summer time

It's the first day of summer and oh how it feels GOOD. It also feels hot!

I just love summer and all the wonderful things it brings. The wonderful veggies and fruit we get during the summer months are just fabulous. I feel so blessed to be around the summer harvest.

Currently blueberries and corn are plentiful. I just have to come up with some simple recipes using those ingredients. Jump over to my magazine and you will see some of the simple things I cook. (Viv Magazine)

Today was hot but most of it was spent in air conditioned craft stores at the beach. Interesting to note that indeed I was at the beach all day today but never once saw the beach itself. That was just horrible:(

Anyway, I did get to go to all my favorite stores. So many ideas are going through my brain now. I can't wait to get started on the many projects I have in mind.

One project I am excited about involves sewing. I am excited to do some sewing along with crafting projects. I will take pictures to share.

In the online game of Second Life we are creating all sorts of wonderful things. I am creating short stories but the real artists continue to make lovely homes, flowers, and animations that just make me marvel. We really have some brilliant and talented people who are so kind to share. I am glad to know them.

Well, I better get back to my sewing. Stay cool and ....

Enjoy Life!

A Season For Creating

Well, I am here at the lake and we are having a relaxing time. I go to sleep late and wake up late. I just LOVE vacations. It is very HOT here and it's not summer time yet. What will the weather be like this summer if we are in the 90's now? I'll think about that later.

Yesterday one of my little neighbors went hunting for minnows to go fishing. He told his mother, "I found a whole 'class' of fish over there".

They are so cute and say things that just tickle me.

I've been visiting friends in the online game of Second Life. My good friend and brilliant creator Julia Hathor has been busy creating wonderful plants recently. If you get a chance visit one of her five islands and you will be thrilled with all the wonderful creations.

I have been creating loads of cards, post cards and tags recently. I will take picture and show you. I will also put them in my Etsy shop if you would like to purchase them.

Take care and....

Enjoy Life!

Take the Quiz here!

Golden Friend

My Golden Friends are leaving. I was so sad to hear of the passing of Rue.

While I loved The Golden Girls show and all who made it what it was. I must admit Rue was my favorite.

I never knew any of the Golden Girls but I loved their work and I loved how it made me laugh.

The Golden Friends came into our lives and created some really wonderful golden moments of laughter when we needed it the most.

Goodbye my Golden Friend....

Lovely Weekend

What a lovely weekend I had. I spent the weekend at the lake with my family. I love these weekend and really cherish them because they are peaceful and slow.

I was able to visit friends in the online game of Second Life. It's just fun to have friends from all over the world and share experiences.

Let me share with you one thing that made my husband laugh out loud.

On the way home we stopped at a Burger King for a quick meal. My daughter and I ordered the original chicken sandwich, cut in half. Well, the lady informed us that they don't cut sandwiches in half anymore.

On the ride around to the "drive thru" window I thought about that. "I thought this was the restaurant where you could have it your way", I said to myself.

As the lady was passing us our meal I asked, "Why don't you cut sandwiches in half anymore?" She replied, " we kept cutting ourselves so we stopped."

My husband found this extremely funny. I asked him why. He said, "You have people working in a restaurant that can't cut a sandwich in half? Now that is funny."

I think it is very sad actually. I also had to rethink the "have it your way" slogan. I don't believe you can have it your way at Burger King. If you don't believe me, go and try to order a hamburger medium rare, or a whopper with avocado sauce. While that may not be my way, it might be some body's way.

Anyway it was something.

Enjoy Life!

Summer's Bounty Pergola

Today was lovely but we are in for a storm. As I write I hear the thunder rolling in and I see the rain drops from my window.

I loved spending part of my day in the online game of Second Life. I went by my favorite sim, Julia's sim, and as usual she did not fail in creating the best pergola I have ever seen in the online game.

This pergola is equipped with everything you need to enjoy those relaxing summer moments. With couches and wonderful animations included, it is a steal for 875L.

I bet this would look good on any land in the online game of Second Life, even yours. Maybe you might want to consider exchanging or upgrading that old and outdated pergola for a new and improved design. I hope you do. I bet you will....

Enjoy Life!

Fishing hole

What a wonderful day to be out by the water! I love fishing, however, I didn't indulge in this wonderful hobby until I was a very grown person. I still abhor putting worms and other such creatures on the hook of my fishing pole but somehow I still claim to love fishing.

