Monday, July 8, 2013

Beginning Again

Hey everyone!

First and foremost WELCOME to the new My Thoughts Exactly and THANK YOU for stopping by!! I am SO excited to be starting this new chapter, and I am even more excited that YOU'RE here to come along with me!

I feel like I should start off with a little background for those of you who are stopping by for the first time, and maybe for those of you who missed the last few posts on the old MTE blog and Facebook page. So here goes...

For starters, who the heck am I?

Hello there, my name is Alyssa. My middle name is Leanne, and contrary to what seems to be the norm, I have always loved my middle name, so out in bloggy land (and really anything internet wise) I like to go by Alyssa Leanne. I am 24 years old, I graduated from San Diego State University, I live in sunny San Diego, and I'm currently teaching kindergarten, though in school my focus was in middle school math. I have a 13 year old dog, a 1 year old cat, the most awesome roommate on the planet (and an amazing friend of 15 years), and a boyfriend who pretty much rocks in every way possible. I spend my free time exploring this beautiful city (that I'm so blessed to live in), volunteering for Canine Companions for Independence (a HUGE passion of mine), reading, crocheting, and most of all I love paper crafting. Other important things to note: I LOVE giraffes, teal, and everything Chevron.

If I didn't bore you enough and you want to read more about me, check out my About Me page. You can even see my face there.


What is My Thoughts Exactly and where did it come from?

Ok, now I've bored you with who I am, what is THIS? Well, today My Thoughts Exactly is a BLOG written by yours truly, and used as an avenue to share my crafty creations with you. But since this is not  necessarily a NEW blog, it is more of a RELAUNCH of an old blog, I figure I should give you a little background. Some of you who have been my crafty friends for years now already know all of this, so please bear with me. (It's gunna be a little long...)

Here is the long story made super short (if you can believe it): I started paper crafting in 2009/10 while preparing for my DIY wedding. Needless to say, I fell in LOVE. I found electronic die-cutting and MTC and Trendy Twine and glitter and glue and most importantly I found stamping. I launched the first My Thoughts Exactly blog in April 2011, and I started my own stamp line in July 2011. Before I knew it I was running my blog, a business, and designing for amazing companies like Trendy Twine, Core'dinations, CuttingEdge Magazine, and many more. I had the time of my LIFE running My Thoughts Exactly. Above all I met some AMAZING crafters who were even better friends. In November 2012 my previously (seemingly) supportive and loving husband came home one day and told me he didn't love me, he wanted a divorce, and that I had to leave. And so I did. On that day MTE pretty much shut down, I have since sold (almost) all of the remaining MTE stamps and shut down the original MTE website. The months since the initiation of my divorce have been INSANE. I have had some of the WORST times of my life, and somehow (by the grace of God), I have also had some of the BEST times of my life. I thank God every day because I am simply in awe that in 8 short months I could go from having my entire life ripped out from under me to having a job that I LOVE, living with an amazing friend I've known for over 15 years, and dating one of my best friends from the past 6 years. Even though sometimes it feels like the dust has just barely begun to settle, through it all I noticed something: I still find peace in paper crafting.

So here I am, beginning again.



Now, if you've made it this far, THANK YOU. You ROCK. Seriously.
Bonus stars for listening to my babble.
But let's get to the good stuff yeah?



Now that the past is in the past and My Thoughts Exactly is beginning anew, here is a glimpse of the AWESOME stuff I have planned for you at MTE:

Weekly segments: Make-It Monday, Tip-It Tuesday, Work-It Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Freebie Friday, and Scrap Box Saturday!

Here are some details for ya:




Hopefully these all sound as FUN to you as they do to me!!


Now to kick off my first Make-It Monday I have a card for YOU! For my wonderful friends and followers, old and new. To you, I say... Thanks for putting up with my crap!


Ok, ok.. I actually made this card for my roommate, and by my crap I meant my dog's crap, this was a thanks for puppy sitting while I was away card :P But it felt perfect for this first post, because you guys ROCK for sticking with me through all the ups and downs over the past few years.

I am in LOVE with this hilariously witty stamp set from Unity Stamp Co, Ah Crap! I used this masking technique and stamped the toilet 5 times to create the rainbow effect, plus I stamped one extra which I fussy cut and popped up to add dimension. Then I wrapped the layer with matching Trendy Twine and added my stamp. BAM. Clean and simple.




Annnnnnnd, if you've made it THIS far, then I have CANDY for you, because I love you SO much!! Ok, it's not real candy... But I know you'll like it anyway...


I couldn't have a relaunch without a CELEBRATION could I? No, I don't think so. So in celebration of the NEW My Thoughts Exactly and my new beginning in blog land, I am having a HUGE giveaway!! Check it out:



You want some of that delicious candy, yes?
Enter below:



I just want to say THANK YOU again for stopping by. And a BIG, HUGE THANK YOU to those of you who hung in there and actually read all of my babble.

I would LOVE it if you would leave me a comment and tell me about YOU. Can we be friends? Please?
(Don't forget to leave your blog address if you have one)

Also, if you have any questions about MTE or even me personally, please feel free to ask away in the comments!


Big bloggy hugs <3

62 comments:

  1. I am a stay at home mom to 3 little boys. I started scrapbooking after high school and haven't stopped since. One if my other favorite addictions is Le Creuset. I love their products so much. I'm so excited about the re launch. Welcome back Alyssa!

