMG1PAV2dXo-pAGsKGCDupyGt47GQV5MN9qU2hQg/s1600/GTG_Ed+Board.JPG" height="317" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these "gals" and their crazy talent!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8c_JBAN2_a0bbXQg7b4_K1dDZ5GwLzKQsYUbE44TRPDnFiDIsmjupxtMkmRTWxmN1COBCFti8WYWzd7kFQ2Fpa4xdclR-6U-ZBigoSScfe344E7gOhm5sRi1jcxO2rq1AB8ai1uyNMc/s1600/Stace_Farewell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8c_JBAN2_a0bbXQg7b4_K1dDZ5GwLzKQsYUbE44TRPDnFiDIsmjupxtMkmRTWxmN1COBCFti8WYWzd7kFQ2Fpa4xdclR-6U-ZBigoSScfe344E7gOhm5sRi1jcxO2rq1AB8ai1uyNMc/s1600/Stace_Farewell.JPG" height="400" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Parties on the Porch" were always a special treat. These ladies and Matt are the real deal. I wish them nothing but luck as they begin a new adventure in their creative lives.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you can see, we had a lot of fun. Probably more fun than any job should allow. But when you're working in an industry with so many creative people, it comes with the territory. While I'm sad the magazine is ceasing publication, I'm so pleased it had such a great run and impacted so many people. And I'm happy I got to be a part of all the creativity, all that pride and all that love. I still have every one of my <i>Paper Crafts</i> issues. They take up 12 magazine organizers. No lie! They're all my little babies. I'm proud of them and the work they represent. Yours, mine and ours, collectively.</span></div>
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As we officially say goodbye to our dear magazine, I'm reminded of something I posted over on the <i>Paper Crafts Connection</i> blog a few years ago. It was titled <a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/blog/2013/08/changing-it-up-part-ii/" target="_blank">Changing it Up</a> as I was transitioning my duties. At the time it gave me comfort writing it, as I hope it does for you now.<br />
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"Something this creative industry thrives on is change. Companies come
and go, products reinvent themselves and trends burst on the scene and
then take their final bow. And while it’s often inconvenient and frustrating at the time, change usually brings out the best in us. We adapt, we grow and we often surprise ourselves with the results."<br />
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I have no doubt that creativity will continue to inspire and bring us together, one way or the other. It may not be in the same format, but it will always be there, surprising us all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXJVqvlJ27ab3pfGfQntgkUN9cGFIF-YCSxXBW2Erz_38C4lfe9Dcjd-gan3S3nzj6Hsymzh3Nn_lUe_TcrNsewj5h2E0uJsO2Cqy0SR7ameZ7LFAEApNWz4_lAwWNefsV8a-AMuuJAM/s1600/Merci+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXJVqvlJ27ab3pfGfQntgkUN9cGFIF-YCSxXBW2Erz_38C4lfe9Dcjd-gan3S3nzj6Hsymzh3Nn_lUe_TcrNsewj5h2E0uJsO2Cqy0SR7ameZ7LFAEApNWz4_lAwWNefsV8a-AMuuJAM/s1600/Merci+Card.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite cards published in <i>Paper Crafts</i>. I've always been partial to puffy hearts! ;-)</td></tr>
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Thanks for the memories, <i>Paper Crafts</i>! </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your next stop on the b</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="entity _586o" data-fulltext="Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Swan Song Blog Hop" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Swan Song Blog Hop" data-type="ent:group" data-uid="872242999475887">log hop</span></span> will be <a href="http://www.zrobysama.com.ua/?p=47661&lang=en" target="_blank">Yana Smakula</a></span><a href="http://lostinpaper.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Enjoy!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-8258203452292690662014-05-08T17:42:00.001-06:002014-05-08T17:44:08.080-06:00The Monarch Story<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZnH942Acu734g4lrNd2RkcyHTrh8Qgj7ZoGGybNtjEyG2xEGHSbwnMMDf06lIg0aW6cVEpdnaHlmSHyKF3RpucbXVN_E3-onWutbaZHy2P8zlzetEzcJ5rUeYeoF85wkHQAqNoUrp5g/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZnH942Acu734g4lrNd2RkcyHTrh8Qgj7ZoGGybNtjEyG2xEGHSbwnMMDf06lIg0aW6cVEpdnaHlmSHyKF3RpucbXVN_E3-onWutbaZHy2P8zlzetEzcJ5rUeYeoF85wkHQAqNoUrp5g/s1600/butterfly.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy of <a href="http://edf.org/">EDF.org</a></i></td></tr>
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<i> I recently came across this inspiring story. I love its message of perseverance and strength. </i>:)<br />
<br />
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.<br />
<br />
One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole. Then it stopped, as if it could not go further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bits of the cocoon. The butterfly emerged easily but it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.<br />
<br />
The man continued to watch it, expecting that at any minute the wings would enlarge and expand enough to support the body. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It was never able to fly.<br />
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What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand: the restricting cocoon and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the opening was a way of forcing the fluid from the body into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once that was achieved.<br />
<br />
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have been and we would never fly.<br />
<br />
PK <br />
<br />
<br />P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-57763599256333177252014-04-30T13:27:00.000-06:002014-04-30T13:45:28.787-06:00The Earth Laughs in FlowersIt always a spectacular thing when spring finally arrives, especially after a long, cold winter. Having grown up in Texas, where there's only two distinct seasons — hot and hotter — winter in Utah is something I'll never get use to. Like ever. Luckily, glorious spring never disappoints. <br />
<br />
A couple of weekends ago, I attended to the annual <a href="http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/events/tulip_festival" target="_blank">Tulip Festival</a> at Thanksgiving Point Gardens. 250,000 tulips across 55 acres in quite the sight to be seen. Here's some of my favorite blooms from the festival, along with some of my favorite quotes on flowers...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLlh3gHEDPeAKGro2RvXlp-QauRoGkACBu5hjBA5RyDAfzudGzsCIQmXp-4S2EK9yffe0gtb-aaYRBDhyyyhbyCfPHqqfKnD1lu-Yt8uBhGbGA1-DkvZrdStuEY8AB7uZwj4gbzKPojw/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLlh3gHEDPeAKGro2RvXlp-QauRoGkACBu5hjBA5RyDAfzudGzsCIQmXp-4S2EK9yffe0gtb-aaYRBDhyyyhbyCfPHqqfKnD1lu-Yt8uBhGbGA1-DkvZrdStuEY8AB7uZwj4gbzKPojw/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The earth laughs in flowers. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpewvtyfCWaYCtoIzbLUJxiU-jr3_L0ubFq7yTlRg5XLcKqIS_SbaTq96YO9Nr_w3bE4jaHL4cXl0NugroVnDv1ytwAEdLBECUknKnDb3eMEiU2oVAUEVE_ggxGQemvWLfyUmMl0UdFh0/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpewvtyfCWaYCtoIzbLUJxiU-jr3_L0ubFq7yTlRg5XLcKqIS_SbaTq96YO9Nr_w3bE4jaHL4cXl0NugroVnDv1ytwAEdLBECUknKnDb3eMEiU2oVAUEVE_ggxGQemvWLfyUmMl0UdFh0/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~ Hans Christian Anderson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2fRnADOT9R2YQPcd-YOrS0qhFvD4yjydrf6EkmAP1WBSPIukRB8N7vUr-gUVTiqpGqWy2I0oEiDio86s-KesSoU6Ta-jZ0GSXoI4QXKbRllE0PHPcSZAq2HuyBZQRj0dI85wP-QbQs8/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2fRnADOT9R2YQPcd-YOrS0qhFvD4yjydrf6EkmAP1WBSPIukRB8N7vUr-gUVTiqpGqWy2I0oEiDio86s-KesSoU6Ta-jZ0GSXoI4QXKbRllE0PHPcSZAq2HuyBZQRj0dI85wP-QbQs8/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. ~ Gerard De Nerval</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyrcwaMxuBP_JERMfWDbDtMQgLvSgiH4JnOMymirqSQfGmRCSfeeDhysB4MGesWdgQyzvg3FQnj9XAwzXUMp81qxW_00UqyMw6aWguzSu0I3SqmhBah7QY3urJO8lqIy-pKFCfXVf6P8/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyrcwaMxuBP_JERMfWDbDtMQgLvSgiH4JnOMymirqSQfGmRCSfeeDhysB4MGesWdgQyzvg3FQnj9XAwzXUMp81qxW_00UqyMw6aWguzSu0I3SqmhBah7QY3urJO8lqIy-pKFCfXVf6P8/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness held is a seed; happiness shared is the flower. ~ John Harrigan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGSewK7DWrmIBxEXfHGkNG3ANqP15fNGW8QnY5s1nEIT1kbjgg0zEc0I1wVZ9nlrt0uFIqFK7U1rMINKT52qO67wyrHYb2hE5Vfj_btJSHm4WmE0fgqOI6K5R0C5sTlu3U5v6l3VnuD0/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGSewK7DWrmIBxEXfHGkNG3ANqP15fNGW8QnY5s1nEIT1kbjgg0zEc0I1wVZ9nlrt0uFIqFK7U1rMINKT52qO67wyrHYb2hE5Vfj_btJSHm4WmE0fgqOI6K5R0C5sTlu3U5v6l3VnuD0/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I must have flowers, always, and always. ~ Claude Monet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3kXIgN6BHcgSglRYaDBR5O1m6bVMYz_Ksa5En47mOsKVlluVqvroelBDYobLb7oDfXZJZxZgQj376mmTzgLoPOCBNnq20UTPX7Dorg2mihBJqY9ZBBxddn8Cj7wwhkC6h65aP94Wbn0/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3kXIgN6BHcgSglRYaDBR5O1m6bVMYz_Ksa5En47mOsKVlluVqvroelBDYobLb7oDfXZJZxZgQj376mmTzgLoPOCBNnq20UTPX7Dorg2mihBJqY9ZBBxddn8Cj7wwhkC6h65aP94Wbn0/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nature of this flower is to bloom. ~ Alice Walker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VN7TuD_vQu9hK8c1nXaKdGX90M7xyAjNpr6GukKtSy4WaTqHVc7-q8GV7c6InWMJIy4SX9d3qkZcb4dKff9lcOaFrIXECF9KEDsQalDL8AiOqfepLw73Z2R117bh5X8T5YNkoQHb38Y/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VN7TuD_vQu9hK8c1nXaKdGX90M7xyAjNpr6GukKtSy4WaTqHVc7-q8GV7c6InWMJIy4SX9d3qkZcb4dKff9lcOaFrIXECF9KEDsQalDL8AiOqfepLw73Z2R117bh5X8T5YNkoQHb38Y/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends. ~ Kakuzo Okakura, <i>The Book of Tea </i> <style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpDmAy1HBorSTj-7z4yo1Is2mUpCZyzcNTRLAQQVinKrNPt5QDmQsSqRO3adu29Cc-QiilHeiOgaMUO8qbecRXBhiH8nf9hITTtkq2WYH5OqjT4v65tkPonxAf6QtgtSvpwU0Bb6X7Wo/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpDmAy1HBorSTj-7z4yo1Is2mUpCZyzcNTRLAQQVinKrNPt5QDmQsSqRO3adu29Cc-QiilHeiOgaMUO8qbecRXBhiH8nf9hITTtkq2WYH5OqjT4v65tkPonxAf6QtgtSvpwU0Bb6X7Wo/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in - what more could he ask? A
few flowers at his feet and above him the stars. ~ Victor Hugo, <i>Les Miserables </i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VIv5nTwhLlZGz3tDyJUE8EFJ8h1K_2oyjeQ6eT5X1Qi3PeIZxr25qrNZJkuAAfsNfka9Yhdp2XD-VPphU0a3Tg9LZDJHMGfS87pdT0vXERdxR9N9w3M42dFbE-dg9JLi_EFZM-NsenY/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VIv5nTwhLlZGz3tDyJUE8EFJ8h1K_2oyjeQ6eT5X1Qi3PeIZxr25qrNZJkuAAfsNfka9Yhdp2XD-VPphU0a3Tg9LZDJHMGfS87pdT0vXERdxR9N9w3M42dFbE-dg9JLi_EFZM-NsenY/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tulip Festival features over 100 varieties of tulips. Here's a display table listing the names a few of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all my local friends, the festival runs through this Saturday, May 3. You definitely don't want to miss the opportunity to see Mother Nature in all her glory! </div>
<br />
PK<br />
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Earth laughs in flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">RALPH WALDO EMERSON</span></div>
<br />
Read more at <a href="http://www.notable-quotes.com/f/flowers_quotes.html#7Jhq1KDucJj355F7.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.notable-quotes.com/f/flowers_quotes.html#7Jhq1KDucJj355F7.99</a><br />
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Earth laughs in flowers.</span></div>
<div align="right">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">RALPH WALDO EMERSON</span></div>
<br />
Read more at <a href="http://www.notable-quotes.com/f/flowers_quotes.html#7Jhq1KDucJj355F7.99" style="color: #003399;">http://www.notable-quotes.com/f/flowers_quotes.html#7Jhq1KDucJj355F7.99</a></div>
</div>
P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-38033256103227503712014-04-18T07:00:00.000-06:002014-04-18T08:30:12.416-06:00Peeps & Polka Dots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm46Pd26Ci6rETX9cizjq0KrkHNEKubutE79le5yrFGcS2u5eyKPkKmcNOd-ZJwwxN_7wI7qvXTTjm08pKWyLY4HqR8YLY6lCXJT0zYABlCPFDoHSRtAvjHscTzS5CFp4mc3psOpJDFQ/s1600/IMG_4203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm46Pd26Ci6rETX9cizjq0KrkHNEKubutE79le5yrFGcS2u5eyKPkKmcNOd-ZJwwxN_7wI7qvXTTjm08pKWyLY4HqR8YLY6lCXJT0zYABlCPFDoHSRtAvjHscTzS5CFp4mc3psOpJDFQ/s1600/IMG_4203.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I came across this cute stamp in the dollar bin at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michaels</a>, I knew exactly what to do with it. That almost never happens! I'm usually much more of a collector of craft supplies. :)<br />