To be completely honest I think the whole act of fishing to be very prehistoric but conversely, I feel very relaxed while fishing. I have not worked those feeling out to make much sense yet but maybe some of you know what I mean.

I will go fishing today and plan to just let the pole hang from the pier. If there are any fish out there that happen upon my rod, fear not, you will be released back into the murkiness you call home to continue to....

Enjoy Life!

Counting the days

Another grey day. They always make me want to hibernate.

Today was yet another day closer to summer break. Just wondering what I will do this summer is a cheerful thought. The possibilities are many. One thing I know I want to do is go to the beach. Oh, how I love the water. I believe that will be my first trip. Next I think I will venture to Broadway. Just to give my regards and share a smile with friends of the theatre.

I think I'll just ride out the rest of the summer with whatever comes my way. Sounds like a great plan to me.

It will all be over in two shakes. It always is. For now however, I will enjoy the moment of excitement. Could that be a smile I am wearing? Yes, I do believe it is. Find your smile and you too will....

Enjoy Life!

Rainy Day

Today is a rainy day. Yesterday was a rainy day as well, however, I was able to stay in bed yesterday whereas today I had to go to work. I love sleeping on a rainy day. It is oh so easy to do. The sound of rain falling on the roof just lulls me to sleep.

Well, the reality is I had to go to work today. The great new is, I love what I do. I say that and then turn around and say, only two more weeks and it's summer break, yeah!!!!!

We all need a break, even from the things we love to do.

I have been spending a great deal of my time working, crafting and creating in the online game of Second Life. I talk to my artist friends in the online game and I love staying in touch with people who love to dream, create and play as much as I do.

This evening I will go explore a few sims and I'll report back to you. Grab a cup of coffee and I'll tell ya all about what's new in the online game of Second Life (at least the part I like to visit).

Enjoy Life!

What Kind of Fool?

It's always funny where my inspiration comes from when I write. Today the inspiration came from this song. This is an old time favorite of mine and still is as moving today as it was oh so many years ago. I have created a lovely short story today and I feel great about that. Hope you are doing great today. Always try and find something that helps you....

Enjoy Life!

Goodbye Lena

We lost another classic. She was a great deal of things to a great deal of people. She represented a type of turmoil, a battle if you will. To look as striking as she did on the outside but was someone that displeased the very people who praised her.
In one breath some would praise her beauty and talent and with the same breath ask why was she so angry.
I don't think some will ever get it but those who do, you will understand when I say, "I too Marvel".
Rest in Peace Ms. Lena Horne and thank you for sharing your gifts with those who know talent comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Enchanted Secret Garden

My dear friend and excellent artist in the online game of Second Life has done it again!

Julia Hathor has created the Enchanted Secret Garden. It is absolutely beautiful. I have no idea where her inspiration comes from. I do know this virtual sight is the best garden I have seen in the online game.I love the waterfall and beautiful fish swimming around your feet as you swing from an old oak tree. There is a hammock for those romantic couple who want to sit and talk about sweet nothings.There is so much to explore in the enchanted secret garden. There are "secrets" in the secret garden. You don't want to miss this. What is wonderful about this creation as well as others Julia has made is that they are easy to put together. She has done all the hard work and left us with sheer magic. Life is wonderful so go out and....

Enjoy Life!

A Terrific Week

I had an absolutely terrific week. It is about that time again when the teaching year is winding down. Everyone is looking forward to a lovely summer holiday.

I don't have anything planned. My life works best like that. I always take a class or two in something I find interesting and relevant. In fact I started a class today.

I'm learning to sew with a serger. I first learned to sew with a regular machine while in college. I took a costume design class and it was the best thing ever. I had so much fun and I can't tell you how valuable that training was. I never learned how to use the serger and was always scared because of all the spools of thread and such.

After lesson one I know so much and I can report that I am no longer fearful of threading the serger.

Life in the online game of Second Life has been interesting too. I continue to meet people I would never meet where I live and we share experiences. I still say that the residents in the online game of Second Life are the most talented and creative people I have never seen:)

I finally had the opportunity to watch the movie Avatar. I was so impressed by many things. It is a long movie and if I am going to be honest I can't really critique it because I have not seen the whole movie. I fell asleep. It is a long movie!

Anyway, in the part of the movie I saw, the humans "link" up with an avatar and join other avatars. The similarities are extreme in comparison to the online game of Second Life and I do wonder if those involved in that nine year venture ever played the game.

