Anticipation

Heh. Those of you who REALLY know me, know that I have no patience.
I think I've said that before.

I'm anxiously awaiting my class schedule. They tell me that I'll have 3 classes to start with and Introduction to Graphic Design is one. That's all I know unil tomorrow.
Can I just find out already and order my books and software?

I already ordered my art kit. Heck, I get some paints and pencils and canvas too! Apparently, I'll be taking some artsy-like courses.
At our weekly trip to Wal-Mart, in the craft aisle, Erik thought I needed an easel. Heh.
Smart boy.

I did get my scraproom well on its way to clean. I rearranged some things and have to sort some others. I even hung my GMF picture up...heh. I have incorporated ORANGE (Thanks KESTI!) into my room. I'm trying to broaden my horizons, so to speak. It's growing on me. Slowly.

Erik's got a game tonight. In Reidsville (home field). I think we'll have a picnic again. That was fun on Wednesday when we did it. Mack Daddy is all ready to go too. The principal loves when I bring Mack Daddy. Heh. They'll be putting some of my pictures in the yearbook, he says. I'll be a published photographer. Heh. Watch out National Geographic, here I come! HEH!!

Okay, I'm off to get into work early so I can leave early today.
Lynn...I got your stamps for $11.55 total. A steal if I do say so myself. Heh!
Mother...I may need you to go pick up an unofficial transcript after all. Or hurry their asses up anyway. I'll call you.
Have a great Monday!
Love,
TT

Cool Dog

This is what I found this afternoon.

Once again, Monique put something for humans to wear on my dog.

She was sporting a red bandana too, but they must've taken that off.

Peanut Cool Dog...Like Joe Cool, only female.
Happy Sunday.

Love,

TT

Fan Mail

I love me some George Michael and Kenny Goss.

I received this little number in the mail today.

Not that I'll make it there, but one day after graduation.

Maybe as a graduation present.

While I'm too old to qualify for a scholarship from the Goss-Michael Foundation, I do support the whole get your creative on thing.

If you live there, go see this. Go for me too. Please. And give my regards to K&G.*wink

This is kinda funny I think, since I quit smoking. Heh.

Enjoy.

Thank you K&G.

For promoting such cool and abstract art.

{This will hang in my studio by the end of the day.}

Love,

TT

Inspired

I was inspired to break this out tonight...I'm gonna frame it and hang it in my scraproom.

I did this from a photo in 1986. I also got a B-. Not bad for a girl.

There is talent in there, waiting to be discovered. My inner Van Gogh. Picasso is overrated. heh.

I've come a long way, baby.

John Lennon

Imagine

1986

Tonja Denise Marlar

Don't Go There

A friend of mine called last night...to say he's getting married...hehehe...here's what I suggest...Love this song by Neil Diamond...it made me think of you, Bob. Love ya Bro!

Excerpt from "Don't Go There" off the Neil Diamond "Home Before Dark" album...
GOOD STUFF!

"She wants to take it just a little bit further now, don't let that happen cause if you let her in, she's gonna take it away.
Take anything and what are you gonna sing?
You better be aware, don't go there."

I'm off to celebrate my school registration and a new Bachelor's Degree...and clean my scraproom.
Toodles Tootz!
Love,
TT

Politicians Take Note!!

I received this in an email last night...I thought it was quite blog-worthy! Thanks Chip!!
(Now, my question is this...Why can't we make money at the Mint and distribute it like this?)

Here is an interesting approach...
I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a "We Deserve It Dividend".
To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve It Dividend". Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let’s assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
• Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.
• Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads
• Put away money for college – it’ll be there
• Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
• Buy a new car – create jobs
• Invest in the market – capital drives growth
• Pay for your parent’s medical insurance – health care improves
• Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else
Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( “vote buy” ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
As for AIG –
• liquidate it.
• Sell off its parts.
• Let American General go back to being American General.
• Sell off the real estate.
• Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn’t.
Sure it’s a crazy idea that can “never work.” But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party! How do you spell Economic Boom? I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion We deserve the "We Deserve It Dividend" more than the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC. And remember, The Family plan only really costs $59.5 billion because $25.5 billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.
Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Happy Friday!
Love,
TT

Thursday

Here's a link to my Shutterfly Share page:

http://tonjatrump.shutterfly.com

All of Erik's football photos are on there. I still have to upload my art, but I'll get that done this weekend...after I seperate it all. That site is a work in progress, second to this one.

