Monday, July 28, 2008

Friendships & A Book Giveaway!


This is a pic of myself and my friend Cheryl Waters, lead Fisk-a-teer, beautiful woman, and wonderful follower of Christ. Cheryl and I hit it off immediately as we have common interest in African missions, and we have become prayer warriors for one another. I was thrilled to meet Cheryl in person at CHA - it was the highlight of my trip!

I have to mention that the fabulous digital elements used above are created by Susan Blanton of Kjoi Studios. I love her curled and torn papers - LOVE dimension in my digital layouts! Thank you Susan! I've decided to create an 8x8 album of all the scrappy friends I meet through the years.

I have to say, the friends I have met through scrapbooking are some of the very best people I know. Last week I received a couple of unexpected packages. One from a friend who knew I was down about not getting the job, another just thanking me for the inspiration with an adorable turtle Cuttlekids die, and today I received a mystery package from Iowa. No note, and to my knowledge I haven't won anything (well, that's not entirely true, but..) The package contained a Cosmo blackboard album - I HEART those things, just love them! There were also some cool Hambly Xmas rub ons, and I love Hambly's rub-ons. Whomever sent the package - thank you!

Oh...on winning. Today Nikki Bester posted on the CFD blog that my name was drawn from the Fiskars certified demonstrators who demonstrated at CHA - woo hoo! I look forward to happy mail, and thanks to CJ for drawing my name! Thanks Nikki for taking charge of the CFD blog - you are the greatest! (And the sweetest gal in person!)

BUT wait...my day gets even better!! I just got an e-mail from Tracy Kyle (I have admired Tracy's work for a long time- she was a Hall of Famer in the 2nd scrapbook magazine/book I ever purchased when I began scrapbooking). Tracy is a contributing editor for Scrapbooks Etc. I love this magazine and it has been my goal for the past two years to have something published in there. (This past March a thumbnail of one of my layouts was in the magazine, a reader gallery feature...not a real pub., but I'll take what I can get!)

Tracy requested my "Santa Baby" serving tray that I had made last December. I made the tray to make life easier for our son, who prepares a plate of baby carrots for Santa and his reindeer each Christmas eve, along with a mug of cider. So PINCH me!! I can't believe at long last I have something going into SB Etc (the first public appearance for my tray and I can't wait to have it shared!), and requested by Tracy Kyle herself! To thank God for His many blessings, and to celebrate this momentous occassion for me, AND to celebrate all the wonderful friends I have through scrapbooking, I am giving away a copy of "Fabulous Friendships" signed by the authors themselves, Kitty Foster and Wendy McKeehan. It is the book on the left below.

All you need to do is leave a comment in this thread with your email so I can find you. Comments must be left by midnight on August 15 and a name will be drawn. And don't forget... you can still win papers from Piggy Tales by leaving a comment in the "Do you Piggy Tales?" thread below by July 31.

76 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey, what do you know, I am the first to comment. LOL. I am glad that you're having such a great week Rita, you truly deserve it, and I am also very honored to be your friend. Hugs girl!

Norma Kennedy said...

Hey girl... It was so nice meeting you at CHA....You are such a Sweetie . Hugs, Norma

Tona said...

Wow! You did have a great day. It sounds like you've worked hard & earned every good thing that comes your way. Congratulations!
Tona Fiskateer # 4437

Paz said...

Hi there!!

Lovely blog!

Unknown said...

Hey Rita what a wonderful day. I am enjoying your blog and wish you all the best. Thanks for this opportunity.

Kathleen #324

Anonymous said...

I just love your blog and your layout is beautiful. I am off to read some more. Would love to run across a picture of your santa tray. Maybe I will find it on here while browsing. Thanks for the chance. Sharon Sprouse (paperdesignsbysharon@gmail.com)

Anonymous said...

Rita you did have a fabulous day!!! That is so cool about African Missions! Any particular place?? Betsy #2572

Marlies said...

