Our School is a Zoo and other ramblings

I dread going to my school this week. I know everyone will be there.  It's going to be a zoo. So in honor of the "zoo" that is back to school, I made a zoo clip art set.  :-) Take a look and see what you think. 

Not only does it have tons of animals, it also has some cute little zookeepers! There's over 50 pieces in this set. 

 

 

I feel like I'm going to throw up everytime I think about Friday.  Friday morning, I have to help lead teachers in a training for our new website system.  I could get in front of the kids all day long.  I can make a complete fool of myself to get their attention and not care at all, but adults....  that's a whole different ball of wax.  Anybody else like that?  Ok... I'm going to try not to think about that. 

 

Today was my MeeMaw's 92nd birthday.  We had her a party yesterday.  She truly amazes me.  I hope I can be like her if I make it to 92.  She still lives by herself, plants a garden every year, sews all the time and still works one day a week! See... I told you she's amazing.  She's also the most beautiful 92 year old that I've ever known. 

 

Can you tell I love her?

 

 

This was yesterday.  Maybe I'm partial, but I don't think she looks 92.  :-)

 

I'm going to try to "Keep Calm and Carry On!"

I'll be ok after I get the first day of school over with. 

Obviously, my anxiety medication is not strong enough.

 

Ok... I think I'm done rambling for now.

I hope you have a fabulous week!

 

 



Whatcha Wearin' Linky Party and 2 new sets...

 

 

Just like when I was a kid, one of the best things about going back to school is the new school supplies, backpack and CLOTHES!  I don't buy too many things usually, but this year, thanks to TpT, I was able to buy a few new things.  There's something you don't know about me yet.  I'm very cheap  tight frugal! Now, I'm not gonna lie and tell you that I didn't have any shoes and I had to walk 5 miles uphill in the snow to get to school, but we didn't have a lot when I was growing up.  My dad was self employed... which is code for "I work all the time and I never have any money." If you've ever been self employed, you might know what I mean.  (Hopefully, you are more blessed than we were.) Anyway, I refuse to spend much money on things, but I love to look like I did.  Consignment shops and sale racks are my best friends when I shop.

 

Recently, my friends and I went shopping at a brand new Ross Dress for Less in Clarksville, TN.  One of my friends has a 9 year old daughter.  I usually refer to her as my niece because her mom and I have been BFF's for 25 years.  (I better be careful... I'll give away my age.  lol) She's a funny little girl... very loving and kind... would never purposely hurt someone's feelings... but she always says just what she thinks.  Kinda like the time when she was four and she told me I was loud.  She's right, but dang.  Did she have to notice at such a young age?!?! 

 

We decided to divide and conquer when we got to the store.  I wanted to look at clothes.  The other two wanted to look at home stuff.  My niece wanted to go with me... being a fashionista and all.  Her job was to help me pick out things. I finally found this dress.  It was awesome... and only $9.99!  You can't beat that!  I pulled it out to hold it up and model it for her and she says, "Aunt Crystal, everything you pick out looks like a rainbow threw up on it. It's all very 80's." I have since thought quite a bit about what the little smartypants said.  I think she could be right.  Except... it's not always 80's.  Sometimes its 70's or maybe even 60's.  I think I might be part hippie.  So what do you think?  Do you agree with my 9 year old fashion critic?  I still like it... and $9.99 is a STEAL!

 

 

I will probably wear leggings with it and a black tank underneath.  I may also put a jacket over it.  Depends on the weather in the building when school starts on the 6th.  lol

Notice I already have my shoes and jewelry picked out too.  The shoes were purchased at an awesome store called Bargain Hunt Superstore. Do you have one of those near you?  Sometimes they have a lot, sometimes they don't, but it's always worth a look.  I got these Rampage shoes for less than $10.  The jewelry is a hodge podge of stuff, but it's my way to take some important people with me on my first day.  The necklace is something my mom got me.  She's sold Avon since I was a teenager and I have finally in the last few years begun to appreciate all of the cute stuff she gets me! (When I was younger it was like, 'it's my birthday and you got me Avon, again!?!?') The earrings are something I bought while hanging out with some friends in Alabama this summer.  They are pretty neat.  They are handmade out of washers.  :-) The bracelet that's draped over the top of my shower door in the pic is one that my friend, Jen sent me.  She's actually a fabulous knitter, a TpT seller and my library hero! She actually knitted me that bracelet!  How cool is that!?!?  Anyway, that's what I think I'm going to wear.  It's totally subject to change depending on mood, weather, leg shaving, etc.  lol.  I know... I'm crazy. 

 

Now in the midst of deciding on what I'm gonna wear, I actually finished 2 sets that I've been working on for a while.  First up, the monsters.

 

 

 

Second, Ocean Critters.

 

What do you think? 

 

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Symbols, Technology, & a cute little superhero

I was just watching the news this morning.  Someone has vandalized the Lincoln Memorial with green paint.  :-(  I just am amazed at the ugliness of people.  I know we all have our moments, but why can't people just be respectful! 