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I have a friend who loves <a href="http://www.peepsandcompany.com/brand/brands/peeps" target="_blank">Peeps</a>, those marshmallow chicks and bunnies that are so popular around Easter. I personally don't care for these sugary confections (they have a crazy long shelf life!), but they sure do make for a cute gift - especially when paired with an equally cute gift tag. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuHbUPd35wakY67aYwIZE1K7TyEI2QqlxTOawjqhPnbJYmmtZtamMvgdCY0CyTZopR_TDcBDR6SMKV-EBbWzmP8UIyxZBZAS31pgeFzzOgLGvCUg1K4fUZsCqTruBB9YgzQW2rGMArH8/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuHbUPd35wakY67aYwIZE1K7TyEI2QqlxTOawjqhPnbJYmmtZtamMvgdCY0CyTZopR_TDcBDR6SMKV-EBbWzmP8UIyxZBZAS31pgeFzzOgLGvCUg1K4fUZsCqTruBB9YgzQW2rGMArH8/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I simply stamped the design with my favorite <a href="http://www.tsukineko.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&skip=&p=3452" target="_blank">Onyx Black</a> ink on a manila shipping tag. Then I colored the chick and shell with yellow and pink colored pencils for a soft pop of pastel color. Love the polka dots on the shell!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacn-X-nKPOS6Ac0eCfb5284Bl6EwLEgZTniIQQeRWRo5b5gAmwv3uCoGKfpZ2Ek-wtdZcvNxc9KF3-Qw6dfwleSJJ74m4f-vRsKoso9Ilw1NoCH2CAozBvHcHokv0hItyMw6cXnh_fRw/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacn-X-nKPOS6Ac0eCfb5284Bl6EwLEgZTniIQQeRWRo5b5gAmwv3uCoGKfpZ2Ek-wtdZcvNxc9KF3-Qw6dfwleSJJ74m4f-vRsKoso9Ilw1NoCH2CAozBvHcHokv0hItyMw6cXnh_fRw/s1600/IMG_4202.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, of course, I had to add wiggle eyes to the little chick. They added just the right amount of peepsonality to its peepers! Then I wrote a quick message on the back of the tag and secured it with a yellow polka dot ribbon from <a href="http://www.americancrafts.com/default.aspx?PageID=69&CategoryID=69&ProductID=733&ItemID=2081&RootCatCode=01000" target="_blank">American Crafts</a> (cause who doesn't love polka dot ribbon?).</div>
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I can't wait to leave this fun Easter gift on my friend's doorstop this weekend. I think she'll be tickled peep.</div>
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PK</div>
P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-68211691032688978142014-04-17T16:40:00.001-06:002014-04-17T16:40:01.377-06:00#myntmoment<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wtp-ijVc_eH1hWQixvXF42oMsvoxpw8tLaV4K3ISPKW3BWpLamzN9VSZ503nNupzOFixPoS3hSeabhm60LYV6rKn36gcTuvVprXxPxWOnyJity0xdru869U_hwGxzVDdzLtVuOxcj40/s1600/kindness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wtp-ijVc_eH1hWQixvXF42oMsvoxpw8tLaV4K3ISPKW3BWpLamzN9VSZ503nNupzOFixPoS3hSeabhm60LYV6rKn36gcTuvVprXxPxWOnyJity0xdru869U_hwGxzVDdzLtVuOxcj40/s1600/kindness.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>I wrote this short story for a new initiative we're launching at work called <a href="http://www.movemynt.com/faq" target="_blank">mynt</a>. Geared towards the Gen Y community, mynt is all about living life on your terms. More than just making money, it's about nutrition and fitness, having fun and giving back. #myntmoments are those random acts of kindness that we've been blessed to give or receive. This is my myntmoment. My story of random kindness.</i><br />
<br />
Many people think random acts of kindness have to be over-the-top gestures that require a lot time to plan and execute. Nothing could be further than the truth. Sometimes the most appreciated acts of kindness are those spur of the moment surprises that just happen.<br /><br />Last year I was standing in line at Subway waiting to order my sandwich. The line was extra long that day and I was extra frustrated that it was taking longer than usual. When I finally got up to the counter and handed the cashier my money, she said, “Your husband already paid.” When I gave her a very confused look, she returned the look and said, “The guy in front of you paid for your sandwich. Don’t you know him?” Before I could even answer her, I looked to my right to thank the kind stranger, but he was already out the door and on his way. He clearly wasn’t expecting a thank you nor wanting one.<br /><br />I was struck speechless by this man’s generosity. But more than that, I was struck how a single, fairly insignificant gesture could affect me so profoundly. It was a $5 sandwich. Nothing more. It required very little effort on his part, but it created a heart full of gratitude on mine. So much so that I now look for similar opportunities to pay it forward without the expectation of being acknowledged or thanked.<br /><br />Small random acts of kindness are really just spur of the moment surprises. Who will you surprise with your kindness? #myntmoment<br />
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PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-69656920805947018182014-04-08T00:28:00.000-06:002014-04-08T03:09:59.936-06:00The Other Side of Depo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFB3NG1obEn8uia0zfkC6PwetDkrJTkdv7B5oshzRo0KbjokQHrHx7Jhd35Hj2RPPWvKEkR4qwasoTprriWBA9tFicHctbDJlrKqV9tTvEFY8zj4SZHk4HMVJqiYDb7DEtu37xPrlU1I/s1600/depo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFB3NG1obEn8uia0zfkC6PwetDkrJTkdv7B5oshzRo0KbjokQHrHx7Jhd35Hj2RPPWvKEkR4qwasoTprriWBA9tFicHctbDJlrKqV9tTvEFY8zj4SZHk4HMVJqiYDb7DEtu37xPrlU1I/s320/depo.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just like this post, <a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-other-side-of-lortab.html" target="_blank">The Other Side of Lortab</a>, I'm happy to be done with my 3-month trial of <a href="http://www.drugs.com/pro/depo-provera.html" target="_blank">Depo-Provera</a>. Or as my family doctor calls it, Depo-ProSCAREa.<br />
<br />
And when I say done, I mean D-O-N-E. Like NEVER EVER AGAIN! Unfortunately, it can take up to a year for all of the nasty side effects to completely disappear. I've learned doctors don't give disclaimers on certain drugs because every patient reacts differently to them. Some have no side effects at all and some have every side effect in the book. I would fall in the latter category.<br />
<br />
While Depo-Provera is primarily used as a contraceptive, it's been known to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis. And when I woke up from my surgery last November, this first thing my doctor said was, "Moving forward, we're going to have to treat this aggressively." Which is why we went straight to Depo.<br />
<br />
By suppressing ovulation, the goal of Depo-Provera is to keep all my crazy hormones calm, quiet and dormant. And theoretically, if this is accomplished, no new endometrial adhesions will form and life will be <i>just peachy </i>(insert sarcastic tone here). My life the last 3 months has been anything but peachy. More like an episode of LOST where I'm stranded on an island and nothing is what it seems.<br />
<br />
Within a day of the injection, I started experiencing daily headaches and this weird pain in my side, right below my left rib cage. I started taking calcium pills (to counteract the effects of bone density loss from the shot) so I thought my body was just having a hard time digesting the big, fat horse pills. I switched to calcium chews and that seemed to help a little, but the pain continued, along with being bloated, gaseous and hungry ALL THE TIME. (Example: I went to the mall one afternoon and ravished a Philly cheesesteak and then followed it up with a corn dog because I was still hungry! Who does that?!) Then the pelvic pain and irregular bleeding started. The nurse warned me while my body was getting used to the shot, I would experience pain similar to the pain of endometriosis. I had to laugh at the irony. If this "treatment" is supposed to be helping me, then why is the pain worse than actual endometriosis? To stay sane, I was popping Advil every 4-6 hours. The Kelly Cocktail (3 Advil and a Coke) was my saving grace. Hair loss, weight gain, fatigue and mood swings came next.<br />
<br />
Long story short, I was a mess.<br />
<br />
But during those long 12 weeks, I had plenty of time to do research (knowledge is power after all) and was strangely comforted that I wasn't alone in my struggles. On <a href="http://askapatient.com/">AskAPatient.com</a>, Depo Provera users rated their experience with the shot. Out of <a href="http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=12541&name=DEPO-PROVERA" target="_blank">2,102 responses</a>, with 1 being "extremely dissatisfied" and 5 being "highly satisfied", the average rating was 2.1 "not satisfied". After reading through many of the comments, I found myself nodding in agreement, in fascination, and in horror. I actually felt guilty because many of the experiences were far worse than mine. So many referred to Depo as "synthetic poison" and "it will ruin your life". I can't say I disagree.<br />
<br />
As the appointment for my second shot approached, I was anxious to speak to the doctor about other treatment options because like I said before, I was D-O-N-E with Depo. She listened sweetly as I rattled off all the side effects I was experiencing and let me vent for awhile. I'm sure she's heard it all before. But she also mentioned she has patients who have been on it for 5 years and love it. Grrr... <br />
<br />
After careful consideration, she asked what I thought about a IUD (intrauterine device). <a href="http://www.mirena-us.com/" target="_blank">Mirena</a>, to be exact. This plastic, t-shaped device is placed in the uterus and slowly releases the same hormone that's found in Depo, progesterone. The advantages for endometriosis patients: the hormone stays in your uterus instead of traveling through your blood stream and causing all the horrible side effects. It also lasts up to 5 years or can be removed at any time by a physician. My sister, who also has endo, has had the Mirena implant for the last year or so. It's worked well for her and kept her pain at bay. The one disadvantage: she has had more ovarian cysts with the device. I asked my doctor about this and she said while it doesn't cause cysts to form, it doesn't prevent them like the pill or other treatments do. And these types of cysts usually resolve themselves within a couple of months.<br />
<br />
So, we're going to see how Mirena works for me. The "installation" was not fun. I guess the pain is worse for women who haven't had children since the device must pass through the cervix before it reaches the uterus. I had pretty bad cramping and spotting for a day or two, but the pain subsided. I had <em>so</em> much fun telling my male boss I was going to be working from home due to a "procedure". I could tell he wanted more information, but knowing my past female issues, he just nodded and wished me well. Good choice! It's been about a month, but I can already tell my pelvic pain is better. And I'm happy to report I'm completely off my daily consumption of Advil. Not by choice, but after taking it habitually for the last 9 months, I'm more concerned about the effects it's having on my liver and the lining of my stomach. We'll see if I can stay off the Kelly Cocktail...it is so addicting!<br />
<br />
In hindsight, this last year has been a game changer for me. Health is no longer a gift I take for granted. I'm proactive and intend to stay this way until I find the best treatment that is right for me. If I can help anyone who is currently dealing with endometriosis or similar issues, I'll sleep well. And because laughter through tears is my favorite emotion (love that movie!), I had to share this ecard:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgacxK0FTPF7N588Rkhcov7yUTVekLMtPSCZ5hRg0l0SNEAgETomYr4qayhk7QqANoEKlZYemu849SIejkVN3sf1FXkH1t7qj6iFHz4cAmrk2gfHqfsR3ST_qMECKov-Ej-aX6hm7PFqw/s1600/endo+ecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgacxK0FTPF7N588Rkhcov7yUTVekLMtPSCZ5hRg0l0SNEAgETomYr4qayhk7QqANoEKlZYemu849SIejkVN3sf1FXkH1t7qj6iFHz4cAmrk2gfHqfsR3ST_qMECKov-Ej-aX6hm7PFqw/s1600/endo+ecard.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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PK (#endosister)P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-56254340114918343662014-02-06T23:33:00.000-07:002014-02-06T23:41:36.897-07:00Valentine Gift Box<br />
