Swap Update:

One of the newest swaps I am participating in is "How-To from your favorite book character."  I am to write a letter explaining how my favorite book character might do certain things.  (i.e. cast spells with a wand, travel through time, shape shift)  I have decided to write about Katniss from the "Hunger Games."  I think I will focus on how to survive in District 12, "where you can starve to death in safety."

In addition to the letter, I'd also like to create a mini-zine to go with it.  This is something that I have just started to do (make "zines").  I have created one and sent it off to a penpal in California.  (I am anxiously awaiting feedback.)  I thought the swap would be a good way to keep up my rusty writing skills.  (If I ever had any, that is.)  The zine, I think, would also help me to stretch my creative muscles.  (Again, assuming....)  Something interesting to think about instead of dwelling on the usual worries.  

If you'd like to see the first zine (if I'm not too embarrased to share) let me know.  Requests accepted via postcard to my home.  (For my collection, of course!)

100

I have signed up for a swap in which we must each write down 100 blessings.  I started yesterday and got up to 33.  Tonight I added 31 more.  I'll share the complete list when I get it finished.  Some highlights:  restored gospel, hubby, kids, home, soft bed, medication, good freinds, ability to read, a college education.  What 100 blessing would you write down?  Do share!!!

EXCITING EXCITING EXCITING EXCITING........

Tomorrow is the first day to sign up for the Star Library Summer Reading program.  Woot, woot!!!  I've already chosen 3 books to start reading.  I think all the prizes are for he kids, but just the chance to read & fill in a chart---just too much to resist!!!  (Please don't make fun of the Idaho book nerds!!!)

From the Harry Potter Closet

In our current residence, we have a closet that is under the stairs.  I call it the "Harry Potter" closet.  All of my crafting supplies have been banished to this closet after losing their home back east.  (This house is smaller & I have no more "studio" to work in.)

One of the things that I moved cross country was a great find from the World's Largest Garage Sale that I shopped at with my mom and brother before moving.

I purchased a stack of "The Art Amateur magazine; devoted to art in the household."  They were published back in 1893-1894.  I was thinking about some ideas for crafts, decor, and swapping last night so I pulled them out of the HP closet to peruse.

Although it is too large for me to scan an entire page, I do have some cool images that I wanted to share:

Of course, like anything today, this magazine began with several pages of advertisements.  Obviously from the title you have guessed that everything is art themed.  Some of my favorite images from the August 1894 issue are some of the book plates:

I posted this whole section so that you could read the information that accompanied the book plates.  Nifty!

Anyone wishing to share some craft ideas using these images, feel free to comment.  I have a couple ideas bouncing around in my head; just need them time to make them happen.

The Making of Scripture Journals (the Bonnie version)

This is a notebook/journal I got clearanced somewhere in Ohio.  I don't like the cover, but I like the magnetic closure, ribbon book mark, and the price!

I am not fond of clowns, therefore I have not used this journal & have been waiting for a day to recover it.  I was also waiting for some inspiration as to what I would use it for.  When I found the idea online for a scripture journal - "light bulb" to quote Dr. Grue.

 I'm not a huge butterfly person, but the red on the butterfly coordinated with the red of the book cover.  Plus, I'm on this quest to use up all of the craft stuff that I lugged 'cross country so that I could justify buying more.  I haven't quite figured out a title, label that I can make from the stuff that I have, but I'll get it eventually.

I used some composition books that I got at Staples' back to school sales in the fall.  I made one for each of the ladies I visit teach.  Together, I hope, we are going to take our daily scripture study up a notch.  It was fun making them.  I was happy to make use of some donated scrapbooking supplies before they yellowed with age.  And I'm one project closer to cleaning out my Harry Potter craft closet.  (My craft/sewing/office room from my Ohio house got reduced to a closet under the stairs - hence the "Harry Potter Closet" - when we came to Idaho.)

Just 5 Thoughts.

Halloween in Idaho totally stinks!  We so got more candy in Ohio!



Had a nice R.S. meeting learning about making pie crusts.

Love having internet on my phone!





I got lost in Boise this afternoon.


Saw the capital building.  My phone got me home.

Reading a cute book called, "Lawn Boy.

Book Stores

Today I got about 45 minutes of heaven.  I got to go to a book store.  Yeah!!!

It wasn't quite the one pictured above, but it was a book store nonetheless!!!  Sage and I wandered around looking at everything.  Ok, so I was looking at everything.  Sage was only happy because I said she could pick out a book.

My quest today, was to find something that I can use for work.  I need to come up with my own activities for my clients to do to accomplish their treatment goals.  I have a couple of books that I've gotten at the library, but I just had to find one that I could buy.  I think I found a winner.  It was on the clearance table & could be used in primary, young women's, relief society, and work.

Of course, while on my hunt, I found some cute activity books that I can use with my kids to keep them reverent in church.  (Or to keep me reverent in church.)  I was happy to find a Hello Kitty sticker activity book, also on clearance.

Although I am grateful for the Idaho bookstores that I have found, I am extremely saddened by the fact that my favorite of all favorite bookstores is not located here.  That would be......

I even sent the company an email requesting that they put a store in the greater Boise area.  I even volunteered to be am employee!  (I haven't heard anything from them, yet.)  I love this store because I could always find something that was both wanted and affordable.  And I could sell them the ones I didn't want/like.  Which, of course, led to more buying.

My absolute favorite was a little place in German Village (Columbus).  I have gotten lost there several times.  There are a multitude of rooms to browse.  Enough to occupy a bibliophile for hours or days.  I was able to wander it's wonderful, little rooms and climb/descend it's labyrinth of little stairways one last time before moving with my mother.  Sigh.  I guess it is better to have loved & lost, than never to have loved at all.

I think I need to open a bookstore!!!