Can I Whine?

Well, we all know that I can whine, but I mean right now. Is it wrong to whine at Christmas time? Isn't Christmas kinda like Disneyland, always happy? Now, don't get me wrong I'm happy for the most part and grateful for all that I have, it's just that this Christmas my daughter and 2 grandsons can't come to Arizona and I don't get to go to Colorado. So there it is, whine, whine, whine! She sent this cute picture which of course makes me teary. And she'll be at home in Colorado without her husband who is spending his second Christmas in Iraq. Not right is it? She sent me some pictures of him in Iraq and an e-mail that his CO sent to the families. I thought I would share a little because it makes me see a whole different side of this @#*%*&(^&$$* war. It's the side that the families go through. The unknown like "When casualties occur, it is my policy and that of our Brigade Commander to shut down all morale phones and email." This is a direct quote from the e-mail. What this means is that when she hears on the news that there has been a casualty in the Anbar Province and she hasn't heard from him in a while anxiety runs high. Just reading things like this next quote really brings the word "war" into perspective, "a couple of our companies have been in serious, hours long firefights with a determined enemy." That's just part of the e-mail. It also goes into detail about how many casualties, and wounded there have been. Just to think about these young men and women going through that makes me sad. Sad and proud of my son in law and everyone else that is serving their Country and are away from home this Christmas. Now on a somewhat lighter note here's a picture that you would never expect to come from Iraq. That's Gale (my son-in-law) leading the burro. It was a little mini burro, donkey, whatever. It followed him all the way back to the wire (safe zone) where the CO made him take it back. I seem to remember him always finding puppies when they were younger! Take a look at the rubble behind them. I think those are the building they are living in. See the sand bag bunkers.

So, that's the end of my whining. I feel better. Thanks for listening!

LIFE HAS BEEN BUSY.....(see I told you I would start that way Chia)! We have been extremely busy in the store especially today thanks to Chia Wald and Chris Herrmann. They were in the store today doing make-n-takes that were soooooo cute. It's always so much fun to have those two partners in crime spend time here. Not only do they attract a large draw of women to the store but they also keep Jennifer and I in line. Hence, the blog update. This blog is also for the anonymous person that asked for the update.

Our Sonoran Living episode aired last week. Jennifer Wagner did a great job! She's a natural. If anyone got a chance to tape it we would love a copy to play in the store. It's amazing how the camera made the store look. Not that it doesn't look good in person, but somehow that cameraman made it look even better.

We had our last class for 2006 in the store today. All of our teachers are busy working on ideas for next year. We have decided that February will be all about romance. Think Valentine's Day, Paris (oh so romantic)....

Don't forget ATC's are due on the 15th. This month's theme is Winter. We can sure get in the mood for that with the cold weather we've been having. Aren't we spoiled. My daughter calls every day to update me on how much snow has fallen at her house. I feel warmer already just thinking about how cold it must be there. Her husband is in Iraq right now and she is doing all of the shoveling. Yuk!

So, that's my update for now. I will be better I promise. And just so you know, I tried to get Jennifer over here to blog and she said she would do it tomorrow! Hold her to it Chia!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!

Why? Well, for starters we spent part of the day yesterday with Terri O. She filmed a segment for Sonoran Living with us! We all had a blast. She is truly a nice person. No "I'm a star" personality there. Down to earth and genuine. I think she really liked the store too. She asked us to create a garland that spelled out BELIEVE. We made a couple of different versions and she loved Jennifer Wyatt and Jennifer Wagners version. It is absolutely gorgeous. She did the demo with Jennifer Wagner who was a natural! And, of course, we took pictures. Here's Jennifer and Terri. They could pass for sisters! And us with Terri.

We made up a gallery of work that has been done by our teachers.

So it was a super fun day. We'll let you know when it is going to air. They filmed in the antique store too. Of course DH Rick was the spokesperson. He did a great job. He was meant for stardom. We just need bigger doors at the Johnson household now!

Another reason life is good, this weather. Who could ask for anything more!

TIME

What's that? Not something that we seem to be able find! We are trying to put the final touches on our Fa la la la la Fest that's coming up mid November. Teachers have come up with so many adorable ideas for decorations, cards, and gifts. They are all (for the most part) up on the web site so take a peek.

