About Me

Thank you for stopping by and getting to know me! My husband and I have enjoyed 22 years of marriage together. We have three grown children: our daughter who has given us three adorable grandchildren--two girls and one boy, ages 8, 5 and 3. We also have twin sons, one married and one single, with another adorable grandson age 4. Our lives are full and blessed. My husband works in the aviation industry and we've managed to be transferred every five years since 1995. We've lived in St. Louis, Missouri (our hometown), Hershey, Pennsylvania, Crossville, Tennessee, and now Newnan, Georgia. We love the diversity we've encountered with all of the wonderful places we've lived. We've met lifelong friends whom we will cherish forever and have learned so many things.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Hello everyone.  Hope this finds you happy and healthy and enjoying some warmer, more spring like weather.

Today I'd like to share with you another card.  This card was part of a feminine birthday collection I made for a client.  Unfortunately, I cannot remember all of the ingredients because I made it so long ago.


The stamps I used were from the dollar bin at Michaels.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Merilee

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Christmas Invitations

Hello everyone!  I know you are anxiously awaiting spring (and I am, too), but since I'm not creating as of yet (I took a bit of a turn for the worse in my recover process), I thought I'd share some older things with you.  Today I'm popping in to share some Christmas invitations I designed for one of my clients. 

For these invitations I used my Cricut, as well as some clip art given to me by my client.  My client loves funky, fun retro style and pin-up girls so this was my take on that theme.  I made up a set in two different colors reflecting the colors used in that era (I'm dating myself now...)


This is the boxed set as it was presented to my client.  It showcases the pink and green color combo for the first half of this set.  My client specified these invitations would be hand delivered, so the envelopes I chose to use were open on top and gave a bird's eye view of the ornament card inside. 

 
I used both glitter papers, as well as hologram papers to make this card.  I also used my Martha Stewart punch to add the pine needle detail that peeks out from underneath the ornament topper.

This is a view of the back of the ornament which has all of the party details and features the clip art provided by my client.  On the inside of the envelope I printed my logo on vellum so it could be seen through the window once the invitation was removed.

This is the second color combination.  I switched out the silver with gold and did a semi-traditional red and green, adding in a splash of pink.  You may not be able to see it from this photo, but pink was also in the patterned paper.  The ribbon was wrapped around the back of the envelope and pulled through eyelets on each side.  I used gold ribbon on this card and silver on the card above.

Here is a photo with the card removed.  I used my Martha Steward punch for the snowflakes in the lower right-hand corner, as well as a little snowflake bling I found at Wal-Mart. 


This is the opposite side of the ornament.  The invitations are identical except for the color combination and choice in patterned papers. 

Now let's see if I can identify the ingredients: 
Cardstock:  Best Occasions Cardstock Pack
Patterned Paper:  DCWV Holiday Stack
Glitter Paper:  Best Occasions Glitter Paper Pack
Hologram Paper:  Best Occasions Prismatic Paper Pack
Ribbons:  Offray - Flair Silver; Flair Gold
Cricut Cartridge Used:  Christmas Cheer\
Punches:  Martha Stewart Snowflake, Pine Needle

Hope you like them!  

Have a great day,
Merilee 

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

News from the doctor...

Hello everyone. This is just a quick post to talk about my follow-up doctor's visit yesterday.

For those of you who don't know, I've been sick since December 28th.  I caught a virus and/or cold, which spiraled into strep, and then again morphed into a severe case of  pneumonia.  As a result, I now have a full-blown case of asthma.

The doctor wasn't happy yesterday, let's just say that.  He doesn't think I have a bacterial infection anymore, but my lungs are still full of congestion and the asthma is not improving.  He switched out my meds once again and is hoping it will help; however, if it doesn't, I'm looking at seeing a pulmonary specialist and possibly an extended stay at the hospital.  He did not increase my steroids back to what they were, which he really wanted to do, but I'm suffering from too many side effects so he is trying something else, instead.  The doctor prescribed a different non-steroidal oral anti inflammatory on top of the steroids in hopes that this will give me the extra boost I apparently need.
 
I asked the doctor to put me in physical therapy, but he doesn't want me exercising right now because it will only exacerbate the asthma.  I asked him about helping me with either a water pill or diet aide, but  he also doesn't want me taking anything for dieting right now with all the other meds I'm on.  He did, however, prescribe a water pill, but warned me ahead of time that it probably won't do anything. 
 