School registration tomorrow. I almost have all my ducks in a row.
Class starts October 13.

Scraproom will be done this weekend. I hope. It has to be. No more procrastination.
I'm going to make a list right now. And get back to work.
Happy Thursday.
Be good...as Torm says.
Love,
TT

Neal's and Sneak Peeks

Neal Fox...This one's for YOU! {I knew you'd be famous one day!}

The Lord's Prayer...before every game.

The boys taking a knee...as the coach assesses the injured player on the field.
Erik making the tackle.
We lost...28-8. I'll give more details tomorrow and upload all 203 photos to Shutterfly.
Toodles, Tootz!
Love,
TT

It's Safe

It's a little bit safer to approach me today. I don't have any pans to throw and I'm not feeling as Oscar-y either.

I am working on scholarships and things like that for school. I'm excited for Friday to get here so I can get registered. I want that Bachelor's...I can see it...and taste it. I'm more determined than ever.

Today is gameday. They moved it to today because of next week's schedule. I get to leave work early. Only 2 left after today...next Monday and Thursday! I have the camera battery charging...and Mr. Freeman is looking forward to seeing me there with Mack Daddy! I'll try to take some general photos of the kids for the school website that I can share. I'd like to get down on the field more. Maybe I'll do that..I'm leaving my purse at home this time...and I'm bringing a blanket to sit on. That concrete is HOT on the seat!

Is it 3:30 yet?
Happy Wednesday!
Love,
TT

Got Oscar?

Be a better day if I wasn't so grouchy.

This one's for you Megan!

Love,

TT

Creativity Gene

This is the person that Mo built.

Out of a toilet paper roll.

ALL by herself, with little guidance from Gabby.

Mrs. Hayford taught her how to curl paper.

I suggested the pink skirt.

My kids...all 4 of them...got that creativity gene from me.

Gabby is working on a cute little book as a gift for Morgan.

It involves a bear...that travels to each page...and has a pocket.

Too cool.

She's going to be an author. She loves to write and illustrate stories.

And read. She's inspired.

Erik made a grain thingy out of a piece of board and clothespins. He now drives his truck onto the clothespins to dump the grain, I think.

Such imagination he has too. I don't see him into girls for another year at least.

Whew!

Natalea made an ankle bracelet by finger crocheting some fuzzy yarn (like they use to make the flip flops with). It looks really cute.

Living in the country has benefits.

It encourages imagination and creativity when playing.

Awesome.

Happy Monday.

Love,

TT

Toys

A boy and his toy. 'Nuff said.

He had no clue I was taking these. Heh.

Happy Saturday!

Love,

TT

Tag! You're IT!

Jennifer (http://simplywonderful-jennifer.blogspot.com/) has tagged me!

{Gosh, I'm so shocked still...I'm not sure quite what to say besides THANK YOU!}

Here's how you play:

1. If you’ve been tagged, you can put the logo on your blog
2. Link the person from whom you received the award
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs you’ve nominated (I'll leave a message, but I don't expect them to play along as some have already been tagged!)
Now for the 7 I nominated (in no particular order):

1. Sharyn Tormanen (http://sharyntormanen.typepad.com/)
2. Kim Kesti (http://www.kimberlykesti.typepad.com/)
3. Kim Garafolo (http://kimberlygarofolo.typepad.com/capturing_the_moments/)
4. Rebecca Trump (yes she's related--by marriage!)(http://www.rebeccaleighann.typepad.com/)
5. Ally (http://www.scrapsrfun.typepad.com/)
6. Susan Weinroth (http://www.susanweinroth.typepad.com/)
7. Petra Carden (http://www.petracarden.com/)

There are more that I read..er stalk.. daily...but I'm nominating those ^. And forgive me for not knowing how to link on here. All those ladies have shown up on ScrapSupply at one time or another and are SUPER UBER talented...Like I want to be them when I grow up...yeah.
Creativity at it's finest right there.

Enjoy reading their blogs...there's lots of talent and humor and good times going on at their blogs.
They are part of my morning ritual. Every. Single. Day. Even though they don't always post everyday, I still check quick!

And some...have work hanging up on my wall...for extra inspiration.

