tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57895111968327522852024-03-08T06:51:38.015+03:00Nerissa Alford: Creative MusingsNerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-40865621919026352452014-09-06T13:16:00.003+03:002014-09-06T13:18:11.098+03:00New Blog HomeIt's time for a change. I'm starting fresh on a new blog & in a new country - Republic of Korea (South Korea). Please visit me at <a href="http://nerissaalforddesigns.com/">NerissaAlfordDesigns.com</a><br />
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Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-55334177197248380772012-08-31T03:00:00.000+03:002012-08-31T03:00:02.134+03:00Memories of a Lifetime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been saying it for awhile now, this assignment in Kuwait has been life changing. Now the time has come to say goodbye. I am writing this ahead of time, before we depart. We're spending our last night in country at the embassy for one last hurrah. It's crazy to think I will have been in 3 countries this month - what an amazing life we lead! See You on the other side!<br />
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<br />Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-35404776394548586472012-08-17T04:00:00.000+03:002012-08-17T04:00:01.601+03:00My Love Letter to AmericaDear America:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvHg61RLm6U_YqZVMG0wD4QnxYXI-NxUZD79KSYNsJu7ZJBuJJwpH8JUPc2yxk-q12uyS43Hc__hun5CbF3Fg5feelrokijiyEtFtJ5LaS689mxcsy8Rchw1uFakem2UD9qHcF45OJOc/s1600/MD-skyscape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvHg61RLm6U_YqZVMG0wD4QnxYXI-NxUZD79KSYNsJu7ZJBuJJwpH8JUPc2yxk-q12uyS43Hc__hun5CbF3Fg5feelrokijiyEtFtJ5LaS689mxcsy8Rchw1uFakem2UD9qHcF45OJOc/s400/MD-skyscape2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gaithersburg, md</td></tr>
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I've called you home my whole life, but it took living abroad to find such deep appreciation & love for you. The past 3 years I've left time & time again for exotic locations & every time I return you welcome me back with open arms. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJflePqOxLQ7cMoECOPY5-55MOIxqQerUODLkVbxlXN5UF21qpCAGhRl7IouQv5kF5XFA7G6wXbiI_M1zRpKf7WTj6QEJGeWc4fX4V9e-TsRrh8kbZZUVyMW5H7qoDq4_K_OyxYA7Cds/s1600/MarylandLandscape3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJflePqOxLQ7cMoECOPY5-55MOIxqQerUODLkVbxlXN5UF21qpCAGhRl7IouQv5kF5XFA7G6wXbiI_M1zRpKf7WTj6QEJGeWc4fX4V9e-TsRrh8kbZZUVyMW5H7qoDq4_K_OyxYA7Cds/s400/MarylandLandscape3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clarksburg, md</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOKLSAY9lTtYt_YIqqwbk76w49s1ER9Wv7urRgkcnh3q_y_X6MS6CpDTsEq7bARTUQNIxr0GmmXYsRJPDCn78-mA8iQEHaytnJQQ8XwIVmT7cAn42WAkNoCsx7mTK_T5E_RoWw0Q4pzk/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOKLSAY9lTtYt_YIqqwbk76w49s1ER9Wv7urRgkcnh3q_y_X6MS6CpDTsEq7bARTUQNIxr0GmmXYsRJPDCn78-mA8iQEHaytnJQQ8XwIVmT7cAn42WAkNoCsx7mTK_T5E_RoWw0Q4pzk/s200/IMG_1954.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lighthouse point, fl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MZ3YtvSQ90V1oLG0jLXZO39SKWT4g-evwuMnRx_vgFwsBhkz94H9IH9CYgXGP6qEutZ1kLZ0pcLXuUSItR26WiK-A0COobQoAVGQyIUL9gNoxINOT81ZOK__SP-TYIHaFHc8AG8OE3o/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MZ3YtvSQ90V1oLG0jLXZO39SKWT4g-evwuMnRx_vgFwsBhkz94H9IH9CYgXGP6qEutZ1kLZ0pcLXuUSItR26WiK-A0COobQoAVGQyIUL9gNoxINOT81ZOK__SP-TYIHaFHc8AG8OE3o/s200/IMG_1848.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hagerstown, md</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MZ3YtvSQ90V1oLG0jLXZO39SKWT4g-evwuMnRx_vgFwsBhkz94H9IH9CYgXGP6qEutZ1kLZ0pcLXuUSItR26WiK-A0COobQoAVGQyIUL9gNoxINOT81ZOK__SP-TYIHaFHc8AG8OE3o/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQzE16bLUyvG9Ws71Hisv5s9A-hnOy9e0KQPXsPhlyP88vaJCT_7czXF5U1BKKPgW3hWYgna7Te8HEyrSV7XVAnSmFzJeEKDBSB3UXvIw03JV0sMj6jxNUYJ6IaxClUkGtCrB5pDPUu0/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQzE16bLUyvG9Ws71Hisv5s9A-hnOy9e0KQPXsPhlyP88vaJCT_7czXF5U1BKKPgW3hWYgna7Te8HEyrSV7XVAnSmFzJeEKDBSB3UXvIw03JV0sMj6jxNUYJ6IaxClUkGtCrB5pDPUu0/s200/IMG_1982.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hillsboro beach, fl</td></tr>
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It's the small things that make me happy when I visit. I am free to make the choice to drive as a Sunday driver or like a bat out of hell. Both have consequences, both I am free to choose. I can chose which craft store to go to, which Target location, even which state I shop in but I am free to choose. I can choose to have baked cheetos or good old fashioned calorie loaded cheetos. These are not life altering choices but I have them every time I come home to you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAZ3_8kuJQ1bbXxRkC1nbT2UncqBUg68eCGpISWu6TdD0XBy-eL61N-xyFZYVX5i3oLB36D6wR61UKFFaVZyv0eCv4tdX49rLeoW9UgI8x0kfYmwi-UrHbxvc-DLr9EI-s0b8cPrsUYQ/s1600/Beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAZ3_8kuJQ1bbXxRkC1nbT2UncqBUg68eCGpISWu6TdD0XBy-eL61N-xyFZYVX5i3oLB36D6wR61UKFFaVZyv0eCv4tdX49rLeoW9UgI8x0kfYmwi-UrHbxvc-DLr9EI-s0b8cPrsUYQ/s400/Beach2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">deerfield beach, fl</td></tr>
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So as I leave you again for my next adventure, I smile knowing you will be here when I return. Life isn't perfect here, but it's pretty darn close.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrniTmBQOOoDSI5Pg1dmHgopF31KfNscVbwPoLmez7bfxa_b0jz71LvH5tKCxA94fnv1_gxuNr5gnBhKCCkROHxIy7EzwSCqJnTZEVHgz96XqUiQXM5A8imWyHdJgvpxbXOBW-eNd1Gc/s1600/Fireworks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrniTmBQOOoDSI5Pg1dmHgopF31KfNscVbwPoLmez7bfxa_b0jz71LvH5tKCxA94fnv1_gxuNr5gnBhKCCkROHxIy7EzwSCqJnTZEVHgz96XqUiQXM5A8imWyHdJgvpxbXOBW-eNd1Gc/s400/Fireworks1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gaithersburg, fl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWJ2PjZYh9-2AftPndnXZN2gtFbu0awhhJ5IhW0w17nSpzUjJUdtxLfT8XiCyjLagQ3NWDGt9AKbI2pSlZOABEpas6XAU75W7T9PIA1EdG9TjaH3vTxp1n4hQdspqYIWj0Gr1C_fWgPk/s1600/MarylandLandscape1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWJ2PjZYh9-2AftPndnXZN2gtFbu0awhhJ5IhW0w17nSpzUjJUdtxLfT8XiCyjLagQ3NWDGt9AKbI2pSlZOABEpas6XAU75W7T9PIA1EdG9TjaH3vTxp1n4hQdspqYIWj0Gr1C_fWgPk/s400/MarylandLandscape1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beallsville, md</td></tr>
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Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-55793238811784069772012-07-21T04:23:00.001+03:002012-07-21T04:24:33.276+03:00Farm Life<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk7gfDIyQEay4FrMHob8KffMxR9O0Kjs9vxghomSUQUr1o1NQFTOPkZtK6l6K-N9vIEP1lD74vtkukUCx5127xfzrc2xdfERj8AH4dKFGkzIYIzoe0xNgbqrH7s_olllfCxPoWcOzVUw/s1600/AlpacaFeeding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk7gfDIyQEay4FrMHob8KffMxR9O0Kjs9vxghomSUQUr1o1NQFTOPkZtK6l6K-N9vIEP1lD74vtkukUCx5127xfzrc2xdfERj8AH4dKFGkzIYIzoe0xNgbqrH7s_olllfCxPoWcOzVUw/s400/AlpacaFeeding2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4ZPd_WMxKyFanl7IG1tOA2YYHGJQbR9e6w9g_nx_nbu3J-0LEKrMw4rCgByoa4RTYuJMAFNTIk7TeEBVxlJlXasSx8l6k8ukYB9GqpqIYGRBSECe2DOK-zhlfs8jBqzwp9PzDxivUhw/s1600/AlpacaFeeding10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4ZPd_WMxKyFanl7IG1tOA2YYHGJQbR9e6w9g_nx_nbu3J-0LEKrMw4rCgByoa4RTYuJMAFNTIk7TeEBVxlJlXasSx8l6k8ukYB9GqpqIYGRBSECe2DOK-zhlfs8jBqzwp9PzDxivUhw/s400/AlpacaFeeding10.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking a break on the job</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjoujh1hzRiRwTVULpZ6aGXmLcmOBZz9E7K8yMoR8ruAe89UPMuie-NubkKA-dZYvlUUwM1xIKMELM6i6PwnHTR-29cgxgUmqKxKyFSppunrJxkZuT97CpMjIkzn6fvToklaDTkU2d_I/s1600/AlpacaFeeding3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjoujh1hzRiRwTVULpZ6aGXmLcmOBZz9E7K8yMoR8ruAe89UPMuie-NubkKA-dZYvlUUwM1xIKMELM6i6PwnHTR-29cgxgUmqKxKyFSppunrJxkZuT97CpMjIkzn6fvToklaDTkU2d_I/s400/AlpacaFeeding3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYbBJAYHEt1bwX_yenFvnwM2YvuMD-OVm7kYbUNpK_N136Pgz4LpY_rvgRv2nQtU7ByObO1B_kPlMbYQxFYPzIKFhfYnNI8SRM6wuRlTDOIfk2u3qYT0N1ncQ2KsCnm64vRz8lp1fXog/s1600/AlpacaFeeding4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYbBJAYHEt1bwX_yenFvnwM2YvuMD-OVm7kYbUNpK_N136Pgz4LpY_rvgRv2nQtU7ByObO1B_kPlMbYQxFYPzIKFhfYnNI8SRM6wuRlTDOIfk2u3qYT0N1ncQ2KsCnm64vRz8lp1fXog/s400/AlpacaFeeding4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls & babies pen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUipqLyaGF1qOzeZEefGd8yUQqqcvXCfJFLujZylkERQS57pTDDDIw1RYdnupykC4e9lJ7ZVxiuSvKtuLLB0wzJwmjcxqCkF2Gjz7Rh_gyihcpoORYJfzDZfsn8qiATYCGaHyxR2Ljmfw/s1600/AlpacaFeeding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUipqLyaGF1qOzeZEefGd8yUQqqcvXCfJFLujZylkERQS57pTDDDIw1RYdnupykC4e9lJ7ZVxiuSvKtuLLB0wzJwmjcxqCkF2Gjz7Rh_gyihcpoORYJfzDZfsn8qiATYCGaHyxR2Ljmfw/s400/AlpacaFeeding1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brandon & grandma driving the poop vacuum - yes, there is<br />
such a thing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjR287XWZBmp1h5XgukVGK5Y2Z6VaLCdIFD105Bh7WVt1ALgx-wDdtHcsWt7QUOwwM1YTdTj1_zDkCwcIGI3BIT6jaRlQ5GCI3t5z7zxyqxJtHCFvWI_Kr5HEiuJQ5tufyuAfrX3FBgk/s1600/AlpacaFeeding8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjR287XWZBmp1h5XgukVGK5Y2Z6VaLCdIFD105Bh7WVt1ALgx-wDdtHcsWt7QUOwwM1YTdTj1_zDkCwcIGI3BIT6jaRlQ5GCI3t5z7zxyqxJtHCFvWI_Kr5HEiuJQ5tufyuAfrX3FBgk/s400/AlpacaFeeding8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left behind - josh not quite old enough to drive the tractor with grandma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV8U658hGZoHH4691dvlfh_qEEoZAYCBOqOBZFf5xYTNLrqnFypMmAzCbLQR4iRfkwFRPi-KXCOvivFxG3sG59vFevzgNSIChOp2HEwpVjGL_7aA25FB5PoTmQle6jVtVvSzHVLumrBs/s1600/AlpacaFeeding5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV8U658hGZoHH4691dvlfh_qEEoZAYCBOqOBZFf5xYTNLrqnFypMmAzCbLQR4iRfkwFRPi-KXCOvivFxG3sG59vFevzgNSIChOp2HEwpVjGL_7aA25FB5PoTmQle6jVtVvSzHVLumrBs/s640/AlpacaFeeding5.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">indie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRLVxtE-HihkjomUxz3EKrnBcjdIMCf6w_ZW5t-K3UxFmG0OJNQ5-Dn30meqDAnVK_-SuGR4JLBa4bUUCA_tf72tDml5ozNXLuafFXbWUDvg0ShWjQjq12Cfl2XnO0nECBtDoyR3h9bk/s1600/AlpacaFeeding6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRLVxtE-HihkjomUxz3EKrnBcjdIMCf6w_ZW5t-K3UxFmG0OJNQ5-Dn30meqDAnVK_-SuGR4JLBa4bUUCA_tf72tDml5ozNXLuafFXbWUDvg0ShWjQjq12Cfl2XnO0nECBtDoyR3h9bk/s400/AlpacaFeeding6.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gustave "gus"</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmGwSJNaBzXp935BIaylxPan-yC1pAuCxxVUWcTpYBGVbwpqwMPI7QqxfEzfxHQ1EijS2_HuAbVe7SZKo1Xcea1TswGBjvu1A_Q0AsYMc1tCD9X4kGKPJkPXJ4JDDPybYNgH0rHDpenc/s1600/AlpacaFeeding7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmGwSJNaBzXp935BIaylxPan-yC1pAuCxxVUWcTpYBGVbwpqwMPI7QqxfEzfxHQ1EijS2_HuAbVe7SZKo1Xcea1TswGBjvu1A_Q0AsYMc1tCD9X4kGKPJkPXJ4JDDPybYNgH0rHDpenc/s400/AlpacaFeeding7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisne309zBV5RcaOWrV3vbaYYVEpaNi1qe7NuAaLjqnRwV9VIWdbKtmbd7M3Ijgdy-I8tLxuTVkZuXAcYfMyqq0d-U889Kg4JGp9fM35DhuI0cLzBDLwIodAqyfpey9TJH-JFWQk6bcFpg/s1600/AlpacaFeeding9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisne309zBV5RcaOWrV3vbaYYVEpaNi1qe7NuAaLjqnRwV9VIWdbKtmbd7M3Ijgdy-I8tLxuTVkZuXAcYfMyqq0d-U889Kg4JGp9fM35DhuI0cLzBDLwIodAqyfpey9TJH-JFWQk6bcFpg/s400/AlpacaFeeding9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">josh doing some hard work</td></tr>
