Scrappy: La Cancha

Since I have a lot of new pictures to scrap, I'm finding tons of inspirations through sketches. I love how quickly a layout comes together after I plan it out when I'm in class (don't tell my professors!!). This layout is based off of the Sketchy Thursdays GDT Sketch:

I do not even have the words to describe how WILD our trips to the Cancha were in Cochabamba. It is an open air market where we bought most of our souvenirs and I learned to bargain. I think on our last trip (which is when this picture was taken) I was buying things just to bargain with the vendors. It was such a strange thing for me to get used to- being able to ask for a lower price and then having to walk away if you didn't get it for the price you wanted. Walking away was almost always the way to seal the deal for the price I wanted.



I dug deep into my stash as I'd really like to make room for a few new releases this summer. I loved these Pink Paislee papers, so much so that I hoarded the majority of them. It felt good cutting into brand new papers that have just been sitting around for over a year.

Scrappy: Cristo de la Concordia

This month's challenge at Scrap Our Stash is to stitch on your projects. Luckily for me, faux stitching was included in the challenge! I had a run in with a sewing machine in middle school. My homeroom teacher was the Home Economics teacher and so before school would start she would have me help with some projects. One of the projects was to make a bajillion bean bags for the PE teacher. I must have sewn every morning for two weeks. One morning a boy snuck up behind me and I ran my finger through the machine. It wasn't a terrible injury, but I have pretty much avoided sewing machines ever since.

The journaling reads: "Cristo de la Concordia is one of two "protectors" in Cochabamba. While I enjoyed seeing the statue up close, I really loved looking Him from afar- I felt safe and always protected. 11 Mayo 2010"





I was inspired by this Page Maps sketch by Becky Fleck:


I loved the sketch, but had to modify it to fit with my 8.5x11 style. I like to scrap in 12x12, but a lot of the time I feel overwhelmed by all of that room. I like keeping things simple, which in the long run saves me money and supplies!


Do you have any money saving tips?

Scrappy: Paris- Sketchy Thursdays 6.03

This week's sketch at Sketchy Thursdays is fabulous and comes with a note to get messy. Seeing as though my hands are blue, and there may or may not be blue on the carpet...I think I succeeded in getting messy!!!




How have you gotten messy lately?

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!