It was kind of ironic that this was discovered the day after I drew the Lincoln Monument for this American Symbols set.  I really enjoyed "cartoonizing" all of the symbols that I could think of.  My personal favorite is the smiling presidents on Mt. Rushmore! 

 

I also uploaded a technology set. 

I've had all of these images for a long time, but just never made a set. 

 

Plus, this set is super affordable since I didn't have to spend much time on it.  Just $2!  :-)

 

 

Now on to that cute little superhero. 

 

A little while back, I had a mini-me request from Heather over at Kickin' it with class. 

 

Hers was a little different from the norm.  Usually people want their mini-me to look like them and be dressed like them.  Heather had the idea to make her mini match her theme for her classroom... and that's where the superhero comes in! 

 

After she got her mini-me, she was sweet enough to send me an email to show me one of the ways she is using her little hero.  She put her on her postcards that she's sending to her new students this year!  I'm so proud! :-)

 

 

I seriously love it.  I'm thinking I might need my own little library superhero... lol... or maybe a little book doctor, since I always talk about the Book Doctor at the beginning of the year when we learn how to take care of books.  Ooohhhh... that's a good idea.  Got to go make that right now! 

 

Have a fabulous weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

I always have a lot to say...



Christmas in July... lol... nah, just a cute pic from last Christmas :-)

 

I talk alot, but lately I've been at home working away... with no one to talk to but the dogs.  Occasionally, Bella will talk back.  Sometime I'll try to post a video of that.  She's quite funny when she starts howling.  Mo never says much.  He's the strong, silent type.  Anyway, I haven't really had anyone (human) to vent to.  So... I'm going to type to you.  :-) 

 

 I'm tired... and school hasn't started yet.

I've got so much to do.

Therefore, I am doing none of it.

Instead, I am talking to you.

But don't worry, I'll get back to work when I'm done.

 

My stress level rises every day as school gets closer.  It isn't just school stuff that I have to do.  In fact, the school stuff doesn't worry me all that much.  I know what I'm doing and I've got it covered.  Its all the OTHER things that I wanted to get done this summer that probably aren't going to happen.  Furniture I wanted to paint.

 

But... I also nearly make myself sick worrying about making this school year better than the last.

I do it EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.

After 10 years you'd think I would realize that it will all be ok.  Despite all of my planning, things will go wrong, but things will be alright.

 

I also get what I call the "Back to School Jitters." I am a high anxiety person.  I even take meds for it.  However, meds DO NOT cure it.  As the date gets nearer, I will feel like I'm going to hurl every time I think about the new school year.  Why?  I have NO CLUE, but it is something I have done since I was a little girl.  Yep, that's right, I even did it back when I was in first grade myself.  I guess I should look on the positive side and say that I can sympathize with those little wide eyed cuties on the first day.  Yep, kiddo.  I'm freaked out too.  In fact, I usually tell the kids that.  :-)

 

Am I the only crazy teacher out there?

 

Ok... that part of the rant is over.  lol

 

I just have to share this with you.  I really think I need it for my library and maybe even one to hang here at home.  :-)

 

 

'Nuff said.  lol.  Oh and in case you were wondering... the sign above is pretty accurate.  Problem is, you never really know when the Attack Librarian will strike. (But there's a pretty good chance she could strike really soon considering how stressed out she is!)  ;-)

 

Now for a couple of new products.... yea!!! 

 

As usual, my buddy Greg at Kindergarten Smorgasbord needed a new clip art set. That fella is seriously addicted to clip art... but I ain't complainin'.  lol

 

Anyway, Greg's the only one I can think of that would actually want clip art of a toilet...  lol.  Maybe you'll have some uses for it too. (Umm... the clip art, I mean.  Not a real toilet.) :-)

 

 

I also had a request to make some CAPITAL LETTERS to go with my confetti letters set. 

Someone was going to use them to teach capitalization. Ooops... no capitals in the set. 

So, I whipped some up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also linked up to the linky above.  Need back to school stuff?  This is the place to look first. :-)

 

 

Wow... This was a long post... sorry.  lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





A couple of new things & a pretty boat

Yep... if you already know me, you know that I'm very random.  Well, today that randomness paid off a bit.  I went into Paducah, KY to get my hair done... then I decided to go down to the riverfront to hit one of my favorite places (& I only get to go during the summer because they are only open during the day) called Kirchoff's Bakery.  Thank goodness I did that.  Normally, I would have just headed in the other direction to the mall area and gotten something to eat over there.  Not today!  When I got to the riverfront and went to park my car, I looked up and saw the stacks of a beautiful riverboat peeking over the top of the flood wall!  I wish I had brought along my "real" camera, but alas, I only had my iPhone.  I had to snap some pics anyway.  Here's my favorite. 

 

 

Someday, I am going to go on a riverboat cruise!