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What an amazing experience it has been for my mini-men this summer. The kids are learning to live with me instead of a maid (haha) & doing chores. They do everyday things like laundry, making their bed & helping with dishes. Here in MD they also help with the dogs & alpacas. This city girl takes photos & observes. I have to say, I've come a long way since visiting the first time as Rick's girlfriend. I used to say they lived out in "the sticks". Rick chased me at the farm store with dried chicken feet - I went to a farm store for the first time in my life! Ha ha!<br />
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Love this life we live! </div>
</div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-11491722217732538162012-07-17T17:04:00.000+03:002012-07-21T04:30:57.417+03:0044 (long, hot) Hours<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XsOfgbRRO5QJKPNTy0cjLy1rG1gkPrX6PuBAv4xcNy3J4nUOioT1ZBEotiKBw6abCJDjpZdeDyX6wik01Dq_Qsc9AxeLOE3L2CwMEUJDRqA5cH_0jf1W1PaKvL-d-85G9oqTzK7GY28/s1600/JulyStorm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XsOfgbRRO5QJKPNTy0cjLy1rG1gkPrX6PuBAv4xcNy3J4nUOioT1ZBEotiKBw6abCJDjpZdeDyX6wik01Dq_Qsc9AxeLOE3L2CwMEUJDRqA5cH_0jf1W1PaKvL-d-85G9oqTzK7GY28/s320/JulyStorm1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i couldn't get a good shot of this but a huge part <br />
of a tree landed on some power lines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62HhrgaQ6jD5MQKeEpg6XOyMfcNLv_ivdJne1nkM7634_6m16e1QZzvs4LGaYmJelAuRkQHwzuIL0ij0EsiCgx4JPqnQFbS9m4yD9Ht_biA_qz6981d6vdIr81D2pSXf0nmAQxwa6BrA/s1600/JulyStorm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62HhrgaQ6jD5MQKeEpg6XOyMfcNLv_ivdJne1nkM7634_6m16e1QZzvs4LGaYmJelAuRkQHwzuIL0ij0EsiCgx4JPqnQFbS9m4yD9Ht_biA_qz6981d6vdIr81D2pSXf0nmAQxwa6BrA/s320/JulyStorm2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we cheered everytime we passed a work crew</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fvdX28fkp9BVaxBT2mkh_WLHYRD46wBnL-a6UwylNG_kuhY_ZZkmRKxNsWDt4eNGNISHNBKiDTFrpCOivfUIzWCSiwz-1TkNjXbwV57csP9qUvKpllcIHYCf97V-yEYctiGOx2pqWEk/s1600/JulyStorm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fvdX28fkp9BVaxBT2mkh_WLHYRD46wBnL-a6UwylNG_kuhY_ZZkmRKxNsWDt4eNGNISHNBKiDTFrpCOivfUIzWCSiwz-1TkNjXbwV57csP9qUvKpllcIHYCf97V-yEYctiGOx2pqWEk/s400/JulyStorm3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I consider us one of the lucky ones. The MD/DC/VA area had a nasty storm that swept through on Friday evening June 29th. Saturday morning many woke up to no power, downed trees & power lines & destruction. We went through 2 nights & most of 2 days without power. My family has a generator that kept the refrigerators & freezers going & running water. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfGoqIotRTfxRnccaQG5zPGG5zbJMGjGC0Mn0Kh1TJ53ag2cq0E4Xb-nPdWmRiFjTlu7-QHsL1tTbQqJngIDFCsZN-HQQ5AaQkM28X89KtEVxaNwZ9w_woyvWH3xYiUwFqKTLQtke7mE/s1600/JulyStorm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfGoqIotRTfxRnccaQG5zPGG5zbJMGjGC0Mn0Kh1TJ53ag2cq0E4Xb-nPdWmRiFjTlu7-QHsL1tTbQqJngIDFCsZN-HQQ5AaQkM28X89KtEVxaNwZ9w_woyvWH3xYiUwFqKTLQtke7mE/s400/JulyStorm5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of downed limbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2RLSuMiMabhjYQIHSR8pvxDKSWU4O9JXtdvN_uLBlIUA0ypzZni8IaDwkqW8rTrUfK26gS-fMzmS-4oxeZRQQ2gxCvhNRj4tdNeFkJWy5o6ZH4qc-0c3qQPw31fQaEDmuQt19aFl5a0/s1600/JulyStorm7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2RLSuMiMabhjYQIHSR8pvxDKSWU4O9JXtdvN_uLBlIUA0ypzZni8IaDwkqW8rTrUfK26gS-fMzmS-4oxeZRQQ2gxCvhNRj4tdNeFkJWy5o6ZH4qc-0c3qQPw31fQaEDmuQt19aFl5a0/s640/JulyStorm7.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is a tree in my family's yard. there was a huge split in the middle of the trunk.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimawo9TpLv1sAo7bwdTbRlM2WaWCTphuUqvXTut2HfpQVxay7O6E3DmH8J1sQL1nDbOACJwBC73jqg44N5FsJgMmssiS0Brfizvj3MVcgEzHMCS1BDniBcyhCPPxxTwd1ffPr6-bOtDyc/s1600/JulyStorm8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimawo9TpLv1sAo7bwdTbRlM2WaWCTphuUqvXTut2HfpQVxay7O6E3DmH8J1sQL1nDbOACJwBC73jqg44N5FsJgMmssiS0Brfizvj3MVcgEzHMCS1BDniBcyhCPPxxTwd1ffPr6-bOtDyc/s320/JulyStorm8.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We got away from the heat by visiting nearby Frederick & Hagerstown. I couldn't help snapping some photos as we were out. I took these at Hagerstown. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMDW_EZjHa7bcwG6lgqGV53SB_NKXzzfJrLZ7LN0Of2MNE08LyS8JtuKGcakWKHmktgw5imjFc0bzXBUCRm4aSa4w7tq-QM6yOtnoXQxJxKkH6JXTKO7ekqTRN1sQFjhucvJzZjnzP2s/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMDW_EZjHa7bcwG6lgqGV53SB_NKXzzfJrLZ7LN0Of2MNE08LyS8JtuKGcakWKHmktgw5imjFc0bzXBUCRm4aSa4w7tq-QM6yOtnoXQxJxKkH6JXTKO7ekqTRN1sQFjhucvJzZjnzP2s/s320/IMG_1848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7JNb5oVl9lHh0QgTYf6m93FEckhmeze0OajybH2FhUbDYv5_Ng-SOMQUFHw645EmZFnoXg6zrestRfk9OyP1eqyX_gZCl142F-JEYQ6W1zbt-t9DzW2199s6jC6W3gj2TDgmmemCU28/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7JNb5oVl9lHh0QgTYf6m93FEckhmeze0OajybH2FhUbDYv5_Ng-SOMQUFHw645EmZFnoXg6zrestRfk9OyP1eqyX_gZCl142F-JEYQ6W1zbt-t9DzW2199s6jC6W3gj2TDgmmemCU28/s320/IMG_1849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ9wiFbg9k4AwwSrp35dqlA4rzoiV8X7IL_aJMsvqWQij1nVdSUniVM_JKhKLbz3JJ7eCHKMyYfVgR0DMyYv-8zXDkWibQZYMZTi1KEGBZeF-tbYvuC-2GExfCdEIMC1bBwRNPEAi2CY/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ9wiFbg9k4AwwSrp35dqlA4rzoiV8X7IL_aJMsvqWQij1nVdSUniVM_JKhKLbz3JJ7eCHKMyYfVgR0DMyYv-8zXDkWibQZYMZTi1KEGBZeF-tbYvuC-2GExfCdEIMC1bBwRNPEAi2CY/s320/IMG_1850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-16459197092396368642012-07-05T04:47:00.000+03:002012-07-12T21:07:14.790+03:00Happy Fourth of July<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxZ26WjaeoTybRD9zDgmxZfZ7HQGL5ZSFWqsg7PWE9eUsaVnuqtoyeo4bKAAJwEZFtz8uZTaYT3idRbm-UVlcfu_-oeEDWtSFa9yyeEe-q0Duyb1Yfb-AlmMRPOe5upPnGZeAcsb10yo/s1600/LandOfTheFree-Canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxZ26WjaeoTybRD9zDgmxZfZ7HQGL5ZSFWqsg7PWE9eUsaVnuqtoyeo4bKAAJwEZFtz8uZTaYT3idRbm-UVlcfu_-oeEDWtSFa9yyeEe-q0Duyb1Yfb-AlmMRPOe5upPnGZeAcsb10yo/s400/LandOfTheFree-Canvas.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">land of the free </i>4x6 canvas panel<br />
mixed media: acrylics, inks, decorative papers, German dresden</td></tr>
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Thank you to all that serve. I celebrate today with potato salad & grilling because of your sacrifices. I am thinking of all my friends in Kuwait supporting the mission. </div>
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<br />Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-25987885081766967022012-07-04T08:02:00.000+03:002012-07-21T04:31:43.504+03:00A Little Road Trip<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4W338cNfjS8yTYEU9iPN4evNI87S7RXC5jcmUFbi1tp7fzaD9_gfmsCK3lAc-e8aw9nj0WEMUWmOH4sPu6xAz74VcERxUAGJ-gJBmgGRhKVineZXtZRsSQeFB-H7_qoMtg9pMgru_4I/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4W338cNfjS8yTYEU9iPN4evNI87S7RXC5jcmUFbi1tp7fzaD9_gfmsCK3lAc-e8aw9nj0WEMUWmOH4sPu6xAz74VcERxUAGJ-gJBmgGRhKVineZXtZRsSQeFB-H7_qoMtg9pMgru_4I/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">road trip!</td></tr>
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A few months ago, I found out one of my favorite teachers <a href="http://treicdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Traci Bautista</a> would be attending the <a href="http://www.greatamericanscrapbook.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=20164&tabid=28508&" target="_blank">Great American Scrapbooking Convention</a> as an instructor. I could not believe it would be happening while I was in the states & in my backyard. I asked Grandma & Grandpa if they'd watch the kids while I took a little road trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjJ1XsbZeLz_6yvnHrW2ePOFPh5Ep31pXGxOZSeMkJcZH2AMcg3-p90Ywd28dAY0QvWR-bcwIPq19BHV8E7dUnT9B5-lcC1a8VgXelGzcOI0awQ2ee-CI7qp6UEvIowLMTnpupbhZWbk/s1600/Me%2526Traci" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjJ1XsbZeLz_6yvnHrW2ePOFPh5Ep31pXGxOZSeMkJcZH2AMcg3-p90Ywd28dAY0QvWR-bcwIPq19BHV8E7dUnT9B5-lcC1a8VgXelGzcOI0awQ2ee-CI7qp6UEvIowLMTnpupbhZWbk/s320/Me%2526Traci" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me & Traci</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's always something for me to meet someone I've taken classes with online or "met" creatively via swaps or blogging. Traci did not disappoint! Her class was fun & she shared lots of ideas, techniques, favorite things to do & supplies. It was so sweet that she remembered me from the online classes I've taken. She sent me home with some mixed media supplies knowing I don't have access to much in Kuwait. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn1y9VCJ_ryqyuLdsLZ9HFWdmFp3JYhjvz2CMw2b05poKpQmiZWr3cLhTbFPf2Obiy2D74_ITjQbGjQ9OY3HInRB_QhTmpegGJVFbI6Yq8PZnom9lRiHEwjn9ymkyhi2SWDuhTSF-lL4/s1600/IMG_1856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn1y9VCJ_ryqyuLdsLZ9HFWdmFp3JYhjvz2CMw2b05poKpQmiZWr3cLhTbFPf2Obiy2D74_ITjQbGjQ9OY3HInRB_QhTmpegGJVFbI6Yq8PZnom9lRiHEwjn9ymkyhi2SWDuhTSF-lL4/s320/IMG_1856.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look, i got my book signed!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ADtghp0K3w-YxzX8EO5GhsJmmbq_8eFg4dHr1kjTQlC2tTobcRuObU5kMDz7qAOCKb_gY1q98PdQdG4JxpLxbIfMQnqKNpLE3HuL0CLi_BsTm69xWaI4_-PjWYmH4d-mJsbXqG8fzcM/s1600/MyCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ADtghp0K3w-YxzX8EO5GhsJmmbq_8eFg4dHr1kjTQlC2tTobcRuObU5kMDz7qAOCKb_gY1q98PdQdG4JxpLxbIfMQnqKNpLE3HuL0CLi_BsTm69xWaI4_-PjWYmH4d-mJsbXqG8fzcM/s400/MyCanvas.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My canvas while a WIP</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I took the <a href="http://kollaj.typepad.com/kollaj/2012/03/im-teaching-mixed-media-workshops-at-great-american-scrapbook-convention-.html" target="_blank">Stylistic Scrawls Canvas Art Journal</a> class.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HgPzUoiNreC9DHf7mNdwZUvP7uZyVzQgjkiwHtm0sHygArtIaOBAHZy1cppFiMzFVWSBdRVJpS1LEAvhuKD5Jmr5wvu6-8gFPi1-M84wvxrlNb5RU5i8gXJLpBCNMIWKCJ-_F_FEwWY/s1600/MyPapersWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HgPzUoiNreC9DHf7mNdwZUvP7uZyVzQgjkiwHtm0sHygArtIaOBAHZy1cppFiMzFVWSBdRVJpS1LEAvhuKD5Jmr5wvu6-8gFPi1-M84wvxrlNb5RU5i8gXJLpBCNMIWKCJ-_F_FEwWY/s320/MyPapersWIP.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the found papers I was working on for my book. <br />