I love personalized gift wrap. Boxes, bags, tags, oh my! <br />
<br />
One of my last duties at <a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/index.html" target="_blank"><i>Paper Crafts</i> magazine</a> (now <i>Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking</i> magazine) was to design two projects for the Jan/Feb <i>Simple Printables </i>column. Since they ended up merging <i>Paper Crafts </i>and <i>Creating Keepsakes </i>into one magazine (now monthly and digital-only), my two projects were lucky enough to be spread out over two issues. <br />
<br />
My favorite of the two projects is this Happy Valentine's Day Gift Box found in the <a href="http://www.scrapandpapershop.com/product/papercrafts-scrapbooking-february-2014-digital-issue/paper-crafts" target="_blank">February 2014 </a>issue. It's kind of crazy to think I made it last August!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7qAZ1aq4YsQ4TWMwmwBBRUvxhc2zsZX2nvjRpBU8LI62s8uamPoccX7NghBGNeSoUsyEISlZAHuvdzDmWfbPgA2qJXdkfBElfgEinkKCRkMAzccuncFSQ4jbpiFZwT6HOHKFucHpWro/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7qAZ1aq4YsQ4TWMwmwBBRUvxhc2zsZX2nvjRpBU8LI62s8uamPoccX7NghBGNeSoUsyEISlZAHuvdzDmWfbPgA2qJXdkfBElfgEinkKCRkMAzccuncFSQ4jbpiFZwT6HOHKFucHpWro/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I went with the trendy melon and mint color palette, which just happens to be featured in PC&S's <a href="http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/newtrack/pcs_201403/#/0" target="_blank">March 2014</a> issue (<i>Trend Talk</i> column). The beauty of these <i>Simple Printable</i> projects is they're made with a FREE download featured in each magazine. I loved the chalkboard feel of the Happy Valentine's Day graphic, and immediately envisioned it on a cute little gift box.<br />
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I simply printed, trimmed, and matted it with pink/melon cardstock. Then I added a few stickers from the <a href="http://www.americancrafts.com/default.aspx?PageID=49&CategoryID=489" target="_blank"><i>Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm</i></a> collection. My favorite touch was using a date stamp to stamp the "Feb 14 2014" (in mint, of course!). I won't even begin to tell you how many times I had to stamp it to get a perfect impression!<br />
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To download the Happy Valentine's Day graphic, click <a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/articles/Paper_Crafts___Scrapbooking_February_2014_Sentiments" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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And here's a complete list of supplies:<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>SUPPLIES:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Collection:</i>
(arrow die cut, chipboard heart stickers from Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm
collection) American Crafts<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cardstock:</i> (Strawberry Slush) Stampin’
Up!; (white)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rubber stamp: </i>(Remember This And That Rotary) Stampin’ Up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pigment
ink: </i>(Celadon) Clearsnap<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Digital element: </i>(sentiment)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> PaperCraftsMag.com<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adhesive:</i> 3M<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Other:</i>
(gift box)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><strong>Finished
size:</strong> 3 1/2" square<br />
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If you're needing a fun birthday option, check out my Make a Wish Gift Box in the <a href="http://www.scrapandpapershop.com/product/paper-crafts-scrapbooking-january-2014-digital-issue/paper-crafts" target="_blank">January 2014</a> issue.<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LdOGzt0SJN_lB18u4PB1pRXkM7GQkL-cZNHvoCJUBMr4cjoBOvJF8Pv0KoN2mKS72MDBpvKHSKYHUSkRYFpCsJFni4imIyIrOzJQhtxM1ds-J8R9aOkUpK3nH04o-EbR7bTN7G7DYrM/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LdOGzt0SJN_lB18u4PB1pRXkM7GQkL-cZNHvoCJUBMr4cjoBOvJF8Pv0KoN2mKS72MDBpvKHSKYHUSkRYFpCsJFni4imIyIrOzJQhtxM1ds-J8R9aOkUpK3nH04o-EbR7bTN7G7DYrM/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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To download the Make a Wish graphic, click <a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/articles/Paper_Crafts___Scrapbooking_January_2014_Sentiments" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Here's to quick and easy gift wrap!<br />
PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-60132227005627880072013-12-23T20:05:00.000-07:002013-12-23T20:06:43.236-07:00Candy Cane Popcorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_XNmg8lsdkR8UrU2DRs9ARLstjbTkXnYuTYENIzlHsCDtGBYNAi-jjPR3zdmvUvAEYfW_WCVmQFKRcrTLDwxY53G4lyjRwK6eryBAJJRWbe4IpMEIGKDXX8qVbOWPZmwAj-06VTrXlY/s1600/candy+cane+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_XNmg8lsdkR8UrU2DRs9ARLstjbTkXnYuTYENIzlHsCDtGBYNAi-jjPR3zdmvUvAEYfW_WCVmQFKRcrTLDwxY53G4lyjRwK6eryBAJJRWbe4IpMEIGKDXX8qVbOWPZmwAj-06VTrXlY/s400/candy+cane+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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This recipe should really be called Candy Cane Crack Popcorn because I literally can't stop eating it. <br />
<br />
Perhaps the addiction comes from the combination of sinful ingredients. You be the judge. <br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrJshdvkzBNaxVS93XoFQG7i2cN2MzpkU6EBq0E2_SnKBAP69c7XZo6FTqQUqn-Qr_hjsgxKCeUvnGvM3h_Bmo7jE0epxgQyF6cWBV57_Luxd_DCb_sJUv5FugtLfVvayER27924qUbQ/s1600/candy+cane+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrJshdvkzBNaxVS93XoFQG7i2cN2MzpkU6EBq0E2_SnKBAP69c7XZo6FTqQUqn-Qr_hjsgxKCeUvnGvM3h_Bmo7jE0epxgQyF6cWBV57_Luxd_DCb_sJUv5FugtLfVvayER27924qUbQ/s400/candy+cane+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I dare you to just eat one bite. Or even two. :)<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-6266271096652051462013-12-19T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-19T08:00:06.446-07:00Be Merry Banner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcK2qChdzBRQmBB2MN6HiJU14tK4ZzheMb-jChOHcZYPYH-Imypzg93ECrBh9Aj4UgB8t-d_kPYvvxqNAF8aiZ_xT2eXr-2I7_lD2Anwg_9kEu6TqxyKKgwYoIebRUEunsxB2dE8Bhek/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcK2qChdzBRQmBB2MN6HiJU14tK4ZzheMb-jChOHcZYPYH-Imypzg93ECrBh9Aj4UgB8t-d_kPYvvxqNAF8aiZ_xT2eXr-2I7_lD2Anwg_9kEu6TqxyKKgwYoIebRUEunsxB2dE8Bhek/s400/IMG_3395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ah...Christmas! My favorite holiday of the year. I love decorating my home this time of year, especially with handmade (or pseudo-handmade) pieces.<br />
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I bought these mini stockings a few years back. I was going to make gifts for my co-workers, but it turns out they don't hold more than a piece of candy or two, so back in my Christmas bin they went. <br />
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Until last year... <br />
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When I opened my bin, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a whimsical banner to enjoy every year!<br />
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This project was so easy to make. Supplies: $1 stockings from Michaels, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EK-Success-Shapers-X-Large-Snowflake/dp/B001DHJH3U%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAIAA4MWUJXHBYFRNQ%26tag%3Dsquid1165413-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB001DHJH3U" target="_blank">EK Success X-Large Snowflake Punch</a>, <a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/ac-732093.html" target="_blank">Pebbles Corrugated Alphabet Stickers</a>, white cardstock, red rhinestones, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glue-Dots-08165-Craft-Roll/dp/B0011N832C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1387439065&sr=8-3&keywords=glue+dots" target="_blank">Glue Dots</a>.<br />
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Simply punch the snowflakes from the cardstock, add a letter sticker to the middle, and place red rhinestones on each snowflake tip. Then adhere each snowflake to the middle of each stocking. <br />
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The best part...the little hooks on the stockings made it so easy to thread a white satin ribbon through!<br />
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Here's to being merry!<br />
PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-64624253658677876672013-12-09T23:50:00.000-07:002014-05-08T17:48:41.610-06:00One Fine Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1VLTzdLdwhVCuHaJQkFOSBmTCyNBct3lgPFI71rg6nerNhn3C7pp5lANzTLUNNBIPPUcMLFFLFKqm0G8TTzoVQxah0-1nI1WioJBhwoaOfb41fGuVI7S-dKwbLL-FUU0-C6nLkkEr4Q/s1600/One+Fine+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1VLTzdLdwhVCuHaJQkFOSBmTCyNBct3lgPFI71rg6nerNhn3C7pp5lANzTLUNNBIPPUcMLFFLFKqm0G8TTzoVQxah0-1nI1WioJBhwoaOfb41fGuVI7S-dKwbLL-FUU0-C6nLkkEr4Q/s320/One+Fine+Day.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> months of planning, the big day was finally here. Most of my hard work, sweat, and tears was wrapped up in the rehearsal dinner, which just happened to be on the Fourth of July. To read about my 120 hand stamped place cards (never again!) along with the 120 cupcakes with stamped "Love is Sweet" picks, check out these two posts on the <i>Paper Crafts</i> Connection blog:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/blog/2013/06/let-freedom-wedding-bells-ring/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let Freedom (& Wedding) Bells Ring</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/blog/2013/07/blog-title-let-freedom-wedding-bells-ring-part-ii/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let Freedom (& Wedding) Bells Ring, Part II</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's funny…there was so much work that went into the rehearsal dinner. Mostly because all the decorations were handmade and required a lot of patience (to make, to set up and take down). And I wouldn't have had it any other way. I'd love celebrating the Fourth of July on an old-fashioned paddle boat surrounded by all of our family and Holly's closest friends. That said, it was a great relief NOT to have to do much for the actual wedding day, besides performing my Maid of Honor duties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The days leading up to the wedding, I had a manicure/pedicure, waxed my eyebrows, and got my first spray tan. The morning of the wedding, all of the bridesmaids, my mom, my mom's best friend of 40+ years, and our "Little" flower girl McCall gathered in the bridal suite for a few hours of pampering and girl time. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkXd9JswntpeoHdR93JMLXqi-X9LKU4zDnBACCvi0vkVPjk6Z4yyozBFEtfkfdUIGVqPCmf5TwGHJi6R8VKcdiXomR3wnFmdm2huqh9hRPdY50qpSt1OIoI5pYZ1fW_pgPjKSfGmer8E/s1600/getting+ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkXd9JswntpeoHdR93JMLXqi-X9LKU4zDnBACCvi0vkVPjk6Z4yyozBFEtfkfdUIGVqPCmf5TwGHJi6R8VKcdiXomR3wnFmdm2huqh9hRPdY50qpSt1OIoI5pYZ1fW_pgPjKSfGmer8E/s1600/getting+ready.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture to pieces!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holly ordered pizza and we took turns sitting in the make-up chair and getting our hair done. It was my first time having my make-up airbrushed on (the secret to flawless skin) and trying out fake eyelashes. The results are amazing! If Holly was Cinderella for the day, I felt like the Fairy Godmother with a magical makeover. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rqXJkKhD6oA_fkB3cZE9T31MFvKNZaYKznh4GwTuW_Wu8tOnqKt2Qqk89ym2a52UsE8JdLmkw89v6qoB7TKuVbnv22mPe_gVua2JGmwZQvVxgTiZ25CZlUKJiQIj9ZDOCYQmotTVgQc/s1600/IMG_3926+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rqXJkKhD6oA_fkB3cZE9T31MFvKNZaYKznh4GwTuW_Wu8tOnqKt2Qqk89ym2a52UsE8JdLmkw89v6qoB7TKuVbnv22mPe_gVua2JGmwZQvVxgTiZ25CZlUKJiQIj9ZDOCYQmotTVgQc/s1600/IMG_3926+%25282%2529.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly at midnight, the tan disappeared and the fake eyelashes fell off.</td></tr>
