…to love my photog friends. I met Brandi through our private forums at Pink Ink Studios (for photographers) and found this on her blog. Got to talking to her about them and then we had a big discussion over them. I decided to order an extra storyboard from a client order to test it out and make up my own sample. Of course, I learned a few things I’d do differently, like try it on matboard over foam core. The foam core is so thick that the grommet doesn’t go all the way through. I ended up gluing it down. The punch tool went through fine (but punch through the backside to avoid any creasing or crunching of the foam or matboard). And, I’d probably try a few matching ribbons to thicken that up a bit. The back side is covered with Kraft paper for a finished look. I stink at tying bows so I will be practicing.

Brandi - you are too awesome with this idea! Think about the cute senior storyboards for girls’ rooms! My packaging for 2008 has two packages that include a 20 x 10 storyboard and you have the option to have it finished this way or blank so you can frame it yourself.

Much Love,

I was helping Audra out as she wanted to update her blog - she wanted the photos I had taken of her at CHA Summer last year. So, I open them up and think, man I have grown so much since last July. I have gained more experience by shooting more. I also have to say how wonderful it is having photographer friends too. I mean, you can share your experiences with them and learn from them. I can’t imagine a better job. Audra has become a really good friend to me - even though she lives all the way in Arizona. I am looking forward to the day that my business is so strong that I can travel more and visit my friends like her.

I had people ask me about headshots at Winter CHA this year, and I think I’ll try and plan an early morning headshot shoot in Chicago at the next CHA event. I’ll keep you posted as it gets closer like how much, what you get, where, etc. I know scrapbookers love to have nice photos for their portfolios and resumes as well as on their blogs, so I would love to be a part of that for them.

Audra, I can’t wait to come out to Arizona - and I sure home your sweet little girl gets to feeling better and you and your hubby don’t catch her sickies too.

Much Love,

Okay, so I’ve tried quite a few, and most recently have started the switch over to what Andie recommended to me for the MAC. It’s called, NetNewsWire and you can download it free here. They make a feed reader for Windows too, but bleh on Windows. LOL I kid.

So, I got most of my photographer’s blogs moved over to it. And, I LOVE IT! Why? Let me tell you:

You can integrate it with your iCal and other MAC programs.

I can browse within it like I’m actually ON their site/page. Meaning I comment right there without having to click on something to open it up in a new browser. NICE.

Oh - and you can automatically download podcasts to transfer to iTunes through it (can we say hello?)

I can easily email these things - which I could do when I did my feeds through MAC Mail.

Just a lot of awesomeness. So, this is a good time to clean up my feeds and unsubscribe to the ones that people don’t seem to post to anymore or hardly ever. I don’t get that - I mean, why blog only once a month?

Anyhoo - just a recommendation to my MAC buddies to try out a new feed reader!

I’m also posting here that I am an OFFICIAL SLACKER! This photo shows you that. I took these last July and have STILL not edited them all and sent them to Tracy and Kristy. I am working on updating my photo gallery for my professional website and came across these again. UNACCEPTABLE HOLLY! So, my goal is to get them done before the end of next week. There are so many in this set of photos and we’re keeping them all practically! Anyhoo - don’t you think Kristy’s daughter is a great model? Reminds me - Senior Portrait sessions are going to be starting up again soon - contact me to set up your appointment.

Much Love,

Jack! Jack!

My morning thus far.

Hunting for Jack.

UPS Man comes to door and rings bell - of course he leaves without waiting for me because God forbid they actually see that you get your package anymore. I open door to get package off porch and Jack BOLTS! Out the door after the UPS Man. Not that he would do any damage because he’s a scared dog too, but he just wants to bark.

What does the UPS Man do? Turns, looks, and drives off. Yes, Jack got to him before he even got on the truck and I holler out, grab him! Doesn’t even acknowledge me or my request. Just leaves. What an ass.

I’m in my pajama capris, no shoes, no bra. So, I have to run in and get a coat and shoes and then I can’t find Jack anywhere. I’m yelling his name, clapping my hands. I eventually find him in the neighbors backyard doing of all things - POOPING!

I scold him and he cowers down till I approach him and pick him up to bring him inside.

Pissed at Jack, Pissed at UPS Man!

I can remember the day when they would ring your doorbell and wait for you to open it. Now, they drop and dash. The guy used to stop and give Merlin treats! Now, our guy just throws your package on the porch, rings the bell and runs off. He doesn’t even park directly in front of your home anymore. Like, “maybe they won’t see me if I pull way up!” I mean, he could have stood there while I grabbed Jack so Jack wouldn’t take off. He didn’t have to reach down and hold him if he didn’t want to.

There is no customer service anymore. I have HUGE problems with the postal service already. Though my mailman is the bomb. The service in general stinks. Priority packages never making it to people, oh and the best, returned 1099 to a contract person that was ripped to shreads in an “apology printed envelope”. I feel so negative towards mailing and shipping these days.

Anyhoo - Jack is safe, inside and knows I’m very upset with him.

Much Love,

So, Pink Paislee has shipped to a few places already that got orders in when we first set up the site. This is only because we had enough from our sample runs for the show. The big orders are being shipped at the end of March. I have my sample pieces and have been playing (last weekend obviously), but nothing amazes me more than seeing what others are doing with my very own designs! I can’t believe it!

When I designed papers for Bo Bunny it was just papers. This time, it’s paper, stamps, die-cuts, sticker letters, the whole sha-bang! I feel like I should be pinched at times that what I’ve created is something that others are saying they are “drooling over” or “can’t wait to get their hands on it”. I mean, REALLY???? LOL

And, the Live Pink community is FLYING! I don’t spend much time on boards so I’m really not that active. It’s just me and my personality. I try, really I do! I start out wanting to be involved and heavily participate but it slacks off. I just don’t know why but I lost that love for community. Still, I’m all about posting layouts in galleries along with photos. I just enjoy that and enjoy seeing others’ work.

Which brings me to the stuff people have been making with my designs. I have to share with you my favorite stuff. Now, I love it all, but I can’t link to everything!!! LOL And, on March 1, Tammy is going to announce our in-house design team. So excited because I can tell you that they are all so amazing!

Anyhoo - check this out. SO CUTE! She sure can rock the cards.

And this!!! WOW, I love how easily my designs are mixing with other companys’ designs - so universal!

I wanna scrap like this too!

Uh! HOW CLEVER!

Everyone really loves Spring Fling the best!

She did a great job mixing the two lines!!!

Yeah, this is great!

And if you’re reading this and don’t know - you can go to Pink Paislee’s website. Everything there in the products area are my designs! It’s been a dream I haven’t woke up from yet. The support from my family and friends and the amazing relationships with Rebecca and Tammy have made it all the sweeter.

So, we’re considering being at CKC St. Louis this year in April if you’re going. I think there will be some Pink Paislee happening there too - and word on the street is that I will try and make some appearances at Scrap St. Louis with Tammy who will be doing some stuff with our products (hosted by For Keepsakes). I’ll keep you posted!

And, so I don’t leave you without a photos - my Jack with some fake lens flare going on. I cannot shoot lens flare to save my life (at least not on purpose). So, I fake it. I’ll show you a little in next week’s tutorial.

Much Love