The manila folder in the foreground is the cover for my journal.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBaW35FEeFqJExzswbwXVGJ-xKkUQ4yf0dJUW4mhKMMloc_BGkXXx1OFyjD-7PEH3-9LoSxQvA2g9TDdnhIOVszV2wGsH6vOKX9_ul5RtYGaiYvXLUSbzWESPkAsXyA13ylBQc3S_JJk/s1600/TraciDemo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBaW35FEeFqJExzswbwXVGJ-xKkUQ4yf0dJUW4mhKMMloc_BGkXXx1OFyjD-7PEH3-9LoSxQvA2g9TDdnhIOVszV2wGsH6vOKX9_ul5RtYGaiYvXLUSbzWESPkAsXyA13ylBQc3S_JJk/s200/TraciDemo3.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traci doing a demo for us</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbhGdx1ZxRuABNqQPPqVmqFkn1wcOfdD7YPSiKiEKLxlumDiwhwQO4eksZI3lLyWKHNKC2PPr3Xpd12v9if3wi_BZ5bPsWhGKT3kaqhciAnmUm1W0hyphenhyphenPyX8MRjkQ2oVdpiEV-NHjZDpk/s1600/TraciCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbhGdx1ZxRuABNqQPPqVmqFkn1wcOfdD7YPSiKiEKLxlumDiwhwQO4eksZI3lLyWKHNKC2PPr3Xpd12v9if3wi_BZ5bPsWhGKT3kaqhciAnmUm1W0hyphenhyphenPyX8MRjkQ2oVdpiEV-NHjZDpk/s200/TraciCanvas.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traci's sample<br />
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So I still have to finish my journal. I have all the pages done. I'd like to add more to the cover & I have to stitch it together. I'd really like to complete it since I'd like to use it as my summer journal. I'm thinking of titling it "3 Months, 3 Countries". Yep, that's the summer for me & the mini-men!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9PNtAfqIM2zDeMGc95ZzmvtAOfAJShokvWbFYq3FelwfTd2bNN1AGO8bvCRyfuH-AxG3WzYYmkVJP8zZIUodJ57YSXHZTR644s8cVyRMJ1_c4nIWMW0Q4KhlZvxzogpTGT_b3fxNbOk/s1600/TraciDemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9PNtAfqIM2zDeMGc95ZzmvtAOfAJShokvWbFYq3FelwfTd2bNN1AGO8bvCRyfuH-AxG3WzYYmkVJP8zZIUodJ57YSXHZTR644s8cVyRMJ1_c4nIWMW0Q4KhlZvxzogpTGT_b3fxNbOk/s320/TraciDemo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more demos - assembling the journal</td></tr>
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If you have the chance I highly recommend taking a class with Traci. The class time flew by, but I learned so much & had a chance to experiment with some new techniques & supplies. She is a creative soul with a very kind heart! I am so happy the timing was perfect for me to take a class with her.<br />
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The following are pieces I worked on during the scrap night. This was what I posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NerissaAlfordDesigns" target="_blank">my FB page</a>:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So I don't scrapbook & didn't even go to the convention. I just wanted to take a few classes. I even</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">went to an evening scrap session, but I made canvases. I always just do my own thing...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I just want to be around other creative people, that's all!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Epl-_2XLvPPAUU18rhA8nbxaTzDvUuDL65sGRF3ZqBlkKjQ4l_d5JQaZ87J1Lg1N-X3vjdT_aVjJXDZnaHn6EWt7cWVYoTHU21kLf2dj3JLqPL0xA6rVK_zvcWKG44Mfq2suXvP_J_0/s1600/Authentic+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Epl-_2XLvPPAUU18rhA8nbxaTzDvUuDL65sGRF3ZqBlkKjQ4l_d5JQaZ87J1Lg1N-X3vjdT_aVjJXDZnaHn6EWt7cWVYoTHU21kLf2dj3JLqPL0xA6rVK_zvcWKG44Mfq2suXvP_J_0/s320/Authentic+WIP.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>authentic </i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">5x7 canvas panel WIP</span><b style="background-color: white;"><i> </i></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ11-ZLiKUa8bldtLhgrG6O72lk6S0yUdxmg4BRx6lX1AbksHmcTkcteKp9uk9Sgvj1kgrRKkU7eZN5ouTHon4pRi-rxsYBczliW90UD7-km3_dGwSVoj42d9oSIDZYnx569613hirUI/s1600/CupcakeDoodle+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ11-ZLiKUa8bldtLhgrG6O72lk6S0yUdxmg4BRx6lX1AbksHmcTkcteKp9uk9Sgvj1kgrRKkU7eZN5ouTHon4pRi-rxsYBczliW90UD7-km3_dGwSVoj42d9oSIDZYnx569613hirUI/s320/CupcakeDoodle+WIP.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">cupcake doodles </b>5x7 canvas panel WIP</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNCOiAvdBmeWpFPDa-7QIiaF6S716F1CNM8QIkZPaa4nkSJyEGy0IH0vYuHXwVhlZMP2WpaB6Jvv4nz9ghVox_0qGBhQVVh9-Aghxctxj7DqacjmO9Ky-8a3i4WrsG97Y5b2otn-7wWM/s1600/HomeSweetHome+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNCOiAvdBmeWpFPDa-7QIiaF6S716F1CNM8QIkZPaa4nkSJyEGy0IH0vYuHXwVhlZMP2WpaB6Jvv4nz9ghVox_0qGBhQVVh9-Aghxctxj7DqacjmO9Ky-8a3i4WrsG97Y5b2otn-7wWM/s320/HomeSweetHome+WIP.jpg" width="201" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">home is where the heart is </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">6x12 canvas panel WIP</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNlK2OJ1o07A-bQ0hL5UJn5JzXS8R7xgBfJCdZj_7gDYRGOvxq_x_UzecNMaBcFzjrepUx2_UCBnd8Mu1ocgP8mgtUYjxnDqUvWGtx1LoTd6-r9KAgLzVdJp_yW7dElk9m6K1bgAG_OI/s1600/Dancer+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNlK2OJ1o07A-bQ0hL5UJn5JzXS8R7xgBfJCdZj_7gDYRGOvxq_x_UzecNMaBcFzjrepUx2_UCBnd8Mu1ocgP8mgtUYjxnDqUvWGtx1LoTd6-r9KAgLzVdJp_yW7dElk9m6K1bgAG_OI/s400/Dancer+WIP.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b><i>dancer</i></b> 5x7 canvas panel WIP</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFfZayqD2vRDhKw7BqJgJdbnyrvGvMR5qXf1-LYUhHjC2XStEfAL3n43MQ7whFJ4Q8gRm1C22V3XFfq9TOoCm4qX6g75KPi7vvDHRNr4KesstiA3YSuEnn_tsITn9w5Qq2JXW8irrUDQ/s1600/Travel+WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFfZayqD2vRDhKw7BqJgJdbnyrvGvMR5qXf1-LYUhHjC2XStEfAL3n43MQ7whFJ4Q8gRm1C22V3XFfq9TOoCm4qX6g75KPi7vvDHRNr4KesstiA3YSuEnn_tsITn9w5Qq2JXW8irrUDQ/s320/Travel+WIP.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i>to travel is to evolve</i></b> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">4x6 canvas panel WIP</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-61437171194301341962012-06-28T06:10:00.000+03:002012-07-21T04:32:41.590+03:00Summer by the Numbers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl04OMGFUzuWsePHCt2SNHW6itktlBNmFnCB_aYp08TjF6Xz6T0ABt-eoh8xfPI3SbcqJ-PogBlKUBs3rPpY_XAS60ztjUHj3WK_mN3ftRQ7yDVUFME48yArT9-7nszKmIM6jq0hHrnHg/s1600/ButterflySummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl04OMGFUzuWsePHCt2SNHW6itktlBNmFnCB_aYp08TjF6Xz6T0ABt-eoh8xfPI3SbcqJ-PogBlKUBs3rPpY_XAS60ztjUHj3WK_mN3ftRQ7yDVUFME48yArT9-7nszKmIM6jq0hHrnHg/s320/ButterflySummer.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful butterfly hanging by the garage<br />
photo taken with iPhone - <a href="http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=30869" target="_blank">summer digital rubon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Time home: 2 weeks</div>
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Number of packages waiting for me when I got home: 5</div>
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Trips to Target: 4</div>
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Trips to Michaels: 4 Trips to Super Jo-Ann's: 2</div>
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Trips to the grocery store: every other day</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOzxGQPuSfKP9NaXkBQkwzRkCMvcVpQjGNIaTx4bIWRsb5RBN3dFZSIFFK06YfvbWy9RcijgDGSbM6sIMxBDjcMl2HEYhYzCW6Dxe31oRKW_5762Zb0voMPeLA2m5qZImaiuuXLoe-LY/s1600/WhitesFerryTrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOzxGQPuSfKP9NaXkBQkwzRkCMvcVpQjGNIaTx4bIWRsb5RBN3dFZSIFFK06YfvbWy9RcijgDGSbM6sIMxBDjcMl2HEYhYzCW6Dxe31oRKW_5762Zb0voMPeLA2m5qZImaiuuXLoe-LY/s400/WhitesFerryTrip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting for white's ferry<br />
photo taken with Nikon D90</td></tr>
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Ferry rides: 5</div>
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Times I've stopped the car to take photos: 3</div>
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Number of movies: 2 and in 3D!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sNmkYEmG6t9SOzTziHHiBjdeDUweJlionsc8lj-1Aze19YzJFdK5G0WaOBPHwO9lF26XpIsS6iBVuAUtzQc_8lpPRegLvfZMx0EDio3950ZUHQ4GfdaLYYYlfMsDTCQZy_sB3LTLcVw/s1600/SkySunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sNmkYEmG6t9SOzTziHHiBjdeDUweJlionsc8lj-1Aze19YzJFdK5G0WaOBPHwO9lF26XpIsS6iBVuAUtzQc_8lpPRegLvfZMx0EDio3950ZUHQ4GfdaLYYYlfMsDTCQZy_sB3LTLcVw/s320/SkySunshine.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't stop looking up at the blue sky, fluffy clouds & green trees<br />
photo taken with iPhone</td></tr>
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Days I drive like a Sunday driver: everyday</div>
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Times I've honked the horn & cursed while driving: 0</div>
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Number of different traffic cameras I've passed: 7</div>
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Number of possible speeding tickets: 1</div>
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Times I've counted my blessings: Daily</div>