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But before the clock struck midnight, there was countless breathtaking moments. Here's just a few (courtesy of <a href="http://callawaygable.com/" target="_blank">Callaway Gable Photography</a>, the official wedding photographers):</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a6geep6A_gzDF6s1pYtWJe8Ub-L1CgiVopFQ4PVUkNyyjwLfBDTaJeEiyqQtUtmyU0yjKKXK1aALtK2h95XGtZOLrNsolhsWZ04NS-Zdz6uQy8NHfj7mOskM09itVN9CXxa7UoUO158/s1600/pk_holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a6geep6A_gzDF6s1pYtWJe8Ub-L1CgiVopFQ4PVUkNyyjwLfBDTaJeEiyqQtUtmyU0yjKKXK1aALtK2h95XGtZOLrNsolhsWZ04NS-Zdz6uQy8NHfj7mOskM09itVN9CXxa7UoUO158/s1600/pk_holly.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's show time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yTSX2TQuTry_cBhD1-GEaabuSjYkgNSM-3wtcu_yhXI9qqOYHqcVHkLEsLUfx0FjKcZPZnZtfnVzrJvnVzdZqnBBAIcZiqGD-dxp98mQLyzYbAWNtHbSmbgmSatQhzEALdccWioEL4w/s1600/9260565652_ab734d8c4f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yTSX2TQuTry_cBhD1-GEaabuSjYkgNSM-3wtcu_yhXI9qqOYHqcVHkLEsLUfx0FjKcZPZnZtfnVzrJvnVzdZqnBBAIcZiqGD-dxp98mQLyzYbAWNtHbSmbgmSatQhzEALdccWioEL4w/s1600/9260565652_ab734d8c4f_c.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Father of the Bride and his girls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippybswHk5O-wloJkaF2sddtjDDGXgi-aAk04aJRSvt6kO60tSFy8qxO67njS7Bw0bmbrova9k6MtQckSNwbQr98gNSrbMKiNRhydX2Om-57NzLDyU_ALN9-chjcrkinQEFWCOT7uVjCI/s1600/bridemaids+pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippybswHk5O-wloJkaF2sddtjDDGXgi-aAk04aJRSvt6kO60tSFy8qxO67njS7Bw0bmbrova9k6MtQckSNwbQr98gNSrbMKiNRhydX2Om-57NzLDyU_ALN9-chjcrkinQEFWCOT7uVjCI/s1600/bridemaids+pose.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Bride and the Seven Bridemaids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5R9jlei9kUIivBgEfoJ6DlYJJGxkEucj5C9mxwBYINBibxqmHOBp9yqh8yd-rGVK0qvEWUru8Y2ExnkLs1bunUuEeFjVbo3WWl9IIwTGVvlie5S_ARslOQVc17XUWdWowSu1V-Bv0_Y/s1600/trent_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5R9jlei9kUIivBgEfoJ6DlYJJGxkEucj5C9mxwBYINBibxqmHOBp9yqh8yd-rGVK0qvEWUru8Y2ExnkLs1bunUuEeFjVbo3WWl9IIwTGVvlie5S_ARslOQVc17XUWdWowSu1V-Bv0_Y/s1600/trent_sign.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ring Bearer holding a cute sign for the Groom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIGxnbvS2NElPvSCAPZLvCqTADiCWIQxoQQPdIk2oqIndTQz0kM_RS_iEadJdXfaXF148oXeUkNRNptRpcaLdsePRG3kJwA5f3eD8C1ZPxBz4688fFsQPajLR-GLYimqSG7l2rHn-59Q/s1600/groomsmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIGxnbvS2NElPvSCAPZLvCqTADiCWIQxoQQPdIk2oqIndTQz0kM_RS_iEadJdXfaXF148oXeUkNRNptRpcaLdsePRG3kJwA5f3eD8C1ZPxBz4688fFsQPajLR-GLYimqSG7l2rHn-59Q/s1600/groomsmen.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The well-dressed Groomsmen sporting their new Proof sunglasses!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnvSpr0meVIWoDEejk4lG5ZImipDCQkInAuw4DJZAjUdjJoZEvwP7KTZICuxCNnD6-n2AZQaJZqOiG3IjZmDdE76UweZVJITBKzo7VY6GGq9rewrOvTsVk-OqBb3nQ-Xdr1Wim821kNw/s1600/rotunda+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnvSpr0meVIWoDEejk4lG5ZImipDCQkInAuw4DJZAjUdjJoZEvwP7KTZICuxCNnD6-n2AZQaJZqOiG3IjZmDdE76UweZVJITBKzo7VY6GGq9rewrOvTsVk-OqBb3nQ-Xdr1Wim821kNw/s1600/rotunda+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The gorgeous rotunda at the Pelican Hill Resort.</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjLFksfc-tOzJqm7UkvXFBfvgohrmVvJu9uDfRcQU-07ZQcK5kiSHRvEEu-Vt8Rl4cwzuc_Ki37FER1STZPDgbtjyqdCOBnyrVILWH9auKH2DZCL1TSzteDOECApliB78EU00Ka3dKpw/s1600/9257755571_a51df1dc41_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjLFksfc-tOzJqm7UkvXFBfvgohrmVvJu9uDfRcQU-07ZQcK5kiSHRvEEu-Vt8Rl4cwzuc_Ki37FER1STZPDgbtjyqdCOBnyrVILWH9auKH2DZCL1TSzteDOECApliB78EU00Ka3dKpw/s1600/9257755571_a51df1dc41_c.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A part of the ceremony included a handfasting ritual.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIX248yB3iQbx7v2qhIpkm3VxbQrxT3whPCZsT9jXY1-zHb9zRd6gMxtKbf5wU2JEnlIsyuR-WGPQOFBtMYYguzgt0UTA92iLnAEODZjJa1vckXj081odtSr_gbf49nWeOB9ylTQjG1k/s1600/9258162461_ec7f9f3609_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIX248yB3iQbx7v2qhIpkm3VxbQrxT3whPCZsT9jXY1-zHb9zRd6gMxtKbf5wU2JEnlIsyuR-WGPQOFBtMYYguzgt0UTA92iLnAEODZjJa1vckXj081odtSr_gbf49nWeOB9ylTQjG1k/s1600/9258162461_ec7f9f3609_z.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Hendrix!</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAcrP5ZYO-9KPwDp8X4TOqEjAvYVd4X-w4ggagmaIBrdctVdLqTVhaU_PD36_wW0NWP99Mz9q0PaVM1btjy4JKI_1cDcUG6YznFB_XhwrxtK7nZYxilRhcEUCO6fDecgCNUOQnrPakVQ/s1600/9258152077_7b67962da6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAcrP5ZYO-9KPwDp8X4TOqEjAvYVd4X-w4ggagmaIBrdctVdLqTVhaU_PD36_wW0NWP99Mz9q0PaVM1btjy4JKI_1cDcUG6YznFB_XhwrxtK7nZYxilRhcEUCO6fDecgCNUOQnrPakVQ/s1600/9258152077_7b67962da6_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sealed with a kiss!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OPEofb0Q8qQmmjvET5yyf1Bi5wjZtEOKtVL7zCCSJOs8LtykqG1oDOtzAodMhOv3ozY4tA_PgPa3smRiwUFg-lO0F4yerP_yLi7ohuefUhqQ7EE0uRj1yJe9g-qxLrdwvNDAdR_3GHk/s1600/9260987622_d6eba3d450_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OPEofb0Q8qQmmjvET5yyf1Bi5wjZtEOKtVL7zCCSJOs8LtykqG1oDOtzAodMhOv3ozY4tA_PgPa3smRiwUFg-lO0F4yerP_yLi7ohuefUhqQ7EE0uRj1yJe9g-qxLrdwvNDAdR_3GHk/s1600/9260987622_d6eba3d450_c.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Smith-Hendrix Wedding Party</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUCSg7VRKgI8f11hECUUzRAz-xEd4fc-9Wyo6OYY9EO2XMzF9MDn94R2owR_2mHK1To1UqMOuONPJguXFQRdN_FK0JQjgJdYb7Lbqtiq6OQ66u2ExVFM9hiBwilYIqJM0CbW2t2y-MJQ/s1600/9260960578_ed5a91dc15_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUCSg7VRKgI8f11hECUUzRAz-xEd4fc-9Wyo6OYY9EO2XMzF9MDn94R2owR_2mHK1To1UqMOuONPJguXFQRdN_FK0JQjgJdYb7Lbqtiq6OQ66u2ExVFM9hiBwilYIqJM0CbW2t2y-MJQ/s1600/9260960578_ed5a91dc15_c.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Groom's Family</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuJxuD1zTuonj6rnWO1WgmRXnk9Z9PXXZqAOPf4Vx5RuGwYMbfZ-O1wQjCp5D0eO8UHaKuj_sqjah3HI11khyphenhyphen7v0-PKPJrQQ9-g61b6B00WN547dtVJKozA_JeC5iTJglJBekm-AqSUc/s1600/9260972968_8a4a990407_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuJxuD1zTuonj6rnWO1WgmRXnk9Z9PXXZqAOPf4Vx5RuGwYMbfZ-O1wQjCp5D0eO8UHaKuj_sqjah3HI11khyphenhyphen7v0-PKPJrQQ9-g61b6B00WN547dtVJKozA_JeC5iTJglJBekm-AqSUc/s1600/9260972968_8a4a990407_c.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bride's Family</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OEZcecKS1rCFEciev_bk3tVBCAzXlSjjymo3UvED3PYLNjV_sEJu79HrJUezosafRmVFi2Cvzk6cHhHawGI4kes-SNSYNxqvvYTosyHIzNNYn4x36GrtpRWYOoenALcY_vi3FsNcV8M/s1600/9260970320_55a4589755_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OEZcecKS1rCFEciev_bk3tVBCAzXlSjjymo3UvED3PYLNjV_sEJu79HrJUezosafRmVFi2Cvzk6cHhHawGI4kes-SNSYNxqvvYTosyHIzNNYn4x36GrtpRWYOoenALcY_vi3FsNcV8M/s1600/9260970320_55a4589755_z.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Mother of the Bride and Holly</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEnQMj4IGBbGtYuLz7K5Rsjmtyi-W40pAtTjQLjd9QE8Cxx37l8fdkjnlECE8mmh9y0L0F6581H04KISLWwQyvOPd6dQhqE7bkpVGf8tP93e9eNAnutCmaa8QdX-19GvEOSx3W-iF_zU/s1600/petals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEnQMj4IGBbGtYuLz7K5Rsjmtyi-W40pAtTjQLjd9QE8Cxx37l8fdkjnlECE8mmh9y0L0F6581H04KISLWwQyvOPd6dQhqE7bkpVGf8tP93e9eNAnutCmaa8QdX-19GvEOSx3W-iF_zU/s1600/petals.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids had so much fun playing in the petals after the ceremony.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGSV40z12njzGJJii6w2Jl7N4jCDjXVnaxdzrOTunsjKfbCRKyw78Zzn48eGBmaXaUE_mWbs8C8YA1rOb4VnYItuwyMj-ifIHlTLQf1_gsY6Kb5WA2025ssnrTYlhYqZRm6qq4eV7Jv4/s1600/reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGSV40z12njzGJJii6w2Jl7N4jCDjXVnaxdzrOTunsjKfbCRKyw78Zzn48eGBmaXaUE_mWbs8C8YA1rOb4VnYItuwyMj-ifIHlTLQf1_gsY6Kb5WA2025ssnrTYlhYqZRm6qq4eV7Jv4/s1600/reception.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then it was time for the reception! Here's the gorgeous tables.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUru7-xzC9amG3UqbTAgvi8m_zDBVs2sRuFf9fkias5xkATjc4QQzk1EI6qj0BBjvGvtOKqtUyDHMP9Z9Shi7rpn-DkeL7uQXc7zoBlbARsYeWTJaa-U_VfNzNUPjsS9HdK4PLlRTwYA/s1600/place+setting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUru7-xzC9amG3UqbTAgvi8m_zDBVs2sRuFf9fkias5xkATjc4QQzk1EI6qj0BBjvGvtOKqtUyDHMP9Z9Shi7rpn-DkeL7uQXc7zoBlbARsYeWTJaa-U_VfNzNUPjsS9HdK4PLlRTwYA/s320/place+setting.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOO5oDSsAuZq1gweWMV35YeRfwvNl-FNEDJCcswnIqmXMn5NObx3AMm5qGPXeIWQQNQBKEuBNZZzxiEMwaTpfZPmiGS5hRqIvyQrD3sO39ZLH8d5iNYktsTySa6gR350iNTnwYrlIiWA/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOO5oDSsAuZq1gweWMV35YeRfwvNl-FNEDJCcswnIqmXMn5NObx3AMm5qGPXeIWQQNQBKEuBNZZzxiEMwaTpfZPmiGS5hRqIvyQrD3sO39ZLH8d5iNYktsTySa6gR350iNTnwYrlIiWA/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The suspended wedding cake was a big hit!</span>
</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd2oaBlxlb01Wk2MYRFPaYjG4i9KJTZ7FKvcPIGXU08CtIlfwYakfCGIzj-Xme2g8hsGtwpqBwhJSyCpZHhnR5ocwAlewSi1wlcelafwlXJV6jF6cilCmied5ErpZOacm_jux8rEwwKU/s1600/dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd2oaBlxlb01Wk2MYRFPaYjG4i9KJTZ7FKvcPIGXU08CtIlfwYakfCGIzj-Xme2g8hsGtwpqBwhJSyCpZHhnR5ocwAlewSi1wlcelafwlXJV6jF6cilCmied5ErpZOacm_jux8rEwwKU/s1600/dancing.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And it took a miracle (or just the right song!) to get Brent dancing.</span>
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</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4iaMS00MSLElWdVBnV09P35MKf4G0COwd-vn7SWxGEJLMvHnoQiGRVrbimRAbBKbf3QtsWIMjWv8_zbBqv_eWmZxXkJJ2XMOB6YovgfPktZ3qudK8nGYceKisPuKEcLFv-L1V_msILE/s1600/9258085991_afa28aa37d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4iaMS00MSLElWdVBnV09P35MKf4G0COwd-vn7SWxGEJLMvHnoQiGRVrbimRAbBKbf3QtsWIMjWv8_zbBqv_eWmZxXkJJ2XMOB6YovgfPktZ3qudK8nGYceKisPuKEcLFv-L1V_msILE/s1600/9258085991_afa28aa37d_z.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Co-Maid of Honor and Brent hug it out.</span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQaQieBEYJSvmvrVuAvmbLBQiLVLPinhLDf7NZnRyLK9-E8A9hpivswbPzHmTogSzPBnH5TckGH_VZ5jJoxkRP-jwnrGG4rPPqy2Z6d5Oqk6m6gyxq7C4IqhPzqlUzSifrfXJE7snJB0/s1600/Perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQaQieBEYJSvmvrVuAvmbLBQiLVLPinhLDf7NZnRyLK9-E8A9hpivswbPzHmTogSzPBnH5TckGH_VZ5jJoxkRP-jwnrGG4rPPqy2Z6d5Oqk6m6gyxq7C4IqhPzqlUzSifrfXJE7snJB0/s1600/Perfection.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This picture sums up a perfect day. My dad said it best: "It was a ridiculous, over the top wedding, but Holly's ridiculously happy."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Congratulations, Holly & Brent!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PK </span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-4007816311983044252013-12-06T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-06T11:41:19.628-07:00Fiesta-Themed Couples Shower<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before Holly’s glamorous
wedding, her bridesmaids threw her and Brent a Fiesta-themed couples shower in
Dallas. Since Brent grew up in El Paso and loves Mexican food more than
anything, this theme was a no brainer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holly’s seven bridesmaids divided up the
assignments with her friend Alayna volunteering to host the party in her
backyard. It must be said that most of the work was done by Alayna and her
husband (who opened up their lovely home) and <a href="http://chelsearosedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chelsea</a>, a fellow bridesmaid and
party planner extraordinaire. My modest contribution was this umbrella
wreath (an idea I found on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/93379392246496189/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>):</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYoFR1Ga6crLsbpIpRBTiQA2uaxR6BPR9F4QvJ0y5boWCWx9vE1IY8NT7IO_9EdHX-FaxkPBS9Ce_GwsvMirlmgc8f6ahroRhNjwPn3QHKpMzQxJot8N7920Zc1cI43UTanJZ9SLQJn0/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYoFR1Ga6crLsbpIpRBTiQA2uaxR6BPR9F4QvJ0y5boWCWx9vE1IY8NT7IO_9EdHX-FaxkPBS9Ce_GwsvMirlmgc8f6ahroRhNjwPn3QHKpMzQxJot8N7920Zc1cI43UTanJZ9SLQJn0/s400/IMG_3841.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: start;">All you need to recreate this wreath is a Styrofoam circle, a bright ribbon, and a box of umbrella drink picks (I bought an assortment of </span><a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/party-picks-umbrella-435982/" style="text-align: start;">72 picks</a><span style="text-align: start;"> at Hobby Lobby for $4.99).</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Alayna and her husband set up tables in
their backyard and had a yummy fajita dinner catered with homemade tortillas.