We had News Channel 5 here last night filming for a Halloween broadcast about our little ghost. They spent almost 2 hours taping and I think we got a 3 second blurb at the very end of the 10 o'clock news. I would have rather been home watching all of those cute trick or treaters. Since this is a new neighborhood to us we had no idea what to expect. I have never seen so many kids out. Luckily we were prepared with giant sized bags of candy from Costco!

Next week we will have the honor of having Terri O here to film a segment for Sonoran Living. We don't know when it will air, but we'll keep you posted. How did we get so lucky? Three television spots in 3 weeks! How cool is that!! We can't wait to see what she thinks of the store. She hasn't been here yet and is coming to film sight unseen. Once we figure out what project we will do it'll be time to start cleaning, dusting, straightening...can't wait!

I have been a lazy blogger and a picture taker so I haven't got the ITF's posted yet. Tomorrow may just be the day to do that. Does better late than never apply here? Hope so.

Don't forget to check the web site for class pictures and dates. Jennifer worked hard on that today!

Wow, two posts in one day! That's amazing. We must have alot to talk about! And we do...Are all of you familiar with Vintage Charm which is directly across the street from us. They carry a lot of unique items including some Melissa Frances' Heart and Home shabby chic decorative items. Tomorrow evening from 6 - 9 pm that are having their Candlelight Christmas Open House with 15% off all in store merchandise. On Friday and Saturday everything will be 10% off. We really love this store and we want all of our customers to know that they are having a great sale on all of their super cute items! Please let Tana and Marcie know that we sent you. Jennifer went over today and took pictures to give you a sneak peek...






This last picture is for you Carol! It's black & cream...I thought you'd love 'em.

WAS THAT REALLY US???

So, we had a big day in our store. Channel 3 called yesterday and asked if they could do some spots "LIVE" (that's a key word) in Mystic Paper and RJ Peddler Antique Mall. Somehow "LIVE" wasn't an issue over the phone. Calm, cool, and collected Jennifer and I spruced up the store, made plans with our teaching team, and ran through (in our minds) just how we thought it would go. No problem! Wake up at 5:00 am, be at the store by 6:30 ready for live TV. WHATEVER!!! Just watching how Erika Williams and her cameraman Rudy set up and fly by the seat of their pants is enough to send me right into panic mode. Then the countdown begins, "20 seconds, we're going live". PANIC. That's the end of my TV career. Did you see how calm Jennifer and Ellen were? I am destined to stay behind the computer and never venture out and that's just fine with me!

Here's some pictures of the mornings events...

Erika pretending to scrapbook!

Here's "the natural" Rick with Erika

Rudy the cameraman waving

Erika in the classroom with Chris Herrmann

The whole gang after the LIVE show!!! A huge thanks to everyone that got out of bed at that awful hour to be here with us and especially to Chris Herrmann who was prepared with two demos that never got aired. We love you guys!!

WAS THAT REALLY US???

So, we had a big day in our store. Channel 3 called yesterday and asked if they could do some spots "LIVE" (that's a key word) in Mystic Paper and the Antique Mall. Somehow "LIVE" wasn't an issue over the phone. Calm, cool, and collected Jennifer and I spruced up the store, made plans with our teaching team, and ran through (in our minds) just how we thought it would go. No problem! Wake up at 5:00 am, be at the store by 6:30 ready for live TV. WHATEVER!!! Just watching how Erika Williams and her cameraman Rudy set up and fly by the seat of their pants is enough to send me right into panic mode. Then the countdown begins, "20 seconds, we're going live". PANIC. That's the end of my TV career. Did you see how calm Jennifer and Ellen were? I am destined to stay behind the computer and never venture out and that's just fine with me! Here's some pictures from the mornings events.

Here's a picture of the entire group. A huge thanks to all of you that got out of bed so early to come and share the morning with us! You guys are the best!

Now on to more store news. Jennifer Wagner's second version of her A to Z class starts this Saturday and there are still a couple of spots left. The class will finish up on the next Saturday. Don't miss out on this one. You will learn at least 26 new techniques to dress up your pages with different faux techniques. Here are a few pictures of the book and you can now log on to Jennifer Wagner's new blog at www.jwag.blogspot.com and see more pictures of her book and more of her upcoming classes.