<br />Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-68955959028197891282012-06-04T09:13:00.001+03:002012-06-04T09:13:08.852+03:00Join Me for a Final Cup of Coffee<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn6KQK5pSJXQYxWwjg5M-Xo-FrQCfkvG4QTbskEVmf6m0sC7fpi5L9mIAv0g2-s6w6JOia9fXOSGnlSM8LlLq4Xc9cs3Dz4W5-O57MisAg08xLyJ3c0FZXtlhGGqVVmNXwCsbpqOeR8w/s1600/PressDesignsNAD+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn6KQK5pSJXQYxWwjg5M-Xo-FrQCfkvG4QTbskEVmf6m0sC7fpi5L9mIAv0g2-s6w6JOia9fXOSGnlSM8LlLq4Xc9cs3Dz4W5-O57MisAg08xLyJ3c0FZXtlhGGqVVmNXwCsbpqOeR8w/s640/PressDesignsNAD+FB.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please Join Us</td></tr>
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After 3 years in Kuwait, the time for me to leave is coming soon. I am doing one more showing of my artwork before I leave for the summer. Please join me & my friend Sylvette Moujaes, Product Development Manager of <a href="https://www.pressdesigns.net/store/">Press Designs</a>, for a coffee & showing of our work on June 5 9am - 12pm in Salmyia. Sylvette will have new stationary items in her Press Designs line. I love her products - they make perfect gifts from Kuwait. There are designs inspired by Kuwait & everything is made here in Kuwait by recycled/repurposed materials from their sister company. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pressdesigns.net/">Press Designs</a></td></tr>
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I'll have my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kateveeme/sets/72157594504852991/">vintage inspired jewelry</a>, new <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kateveeme/sets/72157626173275338/">mixed media canvases</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.376633692386192.80493.158907094158854&type=1">limited edition photographs</a> I have taken during my time here in Kuwait. It's the first time I'll be selling my photographs in a public forum. I'm wondering why it took me so long to have them printed in larger scale & matted. I'm quite happy with the final product.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG76VVMhxyfYNI742ED6fEB7R2EQNiaAPmqCUks_3DfIt_1FSHcJmWGb1lxbkQi6M4vSY-AQr2nqeumPI71BV9MCAIO2R3buIrJ9pCup3woVtQs7NboeTO0epmDsAH89VejUWq_POZEI/s1600/5June+CoffeeAd+EDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG76VVMhxyfYNI742ED6fEB7R2EQNiaAPmqCUks_3DfIt_1FSHcJmWGb1lxbkQi6M4vSY-AQr2nqeumPI71BV9MCAIO2R3buIrJ9pCup3woVtQs7NboeTO0epmDsAH89VejUWq_POZEI/s400/5June+CoffeeAd+EDIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KateVeeMe">Nerissa Alford Designs</a></td></tr>
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I hope you will join us on Tuesday for some coffee, finger foods & good company. </div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-82582537305205604072012-05-30T14:43:00.002+03:002012-06-02T09:06:57.309+03:00It's Been Awhile...<br />
but I've been keeping busy. I've been running around like a crazy woman, but I wouldn't have it any other way. <br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqekCIZT3TkFBeBhk5rniXjRm8vI0N4XUnIPGgCD9nrO4Z1OT4OX6UU64iYREEQBv8cNXhi92HcHH5bBH3eqVtvpWdvKcy0-juXFRypRAYyzSGq0tChBAn1X-HcY2sIgu9uCgTOi19xLI/s1600/30May+Canvases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqekCIZT3TkFBeBhk5rniXjRm8vI0N4XUnIPGgCD9nrO4Z1OT4OX6UU64iYREEQBv8cNXhi92HcHH5bBH3eqVtvpWdvKcy0-juXFRypRAYyzSGq0tChBAn1X-HcY2sIgu9uCgTOi19xLI/s400/30May+Canvases.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I took an art day & finished a few canvases. These backgrounds have been waiting to be used.</td></tr>
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We are on countdown mode for our time here in Kuwait. It's been an amazing 3 years here - funny <a href="http://creativerantsfromnerissa.blogspot.com/2008/11/please-come-join-me-in-this-crazy-life.html">when we got the assignment</a> all I could think of was "it's only 2 years - just get through it". To say this assignment was life changing is no understatement. My kids have experienced more than some do in a lifetime. They will probably be some of the most well adjusted adults when they get older - heck, sometimes they handle things better than I do now. My husband has gone above & beyond contributing to the mission here. I am so proud of him! Me, I've found many sides of me I didn't know existed. I've had the chance to wear lots of hats here - some I've worn with more grace than others, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. <br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9-dqr77U2YZjylAH-VW1A6YoOl2hsYllLpq0LMBscHeABQXamHcgP0vmTBfwvPohIM4zmrtNum4qttsp3ngCqDRkZOLuWNexV_Lkn-cDcmXztEN1kgun2G2CvTPpz-S0UJQj5Toqvbw/s1600/6576586141_68fd9927d0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9-dqr77U2YZjylAH-VW1A6YoOl2hsYllLpq0LMBscHeABQXamHcgP0vmTBfwvPohIM4zmrtNum4qttsp3ngCqDRkZOLuWNexV_Lkn-cDcmXztEN1kgun2G2CvTPpz-S0UJQj5Toqvbw/s400/6576586141_68fd9927d0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">One of my favorite shots in Kuwait. This is a mosque tower taken at the Radisson. To me this photograph represents my time here in Kuwait. It's titled <i><b>Friendship. </b></i></td></tr>
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The hardest part of this life is having to say goodbye to friends. I've made life long friendships & it will be hard knowing I won't just run into them at our next function. Up next, a visit to the states for me & the mini-men then off to our next adventure in Turkey!<br />
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<b>For those Wondering</b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCep996Lfk4ZxRI1-A7J0L7Fo9NkzJitWdrfZ2IzfN4sbkDSPmrYS-lU5kRiSWL8drYtk2SIlbzp6QLLPoovdG114C2ti5YSfpiPlhvTB6XKvMBRp4mZBVhWVvI3eJwADTo0E1EB2HAA/s1600/OWH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCep996Lfk4ZxRI1-A7J0L7Fo9NkzJitWdrfZ2IzfN4sbkDSPmrYS-lU5kRiSWL8drYtk2SIlbzp6QLLPoovdG114C2ti5YSfpiPlhvTB6XKvMBRp4mZBVhWVvI3eJwADTo0E1EB2HAA/s320/OWH.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>I FINISHED</b> and I've finished a 10k since then & I'm signed up for my next half marathon. Yep, it's been too long since I've blogged. </td></tr>
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</div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-20114997282378078372012-02-25T16:19:00.003+03:002012-02-25T16:19:57.381+03:00Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-66763041666657846742012-02-21T16:25:00.000+03:002012-02-21T16:56:45.594+03:00Ready<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb91DwUdpjsYLgtSaohjxTZeOeJIOsl37PQww-pF_8mm58VUYJjFsfi1qrM_NKxUqG0WtyubhXV7dYVvrBmGBdENX8zPBPriavR2VDytOaAOGfehC73ybxGyBRUvCa6lcYedBpRim2qlA/s1600/20Feb-Run4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb91DwUdpjsYLgtSaohjxTZeOeJIOsl37PQww-pF_8mm58VUYJjFsfi1qrM_NKxUqG0WtyubhXV7dYVvrBmGBdENX8zPBPriavR2VDytOaAOGfehC73ybxGyBRUvCa6lcYedBpRim2qlA/s400/20Feb-Run4.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in love with this shot - thank goodness for the iPhone - tunes & pics</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect run weather yesterday.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAQq6q2bsxaVIw7DBKUA1giFiNtCIjKzjh_PgBLHjntVOIh-d7hJLeyVcFPvG91DQIZFM1oSHNfv9edCfUsc8rXwRG0dtrd3z-e0D2biA7XZfot8cFUz3HhGSfOCum8C8D6Iwh76cdo/s1600/20Feb-Run6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmAQq6q2bsxaVIw7DBKUA1giFiNtCIjKzjh_PgBLHjntVOIh-d7hJLeyVcFPvG91DQIZFM1oSHNfv9edCfUsc8rXwRG0dtrd3z-e0D2biA7XZfot8cFUz3HhGSfOCum8C8D6Iwh76cdo/s320/20Feb-Run6.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64-rrlAlFqLreVSwz2ajoZDcWMgIc3pDwAidVESFCniLjuR87lTaSipx3KDLj7pl9jKMUvwkEZYW32jZKo_F2uazbF5Ek3QXknrsYGwAGQdHMu02gpEhJ0Tu66MeB7aTmaUbBN_enu0g/s1600/20Feb-Run2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64-rrlAlFqLreVSwz2ajoZDcWMgIc3pDwAidVESFCniLjuR87lTaSipx3KDLj7pl9jKMUvwkEZYW32jZKo_F2uazbF5Ek3QXknrsYGwAGQdHMu02gpEhJ0Tu66MeB7aTmaUbBN_enu0g/s320/20Feb-Run2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL3JvGaNbWceZu1nJunl2iJkwntMoYq2MqQrPD2lDiieTH7OInY8BWu6zPNps6oo04LPaDyOvjjtAYLeAr5D_Zvl8_-ayI_YwcXzIdOcG0SVjM3BYo2TLl-bBcPdTM-mOg3AuNdfEdOg/s1600/2012PrincessMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL3JvGaNbWceZu1nJunl2iJkwntMoYq2MqQrPD2lDiieTH7OInY8BWu6zPNps6oo04LPaDyOvjjtAYLeAr5D_Zvl8_-ayI_YwcXzIdOcG0SVjM3BYo2TLl-bBcPdTM-mOg3AuNdfEdOg/s320/2012PrincessMap.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The course. Quote: "It looks kinda long..." Haha, it is 13.1 miles!</td></tr>
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I had a perfect last long run yesterday. I've been dealing with jet lag, so it hasn't been a problem getting up to go run. I am lucky enough to call a few places home & yesterday I experience my childhood neighborhood with new eyes. I was never a runner (well, okay I ran track in grade school, but it was much shorter distances). It was a complete joy to run freely around the neighborhoods. The knee has been feeling strong & I have a few good runs under my belt. Hard to believe the race is 5 days away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrP6q1nAy_intwKVfyBsGkGZWvdn2lCh-pauvVxU0TbGvVbwCa1_FBRHeKx2brXKerzH_5VhgmlA7ZxIz6ry0Mve6DWaFN78tficunjK80k5sjCkaWsQZEOZPAxqCKspd0K9VBEeAnug/s1600/20Feb-Run7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrP6q1nAy_intwKVfyBsGkGZWvdn2lCh-pauvVxU0TbGvVbwCa1_FBRHeKx2brXKerzH_5VhgmlA7ZxIz6ry0Mve6DWaFN78tficunjK80k5sjCkaWsQZEOZPAxqCKspd0K9VBEeAnug/s320/20Feb-Run7.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHwRVzaHwRc_tAiYmqjYoUVFjAAGeTtTHLowuFuMFYCc7ywlmKwMLJ7jrP9cF5HFoJUIyW10-a-dsHQyDbpQQAFJuPsP20m3bVTWxtpqdWTY4vAZqKOYyBd7qB_75l64pAGTmUX49Z7o/s1600/20Feb-Run5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHwRVzaHwRc_tAiYmqjYoUVFjAAGeTtTHLowuFuMFYCc7ywlmKwMLJ7jrP9cF5HFoJUIyW10-a-dsHQyDbpQQAFJuPsP20m3bVTWxtpqdWTY4vAZqKOYyBd7qB_75l64pAGTmUX49Z7o/s320/20Feb-Run5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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</div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-24199576772166494862012-02-06T17:25:00.001+03:002012-02-06T17:25:54.617+03:00When You Wish...<div style="text-align: center;">