There was a Mariachi band playing some sweet Spanish tunes and even the light
on-and-off rain added to the evening’s ambiance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chelsea pretty much handled the majority
of the decorations, which included wild flower centerpieces for each of the
tables, a fun display for her Margarita-flavored cupcakes and these colorful
invitations:<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8syerktX0Xr0RJlN9QdDjqIxuSpuaZTHwDwI_QGAdJGZVH9jgQT-URUS4Z2O8e8eoqoll90wahsRmZRUqiuomtL_EZqlTcUWGHbfWakcUesTV4MsF1s6qeS1FqsZ5YmdlT9fbR21Hxfw/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8syerktX0Xr0RJlN9QdDjqIxuSpuaZTHwDwI_QGAdJGZVH9jgQT-URUS4Z2O8e8eoqoll90wahsRmZRUqiuomtL_EZqlTcUWGHbfWakcUesTV4MsF1s6qeS1FqsZ5YmdlT9fbR21Hxfw/s400/IMG_1858.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After we finished eating, the guests
were divided into 4 groups with someone from each group selected to be
the “bride”. The objective was simple: create the most gorgeous wedding dress…out
of toilet paper! The best part of this little game was someone managed to talk
Brent into playing the role of blushing bride. And the first order of business
was to strip him half naked so the magic could begin!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9q60VLKw-2naNXUqxKjwSiI0QCM6p1dqxHG71EhPdV9VD5ipGbGSkUf166Ycua-wi0EBUrOuv1iYluczWjL4qliWvuDXZvuh1_ype_nmNjAj82aOHCKZmPNovOmTKNvB54uWJPALCdQ/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9q60VLKw-2naNXUqxKjwSiI0QCM6p1dqxHG71EhPdV9VD5ipGbGSkUf166Ycua-wi0EBUrOuv1iYluczWjL4qliWvuDXZvuh1_ype_nmNjAj82aOHCKZmPNovOmTKNvB54uWJPALCdQ/s400/IMG_3820.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was each bride’s turn to walk
down the “aisle” to determine who had the best wedding dress, and more
importantly, who wore their dress the best. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHd3RQgrsb45IK_AqCLGlNboXzHz_B-L4VK8ag9EvJFhznqyGG0d8hmk1BQnbZm2fB3hZ6d3-N_D-TtLnqgX88J-IwyHARz6yDxFqzJRWXdn5seljy1xgm2lU61tieCqzzPky4X4qmXc/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHd3RQgrsb45IK_AqCLGlNboXzHz_B-L4VK8ag9EvJFhznqyGG0d8hmk1BQnbZm2fB3hZ6d3-N_D-TtLnqgX88J-IwyHARz6yDxFqzJRWXdn5seljy1xgm2lU61tieCqzzPky4X4qmXc/s400/IMG_3824.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Toga Bride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKqmZhOtalEp7THbnsGRCGewDZXPUDwRj8MPUqQ41VE41WZrYf8mvzo-MwCQBfbu4alWc6t0f66w3h8gwSn2HHkcMGXs-AXgyadV3iXVkp4In6naEAdgDwcofnlWHc4Bstqh_swSxN_0/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKqmZhOtalEp7THbnsGRCGewDZXPUDwRj8MPUqQ41VE41WZrYf8mvzo-MwCQBfbu4alWc6t0f66w3h8gwSn2HHkcMGXs-AXgyadV3iXVkp4In6naEAdgDwcofnlWHc4Bstqh_swSxN_0/s400/IMG_3826.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Debutante Bride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6wj_RRWKaOzVEj9JuplpAvPqTnAbp6VAPNGptJkqWqbhLVQ_F5fJR5jg65D3A4iOx8qFcknSP4f0CGfFJWGWSIwf6sj68ChRVCU28xoWkJ4KfDgDRF6_tkLVELWj9brVN6Knn0gChLk/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6wj_RRWKaOzVEj9JuplpAvPqTnAbp6VAPNGptJkqWqbhLVQ_F5fJR5jg65D3A4iOx8qFcknSP4f0CGfFJWGWSIwf6sj68ChRVCU28xoWkJ4KfDgDRF6_tkLVELWj9brVN6Knn0gChLk/s400/IMG_3822.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mummy Bride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRgCmhG5dwA0rebnAGlsO-Yz6YlSo9LW6jWcnP0qs45nyijakfaGovEf1KHuKdjD5kLaTBtkvCoXHYEZAJLX4AC9e2fAHy0nhclfBnOjMwSfFbPe5o7ccA98cGDcSM_P_0IxlbHYj620/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRgCmhG5dwA0rebnAGlsO-Yz6YlSo9LW6jWcnP0qs45nyijakfaGovEf1KHuKdjD5kLaTBtkvCoXHYEZAJLX4AC9e2fAHy0nhclfBnOjMwSfFbPe5o7ccA98cGDcSM_P_0IxlbHYj620/s400/IMG_3823.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Sexy Bride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQnD1_YOb-Iw9-kGIeWTZJpZdszNU7dySZC5GcCQoW_YVHRwqHxDXDgAHHrZESgBnQeIT5nsUZMgmzLalbvJ1pUtz2kL4BZziHKOGXQXzSL89C5MGQsst3MVt25GCGZ3QsORICLqkeP4/s1600/IMG_3828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQnD1_YOb-Iw9-kGIeWTZJpZdszNU7dySZC5GcCQoW_YVHRwqHxDXDgAHHrZESgBnQeIT5nsUZMgmzLalbvJ1pUtz2kL4BZziHKOGXQXzSL89C5MGQsst3MVt25GCGZ3QsORICLqkeP4/s400/IMG_3828.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a tough competition, but Brent stole the show! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who knew toilet paper could be so versatile? :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
PK</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-40935927622161384692013-12-05T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-05T08:00:04.216-07:00The Other Side of Lortab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgs8UdiFzpqr3dsVS0KTBIfT80vShMGiXHlYUTkufxzOE7noqM9ECo6m7H1uwkIuu6LJ1MO5xSKka4ef3dvDO3fWywN-a-Jt0C5Z1_B5HlqaYuKlcJhynUSc_FMb38APBTE5ueFZAthY/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgs8UdiFzpqr3dsVS0KTBIfT80vShMGiXHlYUTkufxzOE7noqM9ECo6m7H1uwkIuu6LJ1MO5xSKka4ef3dvDO3fWywN-a-Jt0C5Z1_B5HlqaYuKlcJhynUSc_FMb38APBTE5ueFZAthY/s400/photo+(3).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, Lortab...how I miss you. What a good friend you've been these last few weeks. But all good things must come to an end. And frankly, I'm thrilled to get back to my pre-pill days.<br />
<br />
It's been awhile.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I last <a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2013/11/sacs-cysts-signs-oh-my.html" target="_blank">left you</a>, I was headed into laparoscopic surgery to remove some persistent ovarian cysts. Since it was my first surgery, I had NO idea what to expect. I met with my doctor the day before and she explained the surgery would last about an hour, barring any complications. And then I made the mistake of asking what those complications <i>could</i> be. Let's just say the worst is death! I actually had to sign a paper saying I understood the risks of surgery and there's no guarantee that everything will go according to plan. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fan-freakin-tastic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My mom was able to take the day off from work, and as a R.N., I was happy to have her by my side for the day. We checked in around 10:30 a.m. (with a beeper, like at restaurants!) and things went very quickly from there. I changed into a gown, scrub bottoms, fuzzy socks and then the nurse came in to start my IV.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUbl6bva3dxu6h62qWGU6WasJljGcRIJsUmnP9DUbI6DcwpyW1ltfPigWTm-KVOe4OwE8azWkR3J6TxsC1izefVnF14f0NdRUQaVqj2ZbbYIuuZWn3FA1QiUCGlGCwNC_0AKgK5yIALw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUbl6bva3dxu6h62qWGU6WasJljGcRIJsUmnP9DUbI6DcwpyW1ltfPigWTm-KVOe4OwE8azWkR3J6TxsC1izefVnF14f0NdRUQaVqj2ZbbYIuuZWn3FA1QiUCGlGCwNC_0AKgK5yIALw/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it only took one stick! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
From there, I filled out lots of paper work, gave them a urine sample, and took note of the special date on the board:<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP7RzGaTrubVbfxV3UHzduUrapqlgFFoynvRKT7r827c0hyM0Gzyque4sETSQpM8RFKVE_WpUV-SqmgOE93bnEbYOPxvoetccNmmh1ScJvMjgi2ptD98TGp8guS_UBlWB8lxYgs0KJE4/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP7RzGaTrubVbfxV3UHzduUrapqlgFFoynvRKT7r827c0hyM0Gzyque4sETSQpM8RFKVE_WpUV-SqmgOE93bnEbYOPxvoetccNmmh1ScJvMjgi2ptD98TGp8guS_UBlWB8lxYgs0KJE4/s400/photo+(1).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's kind of cool. Perhaps even lucky!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Around 11:30 a.m., they came to get me. And just like <i>Grey's Anatomy</i>, they put a shower cap over your head and wheel you down to the elevators. I quickly waved goodbye to my mom and up I went. The only thing that annoyed me is they left me sitting in my hospital bed for 30 minutes right outside the operating room. Doctors and nurses would come out of other surgeries, wash up, check their phones, and make small talk. All the while I'm just sitting there in my blue shower cap. The anesthesiologist finally came and introduced himself and asked if I had any weird reactions to anesthesia (to which I answered, "I guess we'll find out."). Then my doctor showed up and it was game time. My first reaction to the operating room? Crazy coldness. They transferred me to the operating table (which is very small, by the way) and covered me with a warm blanket. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then it was lights out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next thing I know, I'm waking up in a large recovery room. There's a clock across the room and it reads 3:00 p.m. Hmm...I must still be on drugs. They said it would only be an hour. Then I noticed a yellow bag near by bed and without warning a nurse removes a catheter from me. Hmm...didn't see that one coming. My doctor then comes in and says something with a sweet smile, but I'm too out of it to register. They wheel me back to a recovery room where my mom greets me with a kiss. Before they can even move me to the bed, I tell my mom I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM. She helps me shuffle down to the bathroom, but nothing happens. Hmm..that's weird. I swear I had to pee. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I get back to the room and my mom explains that the surgery went well, but in addition to the cysts, they ended up finding lots of endometriosis, which needed to be removed, via laser. Because the surgery went longer than expected, my doctor gave me clearance to stay the night if I needed the<i> good</i> drugs. Funny enough, I was in a lot<i> </i>of pain, but it wasn't that much worse than my pre-surgery pain. Honestly, I was just relieved it wasn't all in my head and that I was able to give the residents a good show. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I ended up going home mainly because I wanted to be in my bed and see this sweet girl:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRpD23DctMhkvISqIGsVa76sG8KzxowGsiWh48j8PLcKGqWYYkAIMa8aOYsJGB8isqmqBiegBM9x8eEZaUmhJokre6ZVPFPGA7DQwLh0zhDeqqkzDTwoaulJoCIjY-AxsB7q-FT_-OdI/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRpD23DctMhkvISqIGsVa76sG8KzxowGsiWh48j8PLcKGqWYYkAIMa8aOYsJGB8isqmqBiegBM9x8eEZaUmhJokre6ZVPFPGA7DQwLh0zhDeqqkzDTwoaulJoCIjY-AxsB7q-FT_-OdI/s400/photo+(3).JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She stayed by my side throughout my whole recovery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The first few days post-op are not a lot of fun. The goal is to keep the pain under control, so you're popping pills every four hours. Oddly enough, my four small incisions didn't hurt much. I'm guessing the real pain was from all the lasering. My surgery was three weeks yesterday and today was the first day I wasn't alternating Tylenol and Advil around the clock. Hopefully I've turned a corner. Of course, all the lovely get well gifts have helped tremendously. I'm so lucky to have friends and family who dropped everything to make me meals, bring me flowers, movies, magazines, and CANDY!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp0OkZlqH9ZQtw0HQf5KzpYSBOCTfg7-Qq__tTj-hfRJm-jOeQPoi5oKX1z9MdKTC2de7dAz7d5L2v8QOJykEDXsbKiPWUer0zIMwTgf5pnNy2aUNDH9M6n8PnTah14axZh22inielYo/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp0OkZlqH9ZQtw0HQf5KzpYSBOCTfg7-Qq__tTj-hfRJm-jOeQPoi5oKX1z9MdKTC2de7dAz7d5L2v8QOJykEDXsbKiPWUer0zIMwTgf5pnNy2aUNDH9M6n8PnTah14axZh22inielYo/s400/photo+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to my Debbie-Time for these sweet treats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I had my post-op appt with my doctor last week. She showed me some incredibly cool and very disturbing pictures they took during surgery. There's nothing like looking at your insides up close and personal. Because I have a severe case of endometriosis, we're going to have to aggressively treat it going forward. There's many hormone-suppressing treatments, but all carry some not-so-fun side effects (hot flashes, bone density loss, depression, weight gain, and possible permanent menopause). I've opted to go with the Depo-Provera shot because the side effects are less severe than others. We'll see if it's the miracle drug for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sadly, the recurrence rate of endometriosis is as high as 40% following surgery. But I'm learning to wrap my head around this diagnosis. It's my thing. But I'm also learning that sooner or later we all have a thing. Some have more than one thing. And we still lead happy, productive lives. I've also gained enormous empathy for those that deal with chronic pain on a daily basis. My brief tango with it has been memorable, but I can't wait to get back to normal. Or find a new normal. As long as it's Lortab-free, I'm game to try.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PK</div>
P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-23148439295024824442013-11-12T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-05T01:53:35.361-07:00Sacs, Cysts, & Signs, Oh My!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warning:
this blog post contains graphic content of a medical nature. The material may not
be suitable for those who are sensitive to health-related issues or males who
don’t like to see the word ovary over and
over again.</span></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></em></strong></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stress
is an interesting thing. Even though most of us have an innate ability to keep
up with it, if not thrive from it, it can also take its toll on the most
precious thing we take for granted – our health. I’m not going to lie…I’ve
been blessed with a healthy body for most of my life. I’ve never been
hospitalized, had a broken bone, or even had to deal with a lingering illness
(other than bronchitis every other year).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So
after my sister’s wedding this summer, my stress levels finally said, “Enough,
girl. It’s time to teach you a lesson…or two or three seeing you’re a
Smith and obstinance runs in the family.” (Looks like three was the magic
number.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It all
started on July 4. It was the night before my sister’s wedding and I started to
notice a slight pain in my left hip. Thinking I had hit it against a dresser or
table, I didn’t think much of it and went about the business of fulfilling my
duties as maid of honor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6upnHNsIlhDZbDo3H3f9rZk_Ec_11_aiAOrLU55ZUk7INXlBp5j_ss1qrOXj8dGsp-9KL7TkBiUN0QSgnxlwYK_ORu6OwTOBT4-ZYSkpvF-JKdGCoaBuoyrc0xmEL8WAOd2z42HeYwSE/s400/bridemaids.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://callawaygable.com/" target="_blank">Callaway Gable Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After
the hustle and bustle of the wedding died down, I noticed the pain was getting
worse and my mobility was starting to be affected. And it had spread to my
right hip. Uh-oh. I made an appointment with my doctor and she seemed to think
it was </span><a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/hip_bursitis/article.htm#what_is_hip_bursitis" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">bursitis</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (inflammation of the bursa sac). After prescribing an
anti-inflammatory, she sent me home with the promise I would start feeling better
soon. After 10 days of no improvement, she gave me the number of an orthopedic
specialist. He concurred with the initial diagnosis and started me on another round
of anti-inflammatory, followed by oral steroids, followed by 6-inch cortisone
shots in each hip. After little change, I started physical therapy three times
a week where I would do stretches, electric shock therapy, and icing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHRtb9XQuu77ODzFncfVg-qS1f6BjTRMmIatlxIHCcpVWALUb9P9YQVKsYvtuIy9YrCoNkCZjhK8El2lCBnwiIzzlpvjWjFJ9IZFD50jID4C_YB9c7-yo2OGfKfqrHNalRyN7MwC7UQY/s1600/Hurts+So+Good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHRtb9XQuu77ODzFncfVg-qS1f6BjTRMmIatlxIHCcpVWALUb9P9YQVKsYvtuIy9YrCoNkCZjhK8El2lCBnwiIzzlpvjWjFJ9IZFD50jID4C_YB9c7-yo2OGfKfqrHNalRyN7MwC7UQY/s400/Hurts+So+Good.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s
funny, after all the money I’ve spent on doctor appointments, physical therapy,
prescriptions, creams, etc., the only thing that really helped with the inflammation/pain
was ice. I’d come home from work each night and stuff ice bags down my sweat
pants. And I would keep them there for hours and it would <i>never</i> be cool enough. You could actually put your hand on my hips
and it would feel like a fever. After eight weeks of misery, my doctor finally
said, “I think it’s time we do an MRI to rule out there’s not something more
serious going on.” Little did he know, but the MRI would reveal something else
brewing in my body. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here comes Stress Lesson #2.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The good
news from the MRI: the inflammation in my hips was finally going away. The bad
news from the MRI: I had bilateral ovarian cysts (cysts on both ovaries). Seriously?!