I don't stalk, really. Heh.
I'm off to tag and be inspired!
Toodles Tootz!
Love,
TT

Tigers vs. Tigers

Thursday's game...Metter vs. North Tattnall...we kicked butt! The final score was 36-12 I think. We lost track after the third quarter as the scoreboard went wacko and fizzled out on us. I told Mr. Freeman my entrance fees oughta buy a new one. Heh. Sad that they charge for 8th grade games, but I suppose they don't get the funding like Minnesota does. Or they have different High School League rules. Either or, it still ain't right. I also told Mr. Freeman..I don't know no algebro. I love Madea..heh! Anywhooooo...here's a few pics.
Next time I'll try to pin down the other 2 girls..they were busy walking the stadium...ahh...to be in middle school again...NOT!! {I think next time I will walk the stadium with my camera}

Monkey Louie...She's so damn photogenic it's not even funny! I tried to fill up my lens with her...I think I got it now!Number change...now he's 59...Matt Blair's old number...AWESOME! They got new jersey's and 58 was too small..so he got 59. They did look sharp out there! This was at the end of the game when the 6th graders played the 4th quarter and the ref's left the field. WTF? The game ain't over til the time runs out ref!
Erik said he and this guy made a mistake on the play so the coach was telling them how to do it right the next time. I think that's Coach Spurgeon?
Erik in the middle of a play. 3rd quarter I think.

Coming off the field, ready for his water.
Well that's it for today folks. I hope you've enjoyed your day in photos..until next time...

Happy Friday!

Love,

TT

Thoughts

Some random thoughts for you today.

Are times as tough in Minnesota as they are here in Georgia?
{I know gas is cheaper!}

School will have to wait. For now. I don't have the budget to register this week.
{I'm disappointed...I already filled out my financial aid.}

I worked 12.25 hours yesterday.
{I'm wiped.}

I get to leave early tomorrow for Erik's game.
{Thank God.}

Tommy needs a new place of employment.
{No organization or supervision at the Chicken Factory.}

It's Wednesday.
{Happy Hump Day!}

My scraproom needs organizing.
{Is it Friday yet?}

I need to have a sale.
{Sell almost all of it I say!}

TTFN.
{I'm off to work.}

Love,
{TT}

Messin' Around

I found these pics on Tessie's Myspace page...I don't like the chick in the background or the darkness of the bridesmaids...before....

Afters...now granted...you get the idea...I do need more practice with editing...and I don't have the time this morning to fine tune that color fill...

But do you see the "Trump's Treasures" on this? It's a custom made brush...like a rubberstamp for digital photography if you will...that I made using a Kelly Purkey font...SO COOL! Now I can "stamp" my photos and copyright them too! Hehehe...I got it Torm!! Now I just have to fine tune it!!
Happy Monday, again!
MUAH!
TT

The Day In Pictures

Ahhh....Sundays.

Gotta love 'em.

I worked on my Concert album and cranked out these 2 pages of George. I also took the programs that I have and put them in there (as best as I could). They seem to have gotten bigger over the years. I believe this is the first Neil Diamond one. It mounted perfectly on my 12x12 paper. I can slide it out and look at it if I want too, making it an interactive page. Heh.

Tommy asked me..."What do you see in this guy?" I said..."LOOK AT THAT...WHAT'S NOT TO SEE?" You may be able to click on the picture to read the journaling.

Natalea had to go to the pond to gather up some water for a school science experiment. This lil guy is what she found and brought home. I hope he made it through the night so they can bring him to school today. I may just drop them off even.
He's less than 2 inches. I should have had a ruler behind him. I did check his underbelly and discovered he's a painted box turtle. The first thing the kids asked was if he was a snapper or not...I guess they didn't want to get bit. HEH!

Electric frying pan pancakes are the BOMB! Ever since I was knee high to a grasshopper, I have been enjoying my pancakes in the electric frying pan. You just can't get the same effect from the stove. EVER.

You see how the edges get crispy...the trick is to let your vegetable oil get hot before you drop your batter.

This variety happens to be pear pancakes. Pears cooked with cinnamon and sugar, then frozen, and thawed to add to my 'cakes. Damn good.

A bit of sad news though...Erik doesn't like pancakes all that much. He doesn't get that from me. I love me some good flapjacks. Plain, corn, pear, apple, blueberry...the list goes on. I wonder if I can duplicate that Pannekoeken (Pan-a-kook-en...Dutch for pancake)? Now there's an idea....heh! (I'm not running though!)
That's all the education for today folks!

Happy Monday to you...Here's to a productive week!

Love,

TT

Thinking Outloud

Tonja Trump, B.S.
Tonja Trump, M.A.
Tonja Trump, Ph.D.
Nice, huh.