upon a star</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxXqUamM_VjceGs2hIxdbv-c1f9XU-RyQ46XVGXYilTJ3B7CxPq13SUd8jjB11lhZCUnig0dNswlI956nt3x2a_t1Xi5KQDAAllerRvSboj_VK0Sza3HFnhVxsvBLrvKQLEXjzbp9qco/s1600/DisneyCastle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxXqUamM_VjceGs2hIxdbv-c1f9XU-RyQ46XVGXYilTJ3B7CxPq13SUd8jjB11lhZCUnig0dNswlI956nt3x2a_t1Xi5KQDAAllerRvSboj_VK0Sza3HFnhVxsvBLrvKQLEXjzbp9qco/s400/DisneyCastle1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FH_MdD9CG21v6uEPIzKG-oGMAuKNpWG4oEv2DUyLpmAS9eeAVjGYLlWGDdwXtQ2nVfCxwSCI9ajtevukB4RND7_u_lHPUwYYa2OaE2uIzGEzIvFV5Me2m4ZNRVLCM8-4D_ibioiOFFE/s1600/DisneyCastle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FH_MdD9CG21v6uEPIzKG-oGMAuKNpWG4oEv2DUyLpmAS9eeAVjGYLlWGDdwXtQ2nVfCxwSCI9ajtevukB4RND7_u_lHPUwYYa2OaE2uIzGEzIvFV5Me2m4ZNRVLCM8-4D_ibioiOFFE/s320/DisneyCastle3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cannot wait for our trip to the states. While in Florida we'll be visiting that <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/">magical place</a> & I'll hopefully be running my first <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/princess-half-marathon">half marathon</a>. I have <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/patellar-tendinitis/DS00625">patellar tendinits</a> "jumper's knee" & hope it will heal in time to allow me to run. Training for this marathon has been quite a journey for me. Every weekend I completed a long run I would be so amazed that I did it. I have not been a runner for quite some time (think grade school). My short runs are 2-3 miles & I've run as far as 8 which is my personal best. I can't believe that I'm a runner!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uBoR0nm1KU53ZEb0GeXY7r2pesz0juRY55FolXVlFeGUqfsr_qkgR411azkXypbFV3yfBlbK5qJYuvEhyphenhyphenucwx1TbLs_sdK4iEZSNvfzr6CZ2Nks-pj3WvLDL91qQCNV4EvC0pJb9D_U/s1600/DisneyCastle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uBoR0nm1KU53ZEb0GeXY7r2pesz0juRY55FolXVlFeGUqfsr_qkgR411azkXypbFV3yfBlbK5qJYuvEhyphenhyphenucwx1TbLs_sdK4iEZSNvfzr6CZ2Nks-pj3WvLDL91qQCNV4EvC0pJb9D_U/s320/DisneyCastle2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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So for now, I'll sit & wait. I've trained enough that I know I can finish 13.1 miles & finish in the allotted time. It is so huge that I actually <i>believe</i> I can do it. That <a href="http://runningwhilechunky.blogspot.com/2011/03/race-was-fun-til-we-met-men-with-guns.html">Bus of Shame</a> has been such a motivator to keep me training & hopefully it will be behind me.</div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-59190788586009875722012-01-12T09:49:00.002+03:002012-01-12T09:49:56.143+03:00New Year & a Clean Slate<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet, Verdana, san-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Breathe, Love, Share </b>Digital Journaling<br />Currently a student in Jessica Sprague & Nancie Rowe Janitz's <a href="http://www.jessicasprague.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.tabs.tpl&product_id=1807&category_id=70&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=366">Digital Art Journaling </a></span></span></td></tr>
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It's been forever & a day since I've posted. I have a list a mile long of posts that I never got to. I've decided to forgive myself & Let It Go! Sometimes I wonder if blogging is the correct vehicle for me. I spent so much time & energy on the minutia of protecting my work via digital editing - scaling the photos down, putting a watermark... Sometimes it took away the joy of posting & sharing. Since we're so far away from loved ones, I posted all the time on FB, which also has potential issues, but still not to the extent of how often I'd love to share my work. I guess I'm going to have to figure this out!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvyKWoG2gJaed76VxPgYz2WK-jnj7NZsOdV_6WdkkYBxJFLCAVIOkQC-zOuLHQE8QCUiqRudV-6qvNmSghhhnPjH3u85kvDpVPfbTDQT-TP9LyF1zCCNL_09orhpM1QOaZztZwsgQwzA/s1600/DoodlesUnleased1_WIP_WebSz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvyKWoG2gJaed76VxPgYz2WK-jnj7NZsOdV_6WdkkYBxJFLCAVIOkQC-zOuLHQE8QCUiqRudV-6qvNmSghhhnPjH3u85kvDpVPfbTDQT-TP9LyF1zCCNL_09orhpM1QOaZztZwsgQwzA/s400/DoodlesUnleased1_WIP_WebSz" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP Background in Traci Bautista's <a href="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html">Doodles Unleashed Class</a><br />FYI, it's a FREE class & Traci is Awesome!<br />Acrylic paints, india ink on 8x10 canvas board</td></tr>
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I am currently taking a few classes on-line. I need to learn to pace myself. There have been a few times I've gotten in a pickle & not finished a class. Ha ha, something else to add to "the list" - I don't do resolutions, more goal setting if you will. I stumbled upon <a href="http://michelleward.typepad.com/michelleward/art/">Michelle Ward's</a> current crusade - <a href="http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/2012/01/crusade-no-59-make-a-ta-da-list.html">Make a Tada list</a>. I am so on that & hopefully it gets posted as another Jan blog post & not a few months down. </div>
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I promise to not be a stranger on my own blog!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtK21zizjUsnQkTSwJMxx7NjYrSiSEhUKPTyvjD-dNrO0t2gw793PzYtxx13TaNZq1-JjJdFL-9q8R83wxdKsBkmYdrA0V-fSO1SBQP6v3kMukV6cHOA4qGyeGowTuNc8hLzGqQAw9u4/s1600/NewYearClouds_WebSz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtK21zizjUsnQkTSwJMxx7NjYrSiSEhUKPTyvjD-dNrO0t2gw793PzYtxx13TaNZq1-JjJdFL-9q8R83wxdKsBkmYdrA0V-fSO1SBQP6v3kMukV6cHOA4qGyeGowTuNc8hLzGqQAw9u4/s400/NewYearClouds_WebSz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year! This was Kuwait on New Year's Day</td></tr>
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<br />Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-49326249353630454222011-11-04T23:30:00.001+03:002011-11-04T23:31:25.980+03:00Love & Lucky 13I had a bizzar last week full up life's ups & downs. I never posted this & I want to, so better late than never!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-mBfaDqMxNeoFL2UrVgMYhuVLlHqePU-H5knYlmKdCzIX03AowMHeMPI8aPMbIkPrmyWaa34OAKBid7rI1WxvoaqHajPh3qNxtjqSd6z1c0tJLZAKnFknnwnmzbZRei7CXD8RxPgN_g/s1600/WeddingPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-mBfaDqMxNeoFL2UrVgMYhuVLlHqePU-H5knYlmKdCzIX03AowMHeMPI8aPMbIkPrmyWaa34OAKBid7rI1WxvoaqHajPh3qNxtjqSd6z1c0tJLZAKnFknnwnmzbZRei7CXD8RxPgN_g/s400/WeddingPic.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
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13 years ago I married the love of my life. I always talk about fate & God & how we were meant to be. After graduating from college I picked up & moved to Mobile, AL for a new job & life. I didn't know a soul. I even laugh now because the job I turned down was a buying job in Miami, FL. Anyone who knew me back then would have pegged me for the Miami job. But 13 years, 2 boys, 2 dogs 7 states & 2 countries later I love you as much now as I did when it all began. Thanks to my hubby I never turned out to be a broke bitter single gal with a bunch of designer shoes chewed up by my untrained dog. I love you sweetheart!Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-68908430830660224532011-10-31T21:26:00.000+03:002011-10-31T21:26:23.983+03:00Join Us at the Trashion Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgKCBT5bALZb3KJkkimcPn66pBytaIFME4ne7rNGSCE-aVz1HYhfDSN6G6Cq9q-ZQrtx3qK1y-ddPsjjnHWTMwHOe4_yeAWzgmIuTWlvOjf8oLP-NWxbTwMIy7rDIVOMDCxQcyBFO0Q8/s1600/flyer_last+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgKCBT5bALZb3KJkkimcPn66pBytaIFME4ne7rNGSCE-aVz1HYhfDSN6G6Cq9q-ZQrtx3qK1y-ddPsjjnHWTMwHOe4_yeAWzgmIuTWlvOjf8oLP-NWxbTwMIy7rDIVOMDCxQcyBFO0Q8/s400/flyer_last+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last year I attended this show as a judge, spectator & whatever else they needed me for. I'm happy to say the 2nd annual Trashion Show will be tomorrow night at the Holiday Inn Salymia. All proceeds benefit women in need here in Kuwait.</div>
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I'll be working with Trash to Treasure again this year as a photographer. I have not had any sort of sneak peek of the work & cannot wait to see it. My volunteer work has been more behind the scenes & unfortunately has been placed on the back burner of late date. I hope to one day be as involved as I used to.</div>
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The pictures that follow are from last year's event. The last photo is of my good friend Cheryl Spessert. She was one of the visionaries that began Trash to Treasure. She is no longer in Kuwait but she will be at the event in spirit. </div>
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Come out & see the show Tuesday November 1st at the Holiday Inn Salymia at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door. </div>
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<br /></div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-28601249853984057732011-09-19T17:03:00.001+03:002011-09-19T17:03:16.274+03:00Perspective Series: Looking UpI've been on a photography roll lately. I wanted to do a series of posts on perspectives. My favorite challenge of photography is finding that perspective that tells the story you may not see right away. The first one is looking up... <br />