The doctor also wants me to call my ear, nose and throat doctor and schedule myself for tubes in my ears and surgery to have my tonsils out...fun.  My right ear is trying to become infected again and my sinuses are congested, too. This is long overdue--I should have had it done years ago.
 
Basically, the bottom line is that I need to have patience--this thing is going nowhere fast.  I wasn't surprised by anything except the fact that he doesn't want me to exercise.  He said I can walk a little, but that any exercising I do right now is only going to make me feel more tired, since I'm not getting enough air in my bloodstream.  I've been so sick that my body isn't going to do anything fast, even if I feel like I want it to.
 
I had hoped the news would be better.  My wheezing is very bad, even though I'm doing every single thing the doctor has prescribed, including being chained to this nebulizer machine every four hours.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but I've been thinking things over and I believe wholeheartedly that we are, in life, right where our Father wants us to be.  Is there something to learn from this experience?  He's keeping me still and quiet...is there something He is trying to tell me?  I think so.  I think there is much to be learned and I will meditate and pray on exactly what that may be. 
 
In the meantime, I realize that I have absolutely no control over my recovery.  I've been trying to think of things all along that might help move my recovery process in the right direction, but it seems as though that is not what I need to be doing right now. 
 
My final thought...I think maybe I need to give up trying to control things and just trust that God has me exactly where He wants me to be right now.  Patience is the name of the game and I need to let go and let God. 


That's it in a nutshell. Thanks for listening.

Merilee

Values.com Quote of the Day

Today I'd like to share a beautiful quote I received from Values.com.  I love these quotes and frequently use them in my cardmaking.  Enjoy...

“If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life, it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth.”
—Mitsugi Saotome
(1937-); Aikido instructor, author 

  I'll post again later. Have a great day!

Merilee


Monday, March 1, 2010

Happy March 1st!!!

Hello everyone!  I'm so happy it's March 1st and spring is just around the corner.  I can't wait!

Today I wanted to share with you a card I made back in August for my cousin's birthday.  It's another example of a flip-flop card, only much different than the masculine version I posted yesterday.  

Once again, since I made this card so long ago, I cannot remember all of the papers and embellishments I used...sorry.  I do know that the pink cardstock used for the basic card is from Wal-Mart and the floral paper is from Amy Butler's collection.  The butterfly came from a packet of three I found at Wal-Mart.  The "eat cake" sentiment was from the dollar bin at Michaels.  As for the remainder of the elements, I'm at a loss.  

I never expected to be posting my cards in a blog, so from this point forward, I promise to be mindful of the recipe and ingredients for my upcoming creations.

The flip-flop card is a relatively easy card to make.  I love incorporating unexpected details into my cards that the recipient will enjoy.  I bought a book some time ago "Fabulous Folds for Card Making" by House of White Birches and edited by Tanya Fox.  I was inspired by the Accordion Fold Chapter in which I found an example of the flip-flop card.  I had such fun creating this card.

Each card I make I try to incorporate elements that are personal to the recipient in mind.  In this case, my cousin has a very personal and spiritual kinship to butterflies.  She lost her mother some years back (my very favorite Aunt Margie) and once confided in me that after her mother passed, a butterfly began to visit her, fluttering all around quite unafraid.  My cousin felt certain it was her mother fluttering by to say hello and comfort her in knowing that her spirit lives on in Heaven.  How appropriate that my favorite Aunt Margie would say hello with a butterfly...it suits her personality perfectly.  Most things I create for my cousin are a reflection of that very personal conversation, as it touched my soul.

I hope you enjoyed this post and please leave a comment!  I love to hear from you.  Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated, too!  I'm new to blogging and anything I can do to create a friendlier environment or to improve my creations can only make my experience that much better!

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Merilee

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Masculine Birthday Card

This is a card I was commissioned to make by a friend for her special man's birthday. I asked her to tell me a little bit about the relationship she shared with him. She told me he lovingly referred to her as his "nut" and she called him her "squirrel". This flip-flop design was my interpretation of the loving things she shared with me and I created it without a sentiment, as I felt these pictures spoke a thousand words.

