When Beth and I decided to move to Utah, one of the things that excited me the most was the prospect of exploring. If you know me at all, I love to take road trips (like in the case of the ever famous MeijerQuest that I took in 2001), and I'm not afraid to do them alone. So with Beth gone for the long weekend, I started scouring the map and scouting out a destination.
In the summer of 2004, Mom, Dad, Beth, and I made a road trip from Indiana to California and back and on the way home, we drove through southern Utah which is otherworldly beautiful. I remembered the beauty of the area around Moab, so I followed my finger on the map to that part of the state. Nearby I found Arches National Park and decided to head there.
On Saturday morning, I headed southeast with tunes, snacks, coffee, a full tank of gas, and my camera. Though the sky was overcast, I figured the cloudy skies would make the pictures all the more beautiful.
By noon, after driving for about 3.5 hours through breathtaking and desolate parts of the state at the rate of 75 mph(+), I found myself at the entrance of the park. For the next hour and a half I tried to capture the magnificence of this creation of God.
What an adventure! I love the freedom I have to drive and explore and enjoy!
Susan
PS - Congratulations to mhutch, who told her story about living in Hawaii. She is the winner of our Paper Crafts giveaway. Please send us your mailing address, Mary, so that you can begin enjoying the Eco Issue! :)
Beth is in Florida right now and off to Nashville today for CKU, and I have to admit that it's been pretty weird around here without her. She'll be gone for a total of 10 days, and I got to thinking that since we've lived together, this is probably the longest that we've been apart. Don't get me wrong - I'm not freaking out or anything - it's just different.
I've had a quite a few roommates in my time (four in college and two in Las Vegas), and Beth has been the best one. I guess it's a sibling thing! But I did live alone for three years between Las Vegas (1995) and when Beth moved to Indiana (1998). These past few days, I have been remembering what it was like to live on my own.
In the summer of 1995, I moved from Las Vegas to Woodburn, Indiana, to teach at Woodburn Lutheran School. I remember interviewing on the phone from my apartment in LV (which I shared with favorite roommate #2, Michelle Krafft) and asking how many stoplights there were in Woodburn. What a shock when they told me that there were ZERO stoplights in Woodburn! My world was about to change and drastically! I even did a layout about the differences between the two (see below).
My little apartment in "downtown" Woodburn was located at the intersection of Main Street and Bull Rapids Road above Norm's Grocery Store. With one bedroom, it was the perfect size for me, and because of the history of the building, it was quite cute and quaint. OK - so it was a little bizarre to hear the PA in the grocery store. Yep - pretty unsettling to hear, "Price check on aisle 2" while in the bathroom, and it was annoying to find a spot in the parking lot during busy store hours, but I enjoyed that little place. Jim's Pizza across the street (probably the best pizza I've ever had). A bird's eye view of Amish buggies coming to the grocery for supplies. The bank and the post office conveniently located across the street. School and church just a few blocks away. And really some of the nicest people that I have ever met live in Woodburn.
I searched high and low for pictures of my apartment and was surprised to only find a few - what a shame. At top left (behind Wendy, Beth, Sherry, and me - Halloween 1998) you can get a pretty good view of the built-in bookshelves in the living room that I just adored. I went a little crazy with the decor, don'tcha think? To the right is a picture of my boyfriend at the time (Kevin - a Woodburn native) using my phone. Can you see that I even had a ribbon around the receiver? Good Grief! The bottom left gives a nice view of my lacy curtains which the bank tellers commented on one day. What can I say? It's a small town - they notice EVERYTHING!
My friend Tony said that it was the most "festively decorated little apartment" he had ever seen. What a high compliment. And I survived - with five TV channels, no Internet or computer, no dishwasher, no cell phone, and a Lutheran school salary. I did it alone and learned a lot in the meantime. I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.
Newsflash! Today is the day that the July/August 2009 issue of Paper Crafts magazine hits newsstands. It's an Eco themed issue with ideas of how to paper craft ECOnomically and be ECO-friendly at the same time. I love a theme! Look for a fun quiz that I wrote in Paper Crafts Connection and some fantastic features that help you use your scraps and create 5 cards for 5 occasions for $5 (or less)! I also want to give a shout out to the ladies who designed for my various columns and departments - the Paper Crafts Pros - Alisa Bangerter, Wendy Johnson, Kim Kesti, and Susan Neal - you can see their creative ways to save in Ask the Pros. Alisa also has some AMAZING ideas and a really cool project in Tips, Tools, & Techniques. Rachel Greig, Layle Koncar, Teri Anderson, Kim Kesti, and Wendy Sue Anderson blew me away in Photo Finish with their ideas of how to use already printed photo doubles that are gathering dust. And check out Maren Benedict! She'll get you feeling inspired in this issue's Get Inspired!
And how awesome does this cover look? That black banner makes me purr!
OH! And you won't want to miss a crazy cute card created by Beth Opel herself in Cath'sMoxie Fabs column!