While I am contemplating school, it's come down to a Bachelor's program or the cheaper Associates degree. I'm leaning toward the Bachelor's. Then, depending on how I do, a Master's. I'd love to be the first grandchild to become a Doctorate. Heh. Goals are good. And Grandma would be floored. And VERY proud.

Tom said, "Go for it."
Bachelor's in 2.5 years.
My previous credits would transfer.
Online and accessed from any computer in the U.S.
I can go on for my Master's.
That means I can still attend Ashley's graduation festivities and not miss school.
No brainer, I think.
But I'd like to know what you think?
Please leave me a comment or send me an email.

I plan on applying on Friday. I'm waiting for that Money Tree to grow the $100 fee.
Then I can apply for financial aid and start on October 14.
I can still work at the office. And access school on my lunch.
Family has to pitch in more. We're working on that.
10-week quarters.
I get art supplies. (SO in my element.) Shipped to me directly.
I'd get to create. End result will be I get to get paid for creating. SO cool.
I could work from home. Eventually.
Freelance.
Goals are good.
Babysteps are better.
Honors would be excellent.
I'm Visual.
I'm Communcation.
I'm ready to start. Now.

I think I'm going to create today.
And upload to the computer my creations.
I have to finish up that Concert Album.
Journal for George. Yum.

Perspective is good. Help me to keep it right here.
Happy Saturday.
Pray for IKE to die out.
And for gas to go back down to $3.68 a gallon.
Love,
TT

Finally Friday!

I love George.
HE can make me smile.
And relax me.
*Sigh*

Our plans for the weekend...we'll have one less kid...Erik is going on his Scout overnight.
I have to do the journaling for my George page in my concert album. Then take pics and upload to the ScrapSupply gallery...and here.
I gotta have Faith. Heh.

Cleaning out my closet so that we can find things in there...and unpacking more in the living room and preparing the porch for winter and dogs to be out there again (as soon as it cools down). Gotta plan for Christmas too. Might have to put my tree outside...hehehe.

Happy Scrappy Friday to you.
Love,
TT

Quick Note

I have a headache. I woke up with it.
We have to make a decision about this van.
That they want too much dollars for.
We need a second vehicle.
Just can't afford a high payment.
Ugh.
What to do, what to do.
Any suggestions?

I'm thinking about going back to school.
Just tossing the idea around actually.
Graphic Design.
I want to work from home and be like Cathy Z.
I see a major scrapbooking company in Utah is hiring Graphic Designers.
With 4 years experience.
Ugh. Again.

I have to take the kids to school today.
Erik has a game, that I will miss due to lack of gas funding.
He'll be busy today.
Game tonight, then pack for his Scout weekend trip.
I imagine I'll be doing some of that for him.
Ugh. I'm tired already.

I'm off to get kids to school and begin my day.
Lord, please give me strength.
Amen.
Happy Thursday. Maybe.
Love,
TT

Excitement

There's not much for excitement from the rest of the crew...but for me...my scrappy stuff from ScrapSupply.com should be here today. My cardstock arrives tomorrow...YAY!!
I LOVE me some scrappy stuff!!

I received my birthday card this weekend from my mom...Thanks mom!
On the outside it says..."We've survived all kinds of fashion trends. There's nothing left to fear..."
On the inside it says..."...not even a birthday." as it's playing "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.
I cracked up...remembering that I had been dressed in ORANGE plaid pants in 1974...and being reminded that it was trendy back then to wear such garb. Ewwww...I'm just sayin'.

Tommy decided yesterday to clean up the dining room, living room, and kitchen. He's got big plans for us next weekend too...we're going through the boxes piled up in my living room...movin' em on out too, he says. Heh. We'll see how much really gets done. It's good to have goals. Heh.

Blogs...I added more to my list of "To Reads"...since my computer had to be set back to manufacturer's settings, I lost all my favorites...and had to re-add some.
Thank God for those that list who they read on their sidebars.

It's Monday...I'm tired already.
Happy Monday.
Love,
TT

Birthday Cake and Color Pop

Here's my birthday cake...notice the 3 and the 8 made out of candles. Thanks Natalea!!

She's soooo my creative daughter.

Tommy baked the cake and the girls decorated it for me. We had it for dessert after the boys got home from Scouts. We had a delicious ham dinner for my birthday...in the crock pot...YUM!