Unfortunately, I cannot remember the exact recipe--I made this card in autumn, 2009. However, I can tell you that the autumn leaves are silk, the photos were simple photos which I altered in my photo program, then enhanced with both pencils and chalks, after which I sprayed with a matt spray to keep them from smudging.

My friend said her boyfriend loved it. She was worried I would create something animated and said she was pleasantly surprised when she received a tasteful, masculine card depicting their personal intimate relationship. :o)

The flip side of this card to follow...
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Masculine Birthday Card

This is the flip-side of this masculine birthday card. As you can see, I attached a simple tag with my handwritten "Happy Birthday". It was relatively simple to create and the results were well worthwhile. My friend expressed her delight when she received it in the mail. That, in and of itself, made my day.

It may be difficult to see, but the face of the envelope was designed to compliment the card, and I also lined the inside with corresponding papers. I attached silk autumn leaves with a brad to the front of the envelope, knowing this card was NOT going to go through the U.S. Postal System. I had to learn that lesson the hard way--they lost a very personal card in which I put my heart and soul into for my daughter. I'm certain it was chewed up in one of their machines.

I hope you enjoy my first card post!!

Happy Sunday!

Merilee
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Hello Everyone!

Today I'd like begin by telling you about some fabulous blog candy available from True's Gifts from the heart,   http://truesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com.  You really need to visit her blog and sign up to win!  It's a huge package with lots of fun stuff.  Good luck!


Now on to my brand spankin' new Cuddlebug machine!!  Yesterday I spent the afternoon playing with it.  I had a blast!  My machine didn't come with any cool embossing plates-only the tiny stamp set, and I wasn't up to shopping, so I decided to try my Fiskars embosssing plates.  First I went out to You Tube and watched a couple of video tutorials on how to use them.  Then I got started.


Now, mind you, I have no supplies other than the Cuddlebug and my Fiskars plates, so I needed to improvise and use what I had on hand.  The tutorials called for rubber mats used with Spellbinders, I believe.  In the absence of those, I found an old mouse pad which I cut to the same size as the Cuddlebug plates (a, b & c).  I then sandwiched everything together, along with one extra piece of cardstock, and voi·là, I had embossed cardstock!!  Yippee!!!  

I was thrilled that I was able to do this, however, upon close inspection, I did notice that the impression left by the Fiskars plates wasn't very deep.  It will look better enhanced by chalks or paint or even a stamp pad.  I'll play around with them and see what works best.  I never throw anything away, so I will find a use for the many "samples" created.


In the interim, since I'm still too weak from the pneumonia to actually shop for Cuddlebug embossing folders at my favorite local stores, I decided to let my fingers do the walking and shop online.  I was able to bid on some folders on ebay and they'll arrive sometime next week (hopefully)!  I'll be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mailman every single day!  :o)


If any of you can direct me to websites which offer good deals on Cuddlebug embossing folders (or any other supplies), please let me know.  I am always looking for affordable prices so I can splurge in other areas of my papercrafting!  :o)


Have a great day!


Merilee



Saturday, February 27, 2010

Beliefnet Daily Inspiration

Some pursue happiness, others create it.

Friday, February 26, 2010

I've got a Cuddlebug!!!

Hi Everyone!  I am sooooo very excited announce that I've got my very first Cuddlebug ever!!!!  I am so HAPPY!  This was my late birthday present.  :o)  

I spent the evening playing with it, showing my husband how it works.  However, it only came with one very tiny stamp die and three little tiny companion embossing folders, so I went to ebay and bid on some embossing folders I thought would be versatile.  

If anyone knows where I can purchase embossing folders at reasonable prices, please let me know!  I am all ears!

I'm so happy, I'm so happy, I'm so happy, I'm doing my happy dance!  :o)

Have a great night everyone!

Merilee

Hello Everyone! It's Friday!

Hello there and thanks for stopping by.  Today is Friday and I'm looking forward to spending the weekend with my hubby.  He was out of town all week on business so it was a bit lonely around here.  Chloe, our Toy Poodle, is smitten with her daddy and she did nothing but mope around the house the entire time he was gone.  I felt so sorry for her.  However, everything was much better when he returned home last night--for all of us! 