How would you like to get your hands on this issue? Leave a comment here sharing about a place where you lived long ago or a story you might have about living/spending time alone. All comments must be received by midnight MDT on Thursday, May 28th. One lucky winner will be announced here on the blog sometime Friday and will receive a copy of this issue!
It's no secret that the Opel sisters are pro-military. Not only have we both dated Army guys, we come from families firmly rooted in serving our country. We had uncles from both sides of the family who served in WWII, and we never had the pleasure of meeting our Uncle Roland who died in service to his country in the Korean War and was awarded a post-humous Purple Heart. Several of our cousins have continued this tradition by serving all over the world in various branches of the armed forces.
In our crafty world, we have "met" many wonderful ladies like Rae Barthel, Stephanie Howell, Courtney Kelley, and Joli Pichot whose husbands serve. And there are former students like Aaron Logan, Kai Buwalda, and Ryan Woodward(who lost his life in September 2007). And we have friends like Aaron Carnet, Karl Rein, Kari Meddaugh, Jeff Wieck, and Rick Townes who have all done (and continue to do) their duty. My heart swells with pride knowing that these great men and women took a risk to preserve our freedom.
So this Memorial Day weekend, I want to remember those who give of themselves (and their spouses) to defend the freedoms that we so enjoy.
Gotta give a shout out to the Detroit Red Wings and Adam Glambert! It's a big night for you guys. Time to make it count!
And here's to the winners of our Creating KeepsakesEasier Than Ever Scrapbooking 2 giveaway! Thanks for all of your great ideas for keeping scrapbooking simple and fun!
Drum roll please...
I don't really have a trick, but I make scrapbooking easier on myself by
having everything ready and at hand when I start scrapbooking! I layout
everything I think I'm going to need so that I don't have to hunt for stuff and
interrupt my creative juices from flowing! lol
Flipping each page keeps me wonder how many creative people out there - the
magazine gives an inspiration either in scrapping photos or daily activities.
Well, I try to go beyond what is in front of me - observing keenly the photos,
background or colors. And I find it very therapeutic and sometimes mind
boggling - can also be OVERWHELMING and Exciting!
It's my second CKC experience (after teaching in Louisville in March) and already I feel like a pro. The classes are fun to teach and the students are excited to learn. Put that together and you've got a whole lot of paper crafting love! Below you can get a glimpse into what goes on in my classes. The four cards displayed I received as a part of the card swap. These ladies are talented! :)
I, of course, put a lot of thought into what to wear, and before working at Paper Crafts, purple was rarely a color of choice. But I have fully embraced the royal hue by wearing it in the form of splashy prints and sequins.
It might surprise you that I actually don't mind the alone time that comes with traveling for business. I don't freak out at the airport, and I am even OK with eating alone. Of course, it would be nicer to have someone here with me (like my sister perhaps or a male companion of some sort :)) but I have ventured out on my own nonetheless. Had lunch in the park. Wandered down Elm Street. People watched. And tonight after my teaching schedule is through, I intend to do some more of that. Manchester is so pretty with historic brick buildings and trees as far as the eye can see. And while wandering last night, I felt incredibly safe!
I'll admit I've been talking on the phone and texting more than usual to cure the loneliness, but I'll be back in Utah by supper time tomorrow night. Home sweet home!
Your favorite scrapbooking magazine has just made your life a whole lot easier! Allow me to introduce you to Creating Keepsakes magazine's Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2.
No-Fail Recipes for Quick, Beautiful Pages!
Trying to keep it simple? Looking for layouts you can make in minutes? Creating Keepsakes has the book for you. Follow step-by-step instructions to finish lots more pages in less time. This book is packed with great designs that will help you learn how to use your stash to achieve easy and amazing results. This is the follow-up to the best-selling Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking.
Now the Opel sisters' connection to this book is pretty tight... First of all, you will find Beth Opel's name in the masthead as the Senior Writer of this masterpiece. Almost every word, sentence, paragraph that you read was lovingly and meticulously put together by Beth. It's pretty amazing to think that she took this from concept to completion. I'm pretty proud of her! And on my end, I was thrilled to have four of my ultimate favorite layouts chosen to be a part of this book. Here's a peek at my work that appears in this issue.
How would you like to get your hands on this unbelievable resource?Leave a comment here telling a trick that you use to make your scrapbooking easier and less time consuming, and you will be eligible to win one of three copies of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2. Even if you don’t win, you can snatch this coupon code (QEYB-5778-ULYB), use it before May 31, and receive 15% off your purchase of this special issue!
We will announce winners of our giveaway on Tuesday, May 19th, so get to commenting! You won’t want to miss out on this issue!
When we took these jobs and moved to Utah, we knew that one of the most difficult aspects of our decision would be managing the distance from our loved ones. We're feeling that separation pretty acutely this weekend, as for the past several years we were always able to rendezvous with Mom and Dad for every birthday or holiday. But this year we'll have to connect via phone and email and webcam.