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All these photos were taken in Athens last year. I did not post many photos from our trip & really should have. I have some beautiful shots - not to mention silly ones of the boys. They were bored to death of all the "old stuff". (Note: the photos without captions are because I can't find my notes on the names of the actual places. Sad!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBB_hBYig1mUrIf2oXyECGJRmNVwUv_y1hrS_g43bwM88-IA2jesgC_4kxPYLCfVjvLEJevFwoSZVRKbS5gi2VLJX5F7kUzBkfCIr562BcwCy1fALyJCRDMcM0P0kHkdXvQFi-_IPC0A/s1600/DSC_0784b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBB_hBYig1mUrIf2oXyECGJRmNVwUv_y1hrS_g43bwM88-IA2jesgC_4kxPYLCfVjvLEJevFwoSZVRKbS5gi2VLJX5F7kUzBkfCIr562BcwCy1fALyJCRDMcM0P0kHkdXvQFi-_IPC0A/s400/DSC_0784b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropolis_of_Athens">Acropolis</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X6r7NNvS4Tz7IubdWPpn9BOuk2xiS10nF7TkffwalkMVSgYJT9hNtcOjS7xamZVgy0HPgLwrBVW9sz9K2w-gmgy3Lh6Qc5XWBWpmyCLnIBBnDUdvqffstOpw-es7FITnX4WhfwJFukI/s1600/DSC_0787b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X6r7NNvS4Tz7IubdWPpn9BOuk2xiS10nF7TkffwalkMVSgYJT9hNtcOjS7xamZVgy0HPgLwrBVW9sz9K2w-gmgy3Lh6Qc5XWBWpmyCLnIBBnDUdvqffstOpw-es7FITnX4WhfwJFukI/s400/DSC_0787b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> My favorite shot of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropolis_of_Athens">Acropolis</a> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwean-av3G8915HyvFEKgwjFHaDcEcKfGL77f_i3kr3pm4TAEsnWu8R6GXu9RuLx1I9Y2ZLZUTWyS5purBPDHRTvxu5wTP2WfEd2J8quAWxRwzj8b1jNgCy_EGEJa6Biinj_aryK1DL4/s1600/DSC_0789b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwean-av3G8915HyvFEKgwjFHaDcEcKfGL77f_i3kr3pm4TAEsnWu8R6GXu9RuLx1I9Y2ZLZUTWyS5purBPDHRTvxu5wTP2WfEd2J8quAWxRwzj8b1jNgCy_EGEJa6Biinj_aryK1DL4/s400/DSC_0789b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj089QLiM-FrjTrUACC1O8XfJTTAkx-lWvrlxxjXY86Ue_ULYiQVTCqaa4LuLE-Ai4eUOK_PVWciBJDhXoKN8os_k0ABI5iKIXEa3ddK1acP8Tf1PaeIZpk-3HNsLyZvggiYG2bfpJaa0c/s1600/DSC_0811b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj089QLiM-FrjTrUACC1O8XfJTTAkx-lWvrlxxjXY86Ue_ULYiQVTCqaa4LuLE-Ai4eUOK_PVWciBJDhXoKN8os_k0ABI5iKIXEa3ddK1acP8Tf1PaeIZpk-3HNsLyZvggiYG2bfpJaa0c/s320/DSC_0811b.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis - notice the scaffolding on the side - there was some major work going on while we were there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYvAW_KH072M78M74lhgDl82f4OycN8YeTSTA0n37TnzoSJ9mgyYt5IqBlZ68FQCMITcVzO0BpSm-dxSY7PjxyOUDPSM4CeO-WNh_lv1ZgV6pVE7Ac5oTPvgB2ZBYHKYbfmVRpDeC6bo/s1600/DSC_0815b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYvAW_KH072M78M74lhgDl82f4OycN8YeTSTA0n37TnzoSJ9mgyYt5IqBlZ68FQCMITcVzO0BpSm-dxSY7PjxyOUDPSM4CeO-WNh_lv1ZgV6pVE7Ac5oTPvgB2ZBYHKYbfmVRpDeC6bo/s400/DSC_0815b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis</td></tr>
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I have a fascination with looking up & shooting a picture. What do you see when you look up?</div>
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I'll have more pictures "looking up" in Kuwait.</div>
Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-8192328055885256152011-09-17T10:35:00.000+03:002011-09-17T10:38:16.984+03:00Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGAbZ7SvyfHf4GKQJb6RUsL__OW3EX55DR6LwMnN2j7jzu-Cd0O9SGTGC8CAHVYuwnYu85UOxrPGS1gfahHM04ZISAsYlGRzst0g0JGvJUlADCbCrCDgh8YvjzZETUToWCaeoAx0QisU/s1600/Blue1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGAbZ7SvyfHf4GKQJb6RUsL__OW3EX55DR6LwMnN2j7jzu-Cd0O9SGTGC8CAHVYuwnYu85UOxrPGS1gfahHM04ZISAsYlGRzst0g0JGvJUlADCbCrCDgh8YvjzZETUToWCaeoAx0QisU/s400/Blue1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Flower Doodles </i>WIP 8x10 canvas panel - ink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2BwyVyf2PT4vzWtHQOd_ELH0J03qwZ7pZ6Be-af4_i6cLj18wA87CRo_EeZARF_6JEhErC3Az-NjUatHXXKVc-Jfh_HY0BUxbTwAT4ZQKsYgqvp12sMcmc8m-rxYD5rISMH6bgt4Juk/s1600/Blue3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2BwyVyf2PT4vzWtHQOd_ELH0J03qwZ7pZ6Be-af4_i6cLj18wA87CRo_EeZARF_6JEhErC3Az-NjUatHXXKVc-Jfh_HY0BUxbTwAT4ZQKsYgqvp12sMcmc8m-rxYD5rISMH6bgt4Juk/s320/Blue3.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP crochet necklace with Czech firepolish beads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJJx0-I7j6azzwbuZYi8UneyXlx_hxyAkQ6xSFTFPLImX91SAih22KHByLJbOpmfjEjP5PbrddxlvzYRHK96AJNMiXf52U-WeImvyXl9TpBZlvidRZ6ll3CJMNyrehVofCH_ilzncT_4/s1600/Blue5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJJx0-I7j6azzwbuZYi8UneyXlx_hxyAkQ6xSFTFPLImX91SAih22KHByLJbOpmfjEjP5PbrddxlvzYRHK96AJNMiXf52U-WeImvyXl9TpBZlvidRZ6ll3CJMNyrehVofCH_ilzncT_4/s320/Blue5.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Blue </i></b>WIP 3x12 gallery canvas - acrylics</td></tr>
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I've been thinking a lot lately. There has got to be an end to these feelings. 3 1/2 months of emotions due to all the change came piling on me this week. I feel like I'm at a crossroads - roll up in a ball & disappear or take the bull by the horns & run. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Flower Doodles </i>WIP detail</td></tr>
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Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-31442555344926136682011-09-11T07:59:00.001+03:002011-09-11T07:59:44.834+03:00We Remember<div style="text-align: center;">
I had a discussion with my children this morning about the somberness of today. I got goosebumps just speaking with them about September 11, 2001. After I began the conversation, then I started having the questions of "how do I describe this to my 6 & 8 year olds?" (I probably should have thought that through first) The important part is that they know about the sacrifice many innocent people made that day for our country, the professionals in the first responder sectors that worked so hard to help others, and the sacrifice those that protect our country continue to make.</div>
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God Bless America</div>
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Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-3974552161070129032011-09-10T21:01:00.000+03:002011-09-10T21:01:48.310+03:00The Week in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last hurrah for summer! Did some last minute shoe shopping with my oldest son (lunch included) & lunch (again) near the Kuwait Towers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaNCogSZ_F8RUtYDLEjq2HLzJNDBf2-uk9YgXUhQ1u8fJs6QwhpU7cZ9uxbWa87DVp8uSs5GFA2QUrGDcWY_trv5ilN87Vf2kpm0RV7FJ1xcPgBR5S2n9aMzFI_6pFvpOV4Y2FNMzaI8/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaNCogSZ_F8RUtYDLEjq2HLzJNDBf2-uk9YgXUhQ1u8fJs6QwhpU7cZ9uxbWa87DVp8uSs5GFA2QUrGDcWY_trv5ilN87Vf2kpm0RV7FJ1xcPgBR5S2n9aMzFI_6pFvpOV4Y2FNMzaI8/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma cat is back! I've missed her. There have been a few sightings but Rick wouldn't pull over the car or loop around. Yes, I love this cat but this cat only!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZBQ_aLTE_v-A_c4Fd6xu8rGFXRt7IBezSpNJnbtscyBC_PUdopVDEv0ljMEJpYi1q_0IQjdzNnZ9x_G_MknbElOFv0phuh9skk0JsI0mXrxAYHp8SUhmDCjGvKjoxANaVeRj-H0KlHo/s1600/IMG_0689_B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZBQ_aLTE_v-A_c4Fd6xu8rGFXRt7IBezSpNJnbtscyBC_PUdopVDEv0ljMEJpYi1q_0IQjdzNnZ9x_G_MknbElOFv0phuh9skk0JsI0mXrxAYHp8SUhmDCjGvKjoxANaVeRj-H0KlHo/s320/IMG_0689_B.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Byzantine Queen earring kit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt03chTpfV9ycll_NNVlrrgLrfrXIHVxSuIvJ5RUk1LruKTO0m1vpuz7mlODbvZTNieqzCIiBZqHmNkFo8OHEKdYGqNiD1KvZctTVn7YQFdL-dVhUkL_wGNC706nnZTkzqGINLXq_alo/s1600/ByzantineQueen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt03chTpfV9ycll_NNVlrrgLrfrXIHVxSuIvJ5RUk1LruKTO0m1vpuz7mlODbvZTNieqzCIiBZqHmNkFo8OHEKdYGqNiD1KvZctTVn7YQFdL-dVhUkL_wGNC706nnZTkzqGINLXq_alo/s400/ByzantineQueen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to <a href="http://lbojzazz.blogspot.com/">LB o'Jzazz</a> for the terrific class. The fruits of our labor. A class picture after finishing our first earring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OrganicaFishChips">Organica</a> - again. Picked by Josh. Yummy fresh lemonade!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzMooTrEOV_2m7GaphdP8sXl4eR5mt9CrHWkm0f6vd2BzV7hIMdr8F12z-5yt0xcuZ3OTTrcSmS3WnN_8zaUj-k5j27ZvkeuQ0xloo6GNqm_aVKHroAbK8IoIwZh-2qa77IrQOLzEuqQ/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzMooTrEOV_2m7GaphdP8sXl4eR5mt9CrHWkm0f6vd2BzV7hIMdr8F12z-5yt0xcuZ3OTTrcSmS3WnN_8zaUj-k5j27ZvkeuQ0xloo6GNqm_aVKHroAbK8IoIwZh-2qa77IrQOLzEuqQ/s320/IMG_0697.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can they be any cuter? The Force Luke, the Force. Thanks to our friends for the Jedi capes - now a necessity to play Star Wars Lego on the Wii.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEquRPgZsTKtVrrOVR5oyA0Mqvkxc_l0Y_9czhnMLQinNbU_TqIP3EidwsR4UHQ7GEx4_l8aYdbi9pVJs7lo7osSvJ1laG05DzczkE_r0xW_pKylFD7z51oJwHjOYR_XaCeq6FmMvYO8/s1600/IMG_0677_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEquRPgZsTKtVrrOVR5oyA0Mqvkxc_l0Y_9czhnMLQinNbU_TqIP3EidwsR4UHQ7GEx4_l8aYdbi9pVJs7lo7osSvJ1laG05DzczkE_r0xW_pKylFD7z51oJwHjOYR_XaCeq6FmMvYO8/s320/IMG_0677_edit.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The training continues. I had a bit of a rocky patch with a sick bout. I was off the treadmill for a week & a half. I'm back on the program & have recently accomplished a personal best. 3 continuous miles under 45 minutes. That is blazing for me! I used to run 18 minute miles & now I'm hanging out in the 14 minute mark.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4X9sttN8F-58ROj_N4gQ2XhOwAxf97R25RvlA8sLMFckg-ZiKylDOPpdcY5q6pgV1Nnk8T3MZAOGky0QZkPW0nXGCP55QWsK9IWgBEnOcrLO9xJUnr1WZ_-34oPHIGkpoWuW9VTwjlQ/s1600/IMG_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4X9sttN8F-58ROj_N4gQ2XhOwAxf97R25RvlA8sLMFckg-ZiKylDOPpdcY5q6pgV1Nnk8T3MZAOGky0QZkPW0nXGCP55QWsK9IWgBEnOcrLO9xJUnr1WZ_-34oPHIGkpoWuW9VTwjlQ/s320/IMG_0660.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it the shoes?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiipO3zVCqbPZF-B63rbbvTW6I_tG5ePe0pTeVGfwTH2qHG8nqaSvrdHEFB90I70-42lHhoin9WM-7WzOUudHHmoOgadk6oejFiyJ3bIwTObflHtp0xCE7TSAVsQAVs2g9B53KS-dfjw/s1600/PileOGreenStuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiipO3zVCqbPZF-B63rbbvTW6I_tG5ePe0pTeVGfwTH2qHG8nqaSvrdHEFB90I70-42lHhoin9WM-7WzOUudHHmoOgadk6oejFiyJ3bIwTObflHtp0xCE7TSAVsQAVs2g9B53KS-dfjw/s400/PileOGreenStuff.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this you ask? I call it the Pile O' Green. This is the pile of herbs & leaves I must maneuver every week when I go grocery shopping. The weekly questions include: "Is there any cilantro here?" "Which one is spinach?" and "Did I just buy parsley 3 ways?"</td></tr>
