Scrappy: Sketchy Thursdays 5.27 Sketch

I'm so happy to be reunited with my scrappy supplies! This week I was in love with the Sketchy Thursdays Sketch. As soon as I developed my Bolivia pictures, I knew I had to scrap the pictures of the beautiful Lake Titicaca. I'm not sure I did the pictures justice, but here is my take on the sketch:

The journaling reads:

Even though I had altitude sickness and was exhausted, this was one of my favorite days in Bolivia. Simply Breathtaking.

The day that we vistied Lake Titicaca I was so tired due to the altitude and having an asthma attack, but it was such a gorgeous day, I had to do the best I could to enjoy this day.

Paulino Esteban- what an amazing man! So honored to have met him and see these amazing reed boats up close!


Delicious trout fresh from Lake Titicaca.


Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Memorial Day- remember those who have and continue to serve our country in times of wartime and in peace.

Scrappy: In Our Shoes

There are still a few days left for the current All About Me Challenge- In Her Shoes. The Design Team interpretations are fabulous (as always). I was so busy preparing for my trip, I was unable to create a layout for this challenge, but I think it was meant to be that way because my inspiration came while in Bolivia.

Shoes. I've never been the most fashionable with my footwear. I have always preferred comfort over fashion, and now I have to choose comfort because of my arthritic toe. I bought a new pair of tree hugger shoes before going to Bolivia- some would call them ugly, but I LOVE THEM. Come to find out- I was not alone with my footwear choice.





I used this month's sketch by DT member, Vicki as my inspiration! Thanks Vicki!

Come share your favorite shoes with us in a layout at All About Me!

Scrappy: La Campiña

This is a layout that I created for the Scrap Our Stash May Challenge to scrap outside your box. I distressed and inked which always makes me nervous. Also, I used a ton of layering, but kept my simple style at the same time. I also dug the punch out of the bottom of my scrap bag for this layout- I love punches and they way other people use them- but I really struggle to make it work for me.

This picture was taken while in Bolivia. We went to a fabulous restaurant called La Campiña which also had a Zoological park on site. They had tons of exotic birds and several alpaca. The garden here was amazing as well!



Other pictures from La Campiña...







My favorite-minus the chicken wire.

Bolivia- part four

I returned home early Saturday morning, but I feel like I've been in a fog ever since. My last two days in La Paz were spent being out of breath and easily exhausted. The altitude really took a toll on my body and I was unable to really enjoy my last two days in Bolivia. I wasn't ready to leave, but there were some things (and people) I was ready to get back to.

Lake Titicaca and the restaurant that we ate at. The trout was amazing!!! I wish I had felt better this day, but I'm glad that I was able to see such beauty.


Reed boat built and sailed by Paulino Esteban. We were blessed to meet this man and see all of his handiwork. These boats are simply amazing...


The beautiful, amazing city of La Paz. I'm not sure I have the words to describe my days in this city.


The ruins at Tiwanaku-pretty amazing sites...


A look at the Witches Market...


A closer look...




So, long story short, I loved my trip. I'm happy to be home, but I don't feel like my work in Bolivia is done. I feel such a connection to the country and the people. I don't know what that means quite yet, but I look forward for the lessons that I will learn in the coming years...

Bolivia- part three

Today we visited the cemetery. On Sundays, mass amounts of people come to the cemetery to place fresh flowers at the tombs or burial site of their loved ones. The process is very intentional and really had a huge impact on me today. As we arrived, we saw the beautiful flower stand- almost any kind of flower you could want! It was fragrant and beautiful, so many bright colors!


I am sure that my close friends and family already know the type of flower I bought...two bunches for 14 Bolivianos...around $2.00.


As we entered the cemetery, a large, colorful statue of Jesus appeared and it was as if He were saying "Welcome, my loved ones".


This statue really spoke to me today. It was very moving to see such an image.
I'd like to give a shout out to my girl Koren, she reminded me a bit of you and your love for Christ. Just beautiful!



This angel also spoke to me, I love the delicate why she is holding her flowers.


Today's experience really inspired me to keep my loved ones closer, even after they have passed. I was appalled at myself for how I have not gone to visit my loved one's burial sites in a very long time. Something I intend on doing is establishing my own rituals meant to honor my relatives and friends that are both living and deceased.

How do you honor your loved ones? When was the last time you did something special in honor or memory of a loved one?