Yes, I still have enough hot air to blow out 38 candles!
My color pop...can't help but notice my eyes!
Megan's inspired photo...color popped! Thanks for the inspiration girly! Take photography in school if you can!! You'll learn much and then you can teach your Nana!

(Adobe Photoshop Express...online...check it out...you, too, can do this technique!)
I think she has Flintstone feet...heh!

She is on the Varsity Emerald Danceline squad this year...Go Megs!

Tommy had a good first night at work...swiping chicken in a box in the seasoning department. He has a little bit of adjusting to do, but I think he'll be fine once he gets settled in. He'll be working Monday through Friday 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Kinda sucky hours, but maybe he can advance quickly to something else.

TGIF.

Tomorrow he's got Scout training...he has to be at the church at 6 a.m. He'll be tired for sure. Guess who's taking him, he'll be too tired to drive.

He'll sleep good tomorrow night.

We're looking at buying another van...a Chevy Lumina. It's ok for the price...needs a little work and T.L.C., but it'll work for what we need it for.

Thank God for a boss with his hands in everything. Without Mr. Salter, I wouldn't be able to do half of these things. He is truly an Angel.

Happy Friday!

Love,

TT

Layouts, Sunflowers, and Megan-Inspired!

Well here is a sampling of layouts I have done for my Concert Album...that should arrive sometime this weekend from ScrapSupply (Thank you Lynn!) I have kept it simple like Cathy Zielske did in her book, Clean and Simple Scrapbooking. (GREAT book!!) I went with a Navy colored cardstock and my album will be Red...and 3-ring so I can add more pages!

In 35 Years I've Seen...quite a few concerts and a wide variety of genre's as well. I was suprised that I didn't have any Country music on that list...what's up with that anyway? One day, I'll see Faith Hill and Tim McGraw...maybe.
Ah...Neil Diamond. Tickets in 1984 were $15.00...in 2008, they were $115.

Sad but true.My favorite Pompas Grass...I see this everyday on my way to work. One day, I'll have it in my own yard. *Sigh*
Oh and my sunflowers...all droopy after that tropical storm that blew through here. Now we are anxiously awaiting Hanna and Ike to show up. Where they land is anyone's guess right now. Just know that I am stalking the National Hurricane Center's website...HOURLY.
(I shoulda been a Meteorologist!)

And finally...Me...inspired by Miss Megan Marlar to take a self portrait. Mine didn't turn out like hers though...I need a point and shoot for that...heh.
Oh and we don't know if Erik has a game tonight...they may have cancelled it due to Hanna and the rescheduling of the High School game. Heh. They should have a blizzard once.

Happy Thursday.

Love,

Nana

Tom's Job...Updated!

Tom is now an official employee of Claxton Chicken.
He'll start tomorrow officially at 5 p.m. and work until 2 a.m.
We haven't worked out the kinks yet of the transportation issue, but we're working on it.
Thankfully, I'll get done at 4 tomorrow for Erik's game.

I'm not sure what days he'll work, but I'll find out tonight when I get home, I'm sure.
He'll be on probation for 60 days, and then get a raise.
Anything is better than nothing right now though.

Now, to get a cheap vehicle that's not going to nickle and dime us. Heh.
Happy Hump Day! I'll post pictures of my cake and all tonight.
Love,
TT

Birthdays and M&M's

I received the best-so-far Birthday Greeting this morning on ScrapSupply.
It was a thread titled, "If the hotties can break out early, so can the M&M's."
Totally made my day and made me laugh out loud...LITERALLY!
Thanks Torm!!

Not much celebrating going on today...I do have to work today and I think we're having a ham dinner after Erik gets home from football practice. Then he's off to scouts.

The girls did make me some cards yesterday and Sunday night...I let them have free reign of my stamps and inks after I schooled Monique how to use them proper. I see some future artists in my family.

I had a good scrappy weekend...so good I ran out of my chosen cardstock. So I ordered more...Happy Birthday to me! I have a few more pages of my Concert Album to finish up. Lynn said she's getting me a ScrapSupply gift certificate (1-800-866-7348) for Christmas so I can get that Red AC Album for my Concert Album. I still have the George pages to do...and the Ozzy/GNR/Metallica pages as well. I will post pics later after I get home tonight...of the layouts that I have done so far and the cards the girls did.

Big Brother is on tonight...I'll make the caramel corn after supper. It's gonna be interesting from here on out...there's only 5 left.

Happy Tuesday!
Love,
TT