After saying goodbye to my ortho with the promise I would continue my icing and
ALEVE regimen, I promptly called my OB/GYN to schedule an appointment. Luckily,
my normal 3-4 week wait was cut down to less than week. I guess “ovarian cysts”
are code words for “We’ll see you next week.” After reading up (and
obsessing) on all the different kinds of ovarian cysts (functional, complex,
and the ones that contain hair, teeth, and skin), I met with my doctor
and scheduled an ultrasound to determine the kind of cysts I have, as well as
the size. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The worst part of an ultrasound: drinking 32 oz of water and having
to hold it. I actually showed up for my appointment (the first one of the day) and was
left waiting 15 minutes. It turns out the ultrasound machine was broken and no one
told the staff! They sent me over to a nearby sister clinic to see if they could fit
me in. Unfortunately, a cute little pregnant lady showed up for her appointment early.
And my bladder couldn’t wait another 30 min, so I rescheduled for later that
afternoon. Luckily, that day we were having a team-building event at Boondocks
(a local arcade/entertainment center), and we would be done by 2:00 p.m. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But Stress
Lesson #3 decided it was the perfect day to rear its ugly head. And <i>my</i> head was on the receiving end! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I
was leaving Boondocks, I was walking and talking (a dangerous combination!) with
a few of my co-workers. My head was turned and before you knew it, I walked
right into a 6 ft tall metal sign that was in the middle of the walkway.
Thinking I was just clumsy, I cursed to myself and kept walking. Then a
co-worker says, “Kelly, you’re bleeding. You’re bleeding A LOT. We need to go
to the bathroom.” Seriously?! I’d been down this road 18 years ago. That little
accident resulted in A LOT of stitches and a pretty scar right in between my
eyes. I really didn’t want stitches right now – especially with everything else
going on with my body. So, I followed my co-worker into the bathroom and we
proceeded to soak up the blood with A LOT of paper towels. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Up close, it was a
nice, straight 1-inch cut. Oh, and I was sporting a smaller version on my lip.
I left the bathroom and met with the manager who was nice enough to get me an
ice bag for my head. Ah, ice…my one and constant friend! After filling out an
incident report, my co-worker says, “Well, we better get you to the hospital. I
think you need stitches.” But before we could leave, our new CMO walks in and
says, “Forget the hospital. I’m taking you back to the office (where there’s a
doctor on site at all times)." Great perk of the new job! Instead of stitches,
the doctor put some sticky adhesive over the wound, added Steri-Strips and a
Band-Aid. Crisis averted. But there went my scheduled ultrasound. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XHrxpdlYP4unKmcv6xfxVzOQNvpt2QlgSvGDu1nFG7MS8ibBIFsgFmliL-ZlItAB8GO486wbTbHs8Z3XliUjHCFrhaLm1GVhxhCEgxQjYXu2MD49amVyraTB2WVF8TFbWM788ZbCJYs/s1600/ouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XHrxpdlYP4unKmcv6xfxVzOQNvpt2QlgSvGDu1nFG7MS8ibBIFsgFmliL-ZlItAB8GO486wbTbHs8Z3XliUjHCFrhaLm1GVhxhCEgxQjYXu2MD49amVyraTB2WVF8TFbWM788ZbCJYs/s400/ouch.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After
calling the clinic back and explaining my injury, I was able to reschedule my
appointment for the following week. I got the ultrasound results back a few days later and
it showed that the cyst on my right ovary was 4.2 cm and the one on the left
was 5.4 cm (and actually two cysts fused together!). And it was their opinion
that they were </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.ovarian-cancer-facts.com/hemorrhagic-ovarian-cyst.html" target="_blank">hemorrhagic cysts</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, which </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">develop when a blood vessel ruptures and drains blood
into the fluid already collected in the body of the cyst. And while they’re the
least likely to rupture (hooray!), they’re also the most painful. And as I’m
quickly learning, there’s a host of other symptoms besides the intense pelvic
pain: constant need to pee (but never able to fully empty bladder), bloating, nauseous,
dizziness, moodiness, </span><span style="color: #262626;">exhaustion, weight</span><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> gain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Lovely. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In all my reading,
doctors usually elect the “watch and wait” approach with ovarian cysts. Most
usually resolve themselves within 2-3 months. In fact, most women have had
ovarian cysts at some point and not even known about it since they never show symptoms. My doctor recommended a follow-up ultrasound in 6 weeks. In the meantime, I felt like a ticking time bomb. After about the month, the pain was getting so bad, I called my doctor and asked if we could move up my next ultrasound. Surprisingly, she said yes and I was able to get in the very next day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This time the results showed the cyst on my right ovary had shrunk to 2.9 cm, but the one the left had grown to 5.9 cm (2.3 in). And they now think they're <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Endometrial-Cysts---Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of-Endometrial-Chocolate-Cysts&id=3653109" target="_blank">endometrial cysts</a>. Because there hasn't been significant change between the two ultrasounds and the fact the pain is getting worse (even on Lortab), my doctor has agreed to laparoscopy surgery to remove the cysts. My sister Laurie has actually undergone this procedure a couple times, so hopefully the outcome will be just as favorable. All I know is I'm done with the lessons in stress. Message received loud and clear. It's time to get back to the business of living. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I'll keep you posted with my progress. If I text you or leave a strange message on Facebook post-surgery, blame the drugs (which I hear are fabulous, by the way!). </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;">PK</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-85647945117853437132013-11-09T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-09T06:03:10.460-07:00Moxie Fab Thanks! Blog Hop<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to your next stop in the Moxie Fab Thanks! Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from <a href="http://www.wingsofabutterfly-vanessa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa Menhorn</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While we’re all feeling <em>moxie sad</em> over Cath’s departure, I’m so grateful
for this opportunity to honor her as a blogger extraordinaire, former colleague,
and a dear friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was lucky enough to work with Cath for seven amazing years. </span><a href="http://meganhoeppner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Megan</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,
</span><a href="http://brandyanddave.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brandy</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and I all joined </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/index.html" target="_blank">Paper Crafts</a></i> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">within 6 months of each other. Cath was fairly new herself, so it was an
incredible time to begin </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">this adventure together<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzNlPPteHYPIrJ9NfYZobt6O8KqWDLEE-oJx3UdNOmYoH5IuJzfsnzU21b69wT4wNaDkO82RvRlSgqIgmwduZGrxEmMJnBi7y6_GATdTgvRf2SfnHQ0ydoedErbm7k5eFPiBLDR7Yj8k/s1600/Christmas+2008_CHA+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzNlPPteHYPIrJ9NfYZobt6O8KqWDLEE-oJx3UdNOmYoH5IuJzfsnzU21b69wT4wNaDkO82RvRlSgqIgmwduZGrxEmMJnBi7y6_GATdTgvRf2SfnHQ0ydoedErbm7k5eFPiBLDR7Yj8k/s400/Christmas+2008_CHA+020.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cath, Brandy, me and Megan at Disneyland in 2009.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">This was also my first time working on an all-female team (until <a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/blog/2009/05/the-lone-design-man/" target="_blank">Lone Design Man</a> arrived). I’m not
going to lie…it took me awhile to get used to all the different
personalities (and hormones attached to each of those personalities!). But like
anything in life, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And all our parts made up a wonderfully creative, quirky group dedicated to putting out the
best craft magazine month after month and year after year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOObISJEbqYB5cA9vpwdeXDbDyBHFSP-uonLzA1VbV5G6hnRC-A6weLjKkKoMunomh5-lxi47ZFPlRzXAyIJDy_7koZqy8tqJKf782DTYnBhtIvD9sOtOWv_awNiWz_E5-yF9FDF5mwDE/s1600/PC+Team+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOObISJEbqYB5cA9vpwdeXDbDyBHFSP-uonLzA1VbV5G6hnRC-A6weLjKkKoMunomh5-lxi47ZFPlRzXAyIJDy_7koZqy8tqJKf782DTYnBhtIvD9sOtOWv_awNiWz_E5-yF9FDF5mwDE/s400/PC+Team+2011.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paper Crafts Team, 2011</span></td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cath joined <i>Paper Crafts</i> as
the creative editor. Even back in the early days, she was passionate about
trends and putting the freshest, coolest projects in the magazine. That enthusiasm led her to "spearhead" (inside joke!) the <i>Moxie Fabs </i>column and soon after the </span><a href="http://www.moxiefabworld.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Moxie Fab World</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> blog. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As one who used to manage the <a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/" target="_blank"><i>Paper Crafts</i> Connection</a> blog, I know all too well how much time she has poured into the MFW blog. Late nights, early mornings, vacations (what are those?) have all been sacrificed to bring you daily content that would inspire you to not only think but create outside of your comfort zone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It was in our concepting meetings where Cath would announce what trends had caught her eye. One meeting she announced she wanted to go with the neon trend for the Nov/Dec 2012 <em>Moxie Fabs</em> column. NEON?! I love Christmastime, but I just couldn't see how <em>this</em> particular trend was going to translate to moxie fab holiday projects. But Cath knew it would be totally unexpected and therefore more likely to get people to say, "Wait...that's kinda cool. Maybe I'll try that neon trend with my holiday cards."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good teachers always bring out the best in all of us. They present the lesson, set forth a challenge, but it's up to each of us to decide how much we'll take away from the experience. Cath summed up MFW </span><a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/blog/2010/09/moxie-fab-say-what/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">: "It's a place where everyone is welcome, no matter your skill level, your style, and it matters not one whit whether you consider yourself to be trendy. It’s just that, trends <em>inspire</em>, and truth be told, that kind of inspiration is absolutely everywhere."</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration could always be found on Cath's porch!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So even though Cath is moving on, inspiration will always be out there. Trends will beget trends and creativity will surely follow. I just know that “something truly original, amazingly inspirational, or uber cool” will forever describe the person who coined the phrase!</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeRRfiO1ulEsb2ej4NQgGl0Eeq9o6FIdZnE4gAuwapjCxOvuwGaCDmqOqN_MqNdZZk0bO6HNxh6CeUUsmOWiZ__403YHavRiyBZkyJEP4o-ChkfIlpgFTq58MCP_Fkku5qR91pNXld6M/s1600/Merci+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeRRfiO1ulEsb2ej4NQgGl0Eeq9o6FIdZnE4gAuwapjCxOvuwGaCDmqOqN_MqNdZZk0bO6HNxh6CeUUsmOWiZ__403YHavRiyBZkyJEP4o-ChkfIlpgFTq58MCP_Fkku5qR91pNXld6M/s400/Merci+Card.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merci Card by P. Kelly Smith </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Merci, cher ami!</span><br />
PK</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your next stop along the Moxie Fab Thanks! Blog Hop will be </span><a href="http://lostinpaper.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Therese Calvird</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-33665427822239790462013-10-23T10:49:00.001-06:002013-10-23T10:59:01.570-06:00Bath Salts Gift Wrap<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m always looking for ways to
personalize my gifts – especially with the holidays right around the corner. My
mom came to me last Mother’s Day with two glass jars of bath salts. She wanted
to give one to my aunt and one to my grandma. While the gift itself was very thoughtful (who doesn't love to indulge in a hot bath?), the plain jars needed a little sprucing up. So, I dived into my crafting
supplies and pulled out exactly what I was looking for: ribbon, flowers,
buttons, pearls, and one of my favorite sentiment stamp sets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrMXJrbYn0CGfC2xliUWDIgb3Kvt6_qoxRafkVDiBc2yxGvVL_mfQVcO10XFgEoWQTAp0sdaXo8jrAYPIslrWd13qQeZX8RDp1gJS8zLNjjy9mZxoVrmb-DcTvCzIJIC5g_jAP6GsObw/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrMXJrbYn0CGfC2xliUWDIgb3Kvt6_qoxRafkVDiBc2yxGvVL_mfQVcO10XFgEoWQTAp0sdaXo8jrAYPIslrWd13qQeZX8RDp1gJS8zLNjjy9mZxoVrmb-DcTvCzIJIC5g_jAP6GsObw/s400/IMG_1890.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I simply wrapped each jar with sheer
ribbon and secured the ends with a Glue Dot (a great, strong adhesive for
almost any craft project!). I then layered two flowers, a button, and
then placed a pearl in the middle. For the tag, I pulled out my <a href="http://www.papersmoochesstamps.com/Birthday_Sampler_p/fbs-13-135.htm">Birthday
Sampler</a> stamp set from Paper Smooches and cut the “a gift for you” stamp in
half. That’s right, folks! I only wanted the “for you” part of the sentiment,
so I took my trusty scissors and snipped the stamp into two sentiments. For
future use, I can still put them back together on my clear block or use them
separately. Remember, your stamps are yours…make them work for your individual
needs! (Ironically, there’s already a “for you” stamp in this set. If
you like a cursive font and can’t bear to cut your stamps, you’re in luck!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After I stamped “For You” with black ink
on white cardstock, I carefully trimmed around the edges. Or you can
use a small oval die if you don’t trust your fussy-cutting skills. Then I
simply added a foam dot for dimension and secured it behind the flower. I love
how the tag resembles a leaf here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
And there you have it! A simple gift that’s
ready for any occasion. You could even change up the colors or sentiment to
personalize it even more. For the record, I normally detest sheer ribbon, but this was the right color and the right width. And it was all I had on hand. I actually think a solid, satin ribbon would look even better!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">PK :)</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-39480481567416939962013-10-21T14:42:00.001-06:002013-10-23T10:52:42.547-06:00Keep Calm & Eat Chocolate <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a self-professed sweet tooth, I
always have a little treat tucked away in my office drawer, purse, or
compartment in my car. I love any kind of gummy candy (Sour Patch Kids are my
fave!), but a girl can’t wrong with good ol’ fashioned chocolate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrWA9btNIK82I41PugNZsB1pPIxdKFKmH_JtJubahasrGkj_bXy2k4FwQPvSur7p4tTJ6oFH_Sz2ED8n1O_afowsT5heW6oQ0rmzqVEIhu7tar225w_T4AWlhyphenhyphenb31nYIyYo8L-fptFqA/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrWA9btNIK82I41PugNZsB1pPIxdKFKmH_JtJubahasrGkj_bXy2k4FwQPvSur7p4tTJ6oFH_Sz2ED8n1O_afowsT5heW6oQ0rmzqVEIhu7tar225w_T4AWlhyphenhyphenb31nYIyYo8L-fptFqA/s400/IMG_1617.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My sisters gave me an assortment of candies for my last birthday. They know me so well!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And while I have my favorites in