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Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-47885841582819706182011-09-01T11:59:00.001+03:002011-09-01T12:04:35.021+03:00but I'm not a painter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1D8fUuJPM7IwJTqHEkFAvi8uasdy8TNN_T-lT8mVsLVMxoEmWw2GkuOa6hOk2oWCpOAvaJpFNFEVa6PkyA7GbT5Sfz60tnTj1EWiae4h99YozbiIqNGjqOfazsxUqVu4GKFqdI8DQ0M/s1600/BelieveB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1D8fUuJPM7IwJTqHEkFAvi8uasdy8TNN_T-lT8mVsLVMxoEmWw2GkuOa6hOk2oWCpOAvaJpFNFEVa6PkyA7GbT5Sfz60tnTj1EWiae4h99YozbiIqNGjqOfazsxUqVu4GKFqdI8DQ0M/s400/BelieveB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Believe </b></i>4x6 flat canvas panel - acrylic & ink</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I just gotta laugh. I get all up in arms about others setting my boundaries, preconceived notions, prejudgement... yet I do it to myself all the time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me to my card making group "but I don't really make cards". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtPNVtlr7xyxZZaCnvMCNtdu3AOhXzSb3hJWqw9hDtCQ_cGlJNrjPIC4RizuaR3eE2XZhL4fL0idhzTQqiBGId49SBE0OpuSHZOlW0yv7pOs-8V7vED2gzbL7HtBYr_yzt2oVB7y_s2Y/s1600/Vogue+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtPNVtlr7xyxZZaCnvMCNtdu3AOhXzSb3hJWqw9hDtCQ_cGlJNrjPIC4RizuaR3eE2XZhL4fL0idhzTQqiBGId49SBE0OpuSHZOlW0yv7pOs-8V7vED2gzbL7HtBYr_yzt2oVB7y_s2Y/s320/Vogue+B.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Vogue </b></i>4x6 card various decorative papers, German foil, stickers & <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/phenomenon1859">vintage Vogue cover</a>. The fleur de lis & crown transfer are also digital clip art I printed but the seller is no longer on-line.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me to, not 1 but 2, beading groups "I'm not really a bead weaver or seed beader". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEHNipIvBGyZ4V-CcnFfsjioyeDBSyg3WZsG9aaw-9FHbSyPh6qxJ5QNRDes4E-V5gWOuyyHT9M_L_p33dSsaNzkoijRijMWQktI_4of-bp4Fp9C4RvqzU1LjEf_z3bBPZ_7hHrt7U_Q/s1600/LBoJazz+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEHNipIvBGyZ4V-CcnFfsjioyeDBSyg3WZsG9aaw-9FHbSyPh6qxJ5QNRDes4E-V5gWOuyyHT9M_L_p33dSsaNzkoijRijMWQktI_4of-bp4Fp9C4RvqzU1LjEf_z3bBPZ_7hHrt7U_Q/s400/LBoJazz+work.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All classes taken from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/118294741555439/">LB o'Jazz</a>. Peyote <br />
Ring Squared, Luscious Lariat, Arabesque Earrings</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Me to myself for most of my life "but I'm not really an artist". So down comes, "but I'm not really a painter".</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGvJ_-TEttRBIaLnDdm4qddnjV5BU5ZXCji1fKsEQqgp4Dk7ORgGGSqYUj1sEwMtF36_m2d1al9XMdeYreDY2PNE1hXgS0TIE54DUlbB9U_vlhuQKUgY80Q7SUFXSO3T8hvUi1QYC3io/s1600/DreamB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGvJ_-TEttRBIaLnDdm4qddnjV5BU5ZXCji1fKsEQqgp4Dk7ORgGGSqYUj1sEwMtF36_m2d1al9XMdeYreDY2PNE1hXgS0TIE54DUlbB9U_vlhuQKUgY80Q7SUFXSO3T8hvUi1QYC3io/s400/DreamB.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>dream </b></i>WIP 8x10 flat canvas panel - acrylic & ink</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to wonderful classes I have been able to take on-line by <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/workshops.html">Christy Tomlinson</a> & <a href="http://treicdesigns.com/playworkshops/onlineworkshops.html">Traci Bautista.</a> I have learned how to become comfortable working on canvas. At this point, it's more than comfort, it's forever love. I'm at the point that I will probably never stop working on canvas. More & more I've become more comfortable using less paper. Don't get me wrong, I still have a strong love for paper, but I've been going a bit out of my comfort zone. I've found a style with ink & acrylics using quotes & words. </div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-30073257725289808552011-08-30T22:27:00.000+03:002011-08-30T22:27:53.724+03:00the week in pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSodTQVEew6sdn1qW6gabrS3P0QeFx5KovDCctvl6LTpqdpOLlUp-djJ0uLeS7ndCnPzxFZRdSbvs20gS3cV2eRZH8DiWbh4PEjRrUyHZVWr38bLC448Af5tfKChOTcPe8DTymDoV2Tsw/s1600/Chihuly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSodTQVEew6sdn1qW6gabrS3P0QeFx5KovDCctvl6LTpqdpOLlUp-djJ0uLeS7ndCnPzxFZRdSbvs20gS3cV2eRZH8DiWbh4PEjRrUyHZVWr38bLC448Af5tfKChOTcPe8DTymDoV2Tsw/s320/Chihuly.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">had to go see the Chihuly myself - still up & mostly intact, thank goodness!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VAe99_PzVYx7U9iPrMmnoZwUIBX0peOernyxzgWgI94AgkKbUD_5MY5C3CvTfcKD0BrjqfET0uWxmQ33SM70E34OqLM2EfCcumMxxQ79XXdPC3cFY1NRlSR1FMfs-p3PuX6AsE_Npro/s1600/KidsArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VAe99_PzVYx7U9iPrMmnoZwUIBX0peOernyxzgWgI94AgkKbUD_5MY5C3CvTfcKD0BrjqfET0uWxmQ33SM70E34OqLM2EfCcumMxxQ79XXdPC3cFY1NRlSR1FMfs-p3PuX6AsE_Npro/s320/KidsArt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">art time with my dudes - it was a fun afternoon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9jYECh7GKu9GUt8S8Y9FEbqyJFOnZHoC0Z9J4I1vL2e11p6cR-kFAM-N_7pxMMs25koTGRflf0ShckU15pM6EGv6MXoTb1W_8K4hHqHpI1QGajWeD6Lqxj5UCoAOPwnTu-xfbVNSK8A/s1600/ArtStudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9jYECh7GKu9GUt8S8Y9FEbqyJFOnZHoC0Z9J4I1vL2e11p6cR-kFAM-N_7pxMMs25koTGRflf0ShckU15pM6EGv6MXoTb1W_8K4hHqHpI1QGajWeD6Lqxj5UCoAOPwnTu-xfbVNSK8A/s320/ArtStudio.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some recycled silk sari strips hanging in my studio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RMPvaIvzncMSBiR5Jci_6tdO_XgKL5TOopN9UeH_Rsu3VzdWpR64996SHcTfPmf548_0otnCGRUQ0a_r_5x7GMSj9oqqkGm75E-nnAl_Cgx0H3JiL3t5qgAvb4sJnO0V5Lj5lfFy9rY/s1600/Fly2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RMPvaIvzncMSBiR5Jci_6tdO_XgKL5TOopN9UeH_Rsu3VzdWpR64996SHcTfPmf548_0otnCGRUQ0a_r_5x7GMSj9oqqkGm75E-nnAl_Cgx0H3JiL3t5qgAvb4sJnO0V5Lj5lfFy9rY/s320/Fly2B.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>fly </b></i>WIP 4x4 canvas panel - mixed media, acrylics, inks, vintage & new papers, rub ons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkGt1gc1tirGhlpeVO1UrRwKGzX1J1Iec3obMLXoVWdcRKt0bxux-rD1VJYpNIFylQhwB624nd9iHPc0m9-Md1uMJraKNS1XouZAXfndeYRPuQZS3OnDYfEnGVVpC2TEOHdLvv6oyJN8/s1600/FrozenYogurtOnIce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkGt1gc1tirGhlpeVO1UrRwKGzX1J1Iec3obMLXoVWdcRKt0bxux-rD1VJYpNIFylQhwB624nd9iHPc0m9-Md1uMJraKNS1XouZAXfndeYRPuQZS3OnDYfEnGVVpC2TEOHdLvv6oyJN8/s320/FrozenYogurtOnIce.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another "I am completely spoiled in this country" moment. Asked if my frozen yogurt was to go. Packed in a bag with a block of ice. I may never get this kind of service again!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dq1YKPODYDUciD1F-oI8usB6cMr0WeY1oIkmNUqhvHEuZL-TsXVTBx3nqyU331_vizbjC6jQDNx6bI8lqO_Me9o2h5YzRXYQlwC5HLLC0brjzAE9GLJ2bOEr0TbamDTlGNoMbogwWvI/s1600/NewArtSupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dq1YKPODYDUciD1F-oI8usB6cMr0WeY1oIkmNUqhvHEuZL-TsXVTBx3nqyU331_vizbjC6jQDNx6bI8lqO_Me9o2h5YzRXYQlwC5HLLC0brjzAE9GLJ2bOEr0TbamDTlGNoMbogwWvI/s320/NewArtSupplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New art supplies - perfect pearls sprays - iridescent & right up my alley! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y_bJFqFbj196oN08s4Jb0yix80PbWKkYKg_Rw_YIK4q44FURUCKrMT7NTJQiDi_vJ_zKuYt7E9s5mBNZgtq5YIcfEX8hkWWlXYRJh9k83GxKnOXrxa4UVJ3uIepO-FC5f7gBCiEdjGo/s1600/WIP+Jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y_bJFqFbj196oN08s4Jb0yix80PbWKkYKg_Rw_YIK4q44FURUCKrMT7NTJQiDi_vJ_zKuYt7E9s5mBNZgtq5YIcfEX8hkWWlXYRJh9k83GxKnOXrxa4UVJ3uIepO-FC5f7gBCiEdjGo/s320/WIP+Jewelry.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting up the bead crochet necklaces again. Love this color combo - she may be a keeper! how embarrassing that I have to reteach myself how to crochet. Perhaps I've stayed away too long.</td></tr>
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Technically these are photos from last week! I am completely falling in love with my iPhone. I have it with me all the time & I can always take pictures at a moments notice. I also love instagram - cute square photos, funky filters & "polaroid" frame - I look like a genius!Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-6966126282070591862011-08-21T11:25:00.000+03:002011-08-21T11:25:17.654+03:00Keeping Myself OccupiedMy hubby was traveling & I was lonely so I did some retail therapy. I bought myself into a new class <a href="http://kollaj.typepad.com/kollaj/2011/08/video-preview-inscribed-art-journaling-e-course.html">Inscribed</a> by the uber talented <a href="http://www.treicdesigns.com/">Traci Bautista</a>. Her book <a href="http://www.treicdesigns.com/dreamshop/booksdvd.html">Collage Unleashed</a> was one of the first mixed media books I purchased for my library. By the way, there is a new one coming out the first of the year, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440310890/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=treicdesigns-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=1440310890">Doodles Unleashed</a>, & I can't own this one soon enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwi_sATj2PQ1FGDowWyR2LSgeyZ4mbMOoD9-o4s8S0Xntb40bm33K1Vm5foQ8caCXSd6-1kFMAlQwBDQTlt-CN3xJFRy6yjfnW5CiVXLn3NAmdjDMOcLnwYPn5Mf0U_405JkWB60Y1aK8/s400/ColorInspiration_Sherbet.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inspiration board with color palette & damask pattern on <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/275643/Damask_Sherbet">Colourlovers</a><span id="goog_3224630"> My actual piece bottom left: 4x6 flat canvas panel </span><span id="goog_3224631"></span>WIP. Bottom right: another WIP 8x10 flat canvas panel</td></tr>
