{ Powerful }

I was online today checkin' out my blog updates. I have recently added some YA book blogs onto my daily blog route and came across this today. I have not personally read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, but have now added it to my 'to read' list. I found this poem of her's to be EXTREEMLY moving...brought me to tears actually...and just wanted to share it today.

And one more for all you book lovers...

{ May time for something new }

Just thought I would pop in to say hi. No...nothing new in the creation world for me. Or at least no paper crafting creations. I have been busy with my crocheting. I will be posting some new photos on my other blog later. Quite honestly? I really have lost my mojo for paper crafting. I am not sure why exactly. I think mostly, it was a stale feeling I was having. It just stopped being fun and was more of a pressure to create and that is not what it should be all about. So I my paper crafting will only materialize when I truly feel it. Ya know? Sorry folks. I will still be popping in...this will still continue to be my HappyPlace, but not necessarily paper craft or crafty related. As some of you know, reading has become another passion of mine, so this may become more of a reading/book and just general place of babbling for me. If you decide to stick around...thanks...but if not? I totally understand.

If anyone is interested...on my sidebar I have a list of books I have read for the month. In that list is Book 1 and Book 2 of the Mortal Instruments Series. I must admit, there have only been a few series that can claim 'Obsession' status with me. First being Harry Potter. I was lucky enough not to catch onto the Harry Potter buzz until after all the books were out. This enabled me to read all the books back to back and not have to wait a year in between each one. Then there was the Twilight Series. Again I did not find the series until just before the final book was released. Unfortunately, my new Obsession, I am not that lucky. However? I am not complaining! The Mortal Instruments Series is definitely an Obsession for me. It is always in the back of my mind. I can not exactly explain it. It is a personal thing for me. Something going back to my childhood. Lets just say...this world created my Cassandra Clare? It is my world. Those of you who know me, probably won't get it? Then again, you may. ;0) And yes, even though I am old enough to be his Mom? Jace? Oh Jace...;0) If you have not read this series? I would HIGHLY recommend you do. It has EVERYTHING in it. You can read all the reviews over at Goodreads and see what everyone else has to say too...not just my very obsessive voice! Although, I don't really care what everyone else has to say about this one...I am very content with my obsession, thank you very much! ;0)

{ Yes, Virginia...}

...there really is a Tracyshappyplace. Hello all. Guess what? I actually have something creative to share with you today!! I stamped! Woohoo! Here is a card I made this week for my Mom's 60th bday. I was actually pleased with this one. I made one other one last week too, but have not taken a photo of it yet.

Well here we are. It is the last official day of summer here at our house. The kids go back to school tomorrow. It is gonna be hard getting up at 6am again, but I am happy to get back to a routine too. The girls start up their dance classes tonight too. Unfortunately, we missed the used gear sale this year. Ouch!! 2 pairs of jazz shoes and 2 pairs of tights...$160!! We will definitely not miss it next year! oh well...

Just thought I would share a new photo of our puppy Rudy with you all. Here he is post camping after we got back from this last trip out to Mt Kidd. It was REALLY hot here when we got back and I think this sums it up...

Also, if anyone else is interested, I have updated my Crochet blog as well. This summer has been filled with reading and crocheting. You can also checkout what I have been reading on my sidebar.

Thanks for stoppin' in and stickin' with me through my paper crafting lull.