What's especially hard about Mother's Day from afar is the absence of the hugs. I never get too old to welcome a cuddle from my mother. She is such an inspiration and blessing to us, and I really want to link my arms with her and give her a big smooch. I know Dad will treat her like a queen (as he always does), and she'll hear from her sons and daughters across the globe, and people at church will wish her a happy day, but she'll miss our presence, and there's nothing we can do to alleviate that.
So Mom, we wish it could be different, but a virtual hug is going to have to do this year. Always remember that you are amazing and one-of-a-kind, and we are so proud to be your daughters. Dad, can you hold her a little tighter for us? Even when we're far away, our hearts are always there with her.
Beth
P.S. The winners of our giveaway are:
Cindy Reyes AND
Chitra, Maryland
Congrats, girls! Send us an email at bopels@aol.com with your addresses, and we'll get your prizes in the mail!
If you were to stop by on a typical weekend (at least recently), you'd find the two of us merrily creating in our scrap room. Sure, there are outings, and meals, and chores, and errands, but we're gearing up for yet another round of TN Marketing videos. In early June, we'll hit the studio to film our segments, along with Creating Keepsakes editors Brittany Beattie and Megan Hoeppner and Paper Crafts stars Brandy Jesperson and Kim Kesti.
But now is the time when we're in the zone, summoning all our creative mojo to produce relevant and helpful tips and techniques to showcase a variety of paper crafting topics. It's a bit of a shame that we do most of our scrapping these days to meet a deadline, but on the other hand, who cares what the motivation is, when we get to make cards and layouts!?
Last Saturday we actually made it a theme party and took some time to savor the hoopla of the Kentucky Derby. Big hats, mint juleps and scrapbooking--pretty much a perfect day! The race was exciting, and we got lots done. Here's a peek at our party wear:
And while we're on sneak peeks, here are just a few of the cards and projects that Susan's been working on:
And a few of my layouts that will be featured in the DVD:
And since we're talking scrapping, we've got 2 extra copies of Paper Crafts' latest special issue, 225 Cards and Gifts, as well as a prize package of additional papers and other goodies from our stash. We'd love to share the wealth with you! So leave a message telling us what YOU do to pump up your creative mojo, and we'll reveal the 2 lucky winners this Saturday, May 9th. Good luck!
I really loved horses as a girl. Growing up, I devoured stories like Misty of Chincoteague and Black Beauty. I used to try to draw the majestic creatures, too. Sure wish I had some of those old sketches now! My friend Samm had a horse for awhile, and she let me ride him a couple of times...
A few years ago, I went horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills with Susan and my sister-in-law, Anna. Anna had competed in equestrian events when she was younger, so she was right at home. Susan didn't care for it too much, but I was in heaven. Around Utah, we see noble equines all the time, and I've really been itching to ride.
Of course you know why I'm blogging about horses, don't you? It's Kentucky Derby Saturday! The 135th Run for the Roses will commence this afternoon. I have decided not to join the hoopla over Friesan Fire, since the word Friesan typically refers to a kind of cow. And I Want Revenge just strikes me as an unhealthy and unChristian attitude. Dunkirk is a very pretty grey horse, but I'm putting my money on Advice (who doesn't benefit from it?) or Pioneer of the Nile (a very exotic name, don't you think?) Not that I know anything, but it's fun to be part of the festivities.
But the horse I'm pulling for sentimentally is Join in the Dance, for no reason connected to the sport of kings whatsoever. You see, when I was getting ready to graduate from college, Dan Fogelberg's "Run for the Roses" was popular. Literally, it traces the life of a Derby horse from birth to the BIG MOMENT:
Born in the valley And raised in the trees Of Western Kentucky On wobbly knees With mama beside you To help you along You'll soon be a growing up strong.
All the long, lazy mornings In pastures of green The sun on your withers The wind in your mane Could never prepare you For what lies ahead The run for the roses so red --
And it's run for the roses As fast as you can Your fate is delivered Your moment's at hand It's the chance of a lifetime In a lifetime of chance And it's high time you joined In the dance It's high time you joined In the dance --
From sire to sire It's born in the blood The fire of a mare And the strength of a stud It's breeding and it's training And it's something unknown That drives you and carries You home.
And it's run for the roses As fast as you can Your fate is delivered Your moment's at hand It's the chance of a lifetime In a lifetime of chance And it's high time you joined In the dance It's high time you joined In the dance --
As graduation loomed, I was excited and terrified, and to me, this song was the perfect extended metaphor for that pivotal moment in my life. Had all my pasture days prepared me? Would the breeding and the training and that "something unknown" be there to "drive me and carry me home"? Regardless, it was time for me to "join in the dance."
As I've faced other milestones in life, I've often thought of this song, and it never fails to impel me forward. So today, I'll sip on some mint juleps, and I'll put on a spiffy hat, and I'll cheer that long shot on. Run for the roses, baby, fast as you can. It's high time you joined in the dance.