My progress in getting over this pneumonia and dealing with the sudden onset of full-blown asthma has been one step forward, two steps back, and the reverse.  Today is my one step back, I'm afraid.  I didn't sleep well last night.  The medication used with the nebulizer (breathing machine) causes insomnia.  It has been awful only to get a couple hours of sleep at a time.

On a positive note, the cobwebs in my head left behind by the pneumonia are beginning to clear up, but my hands are still too shaky to be able to effectively create anything in my art studio.  Just after a breathing treatment, they shake so bad I can't get a cup to my mouth without spilling.  I'll be glad when this is all over.  I'm looking forward to the day when I no longer need to use the nebulizer.

Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement and thank you so much for posting your beautiful creations online to keep me inspired and looking forward to the time when I'm back on my feet, doing what I love most.  I am soooo looking forward to participating in some challenges and submitting my work for you all to view.  

Oh, and by the way, I ordered my very first ever Cuddlebug and I cannot wait to get it!!  I've been tracking it via FedEx and it will be delivered TODAY!!!!  Woo hoo!!!  Perhaps the arrival of this new tool will spur me into a creative frenzy--shaky hands and all!  I certainly hope so!  

Happy creativity, everyone!  

Merilee

Thursday, February 25, 2010

It's Thursday!

Hello Everyone!

Today is a beautiful day here in Atlanta, although it's only in the 40's.  The sun has been out since early this morning and that always warms my heart.

My healing is beginning to progress.  Every day I feel a little bit better and seem to be regaining a bit of energy.  However, the asthma is still ongoing...I'm not sure what to make of it.

Monday I will have a follow-up appointment with my doctor.  I know that he will send me to a specialist if it isn't completely cleared up.  I don't really know what to expect--I've never had asthma before so I feel a bit as if I'm stumbling in the dark.  I really don't know what more to do for this other than what the doctor has prescribed.

I am happy to report that I FINALLY got a full night's sleep last night.  It was the first full night's sleep I have had since I came down with this in December!  This lack of sleep has really taken a toll on me...but I feel much better today.

I've been visiting everyone's blogs and admiring all of your creations!  That is what keeps me going while I'm down for the count.  Thank you to everyone who chooses to share!  

Have a wonderful day!
Merilee

Monday, February 22, 2010

Hello and Happy Monday

Hello everyone and Happy Monday to you all!

Our weekend in Atlanta was simply beautiful-65 degrees-and I was actually able to get out and enjoy it just a bit, which was a real treat for me.  I've been so sick, but yesterday my hubby and I got out for a bit.  We went to the store and picked up some groceries, then stopped by our favorite fast food restaurant and headed downtown to our quaint little town square to enjoy our lunch.  We didn't get out of the car, I was too pooped for that, but we opened up the windows and let the fresh breeze clear the air while soaking up that beautiful sunshine.  It was wonderfully refreshing!

It's an amazing gift when you've come to a place in your life where you truly appreciate the little things in life.  This illness has done just that for me.  I no longer take so many things for granted and I am soaking up as much life as I can, realizing just how fleeting it can truly be.  I am happy to be here and happy to love life.  

I am slowly regaining a bit of energy-truly a treat for me-and I can finally see some progress taking place in my healing.  Life can only get better from here!  In the meantime, my art studio continues to call my name.  I can hear her loud and clear, but my ability to sit and create still has yet to return.  My mind is full of new ideas and inspiration from visiting so many talented people on the internet.  All of you have sustained me through this healing process and given me the ability to see that I will get there soon...it's only a matter of time.

As I await the day that I sit for hours in my art studio, creativity soaring with the wonderful madness of my cluttered mess all around me, I would like to leave you with an inspirational quote from Values.com:


“The best portions of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts, Of kindness and love.”
—William Wordsworth
(1770-1850); poet

Have a wonderful day and I'll be visiting many of you today and in the days to come!  Thank you for providing me with so much to look forward to in your beautiful works of art!

Sincerely,
Merilee

Friday, February 19, 2010

Happy Friday!!

Today is Friday and we're expecting the most beautiful weather here in Atlanta!  Today will be 56 degrees, tomorrow 60 degrees, and Sunday will be 64!!  Hellllooooooo Spring!!!  You couldn't have come at a better time!