Check out the web site for our other teachers upcoming classes. We have some awsome Fall and Thanksgiving classes and we are getting ready to post our Fa la la la la Fest pictures soon. Keep watching for that. Our teachers have out done themselves!

More Beautiful Examples of Upcoming Classes

I'm back, just as promised to bring you more pictures of upcoming classes. Both of these are coming up in November and will be on the web site soon. So, here's your sneak preview!
On Wednesday, November 8 you can join Judy Bidwell to make this gorgeous Autumn book. Don't you just love the fall colors in the new Daisy D paper? So inspiring!!

On Saturday November, 11 you can join Jennifer Wagner to continue with the Fall theme and create a journal for Thanksgiving that will not only allow you to have everyone write what they are thankful for, it also leaves room to add that perfect Thanksgiving photo of the special people you share the day with. What more could you ask for!

So, what do you think of getting to see upcoming class on the blog before they go to the web site. I know it's helpful for us since Jennifer has such limited time to spend doing the technical work that I cannot do. But this will at least get you started.

CHANGE IS GOOD - huh?

So, the blog is going to change which is good right? I know that I will definitely be better about posting because I am going to use the blog to let everyone know about upcoming classes and events in the store. I am also going to post pictures of our class samples just to entice you! Let's get started!

On Thursday October 19th Jennifer Wagner is teaching her Goulish Greetings Class.
And if you know Jennifer, you'll be learning techniques not just making cards!










There's one more super cute card, but again, picture issues. But you will be making
four items. Three cards and the little goodie bag full of candy corn is a perfect little gift!

Have you seen the bags of Forgotten Treasures that Ellen puts together and wondered what you would do with all of those cute little things? Well, on Saturday, October 21, she will help you create your own vintage book using all of them and more. She is actually setting up a Flea Market where you can pick items to go with your pictures. No two books will be alike which makes it even better! They will be as unique as you and your family! There are only a couple of spots left for this one.









Here's a hint...if you want to take this next class you better be quick to call. This is Jennifer Wagner's second A 2 Z class. You will learn 26 more ways to dress up your pages, monograms, books...whatever it is she has a faux technique that will make it even better! For those of you that took the first class we have made a few changes. Each class is limited to 8 students and the class will be held in 2 segments a week apart.










This is the ULTIMATE Technique class!!!
Well, I think this is enough for one blog. Tomorrow I'll be adding our upcoming November classes and a preview of our Fa la la la la Fest!
Let me know what you think and call if you have any questions about the classes!

We're home! Happy and sad. But, before I get into that I have to do some bragging. Have you heard of the Phoenix New Times Best Of 2006? Mystic Paper was chosen as the best Scrapbook store of 2006!!! How cool is that? Here's the link so you can check it out yourself. http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/bestof/award.php?oid=oid:197021§ion=oid:24274&year=2006
Our son-in-law is definitely on his way to Iraq. I guess you always hold on to that last shred of hope that maybe someone can bring this war to an end. Didn't happen. It was good to spend time with them, but sad knowing that for at least one year he will be in constant danger and Cristine will be at home by herself raising two boys. I think that means that Grandma will have to make lots of trips to Colorado don't you?

We had a blast junking our way around Nebraska. Needless to say we came home looking like a bunch of hillbillies. The chicken coops were tied to the top because the entire van was completely full! Boy did we get some looks on the way home. Plus, we were driving a rental van that had New Jersey plates on it. Jersey hillbillies, somehow that just doesn't sound right! Needless to say, Rick is very happy with his found treasures!

The scenery and weather was fantastic except for the freezing rain we had the first day. Did I have on the right clothes to be junking in a freezing rain? Heck no! How can you leave 100 degree weather and be prepared for freezing. Cold yes, freezing no! I am way too acclimated to the desert. I know this doesn't look like freezing rain, but it was!






Besides this one day it was gorgeous. From what I saw of Nebraska it's a beautiful state.
So, all in all it was a nice vacation. And here's the best part...

Dylan and Mason all snuggled up with Grandpa!