What I learned from a horse

I've heard that horses are very intuitive animals and I've seen programs on TV about horses and how some horses are used in therapy sessions, and also have the ability to reach out to children with autism. So, when my friend and co-worker, Gloria told me about an opportunity to be with horses I wanted to be a part of it. All I knew was that I was going to be part of a group setting in an Equine Guided Education class.

The drive was about 1 1/2 hours from my house. One thing I love about living in the Bay Area is that even a short drive of about an hour or so can bring you into a whole different scenery. If you can imagine this, the view was of rolling hills and the weather was beautiful. When I arrived at the ranch, I didn't know what to expect from the class. Little did I know that after a few hours with the horses, I would learn so much about myself. It was an experience I will treasure forever in my heart.

This was a first for me, as I've never been around or near a horse. I was so afraid of them because of what I've seen in the movies. The most typical scene that comes to my mind is when horses get rattled they would kick or stand on their hind legs. I didn't want to be in the midst of that type of chaos. But I learned that horses can be gentle and playful creatures.

I spent some time alone with one horse. I walked him and he followed. This might not sound like a big deal, but for someone who has never been around horses at all, it was a big deal to me! He helped me discover my weaknesses and my hidden strengths. Through this awareness I feel like a changed person. There are no words that can express how this experience has affected me.

With Gloria's birthday around the corner, I wanted to make a stationery set for her. The Birthday Wishes sentiment is SU!

This horse is part of the Happy Trails stamp set by TAC, The Angel Company. When I saw this stamp set in the TAC catalog, I just knew I would make good use of it. I used versamark, pastels and Coffee Bean Brilliance pigment ink.

If you've had a similar experience with horses, I would love to hear your story. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Fall!

It's official, Fall begins today! Do you know what that means in the stamping world? It means we get to play with new stamps! justjohanna has new stamps just in time for the new season. Here are a few cards I made with justjohanna's new stamps. Stamp in bliss!

"There is no better opportunity to receive more than to be thankful for what you already have. Thanksgiving opens the windows of opportunity for ideas to flow your way." -- Jim Rohn

LimeTart Sketch

Check out LimeTart's September sketch. Here's my rendition. I used justjohanna stamps.


You create your reality according to your beliefs. Yours is the creative energy that makes your world.
~Jane Roberts

Stamp on this!

School started less than 3 weeks ago and last Friday, my youngest fell off the monkey bars. I didn't think it was anything serious but it turns out that Niko fractured a bone in his wrist, and the bones shifted. Between the doctor's office, x-ray lab and two emergency rooms, we didn't get home until after 1:30 a.m. Thankfully, he's doing very well and the cast should come off within 4 weeks or so.

My nephew drew a Neopet on his cast (way cool!) and his friends have signed it.

And of course, I had to stamp on it! Niko wouldn't let me stamp anything girly on his cast because it's not cool. No birds, no hearts, nothing girly. So, with StazOn ink, I used justjohanna's Emily's oval medium stamp! Now how cool is that?!

Coit Tower

Today, we walked up to Coit Tower in San Francisco. Yes, we walked all the way up and back down! Yikes! The steps going up to Coit Tower are only a couple of blocks from where I work. We discovered a beautiful part of San Francisco we've never seen before! I felt like a tourist but these are just a few of the sites I take for granted living so close to the City. The walk up to Coit Tower was beautifully landscaped. I wish I could share all the pictures with you. I forgot to bring my other camera lense but these pictures still capture the beauty of the City. Enjoy!

A view of Alcatraz.

A view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

A view of the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building.

A picture of a teeny tiny street on the way up to Coit Tower.

A picture of one of the murals inside Coit Tower.

They have arrived!

I finally received my justjohanna stamps! I've been flipping through the catalog just about everyday and making my wishlist and sketches. Here are just a few cards I made.




Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

May you always have an angel by your side, Watching out for you in all the things you do.
-Douglas Pagels

Sketch Challenge

Here's a card I made for Dina's sketch challenge at Mama Dini's Stamperia. Dina's giving away blog cannoli! She just passed 25,000 hits and if you visit her blog, you'll see why. She's a very talented designer. I made this card using TAC's stamp set, take pride. Thanks for stopping by.

JT's Aloha RAK Club

You all know Jen, Pieces of Me, from Hawaii? She's such a great person. I visit her blogs regularly because she has such a warm, and little crazy, aloha personality that always brings a smile to my face. Jen hosts a monthly Aloha RAK Club. These are my RAK pieces I got from Angie in this month's club! Love the cards, Angie. Thank you!