I've been sick for such a long time, but today I'm happy to say that I am finally beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel coming into view.  My doctor tweaked my medications and breathing treatments a couple of days ago and, by last night, I actually felt a bit perky!  I can't remember the last time I felt perky!  Woo-hoo!!!

Today I received the following quote from Values.com and I wanted to share it with you:  

“Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.”
—Emmanuel Swedenborg
(1688-1772); philosopher, scientist, theologian

I love these quotes. Many of them so eloquently put to words my innermost thoughts and sentiments and this particular quote is no exception.  I also love to use them in my cards to inspire others.

I hope each of you have a wonderful day and weekend, filled with happiness, hope and creativity! 

Merilee

One more thing...thought you all might enjoy seeing two of my little girls, Sweetpea and Chloe Bernice, in their Japanese Kimonos.  Who couldn't love these faces???

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

These are our furry family members.  Three out of four are rescues.  First is Chloe Bernice, our Chocolate Toy Poodle.  Next is Rusty Paws, our Black and Tan Hound/Beagle Mix.  The third is Summer Breeze, our Tri-Colored Papillon, rescued from a puppy mill; and last, but certainly not least, is our little Sweetpea.  She is our little Rough Coat Jack Russell Terrier, and the happiest little girl I've ever met!

We never planned on having four dogs!  After moving to Georgia, I spent a year volunteering for an animal rescue and saw many heartbreaking situations.  Giving these dogs homes was the least we could do for them--especially our little Summer Breeze.  Now that we have them, we couldn't imagine life without them. 

They're great little nurses, too.  They sure have taken good care of me since I've been sick, hovering over me to make sure I'm okay.  Lots of licks and kisses, doggies curled up all around me, nurturing me back to health!  They kept me warm when I had fevers and never left my side.  I'm a lucky girl!  :o)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Today is a new day.  My blogging is coming along slowly, however, because I'm not yet recovered from my bout with pneumonia.  I have lots of cards to publish, but I just haven't had the energy to get them uploaded quite yet.  Please bear with me.

I receieved an email from Studio Calico with a great quote attached and I just had to share it with you:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."--Melody Beattie

I love quotes and I subscribe to different websites and use them in my cardmaking.  This quote particularly touched my heart today because it closely reflects my life at this point.  As I heal from this illness I've had since Christmas, I've come to an even stronger realization that life is precious--not to be wasted.  In every challenge is a golden lining.  Gifts are always present if we choose to recognize them and accept them into our lives.

This is an ongoing journey for me--a reinvention of my soul.  I'm so happy to be in this place in my life and look forward to each new day.

Thanks for visiting!

Merilee

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Cards by Merilee Lane, Where Life is But a Dream

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Well, seeing as how I'm just beginning to come out of a bad sick spell (pneumonia), I haven't had an opportunity to create.  Today I have a follow-up with my doctor and we'll see how the progress is coming along.  I feel about 45 to 50%.  

Until I can get back to normal and begin posting my creations, I thought I'd leave you all with today's "Quote of the Day" from Values.com.  I subscribe to various quote websites to inspire me and to use in my card making.  This one particularly stood out to me.  I hope you enjoy it!


“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
—Oprah Winfrey
(1954-); television host, actress, philanthopist 

Have a wonderful day and I'll post again soon--hopefully with some inspiring artwork of my own to share with you!

Merilee

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello Everyone!  Today represents the first day of my blogging experience.  I have nothing to show you pertaining to my artwork, but I wanted to take a moment to say hello and thank you for visiting!

This is an exciting time in my life.  After having spent the first half of my life pursuing a career in the legal field, then changing to the corporate world, I am now happy to say that those days are behind me and I'm able to devote my life to my true passion, the pursuit of my artwork.  

This is a reinvention for me...one of many along my life's path.  I am so excited to have another opportunity recreate myself and further my passions, my commitment to excellence, and to lift the veil that stands in the way of my visions.  There will be no holds barred as I take my first step in this journey.  I'm so excited! 

Please join me along the way.  I hope to make many new friends and develop as many new skills as possible.  I want to share my journey with you and share in yours, as well.  Life is an adventure not to be missed--we can only go as far as our hearts will allow.
I'm thankful to be on this journey and look forward to spending lots of time with you!

Sincerely,

Merilee