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The class is a art journaling workshop & I'm not much of a journaler. I keep notebooks & journals, but they are not pretty, artsy, fancy ones. I'm pretty much a list maker & that's what you'll see in the notebooks. I sketch a bit, but not very often, & when I do, it's normal pencil or black ink quick sketches. I was so drawn to this class by the preview video. I wanted to learn her techniques & transfer them to my canvas craze. It should be interesting to see where this takes me between <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/workshops.html">Christy's Classes</a> & Traci's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7HcM1OHRAfOC9n-6Ko2W5aA0KDFJ-190iBFOBynZ0WTglaM0QugSaEl243QhUQvO_3oM2UTebIDBLPh3JetgBQi93Kiyykl98i-o-BUoKTPB6GYiQirw7tJrMYgdh5ZvAsjPFuGn5r0/s1600/Sherbet_WIP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7HcM1OHRAfOC9n-6Ko2W5aA0KDFJ-190iBFOBynZ0WTglaM0QugSaEl243QhUQvO_3oM2UTebIDBLPh3JetgBQi93Kiyykl98i-o-BUoKTPB6GYiQirw7tJrMYgdh5ZvAsjPFuGn5r0/s320/Sherbet_WIP2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginnings of the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPdMwR3voR254zje9WO0fp6BTgiXaQbRZVvDYu5_b2Bcsn1dr0nBR1Rbc4I_98OzlL2KnM5QssDYbgPFbRvZzGiP5QzbffhEcs2-VwpTANFfF4tUvuxPoVUTch1hHfLdDoZviRGbW7C4/s1600/SherbetDetail_WIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPdMwR3voR254zje9WO0fp6BTgiXaQbRZVvDYu5_b2Bcsn1dr0nBR1Rbc4I_98OzlL2KnM5QssDYbgPFbRvZzGiP5QzbffhEcs2-VwpTANFfF4tUvuxPoVUTch1hHfLdDoZviRGbW7C4/s320/SherbetDetail_WIP.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink doodles detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNxhYkICjHuwQmauKVlg05oC5Y50LRIT28A3u3FJqyyCGonT_jGuQ64MDOLIO-sPxsh7U0abPOPftU2zxTdo_Qk2Dlkdq4XYXgjos6AbfPrxd2jTpgtp9TWnXaocAMDbGeV3YLfsQXPo/s1600/Sherbet_WIP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNxhYkICjHuwQmauKVlg05oC5Y50LRIT28A3u3FJqyyCGonT_jGuQ64MDOLIO-sPxsh7U0abPOPftU2zxTdo_Qk2Dlkdq4XYXgjos6AbfPrxd2jTpgtp9TWnXaocAMDbGeV3YLfsQXPo/s320/Sherbet_WIP4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current WIP picture of piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-61650018968312023452011-08-13T22:02:00.000+03:002011-08-13T22:02:12.079+03:00So Many Canvases, So Few Complete...Sometimes I have a million ideas in my head & I start getting them all out. Or I have a background or color idea then the inspiration stops there. All I know is, I gotta whole lotta canvases going on at the same time. Actually, I'm perfectly happy with that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8gNGd35vPx3Glv9licRW8Stv5OD6w9chSkLKOdcF8EuSraRuOrknsf_P4QQDaN19LjEhSnUJImos6XKhI7Q5PzgS6YUORcz4B0hAHhlEo3AfFtbtlwEHhCQ6LkSap6p6mrVMWbCeMc0/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8gNGd35vPx3Glv9licRW8Stv5OD6w9chSkLKOdcF8EuSraRuOrknsf_P4QQDaN19LjEhSnUJImos6XKhI7Q5PzgS6YUORcz4B0hAHhlEo3AfFtbtlwEHhCQ6LkSap6p6mrVMWbCeMc0/s400/IMG_0521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP <i><b>You Inspire Me to Soar </b></i>4x6 canvas flat panel: Just started this as a gift for a sweet someone. I'll be adding a quote.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenp__NI1bPGDz7oD7adimLp9M54BgKRtfH8idcwHlryN-2wa9FJpzl2n_8t3cOx-qUfp5cHkcnfCr0lD5Hu0Xb7IJyqHKE5Uzo_MuNq0uJa_xjMfkrs-oQe0CIUsVK__xvcEJNtS2XJs/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenp__NI1bPGDz7oD7adimLp9M54BgKRtfH8idcwHlryN-2wa9FJpzl2n_8t3cOx-qUfp5cHkcnfCr0lD5Hu0Xb7IJyqHKE5Uzo_MuNq0uJa_xjMfkrs-oQe0CIUsVK__xvcEJNtS2XJs/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP <i><b>Untitled </b></i>8x10 canvas flat panel: Part of my Americana phase. I also have a 4x12 with the same pattern in the works.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpXDdAsgtGLbhEgrlkvce-TCjl7GUjKWca-C-9pyQPs7ZkuGpdxteb_jf6HdOre-4Y8O34sqqYl0MRQSP_mVtCmkS2gjI_RvDrxZULVBtHLiAYAS2WLsUQbYyd_o1fl2anA5QavH3U5o/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpXDdAsgtGLbhEgrlkvce-TCjl7GUjKWca-C-9pyQPs7ZkuGpdxteb_jf6HdOre-4Y8O34sqqYl0MRQSP_mVtCmkS2gjI_RvDrxZULVBtHLiAYAS2WLsUQbYyd_o1fl2anA5QavH3U5o/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I have lots of canvases I've started. Sometimes the backgrounds will sit there for weeks. Either I get majorly inspired & complete the canvas. Or I get an idea, work on it for a bit then come back another day & another day & another day... one day it's complete</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tDYsyPw8bOS1vhTn7-bUq3wEJVVIMP0EioacvWIITcBPW0W19SWiAufJfek81X6vVC7Jrt5MUQaj9Au2Fh8odGL4-sZWHHTuBUvmyXe-i_jAEihfG1kjlfRvEW-669CXb3jPvAOpDjY/s1600/KuwaitMural_CarCrashB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuqYuloS9T8HYZ9mFQSiGbSlX4kOk6Xfy9Fz8kg2h25FBFDdYn2bBRj5h6o9f4eLnNpKNinbEgTSusd9aJYbalBnvB4JB0Af7CWLW5UN0Sz69ZdoK4IOcENNbm5ZFlBveldn4xiCbG3w/s1600/DSC_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuqYuloS9T8HYZ9mFQSiGbSlX4kOk6Xfy9Fz8kg2h25FBFDdYn2bBRj5h6o9f4eLnNpKNinbEgTSusd9aJYbalBnvB4JB0Af7CWLW5UN0Sz69ZdoK4IOcENNbm5ZFlBveldn4xiCbG3w/s400/DSC_1050.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP <i><b>Fashion Plate </b></i>4x6 flat canvas panel: LOVE the colors on this one. The picture doesn't do it justice. There are 3 shades of aqua - light to dark, a white damask stamp on the right edge & a lime green dress form stamp. Not sure where I'm going next but it's one of my faves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoctc3rkpJiZhKT9hFSqBXzDsHRD8-sVwcgdq4U6fqgaFetLyJzSLo9AcEhMm46pg-8nACrrMrNB9UwFSO8vFVV4NBxRp_JeifgInrDPzDqvGN0Ih528QsM_G0xTblbomGlgyW2a-lnQ/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoctc3rkpJiZhKT9hFSqBXzDsHRD8-sVwcgdq4U6fqgaFetLyJzSLo9AcEhMm46pg-8nACrrMrNB9UwFSO8vFVV4NBxRp_JeifgInrDPzDqvGN0Ih528QsM_G0xTblbomGlgyW2a-lnQ/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration for the piece below</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnNFzT37Gn6eJIkA1tnlYXZVh9WaCG6RT_4mSPE1ITnfzQexdVVhBnTsEUlESDlSjsdy1IbN2NCj3m9Z2dFB_uavph36L1PjhLPiMcl8zzbbhyphenhyphenI-1jsB9pussncnGDMeyyqpSA8qIXnA/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnNFzT37Gn6eJIkA1tnlYXZVh9WaCG6RT_4mSPE1ITnfzQexdVVhBnTsEUlESDlSjsdy1IbN2NCj3m9Z2dFB_uavph36L1PjhLPiMcl8zzbbhyphenhyphenI-1jsB9pussncnGDMeyyqpSA8qIXnA/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP <i><b>Untitled </b></i>4x6 flat canvas panel: I started with lilac & light blue acrylic paint. The rest of the design will be hand drawn doodles & lettering. Not sure how I'll add color - maybe acrylics & my pitt pens - may add some patterned paper.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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I do have a few new pieces done, just need to photograph them, maybe I'll get them posted this week. Just finished <b>another </b>class with Christy Tomlinson <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/creative-color-art-redefined.html">Creative Color Workshop</a>. It's a quick 1 week workshop on color but it's jam packed with lots of good info about searching for color inspiration & transposing that onto an art piece. I'm also in the middle of the <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/she-had-three-hearts-art-journaling-workshop.html">Three Hearts</a> class. I'm still watching the techniques portion of the class & have not even gotten into the journaling yet. Christy shares so much in these videos that it makes it easy to go off & experiment. As you can see from above, I'm not holding back after that <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/sheartworkshop.html">She Art</a> class! Wow, the places my art has gone this year all because of Christy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789511196832752285.post-34869777044667957012011-08-10T22:43:00.001+03:002011-08-11T14:50:56.223+03:00I Have Lost My Marbles (make that my expensive Toho seed beads)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-MpV2ovLuaDoVg4ZWcqx3_7-Se5_2euIW1TXVzEkd4kQ0yIOLwoYKR4cP93r6FUyc1E4KnQbSSfXWi-dVvKVgpFi1CPFrW5yzteybN9njzKsNQ7RMt5w1CIzRm718OLoaSabSLLGs8A/s1600/PrincessFB+Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-MpV2ovLuaDoVg4ZWcqx3_7-Se5_2euIW1TXVzEkd4kQ0yIOLwoYKR4cP93r6FUyc1E4KnQbSSfXWi-dVvKVgpFi1CPFrW5yzteybN9njzKsNQ7RMt5w1CIzRm718OLoaSabSLLGs8A/s400/PrincessFB+Update.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FB update a few days ago & I'm still running!</td></tr>
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I'm completely in over my head, but I have 7 months to train. I've run 2 10k's in the past year & have yet to fully complete a training program. I don't know what makes me think I'm gonna do it this time. I do have definite goals though:<br />
<ul><li>First & Foremost: do NOT let the wagon of shame pick me up. If you're running under 16 minutes miles & yes, I can fit in that category at the moment, the paddy wagon is gonna pick you up off the course.</li>
<li>Must complete the race - no completion, no hardware - Must Have Medal!</li>
<li>Get some of this excess weight off me - get out of my large clothes & into some of my mediums &, dare I dream, smalls - I'm not even 5'2", yes I should be in a small!</li>
<li>Completely rock the tiara & tutu! </li>
</ul>How lucky am I that my hubby is going to run my first half marathon with me? Also extending my luck, all my immediate family members live in FL & are coming to cheer me on. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iM9qo7bramn6WCW0cHzdWz81TyljlWqXO4vwq2-FJRTpdD5SgUrt5Yrm1f2rHUqHgYeJBtNxENjJLpifnGjtF77zuMxsQV7tYm8GTyp2FziEa-RCMA0RIgcZKvSBbpHwW1rYAhHwC-U/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iM9qo7bramn6WCW0cHzdWz81TyljlWqXO4vwq2-FJRTpdD5SgUrt5Yrm1f2rHUqHgYeJBtNxENjJLpifnGjtF77zuMxsQV7tYm8GTyp2FziEa-RCMA0RIgcZKvSBbpHwW1rYAhHwC-U/s320/IMG_0507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what every marathoner needs, deodorant in marathon fresh scent - a complete impulse buy at Target - hee hee marathon fresh scent - hilarious!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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So the hubby suggested I blog about my runs to help keep me accountable. I found a program I like that works with my schedule. For awhile I was kinda flailing trying this & that. What a mess! And, my shin on my left leg is Killing Me! I may be in for some shoe shopping but I'm going to have to do that via the internet - which is absolutely Crazy! So this week is my first full week of the training program & I'm sticking to it. I'll let you know how it goes next week. <br />
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So if you're wondering I'm running <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/princess-half-marathon/">this gem of a half marathon</a>. I'd say perfect for this she-she frou-frou pink glitter tiara kinda gal.Nerissa Alfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16581674789818990501noreply@blogger.com0