I suppose I should start earlier watching the movie so I can see the whole thing. It's not a school night so maybe I can stay up.

Who am I kidding? During this school year I have gotten into a pattern. When the sun goes down, so do I. It's not a bad thing actually. I've felt really rested in the morning. With the proper rest I have been able to....

Enjoy Life

The Adventures of Baby Doll Viv

I am having so much fun with The Adventures of Baby Doll Viv.

Writing about my adventures as a child has proven to be more than fun for me and my young daughter. It has made me really appreciate a wonderful youth I had. Of course life has had its ups and downs. As one of my best friends use to say, "Trouble doesn't miss anyone", so we all have some degree of sadness and sorrow in our lives but life and me moved past it.

Maybe my stories will bring you some joy as well.

They are available in the online game of Second Life. Hope to see you there.

Enjoy Life!

Fiddle dee dee

Today I had a wonderful time in the online game of Second Life. I went shopping for a wonderful dress. Some of you might recognize it. I always wanted an opportunity to say, "Fiddle dee dee".

After I purchased the dress and hat, I had to find the right tree. I'm still in pursuit of said tree and an animation that allows me to hold and shake a carrot. "I will never eat carrots again". Maybe that is not a direct quote but close:) It's the little things that help me to....

Enjoy Life!

Furniture Shop

Wow! Julia Hathor, one of the artists in the online game of Second Life has now opened a furniture shop. It is fabulous! You must go by and shop. She has made some amazing houses and now these pieces of furniture are perfect for them.

Here is the address: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Summersgate/129/136/597/?title=Summersgate
Julia, you are the best Second Life has to offer! Go and you too will come to the same conclusion. It's something else that helps us all....

Enjoy Life!

I love stories and here are a few that tickled me. Just a few seconds to....

Enjoy Life!

Baskets

I went strolling about the online game of Second Life and enjoyed the feeling of being relaxed. Among the places I visited I had to return to one of the best places Second Life has to offer and that is a sim designed and created by the best, Julia Hathor.

Recently she created these lovely baskets with butterflies. If you are in the online game, go by and see the beauty and you will....

Enjoy Life!

Puzzle Mini Album

I love making these puzzle shaped mini albums. They are loads of fun to embellish as well. If you would like one, email me at vivwriter@gmail.com or visit my Etsy Store, http://www.etsy.com/shop/vivwriter. Life is good so ....

Enjoy Life!

My Polly Pens

Wow! I can't tell you how much fun it is making polymer pens. I sell them and can't make them fast enough.

I am currently making a texture for my pens in the online game of Second Life. In the game I have a desk with an animation for writing. I think it would be fun to have a Second Life Polly Pen:)

If you would like a Polly Pen, just email me at vivwriter@gmail.com

Eventually I will put a "Buy Now" button up.

They really are fun to write with and I love the different colors. Try them. It will help you....

Enjoy Life!

Moving in a forward motion

Sonnet 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

---- ------------ ----------------------- -------------------

In this episode the obstacle is the love Viv shared with Chase. While Chase has not been gone a year, Viv can not move past their love. The two shared a special love and while life beckons her to move forward, her heart keeps stumbling over the love she has for Chase still. What is it that will allow Viv to move on? The week at Deer Haven Manor was just what Viv needed.

You can read this episode in the online game of Second Life.

Enjoy Life!

Memories of Chase

Escape to Deer Haven

In this episode Viv has to make a decision. Arden has put her in a position where she will have to choose for the last time.

With her mother on one side and her dearest departed husband on the other, there is very little wiggle room to make the correct decision.

She is indeed tired of being the broken hearted girl. Playing this role is played out. She does desire to move on but every time she has made the move, it has ended in disaster.

For better or worse Arden is tired of the cat and mouse game and even if Viv isn't ready to move on, he is.

Viv retreats to Deer Haven where a miracle of great magnitude occurs.

Visit the online game of Second Life and get a copy of this episode as well as others.

See you there but in meantime....

Enjoy Life!

Deer Haven

I was back in the online game of Second Life today and I had a blast!
I went to my favorite sim by Julia Hathor. I saw so many items I want. The Cherry Tree that changes with the seasons was incredible. I must have truly.
The other item is the site of my next issue of The Adventures of Viv Writer.
In this issue Viv has a late date at Deer Haven Manor.
Julia created this manor and it is not only incredible but it is the most beautiful creation. Yes, I say that about all of her creations but they continue to be the best Second Life has to offer.
Come on over to http://slurl.com/secondlife/Serenity Falls/82/73/22/?title=Serenity Falls and you will be amazed.