chocolate category (Peanut Butter M&M’s are at the top of that list!), I
pretty much <s>like</s> love all varieties.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And since I think most women appreciate
the gift the chocolate from time to time, I love coming up with new ways to
gift wrap this divine treat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve all seen the many renditions of
the “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan. When I came across the “Keep Calm and Eat
Chocolate” version on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/93379392247364807/">Pinterest</a>,
I was immediately inspired to print it out, attach it a king size KitKat bar
and wrap it in baker’s twine. I even added a little note on the back that
said, “When life gets rough, remember to ‘Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate.’ Repeat
dosage as often as needed.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMb62kj2mjIvk9Wj-cYW0nxRY-qvXk1E-Vbjr46RuEl_JvNPaODOdjICsnvJfG2mNxgmHPES1yKExuMb0UiDtWMJMRqnw0SpgeBs8dkTg0nu-575CwgJ-S0oAkytEFtLe5D-XanC3i0A/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMb62kj2mjIvk9Wj-cYW0nxRY-qvXk1E-Vbjr46RuEl_JvNPaODOdjICsnvJfG2mNxgmHPES1yKExuMb0UiDtWMJMRqnw0SpgeBs8dkTg0nu-575CwgJ-S0oAkytEFtLe5D-XanC3i0A/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I handed out a few of these to the ladies at church, they were a big hit. You could even laminate the quote and
add a magnet to the back, so the recipient can add it to their fridge once the
candy is long gone. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">PK :)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-92223089739554891792013-08-30T08:10:00.000-06:002013-10-23T10:56:27.335-06:00A Beautiful Ride<br />
Today is my last day as an editor for <a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/index.html" target="_blank"><em>Paper Crafts</em> magazine</a>. It's definitely a bittersweet moment. I'm excited for the next chapter to begin, but sad to be leaving friends that have become my family for the last seven years. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHevqJXhc6ID0qc4D1r1Q2AyllH3u0ozpy0bp7QaWzXSytaECge0wkyKxYsQUZ1ROoL-brPS0g6E2QTrF6EwWRR1GlRtlBXNAwjnmUxzOArw1TLrlkQNdqrJ0Cf6Qge2jTYwM26INJDnE/s1600/Team-photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHevqJXhc6ID0qc4D1r1Q2AyllH3u0ozpy0bp7QaWzXSytaECge0wkyKxYsQUZ1ROoL-brPS0g6E2QTrF6EwWRR1GlRtlBXNAwjnmUxzOArw1TLrlkQNdqrJ0Cf6Qge2jTYwM26INJDnE/s400/Team-photo-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Paper Crafts</em> Team, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm officially saying goodbye over on <a href="http://www.papercraftsconnection.com/" target="_blank"><em>Paper Crafts</em> Connection</a>. Here I'm sharing seven of my favorite pieces of memorabilia from a cork board that hangs in my cubicle. As you can imagine, I've collected a lot in seven years! <br />
<br />
In <em>Paper Crafts'</em> <a href="http://www.scrapandpapershop.com/product/paper-crafts-july-august-2013/new-arrivals" target="_blank">July/August 2013</a> issue, I used one of the downloadable sentiments to create this <a href="http://www.papercraftsmag.com/articles/Life_is_a_Beautiful_Ride_Notebook?bc=c" target="_blank">Life is a Beautiful Ride Notebook</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBunekdCMxVwhVvz6EDnKlR_AXTDfgRB8iViJ5uJQOMjF22B2AdDsfsQZxse4TUxVdNKb0S3-r5UsVHeml9GadHqcnxjcDaWhN2x0baOpecHXtbA_O23LY1H9nYblBO1p5hXK39yl9o4/s1600/Life+is+a+Beautiful+Ride+Notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBunekdCMxVwhVvz6EDnKlR_AXTDfgRB8iViJ5uJQOMjF22B2AdDsfsQZxse4TUxVdNKb0S3-r5UsVHeml9GadHqcnxjcDaWhN2x0baOpecHXtbA_O23LY1H9nYblBO1p5hXK39yl9o4/s400/Life+is+a+Beautiful+Ride+Notebook.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
Little secret about me and paper crafting...while I love cards, I <em>really</em> love the challenge of creating 3D projects. Everything from gift bags and boxes to gift card holders and mini albums. And don't even get me started on treat wraps and sacks! (Yes, Susan. I said sacks. And you can't edit it!) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But this happy little notebook perfectly sums up my time at <em>Paper Crafts</em>. It's been a beautiful ride. I've gotten the opportunity to do so many things. From writing columns, newsletters, and ad copy to managing a blog, web site and videos to seeing countless magazines go through countless stages of production, the list goes on. But one of the best perks has been the relationships I've cultivated with co-workers, readers, and designers alike. And that's been the <em>beautiful</em> part. I hope to continue these cherished relationships as I move on to the next big adventure. <br />
<br />
Thanks for the ride!<br />
PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-73606181531401127992013-08-25T23:42:00.000-06:002013-12-06T11:45:10.351-07:00Save the Dates That Saved the Day!<div class="ms__id4743" style="background-color: white; color: black;">
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_40">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When it came time for my sister to send out her Save the Dates, Holly thought this would be a fun way to announce her destination wedding in California. And nothing says "destination" like an invite that resembles a plane ticket.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since our dad is a pilot, he was able to work his magic and put her in touch with another pilot who flies private planes. After some smooth talking, Holly got the pilot to agree to a little photo shoot when the plane wasn't in use. My other sister Laurie was back as the <a href="http://www.laurieruthphotography.com/" target="_blank">photographer extraordinaire</a> and Brent, well, he was back as the patient groom-to-be who agreed to put up with another Smith sister adventure. Noticing a theme here?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They didn't have a lot of time (an hour, at tops) and the sun was setting, so they had to work quickly. Once the photos were taken, the fun part began...incorporating them into a Save the Date that resembles a REAL plane ticket. And this is where the misery began for poor Laurie who had to change the text and images over and over until both Holly and I were satisfied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithUV0YrohumB2KM_gGAJ84muWr3l_pGGvr_2P8m1t-7faXMLrw2M_E0rPJvjkpbAfXUEKzFOj5cSsE2bFje79iMdyeUG6bYMCnygaj_LAG32H0crjzaKYXxOtbtGRgZ15Ok9B-7WbLY8/s1600/IMG_2838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithUV0YrohumB2KM_gGAJ84muWr3l_pGGvr_2P8m1t-7faXMLrw2M_E0rPJvjkpbAfXUEKzFOj5cSsE2bFje79iMdyeUG6bYMCnygaj_LAG32H0crjzaKYXxOtbtGRgZ15Ok9B-7WbLY8/s400/IMG_2838.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here's the front of the invite complete with rounded corners thanks to my corner rounder punch! If you look closely, the airline is Five Star, which is Holly's nickname. And the flight number is 705 for her wedding date, July 5.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X3bqR9iiCasjmzzIeFmqUEPzYW_gCwM1w3VGeGgfDESXj9e2MCrP3FN0VJZUwCdWz6Kwr9Zrh7UZ49TpKTEhAD085T8LNOz0M7cQyU4gpFOuyRyOv0kVPGYK_BL0Nd2cG_DlJ3PCoIE/s1600/holly+and+brent+back+1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X3bqR9iiCasjmzzIeFmqUEPzYW_gCwM1w3VGeGgfDESXj9e2MCrP3FN0VJZUwCdWz6Kwr9Zrh7UZ49TpKTEhAD085T8LNOz0M7cQyU4gpFOuyRyOv0kVPGYK_BL0Nd2cG_DlJ3PCoIE/s400/holly+and+brent+back+1001.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And here's the back of the invite. The caption says, "Love is taking off! Will you join us for the ride?"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIsWmf_sFtYCJCMzYDD9pS_brgAigq96TPvEHGamu11ZI4743BBgbUG2pBcOHG6rAONyy9T9FMGuolTjErcxqL6lqoANaVHCrD20pig5Zw-vEHLz2wktX6z8QbwwGUGl01S4QiWWAtn0/s1600/IMG_2995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIsWmf_sFtYCJCMzYDD9pS_brgAigq96TPvEHGamu11ZI4743BBgbUG2pBcOHG6rAONyy9T9FMGuolTjErcxqL6lqoANaVHCrD20pig5Zw-vEHLz2wktX6z8QbwwGUGl01S4QiWWAtn0/s400/IMG_2995.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And no plane ticket would be complete without an American Airlines ticket jacket! You know, because Five Star Airlines is an affiliate of American Airlines (and we have a dad who can get them for free!).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like I mentioned before, Laurie had the tough job of editing these Save the Dates. One night the three of us were on a conference call going over all the details. The call went on for over an hour and each time Holly or I would make changes, Laurie would edit the invite and then e-mail us an updated proof. I could tell Laurie was quickly losing patience and becoming more and more frustrated with us because the subject lines of her e-mails became more and more colorful...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bite me</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_58">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just say it's fine</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_62">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Burn in everlasting torment</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_65">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just took up drinking</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_68">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You make me want to run away</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_75">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I like myself less and less by the minute</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_81">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just started sucking my thumb again</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_85">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I just swallowed a bunch of pills</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_100">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of the sudden I want to hurt myself</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_115">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I keep tying my hair in knots</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_119">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I ate my twin in the womb</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_122">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh look! There's the gun I've been looking for</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_129">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm in Charlie's crate in the fetal position</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_141">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just ate a bowl of dog food and I don't know why</span></div>
<div id="yiv6840718055yui_3_7_2_31_1371485968978_147">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes I want to run away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With material this good, I had to incorporate it into my maid of honor speech at the wedding. It had the crowd laughing hysterically and I got a lot of compliments later. Laurie wasn't too happy with me, but since she forfeited her right to give a toast, I just had to include her in it! Plus, going the funny route saved me from getting overemotional and doing one of those ugly sob speeches that lives on in video for ALL eternity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one video I can't wait to see!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PK</span></div>
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<img height="33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithUV0YrohumB2KM_gGAJ84muWr3l_pGGvr_2P8m1t-7faXMLrw2M_E0rPJvjkpbAfXUEKzFOj5cSsE2bFje79iMdyeUG6bYMCnygaj_LAG32H0crjzaKYXxOtbtGRgZ15Ok9B-7WbLY8/s400/IMG_2838.jpg" style="left: 367.36px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 413.05px;" width="96" />P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-11399616808896679572013-08-21T23:44:00.004-06:002013-10-23T10:57:10.263-06:00The Beach-Bride-Birthday Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What do you get when you cross a beach, a bride, and a birthday with buttercream frosted cupcakes? One crazy busy, crazy fun weekend! This past March, I headed to Orange County, CA to assist my baby sister with my middle sister's engagement pictures. And it just happened to fall over my birthday weekend. :)<br />
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I attempted to fly out on a Thursday afternoon using a standby pass. After unsuccessfully "standing by" for three flights, I was about to call it a day (or in this case, a weekend), when the bride-to-be gave me the best birthday gift...frequent flyer miles! The flight left the next day at the butt crack of dawn (not the best way to wake up on your birthday), but at least I was on my way. <br />
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Holly's wedding was booked for July 5 at <a href="http://www.pelicanhill.com/" target="_blank">The Resort at Pelican Hill</a> in Newport Beach. Because we wanted to take her engagement pictures near the surrounding area, we stayed at a nearby hotel. This was the gorgeous view of the Pacific from our balcony:<br />
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After a quick nap (cause the grumpy birthday girl needed one in a <em>bad</em> way!), it was off to meet with a few wedding vendors. After viewing countless tablecloths, overlays, seat cushions and napkins (who knew there were so many shades of purple?), we finished our business and went in search of some sustenance. And for the record, In 'N Out in California tastes much better than In 'N Out anywhere else. <br />
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Since the next couple of days were going to be busy with the engagement shoot, we cleared the evening of all wedding nonsense and went out to eat to celebrate my birthday. Our good friends, Jeana and her husband Eric, were able to join us for some yummy Mexican food. And for the record, Mexican food tastes much better in California than almost anywhere else. With the exception being Texas, of course, and most likely Mexico. :)<br />
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Not having access to a kitchen, my sister Laurie kindly asked Jeana to whip up my favorite cupcakes - vanilla with buttercream frosting! And Jeana did not disappoint! <br />
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Saturday was the big shoot! Holly wanted three separate locations (bistro, beach and dramatic art museum), so this meant three different outfit changes. While she was getting her hair and makeup done, Laurie & I met up with Jeana again to scout out a beach location. Being a local, Jeana knew the perfect spot: a section of Laguna Beach that offered up gorgeous landscapes and rocky backdrops.<br />
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And Jeana brought along the cutest scouts - her adorable sons Dane and Cole!<br />
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After shooting some fun bistro shots in Laguna Beach (sorry, I don't have any to share since I was babysitting our illegally-parked car!) we headed back to the beach. When it comes to photography, light is your most powerful tool, so it was a race to get these shots before the sun went down. And for the record, my main role in "assisting" the photographer was holding a flash. Big job!<br />
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Then it was a mad dash to Los Angeles for our night shoot. Holly wanted to take some dramatic shots at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, otherwise known as <a href="http://www.lacma.org/" target="_blank">LACMA</a>. Outside the museum stands hundreds of street lanterns. At night, their soft light creates the perfect romantic setting.<br />
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Besides the long-suffering groom, Laurie was the real unsung hero of this weekend. As you can see from the picture above, she went to great lengths to make Holly's vision come true. To see Laurie's professional pictures from this weekend, check out <a href="http://www.laurieruthphotographyblog.com/?p=5602" target="_blank">The Making of Mrs. Hendrix</a> on the Laurie Ruth Photography blog.<br />