Wow, love this givaway!
You have a wonderful blog.

xoxo
Marlies
jshof18 (at) xs4all (dot) nl

Marti said...

You ARE a fabulous friend! Maybe one day we can go together.

Lori said...

You've had a seriously wonderful week!! Aren't those the best?!

Would love to check out that book!!!

Peg said...

Great blog! Congratulations on your great day. Lucky you getting to meet Cheryl.

Peg
Fiskateer #3675

Leigh Penner said...

Love the layout!

Steph Ackerman said...

Congrats to you Rita, that is awesome. What an great week you are having. More to come for you.

connie said...

I am glad you are having a great week. Congrats on getting to go to CHA and meeting Cheryl. I also would love to see you Santa tray. I love your blog and your work.
Connie #2909

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your blog! I have admired your work for a long time and I am so impressed that you take such a stand for Christ!

Mel Place said...

thank for the chance to win this rita..congrats on the win too

momof8judy said...

Congrats Rita you are on a great roll girl!!! Isn't CHA fun!!!
Hugs Judy

Amy W. said...

love the digi layout! wish i could digi. i'm jealous of your lucky streak!

have a creative day!

amy
wilgeshouse@mchsi.com

Anonymous said...

Super giveaway! Like your blog very much, thus I am off to explore it a bit more ;-)
melanie [at] goessl-net [dot] de

angie said...

your blog is awesome! congrats on all the good things coming your way!
angie #4663

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the great news!! You deserve it!

Anonymous said...

You are blessed and such a kind heart person!

Anonymous said...

I love that LO and this is my first visit here - great blog!!! Thanks for a chance to win!!
kevin_amy3@verizon.net

amy 4257

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a great day! Good for you! I would love to see a picture of your Santa Tray. Best wishes!
tctrimble@aol.com

Jennifer Hansen said...

Congrats on the SBE pub!!

~Cheryl said...

Poppin' in here to say hi! Glad you enjoyed CHA so much! :)

karenvonbaron said...

Indeed, what a wonderful day you had! You have really worked hard and deserve all the good things coming your way. Congratulations!

Karen Fisk-a-teer #4500

Dawne Carlisle said...

Hey Friend! I'm glad your week was so fantastic - and that tray just DESERVED to be pubbed - it's FABULOUS!

Heather said...

That butterfly on the layout is fabulous! I had no idea it was digi. Congratulations on the upcoming release of your book!

Paige said...

It's so nice to have great days. We should have them everyday!

Anonymous said...

Wow rita! What an uplifting post! you are truly blessed with friends, and talent! I'm so happy for you reaching your goal!

And thank you for reminding me what a wonderful blessing our community is!

StampinCathy said...

Congrats! WOW what a giveaway you are celebrating with your readers. I would love to be in this drawing. I just love your blog and your banner is so cool. Thanks for a chance.

BethW7372 said...

Congrats on everything! And please pick me, choose me, please please! Email is Beth_W@ix.netcom.com

lwarren737 said...

I'm so happy for you that one of your scrappin' dreams came true, you deserve it, your work is beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway, I'd love to win (especially as someone was going to try to pick me up that book at CHA and couldn't get an extra copy). Email is lwarren737@yahoo.com

jessicamae3 said...

Love your friendship layout!
limesncoconut.blogspot.com
Jessica

Anonymous said...

Rita,

I can feel your joy! I am so happy for you. I can not wait to see it.

I love the layout, friendships are very important.

Christi said...

You have some awesome layouts girlie! Congrats on the publications! You Rock!!

Dettao said...

See what joy you bring to others? It has brought you some wonderful gifts and blessings.

Anonymous said...

Wow, you sure did have a great week. I love your blog, and all your work~ just beautiful! Congratulations by the way!!
Jenn Nichols
(Jennlynn51081@AOL.com)

Anonymous said...

Now that is one great day - BIG congrats!!!

marcibun said...

Rita, congrats to you! I'm so very happy for you. :)

Anonymous said...

Awesome of you Rita - such a talented girl my friend!

CACTUSmango said...