Go and....

Enjoy Life!

Bring the Easter Praise

My mother was a preacher and teacher. Yes, she was clearly a phenomenal woman.

As Easter is upon us I think about so many things not least of which is her teachings of this important and beautiful day we set aside to praise.

I hope for you an understanding of this holiday and place to celebrate and contemplate the greatness of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Peace be with you all. Because of the events of this holiday, we can ALL,

Enjoy Life!

Dancing Eyes

It's me and this is a great day!

I created this wonderful collage and it will be the cover for my second spiral notebook/journal. If you would like one just email me.

In the online game of Second Life you can purchase this texture, honestly, for the same price you can copy and upload it into the the game. So do the right thing and you will ....

Enjoy Life!

She is Crafty

Hey Everyone!

I am so happy today:) I have been having a wonderful time creating everything from cards to boxes to tags. I am still in the middle of creating my other blog entitled. "Tag You're It".

I am really enjoying the whole blog thing.

My new place to shop is Etsy! If you haven't been there you simply must and for many reasons. One reason I love Etsy is because most of the items are handmade and very creatively designed. This brings me to my second reason. The artist selling things on Etsy find creative ways to recycle items into fabulous pieces of art. The prices are wonderful and sellers and buyers are from all over the world.

Just like the online game of Second Life, I enjoy meeting and having wonderful conversations with everyone from around the world. Speaking of Second Life, my items for sale can be purchased through the online game of Second Life. So, if you are in the game, drop by my shop and order up something. It just may help you....

Enjoy Life!

Take Out Box Kit Number One

Hey Everyone!

I have these wonderful take out boxes. Inspired by the online game of Second Life.

In the game, Spring is just around the corner and everyone is excited about new things.

Artists are busy creating lovely textures and fun things to work with in the game. Such creativity has inspired and dare I say motivated me to create these "Take Out" boxes. These are small take out boxes designed for many possibilities. I used patterned card stock so they are not designed to put your Chinese delicacies in them:)

You could fill them with anything from paper clips to chocolate kisses. I don't have to tell you which I prefer:)

Anyway, this is the first kit I put together and more are to come. There are four boxes in each kit and they ship flat so you will have to put them together. They are simple to put together but if you get stuck, fell free to email me.

Enjoy Life!

V Butterfly

I had so much fun today playing in photoshop. Here is a picture I created. Don't ask me how and what I did because I have no idea. I was playing until I stopped and this is the result:)

I like it and hope you do too.

Enjoy Life!

Pillow Box

I have had so much fun traveling around in the online game of Second Life. The sights and people are irreplaceable.

Today in rl I made a pillow box inspired by the game. I had such a great time. I can't make up my mind as to what I want to put in my pillow box. My first thought is always..... chocolate:) This time however, I want to think "outside of the box" and do something different. Ummm, let's see. Well, this might take some time to figure out. Until then ....

Enjoy Life!

My Onesie Mini

Well, I had a blast working on this mini album. What is interesting to note is that I am only on the first page:)

Choosing the right embellishments and picture proved to be a bit time consuming but well worth it.
I am still on a quest for a free journaling adobe brush. I admit I am fading fast as I can't seem to find one.

I shall push on and .....

Enjoy Life!

Pin Up

This was an fun way to make use of my old clothes pins. Does anyone hang up clothes with them anymore?

Anyway, I created these and really enjoy finding uses for them now. From clipping down my chip bags to hanging my family photos, I LOVE it! It's one of those things that helps me ....

Enjoy Life!

Onsie

It has been awhile since my little girl was in a "onsie" but I saw this wonderful onesie mini album online and decided to make one too. I have just started but I'll share what I have so far. It is simply chipboard and patterned paper right now. It is bound together with binding rings.

I think I will have a great time embellishing the mini album. It could get emotional as I travel back in time when my teenage daughter was a very little girl. All in all I'm sure I will ....

Enjoy Life!

Tag Along

I had some fun tonight with my embossing tool. I hope you like the tags I made. It was truly a great creative experience.
To be honest, I was a bit scared because the embossing tool can get really really hot. I didn't want to start a fire. That would not be a good thing.
This week is going by quickly. We are having cold weather where I am but I can't complain. There are so many out there who really have a serious winter. We just sorta play with winter. It can be cold for a bit but then wonderful weather is just a stones throw away.
Tonight is really cold. I am going hop into bed and snuggle up and ....

