Patriot Day and Fall

I am struck this morning by the number of things that have changed in our country and in my life and the lives of those I love since Sept 11, 2001.  I'm sure you guys feel that way, too, when you reflect.  Lets just take a moment, say a prayer and remember those lost 11 years ago. 

I'm a bit behind in my crafting this week.  I usually have my card for Carly's Sketch for the week done by today and I've just started it and I'm wanting to make Monday's The Cutting Cafe day on my blog (which I've already failed at darn it!) plus I need to get on creating for the Designed2Delight release on the 20th.  I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed but one project at a time, right?  So...onto today's project!  For this week Regina (from The Cutting Cafe) asked that we work with one of several fun fall/Halloween products in the store this week and since I like fall much better than Halloween I went with the cute Fall Word Shaped Card file.  As I was going through my craft room for things to put in our yard sale this weekend (yep, there is lots I could put in it but the question is...can I let go of my precious crafting items?  eek!) I came across this fun retired patterned paper from SU!.  I cut the files from the patterned paper and plain orange cardstock and had originally planned to make a shaped card but decided to go this way instead and I love how it came out! 

The embossing die is just one that I have in my stash and has pumpkins/vines on it.  I embossed in chocolate chip and then used some Early Espresso to bring the pumpkins out more.  Then I had fun popping up layers and figuring out how to attach the sentiment I wanted to use.  Again, I love the way this came out (except that the ribbon wasn't straight when photographed...grrr!)!  A little bit of decoration inside and I was happy!

I really can't wait to send this card out to someone...maybe a grandma?  Hmmm...we shall see!  And finally I want to share with you what my hubby bought for me...a bike trainer!  You see...we get lots of wind here in our town (thing 20+ mph) and I can't always train outside and frankly, it isn't the safest for me to go by myself all the time (the other ladies I'll be riding with all work at a school so summer was great but from now 'til the race it will be spotty riding with them) so he got me a bike trainer so I can get on whenever I want...yay!

It doesn't look like much does it?  I am reassured it will help me go far in my training and I'm thrilled!

Okay, I've talked your ear off so have an amazing day and see you at least on Friday!