13.1

I've been told that if I ever run another 1/2 marathon, I'll be disappointed: no one produces like Disney. From bib pickup to expo to starting bell -- not a bell, but fireworks! -- to running through the theme parks, whilst Disney staff, music, and characters cheered us on. Runners themselves got into the Tinkerbell spirit.  I don't think I've seen so many wings or so much tulle in my life (on both women and men)! It was a memorable experience indeed.

What a great way to start the year: crossing the finish line arm in arm with my oldest, closest friends!

From being someone who vehemently declared that I was not a runner, that I would never run, the last seven months have been quite a transformation -- mentally and physically. Here I am, a runner.  And the process taught me, all over again, that it's never to late to change. And that if I can change, anyone can.

The bestie is already talking about the Coast to Coast Race Challenge.  Hmm....

Valentine's

In every box of Crane's stationery there is a "Thank You" card. Over the years I've saved up a neat little stack, waiting for the perfect reuse opportunity.  It came this Valentine's Day! Inspired by a perforated card set I spied at Paper Source, I set to work.  Sketching different sized heart shapes as stencils. Grabbing my thimble and a small nail. Punching away. Then sewing, using sock yarn remnants.

I decided to employ the trusty fountain pen to fill up some of the white space, resulting in one of my favorite cards, which was sent to one of my besties:

Here's what my coffee table looked like at the end of January and beginning of February:

As you can see, I didn't just sew my cards.  I also picked up some cardstock and "X" and "O" letters at Paper Source to make some simple "hug and kiss" cards.  I splurged on the anatomical heart stamp and new ink pad to make a "heart of gold" card. And I printed out Zebra and Love Big cards, free printables courtesy of Bunny Cakes. The variation was absolutely necessary to save my poor fingers from all the needlework, and to flex some creative muscles. 

I had a good time creating about 20 cards, and more fun writing messages to my beloveds. Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day!

Week 4

home cookin' | li xi | cheetah carpet! | twilight | "fortune" | [x] | bibbed