Enjoy Life!

England

Today I had a lovely time visiting London, England in the online game of Second Life. It did remind me of my awesome holiday there.

I was really amazed that my local grocery store is now carrying items I saw in England.

On my way home from church I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner and out of the blue I saw these lovely products. It made me very happy.

I love surprises. They help me ....

Enjoy Life!

Everything is coming up ROSES

I love roses and long to see them in bloom again.

Today I went roaming about the online game of Second Life and came upon this lovely rose garden. It did indeed inspire me to create my own roses, paper roses that is:) I had loads of fun doing it too.

It's the little things that fill me with joy. Once you find your inner joy it's easy to....

Enjoy Life!

Tag You're It 2

More tags, more fun! You like them? I hope so because I had a great time creating them:)

I am so glad to relax tonight. It has been a long week which is strange as we had a four day week.

Anyway, this week was one for the books. I am grateful to have time to regroup this weekend. I don't plan on leaving the house except to go to church where I will pray for strength for next week.

I love what I do but from time to time it can get stressful so what we all need to do when we hit stressful times is to pull out our relaxation techniques. I have a bag of them somewhere and I plan to pull them out and work on it.

What helps you relax? Whatever it is, go do it and ....

Enjoy Life!

A Calm Moment

Today was a stressful day:( I think because I am tired and ready for Friday evening.
I am so glad the work day is over. I am also glad to visit my friends lovely sim and relax. The sim was created and designed by Julia Hathor, the best artist to grace the online game, Second Life.
There is such a sense of calm that I feel when I visit. The sights and sounds are indeed in Second Life but I feel the calm in First Life.
Thank you so much Julia for sharing your gifts and for being such a fabulous friend to me.
Do you want to visit? Here you go: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Serenity Falls/41/93/22/?title=Serenity Falls
Go and ....

Enjoy Life!

Give it to me

This video made me laugh so hard! I love it:)
You simply must....

Enjoy Life!

Tag You're It

Creating this was fun. It's a tag for my album and it has a special area to journal on the back. I had fun picking out the fibers to put on it. I love the drama masks as well.

I did a cracked look which I was surprised worked. I saw the tutorial on this technique from one of my friends online and tried it out. I love utee:)

Creating is fun for me. It helps me to....

Enjoy Life!

Amazing

Don't tell my husband but this is the new man in my life:) Just kidding! I don't know Tim Holtz except through his amazing line of stamps and other crafting items.
I love what Tim Holtz has done for crafting. I have learned so much by watching his videos. I can't say I have alot of his products but I enjoy the ones I have.
Have a watch and maybe it will will inspire you to....

Enjoy Life!

Happy Valentines Day

Well, it's been sometime since my last blog and so much is going on. Let's see, the most recent is the.... SNOW! We have not been snowed in like others and we clearly did not have a blizzard by any stretch of the imagination but we had a bit of snow Friday night. It was absolutely beautiful. By Saturday afternoon it was a beautiful memory.

I have had such fun playing and creating in and out of Second Life. I am now armed with a great tool called, ATG. It is a wonderful adhesive tool. It's on the pricey side but well worth it. This tool is a must if you craft. I have learned that spending my money on one good product is worth more than spending my money on stuff I'll have to throw away because it doesn't work after using it once or twice. It's just not worth it. Buy the right tool for the job and march on.

I found.... CHIPBOARD! I have been creating mini albums and I discovered all of these chipboard pieces in the craft stores. I decided I wanted to make some of my own. Well, I had a rocky start, to say the least. It was fun and there was great entertainment value in it. I learned what not to do and thought I would share my first pieces with you. With any luck I will get better and show you some better looking pieces later:)

Next, I began to create tags for my mini album. Creating tags was a great deal of fun. I plan to do some Viv Writer tags and a line of tags called, Scenes from Second Life. Here are a few of my first tags. I don't mind sharing them with you as everyone has to start somewhere and I hope to grow from here. I do plan to sell my tags in my etsy shop so email me if you would like the name of the my shop and the link to my shop.


Well, I think that is all for now. It's Valentines Day so I hope you all have a wonderful, romanctic day and enjoy the love of your life. I made these lovely pillow boxes with m&m's for the sweet people in my life:)

Be sweet and....

Enjoy Life!