Bolivia- part two

Have you ever wanted to feel like a superstar? This is a little taste of what it is like-you walk into a childcare center full of children that are dying to be held. They all reach their hands up and want you to hold them. It is the most precious, yet overwhelming, feeling in the world. We visited Madre de Dios and their FREE childcare center, as well as the residential part for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls.


Just a picture I snapped at the convent in Tarata...


The auto celebration- There was a party (someday I'll figure out how to upload a video...) with music, confetti, food, and alcohol. ALL because people bought new cars. Seriously- Bolivians know how to celebrate everything and enjoy each moment of life. When I buy a car, I want a party. Please!


The dogs and cats in America have no idea how good they have it...



I don't know what it is about these pots, but I took about 10 pictures of them. I love them.


A taste of life outside the city- countryside between Cochabamba and Tarata


Church in Quillacolla. It was beautiful inside and out. There were also ceremonies/celebrations happening outside this church today- celebrating the Saints. One family brought their statue of who I believe was St. Isidore the Farmer, saint of farmers and rural communities. Their statue was blessed and then confetti thrown and music played loudly. They then paraded out of town with their Saint. There were other families there as well.


Lunch today was nothing less that spectacular. They had parrots and toucans on site and I also go to feed an alpaca. This place was beautiful and the flowers were amazing. A little slice of heaven in the countryside of Bolivia.


These pictures and stories are not in order, just what stands out to me at the end of a day. Hope you enjoy them and you know I look forward to scrapping these pictures!!!

Bolivia- part one

Here is just a taste of my trip so far...I can't wait to update with more another day!

A stay-over in Miami? Sure, why not? We missed our connecting flight and had to spend the night and next day in Miami- had to make the best of it!


The view from my hotel room. Absolutely stunning.


Cristo de la Concordia up close- all of the holes are where you can walk up and look out on the city.


Overlooking Cochabamba with the protecting mountain, Tunari, in the background.


Casa de Chicos- the boys home. We took them clothes and one of the members of my group raised money to donate to them!


I have so much to say about this trip, but I'm going to wait until I get home to delve into all of the emotions and experiences. This has already been such an amazing week- I can't wait for the next part of the adventure!

Scrappy: Home

Tomorrow I leave for a two-week trip to Bolivia. While I'm gone I'm going to miss Mothers Day, my Mamaw's birthday, my brother's graduation, and other beautiful moments. I know that I'm going to make wonderful memories while I'm traveling, but I hate that I'll miss so much time with my family.

Here is a layout about my home with my Mamaw, Papaw, and Miss Kitty. After graduating from college, I moved in with my grandparents. I love them dearly for all that they have done for me and I'm so thankful that I have them in my life!





Check out my Frugal Friday tip that is posted at Scrap Our Stash!

I may be updating from the road, but I can't promise anything. I debated scheduling posts about some layouts I have created, but I decided to just take 2 weeks off.

See you in two weeks!

Scrappy: My Impossible Future

The first prompt for May at All About Me is "My Impossible Future". I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to take with this project until I picked up my pictures on Monday.

Last Saturday I ran my first 5k. And by ran I mean I walked most of the 3.1 miles and came in dead last. BUT. I finished, in under an hour which were two of my three goals at the beginning of the day. I've recently starting taking my fitness and health more seriously and it has been a struggle, but well worth the sore muscles. I've met with a trainer and she is teaching me how to run. That might sound silly, but up until recently I loathed running. I hated taking the mile run part of the fitness test and running was one of the reasons I gave up soccer for dance. I struggled to run, was out of breath, self conscious, and ashamed of how out of shape I was growing up. I learned something at the age of 20 that altered how I saw myself. I have asthma and had probably had it for most of my life. It is still difficult to accept my limitations and avoid beating myself up for not being 'good enough', but I'm trying to overcome my own critic and learn how to run and actually enjoy it. So long story short, my goal of being a real runner who finishes better than last is going to take a lot of time, energy, and patience but I think that it is possible.

For me running and being a runner was a near impossible goal, but I'm willing to work extra hard to make this a reality!!!


Supplies:Bazill Cardstock, Basic Grey paper and journaling card, Maya Road envelope, American Crafts ribbon, Bella Blvd. Flower (February kit from My Scrapbook Nook)


WE FINISHED!! Josh, Koren, ME, Tracy, Ryan


Swing by and complete this challenge (and others!) at the AAM Challenge blog and forum! You have to check out the other DT member's takes- so fabulous!


Is there something you have always wanted to do but haven't tried? What is holding you back?