 

I also went to do a little shopping.  Old Navy had a fabulous sale going on for cardholders.  40% off of anything (including clearance!!!) when you use your Old Navy card!  If you have one, you better get off your computer and go to the store because today is the last day.  I honestly don't know what I'd do if it weren't for Old Navy's clearance racks!  (Go nekkid maybe?  Ewwww...  lol)

 

I've yapped long enough.  I've got to get to the important stuff.  I have a couple of new things in my store to tell you about.  First up, I have a new clip art set.  I try not to make things that I don't like... lol, but I really, REALLY like this set.  It is fun to play with.  It's a build your own robot set!  There are tons of pieces that you can use in lots of combinations to make your own little cutie pie robots!  Go take a look!

 

 

Now, the second thing is for all of my fellow librarians out there.  Teacher planners never really have everything that I need... so, I decided to make my very own handy dandy library planner.  It has things especially for librarians like a table to keep track of lost books and when they are paid for, book fair planning, and a page to keep track of what's left in the library budget.  I hope it works for you as well as I think it's going to work for me!  I've already got mine printed and in a binder! 

 

Gotta get back to work... I have sooo much to do!  Lots of mini-me's, a monster set and tons of things that I need to finish before school starts.  I don't even want to think about how close that is getting.  :-(

 

Y'all stay cool!

 

 

 

 

Hey Y'all... Wanna shoot some hoops?

I've had a lot of requests for more sports sets, so while I was on my way to Alabama, I drew some kiddos playing basketball!  Take a look and see what you think. 

 

Remember those Notebook Owls I blogged about a little while back?  One of my buddies, Randi, has made the cutest little classroom decor pack that uses them!  I LOVE it!  :-) In fact, she's going to use it in her classroom this year!  Wow!!!  What a compliment!

 

 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed?  Between my real job (in the library) and my extra job (TpT) I just feel like I have too much to do!  I guess I just need to chill out!  I think all of the stress is self inflicted.  lol....  anyone else feel that way? 

 

Have a great week! :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been a busy girl... lol

So much for relaxing on the beach.  lol... I'm kidding.  I really did have a great time while on my mini vacay, but on the way there and on the way home & was drawing, drawing, drawing.  I didn't have wifi at our beach house, so I had to wait to upload when I got home...  I still have more to upload, but I got two sets ready today PLUS I'm giving something new a try on etsy.  :-) 

1st up is a calendar set.  You don't HAVE to use it for calendars, but it has all of the months and the days of the week, along with numbers, special occasions and chalkboard elements to decorate with.  If you have some of that adorable chalkboard paper, this would look cute as pie with it, but it also includes some background papers of its own! 

 

Next up is a set that shows a step by step process of how to build a sandcastle.  It would be perfect for a representation of "How to's!"

 

 

The third thing isn't exactly a school thing...  but I guess it could be.  I made it for a friend, but I decided to give it a try on etsy.  Take a look.  It would make a cute gift for someone needing encouragement, a new baby, etc.

 

 

Let me know what you think.  :-) 

 

Have a great weekend!!! 

 

Back to School Notebook Doodles

I have just posted 5 new sets that coordinate.  They are all doodles on notebook paper.  :-) 

 

 

Hope y'all have a wonderful week! 

 

Calorie Free Cupcakes & yes, they really are FREE!

I just posted some cupcakes.  Now keep in mind, these are supposed to look like doodles on notebook paper that have been colored in with chalk pastels.  They aren't supposed to be crisp and clear. They are supposed to be artistic. (My feelings are a little hurt because my first downloader on this freebie gave me a 3.8 for clarity. Seriously? It's FREE and they aren't supposed to be clear! This is my first rating that wasn't 4 stars!) Anyway, I'm working on some back to school sets that match the cupcakes. Please let me know what you think of them... be honest.  I don't want to post things that people don't like!  :-( 

Be on the look out for the back to school sets, hopefully today!  Also, I'm so excited... I'm actually going to get to go to the beach!  I'm hitching a ride with some family members (After all, who wants to go by themselves?) to Orange Beach, AL for a few days next week. I don't even know if I'll have internet access...  but it's about time for me to take a break!  :-) School will be back in session before I know it! 

Have a great day... on purpose!

 



Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Carole Stout Fiske.... come on down!  lol... ok. Well, you probably don't want to do that unless you are nearby... but YOU ARE THE WINNER... of some really cute mustache letters.  :-) I'll be emailing you those letters sometime tonight when I am back to my computer.  :-)  If you didn't win... well, you could always go BUY some really cute mustache letters.  Just kidding... errr... well, not really.  Sales have been Sssssslllllllllllloooooooooowwwwwwwwwww for the last couple of days.  In fact... we have a flatline.  Anyone else having that problem?  So far, July is looking worse than June!  :-/ Oh well, just venting a little today.  :-)

Today I'm training to use Blackboard Edline for my school website.  Do any of you already use this at your school?  Just curious.  If you do, let me know what you think of it.  I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. 

Whew...  I need to put on my "positive pants!" I feel like a negative Nelly today.  At least we had the happiness of a giveaway winner!!!  Woohoo!!!  I'm gonna cheer up RIGHT NOW!  :-D

Hope you're having a fabulous day!