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And for the record, it was great birthday!<br />
PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-40313424441029958932013-06-07T00:25:00.001-06:002013-06-07T00:48:12.558-06:00Will You Be My...Maid of Honor?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past Valentine's Day, I arrived home to find a small package on my doorstep. I didn't think too much about it, as I wasn't expecting anything, so I went about my usual get-home-from-work routine. <br />
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After dinner, I got around to opening the mail and then remembered the mysterious package. I carefully opened it up and found this lovely blue gift box. Did I have a secret admirer who chose Valentine's Day to profess his unrequited love?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtHjCFxE4FlprinlU30_HcCB_YxTNdEc6cLsxdZzVvRJhkGK5xMYsv9_QQtDI3WAxOFOmtaNGap7rgvQFeWxcm0KHjLU-EncVKa2CFsBXvYAa72GifafVqCDU3jsQL-QS1jsi3Ofgjnc/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtHjCFxE4FlprinlU30_HcCB_YxTNdEc6cLsxdZzVvRJhkGK5xMYsv9_QQtDI3WAxOFOmtaNGap7rgvQFeWxcm0KHjLU-EncVKa2CFsBXvYAa72GifafVqCDU3jsQL-QS1jsi3Ofgjnc/s400/IMG_3647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, not exactly, but my newly-engaged sister decided Feb. 14 was the perfect occasion to ask her bridesmaids if they would stand up with her on her big day. </div>
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What I love the most about this thoughtful gift is Holly actually made it herself. She got the idea from <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and then gathered all the supplies: gift boxes from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/?home=3" target="_blank">World Market</a>, purple tissue paper, silver cardstock, and the cutest aspect of this gift: the DVD of <em>Bridemaids</em>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWssShY6NO9xJZTjYQ3gy2MIqCJeGDtETDYq-snZmEPS65ubWbT1j-M5vibdydlwuLymT_l0O7nHoP1UQYNCJEfNIDRczkPdOoHo78QlM8xSDIHy2NfArs96ceRlq5ZYO7353IGG5D1g/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWssShY6NO9xJZTjYQ3gy2MIqCJeGDtETDYq-snZmEPS65ubWbT1j-M5vibdydlwuLymT_l0O7nHoP1UQYNCJEfNIDRczkPdOoHo78QlM8xSDIHy2NfArs96ceRlq5ZYO7353IGG5D1g/s400/IMG_3650.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent">She found the "Will You Be My Maid of Honor" text and poem online, printed them out (double-sided, no less!) and then trimmed the cards so they would fit perfectly inside the gift boxes. </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">I was so touched my her gift, I wrote this on her Facebook wall: "Flowers and chocolates are always appreciated, but this has to be the sweetest Valentine I've ever received. Holly Smith: the answer is YES!"</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">We're officially less than a month away (and still so much to do!), but it's been so fun (and crazy!) sharing this experience with her. After all, she's been waiting and planning this wedding for 7 years!</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">In my next post I'll recap our trip to the O.C. in March where my youngest sister took her engagement pictures which had three different locations and just as many outfit changes. Let's just say Holly's fiancé Brent is a very patient man...especially when it comes to putting up with three Smith sisters who all have their own agenda!</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">~PK</span></div>
P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-45764355656008555542013-05-08T23:51:00.000-06:002013-12-06T11:49:51.767-07:00The Cruise Chronicles: The Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QxyLeATqfixUKL_StEjBTnicGFlhkC7-vy147eCow7qrkgLEjr8P0fRAM2SO6nO6IFe1x5Dpe4ZpYeFD7j6bD6_NGwswwmpA2EQ_kGDbKn-C_IKHRb4H_E8Vnrej6ut-eekrxR-kzI0/s1600/cruise+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QxyLeATqfixUKL_StEjBTnicGFlhkC7-vy147eCow7qrkgLEjr8P0fRAM2SO6nO6IFe1x5Dpe4ZpYeFD7j6bD6_NGwswwmpA2EQ_kGDbKn-C_IKHRb4H_E8Vnrej6ut-eekrxR-kzI0/s400/cruise+ship.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once upon a time, I wrote several lengthy blog posts called <em>The Cruise Chronicles:</em><br />
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<li><a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2010/08/cruise-chronicles-epcot-center.html" target="_blank">The Cruise Chronicles - Epcot Center</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2010/09/cruise-chronicles-day-one-at-sea.html" target="_blank">The Cruise Chronicles - Day One at Sea</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2010/09/cruise-chronicles-day-two-at-sea.html" target="_blank">The Cruise Chronicles - Day Two at Sea</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2010/10/cruise-chronicles-day-three-at-sea.html" target="_blank">The Cruise Chronicles - Day Three at Sea</a></li>
<li><a href="http://pkellysmith.blogspot.com/2011/05/cruise-chronicles-final-day-at.html" target="_blank">The Cruise Chronicles - Final Day at Sea</a></li>
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They highlighted my family's 2010 Caribbean cruise, which doubled as our family reunion. A reunion my generous grandma gifted to all 19 of us (and it would have been 25 but an uncle, aunt and four cousins couldn't make it!). <br />
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We did a little tribute for my grandma (aka Gigi) on board the ship (a sweet little slide show and some sentimental gifts), but I really wanted to give her something that would showcase all the great memories that were made on that trip. Enter <a href="http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html" target="_blank">Blog2Print</a>! Here you can turn your beloved blog posts into a hardcover book!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVHOmF8xhGUxkACdlQP1-EQET-5NlTGsaM3i03CJ9KC6Hc2oMSjT1hh6hHTcURUUKWE7v7FQsG-9jcAjuXCWFGCvbPbH_K9zH3anVYNWP_2CyP2uKIphV8ap0hyphenhyphenD1iFd6h-YD6lJND7s/s1600/IMG_3652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVHOmF8xhGUxkACdlQP1-EQET-5NlTGsaM3i03CJ9KC6Hc2oMSjT1hh6hHTcURUUKWE7v7FQsG-9jcAjuXCWFGCvbPbH_K9zH3anVYNWP_2CyP2uKIphV8ap0hyphenhyphenD1iFd6h-YD6lJND7s/s400/IMG_3652.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You select the design and color of the book and then add your cover image and title.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy_PS_Nk8OtclYwuCinIRgrM7BcRiiLUO9VAbVP0BG8DCpPw25Gbu6mET7chyphenhyphen3GG1myzMSaNDUqitVN1ZocE4vK8588trgRCDAqWWwfRBLAAXpFfNLtyiWVITWZUv0XgmBMmbBxmQa9k/s1600/IMG_3681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy_PS_Nk8OtclYwuCinIRgrM7BcRiiLUO9VAbVP0BG8DCpPw25Gbu6mET7chyphenhyphen3GG1myzMSaNDUqitVN1ZocE4vK8588trgRCDAqWWwfRBLAAXpFfNLtyiWVITWZUv0XgmBMmbBxmQa9k/s400/IMG_3681.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You even get to write your own dedication for the cover page.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOpfLWTD3-azVVD0LSrwmDzIayKHXLCKIAA1DRQmH5_iF9GSfhH4ImxZkl8DWAQayyIfUKOmsza9qnMAkSfkwVUn50RC8wGvvw9N1faFt0m8psIf84Vw0tCxvpvmAOpVb2kb_nKfPxAE/s1600/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOpfLWTD3-azVVD0LSrwmDzIayKHXLCKIAA1DRQmH5_iF9GSfhH4ImxZkl8DWAQayyIfUKOmsza9qnMAkSfkwVUn50RC8wGvvw9N1faFt0m8psIf84Vw0tCxvpvmAOpVb2kb_nKfPxAE/s400/IMG_3664.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And no book would be complete without a Table of Contents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayUc3kGSni0zbb1n96ZWxhoknmR2vPcBkdjxVgXMI9nJ-So8MSlbSis9TDe9mryP57gwZgnWbq1_w9jdV-XxnhZs1NyAwR5TX4BVSJ-h9XoWGfVtI5BeP5_7uayXxTV46wYi6Xp-s7Ag/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayUc3kGSni0zbb1n96ZWxhoknmR2vPcBkdjxVgXMI9nJ-So8MSlbSis9TDe9mryP57gwZgnWbq1_w9jdV-XxnhZs1NyAwR5TX4BVSJ-h9XoWGfVtI5BeP5_7uayXxTV46wYi6Xp-s7Ag/s400/IMG_3673.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part...the software does all the work for you! You simply enter your blog URL, pick the start and end dates you would like the book to include and then hit "Slurp"! It literally sucks up all the content and arranges it in a book format. You can edit the layout a bit and even include blog comments in your book.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aNNfRPsEGmgUs6-iaQf6q2qwVKz-dM2DFzzyagewjRIjxEPbS-XTxu4C2z9FHPgQm0BTv8M3aEi3bYOUG-iILBadZ424tm_0IrU4TYeKQvmpzzCSAvRs5hqL-o4HBbtfNl4PNylbpO8/s1600/IMG_3669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aNNfRPsEGmgUs6-iaQf6q2qwVKz-dM2DFzzyagewjRIjxEPbS-XTxu4C2z9FHPgQm0BTv8M3aEi3bYOUG-iILBadZ424tm_0IrU4TYeKQvmpzzCSAvRs5hqL-o4HBbtfNl4PNylbpO8/s400/IMG_3669.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the final stages include picking a back cover image and adding a little blurb describing what your book is all about.</td></tr>
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If you're new to Blog2Print, they'll throw some discount codes your way (usually 15% off your first book) and will periodically e-mail you additional discounts (usually around the gift-giving holidays). The prices vary according to number of pages and whether you go the hardcover or softcover route. The book I made for my grandma was probably 35 pages and cost me $25, plus shipping. <br />
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If you interested in giving Blog2Print a try, I just got an e-mail for their Mother's Day promotion. Enter "BloginBloom" to save 15%. It expires tomorrow (May 9), so don't delay!<br />
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PK<span style="text-align: center;"> </span>P. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-68293622415184641132013-02-20T00:50:00.004-07:002013-12-06T11:47:51.000-07:00DIY Tiered Bathroom Organizer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YOrQq4eMFSaA1DmbN30c4klnbu6HQ_AbkptTb2emni1BpmwvKdFDEo_BTb7blYlEmUGxHw9WK_Z_jUDfvRxX1zBjPT4U3TwoecUzq1_unig82rzJJbFnkfW9dJObw_6nxrTFsmp5O2k/s1600/tiered+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YOrQq4eMFSaA1DmbN30c4klnbu6HQ_AbkptTb2emni1BpmwvKdFDEo_BTb7blYlEmUGxHw9WK_Z_jUDfvRxX1zBjPT4U3TwoecUzq1_unig82rzJJbFnkfW9dJObw_6nxrTFsmp5O2k/s400/tiered+storage.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/storage/storage-solutions/store-more-in-your-bathroom/#page=8" target="_blank">BHG.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my New Year's resolutions is to actually make some of the ideas I pin from <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I fell in love with this tiered bathroom organizer not only because it's functional, but it's also pretty and so easy to make!<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <u>Supplies needed</u>:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 plates (one dinner, one salad)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 candlestick </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Krazy Glue (if working with glass plates) or a clear-drying ceramic glue (if working with ceramic plates)</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIARBeBBy5t7RCroEcr3IP-ekaIPFXj_0ImtegDZutDfe-bWgg_bR7FoU7qNJiLy6Z_-6UYdeL10LE-LB4UQHK35X5kYlmrAJO70TmWGuKNNHudC8lxWaEfY_O2nWXSNoe7iwIlD7wFQ/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIARBeBBy5t7RCroEcr3IP-ekaIPFXj_0ImtegDZutDfe-bWgg_bR7FoU7qNJiLy6Z_-6UYdeL10LE-LB4UQHK35X5kYlmrAJO70TmWGuKNNHudC8lxWaEfY_O2nWXSNoe7iwIlD7wFQ/s400/supplies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.546875px;">This DIY project only cost me $5 (minus the Krazy Glue, which I already had on hand). I found these glass plates in the "As-Is" section of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/" target="_blank">IKEA</a>. They were only $2 a piece! And I found the candlestick at <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">Dollar Tree</a>...for $1! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; line-height: 17.546875px;">To assemble, all you do is adhere a candlestick to the middle of a dinner plate, then top the candlestick with a coordinating salad plate. It dries pretty instantly. If you go with clear plates (as I did), make sure your Krazy Glue/Super Glue says it "bonds to glass".</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIc0iXHogdT3JZxbGXuZRmN30schkX7NwJpKV_lU5ONWXgbvy_uZ171PZObEdjRpep16tLeDVLctt367asKuk_1RxkPYvxGiA-9e4Le8OEZawu6zzv0nbrUUWd22dcRg-ycFsAAaAIn0/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIc0iXHogdT3JZxbGXuZRmN30schkX7NwJpKV_lU5ONWXgbvy_uZ171PZObEdjRpep16tLeDVLctt367asKuk_1RxkPYvxGiA-9e4Le8OEZawu6zzv0nbrUUWd22dcRg-ycFsAAaAIn0/s400/IMG_3687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This organizer can also double as a pretty serving platter at at party!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGouHtp64J1LKzdJ8rlpKpBc7NDFyY1Uab-4LJAtPcq0A2AD-XLVE8RctTYUiJqm8XsFdW7CbdUUp5tcXNePjQhroze8IXC-ebZ-cC40yw1ldsabi37AY6mTvb2c0aa_Nof2rTITwapzA/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGouHtp64J1LKzdJ8rlpKpBc7NDFyY1Uab-4LJAtPcq0A2AD-XLVE8RctTYUiJqm8XsFdW7CbdUUp5tcXNePjQhroze8IXC-ebZ-cC40yw1ldsabi37AY6mTvb2c0aa_Nof2rTITwapzA/s400/IMG_3689.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you want to use the top plate to hold smaller items, make sure you select a plate that has a lip on it.</td></tr>
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And there you have it! I'm still debating if I'll store nail polish, perfume or make it a random I-can-store-anything-here organizer. The possibilities are endless! If you've recently made a DIY project from a Pinterest board, I'd love to see it. Leave me a link and I'll check it out. Perhaps it will become my next DIY project!<br />
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~PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842978275210331698.post-73274486168449951202013-02-14T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-06T11:51:01.969-07:00Matters of the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, Valentine's Day...the season for love, romance, and pretty poetry. Shakespeare knew a thing or two, but when it comes to matters of the heart, kids pretty much have it figured out. <br />
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I mean, who can argue with this sound logic... <br />
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<b>Love and Marriage: </b><br />
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"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." -- Greg, age 8 <br />
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"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." -- Dave, age 8 <br />
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<b>Kissing: </b><br />
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"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, 'cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." -- Jim, age 10 <br />
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<b>How People In Love Act: </b><br />
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"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are -- on fire." -- Christine, age 9 <br />
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"See if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." -- John, age 9 <br />
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<b>Strategies For Making People Fall In Love With You: </b><br />
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"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." -- Del, age 6 <br />
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"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love." -- Alonzo, age 9 <br />
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<b>Good Advice About Love: </b><br />
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"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." -- Dick, age 7 <br />
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"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." -- Erin, age 8 <br />
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For more great kid quotes on love, click <a href="http://www.rinkworks.com/said/kidlove.shtml">here</a>. <br />
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<i>Happy Valentine's Day! </i><br />
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~PKP. Kelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838682162752596418noreply@blogger.com0