We finally have our first Winter storm of the season.  Such a weird Winter this has been!  The kids are out of school on their first snow day.  While I’m keeping them entertained, I started sorting some recent scrapbook layouts and thought I’d share this one which is the antithesis of the weather we are currently experiencing!

One of my favorite things about living so close to NYC is the ability to see Broadway musicals.  The last one I saw (besides ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with the kids!) was the musical ‘Rent‘ (and be prepared for LOUD MUSIC at that link!).  The recurring theme throughout is ‘No Day Like Today’.  I googled the lyrics and came up with this, which I believe to be accurate.

there’s only us,
there’s only this
forget regret
or life is yours to miss.
no other road,
no other way,
no day like today.

And I believe firmly in my heart that the sentiment expressed is true, even on the miserablest of days.  Today the weather is miserable.  There is no day like today for cuddling up under a blanket and giving kisses and hugs.  Tickle attacks and reading stories.  No day like today.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

How easy is it to miss out on a GREAT PICTURE?  My usual ‘lens’ would have focused on just my girls, in this photo.  Take a look at that image.  While it captures their faces it seems so distracting in its closeness – because of all that is going on around them.

So I zoomed out and lo and behold, was able to capture the ferris wheel and the midway sign in the background.  Now the background tells a story in stead of detracting from the focal point.

To accentuate these features, I used a glass plate to trace and cut a circle in my background paper.  Now the paper frames the picture, printed as an 8" x 10" photograph, which is attached onto the back.  Instead of cutting and mounting onto cardstock, I bent my stitching stamps (from Impression Obsession) around the circle.

For movement, I applied rubons, from Heidi Swapp, onto the portion of the picture with the least features to it, and have the subtitle ‘riding on the rails’ along with the girls.  I extended the green rails with a piece of paper from Stemma, and used this as the landing place for the start of my main title.

The title is made from chipboard pieces from Heidi Swapp, Stemma and a couple of tags from the Basic Grey, Fusion collection pack.

Finally, I felt it was necessary to add more movement to the background so I added swirls and flourishes from a Rhonna Farrer stamp set by Autumn Leaves.  I added my journaling details to this with an American Crafts Pigment Pro pen.  I love the .01 size!  You can journal in the tightest places.

Ok, back to the kidoodles.  Courtney is playing with the Yamaha keyboard.  Cameron and Brianna are playing on the computer (and EDUCATIONAL stuff! at www.brainpopjr.com.)  I’m going to think about what to make for lunch and get Mt. Washmore in check.  Enjoy your day!!