Hi Rita! Just hopping over from K-Joi! Congratulations again!

Creating Memories said...

Congratulations on your publications!!
You are so generous in giving your book away.

Kathy said...

Congrats on all your accomplishments this week. I wish you many more. Your layout is just adorable and the digital papers are great.
Keep on keepin on!
Kathy

Jacquie Hart said...

Hello I love your blog

Anonymous said...

Thanks for leading me to your blog! Smiles, Laina
lainamillson@hotmail.com

Sasha Farina said...

Huge Congratulations Rita!!

Ami said...

Congratulations on your pub!!! What a thrill!~

Danielle Holsapple said...

WHat a good day you had! Thanks for being so giving!

debbiec said...

i LOVE your idea of making an 8x8 of your scrappy friends. what a great way to jot down a little something about each of them!

Drika said...

Thansk for the giveaway!

I love your blog!!

Mary - said...

i have heard great things about this book - i would love to score one! super cute blog too btw. m-

Amanda said...

Rita,
what sweet blessings your bring wherever you go.... You truely are a amazing woman.... Thank you for such an awesome giveaway.. Keep have FABULOUS days!

Amanda
www.BusyBeeScrapbooking.com (Mandiee77@aol.com )

Trace Geworsky said...

Rita,
Thanks for offering such an awesome giveaway...YOU ROCK!!!!!!
Trace G

Maggie737 said...

I'd love to win! Congrats on all your accomplishments!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Glad you are having such a great week!

rachel_kokes@yahoo.com

ellen s. said...

you know, it is funny you wrote that about friends. i posted something about friendship on an mb the other day. i celebrate it every day. we are havig a girls weekend this weekend for my friend who lost her sister and unborn neice a little over a year ago and you words are really inspirational.
hope you are well! do you still hang out over at BB?

Anonymous said...

Hi Sis,
sounds as if your week is looking up! You truly do have a gift...we always said you got all the creative genes!
TE

arlsmom aka Lynda said...

What a great week for you!!! I think Cheryl is amazing too...

Veronica-Disney Dreamin' Mama said...

CONGRATS that's awesome!
Veronica

Anonymous said...

Congrats on getting the pub call! One of my goals this year has been to be published. Hasn't happened yet, but I haven't submitted as much, either. Oh well! Congrats again!!

Jen (onecreativejen@yahoo.com)

Claude said...

Congrats on your first pub in BHG, it's still one of my goals!

Jenn said...

so awesome!!! congrats on the pub! you totally deserve it!! The book looks fab. thanks!

Karen Reichel said...

Sounds like a wonderful day!

lfalduto said...

Well here I am leaving a comment! I've been wanting that book for such a long time........my fingers will be crossed until you make the draw!

Lisa Fiskateer #1989

Allie Gower said...

Hey, my favorite Fiskateer, it's your pal from CHA, Allie...

Thanks for offering up fab(YOU)lous blog candy.

HUGS!

MaryBeth said...

I have met my best friend through the message boards and our love of scrapbooking. Congratulations on all your accomplishments! You deserve it! Thanks for an opportunity to win.

Maggie737 said...

I am so awed by your work, it's beautiful. And I'd love to win the book, it happens to be my birthday tomorrow, and it'd be an awesome birthday present. ;)

Anonymous said...

That book looks beautiful. Put my name in the drawing, please. Found you at Faithsisters.
Rhonda (hiskid@grandecom.net)

**Nancy** said...

Congratulations, Rita!! How nice of you to be giving away this fabulous book!! You rock!

Magistical Memories said...

Congrats on your Pubs Rita!!!

Glenda T. said...

Congrats Rita!! Don't you just love it when there are days like that?? Way to go girl!!

Unknown said...

oh Rita you are way fabolous and deserve all you are getting!!

Sue said...

You're on fire!!! congrats to you and keep creating :)


sue

tami said...

hey.... congrats on your great week... i love the blog... i snagged some of the summer sayings you have listed... thanks for sharing.. hugs... tami