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    1. Oops here's my blog address. Www.melisascraftycreations.blogspot.com

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  2. Welcome back Alyssa!!!! How exciting to see you back blogging!!!
    Here is a bit about me...I am a stay at home mom to 2 boys....very active ones I must say so crafting has become my "me time" activity! I began scrapbooking...or actually card making about 2 1/2 years ago when I purchase my cricut...I have since moved from the cricut to my LOVE, the Cameo!!
    I miss being a DT sister with you on Trendy Twine but again so happy to hear all this GREAT news about you!!
    Welcome back again and hope you will stop by my blog and say hi~
    http://chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com

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  3. It is so refreshing to hear your back-from-the-brink story. You deserve nothing but the best and I am so glad things are looking up for you! Can't wait to see more! onescrappynovice dot blogspot dot com

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  4. Love the new look, Alyssa. So glad to see you crafting again. I've missed you and your awesome creations. I don't need to tell you about me. Poor girl, you've known me for a few years ;)

    The card is too cute. Love the kraft background. You know I'm a kraft kinda girl. And of course, the twine looks great, too.

    Hugs & love to you!!

    Lesley @ Trendy Twine

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  5. So happy to see you back in the game and to hear things are looking up!

    You know me already so I don't think I need to drag on about my life. :)

    Love the card! So so cute.

    Kasi

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  6. Hey hey, i'm so glad you are back. I just have to follow by mail so I don't miss any of your fabulous posts. Oh I love trendy twine too, it's the only twine I even touch..ha ha. I'm a mom of two, grandma of one and love to create cards. I would love to scrapbook more but it takes just so darn long. My blog is www.justwordz.ca, youtube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/kimbob271 just for colouring tutorials, and my newest adventure that my hubby just screams about (not in a good way)is some flair buttons you can find here: http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/36ShadesofFlair I'm hoping to prove him wrong, that there are people out here in blogland who will enjoy using these buttons as much as I do...Best of luck..kim

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  7. Nice to see you back! I'm a mom of 2 kids, 22 yr daughter and a 18 yr old son. I have 2 cats and 2 dogs,one who just had surgery this week. I wrk from home as a pediatric nurse triage.

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  8. Wow you poor thing! A huge fan of your stamps.....and so glad to hear you are back on your feet! Looking forward to following your blog and seeing what new adventures await! My blog is: http://scrapaddict4life.blogspot.com/ Not much to tell here....a SAHM mom and designer....love my paper crafting/stamping! Hoping to get more involved in teaching stamping classes soon! :)

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  9. Hi Alyssa! Wecome back to blogland and thank you for sharing your journey with us. I can't wait to see what you have for us on your featured days. Your card is hilarious and I know my husband would get a BIG kick out of it!

    My name is Saundra and I have been blogging since 2007.. I started out sharing projects I did for my 3rd and 4th grade classroom and then moved on to making cards mostly but throw in some 3D projects now and again. I am married to my high school sweetheart, 26 years in August, and have 4 wonderful children. I am currently on the design team for Peachy Keen Stamps, Scrappy Moms Stamps, and Shop Pumpkin Spice. You can visit my blog: www.Luvscrappingtogether.blogspot.com

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  10. Hey girlie, it is sooo good to see you back in action. What does that say about us that we both started back crafting the same day? lol

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    1. Lol! Right?! I think it musta just been time for us to get back together in crafty/blogland :) Maybe it's God's way of nudging us back together. I've missed you!!

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  11. My name is Jessica Kephart! Excited to see your new layout and follow!! I've been paper crafting for 2 years and have loved every bit of it!

    My blog is www.homespunelegance.blogspot.com

    Would LOVE to get to know you!! And woud be THRILLED to win the MTE STAMPS!!!!

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  12. I'm a new follower to your blog! I wish you the very best of luck in your Relaunch and hope your life continues on a wonderful path. Sometimes we need to get knocked down to get up stronger. I know, sweetie. I also have a blog that I've neglected for a while. I may start up again. It's crafteermisadventures.blogspot.com. Be seeing you!

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  13. Welcome back! Can't wait to see everything new you create and share!!!

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  14. Hi Alyssa, my name is Sarah and I love making cards! I am married and have a 12 year old son. I belong to a group called The Sassey Stampers. I would like to follow your blog. If you would like to follow mine it's called Crazy about cards!! The address is www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com

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  15. YAY!!! I am so happy to see you are back! I didn't start following or really find your MTE until it was just about over, and I think you are extreamly brave for sharing your personal affairs with all of us! I LOVED your stamps and your work, so I can't wait to see more on here and I'm so happy to be a "new" follower! I am a SAHM of two and I'm 30... shhhh don't let that last fact be remembered at anytime... I still swear to my 4 year old that I'm 29 hehehehe! I just started selling Arbonne, I just received an acceptance for publication for the first time, and I LOVE everything papercrafting!

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  16. I am a special needs paraprofessional, full time student, wife and mother...Love to do all types of paper crafting, though currently have very little time for it. I tend to do more reading about, and saving projects for the time in the future (next summer) when I am no longer a student! Can't wait to see all the new projects!

    marzeecarnes@hotmail.com

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  17. I so loved reading your story and glad you are getting back on your feet. That was a terrible thing to have to go through but sometimes the things in life happen for a reason. Maybe you were actually meant to be with your boyfriend now. So look at things in the positive way, wear your scars proudly and it will make you a stronger person for it. Congrats on the new launch and the new crafty adventure!
    Deb C

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  18. I forgot to give you my blog addy http://bugjuiced.blogspot.com

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  19. So great to get to know you! Just love your first card back. I would love to be great bloggie friends. I've met so many people since beginning my blog journey in sept of 2011. I have to work at a job full-time but love to get crafting on the side. Check me out at http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com

    Be blessed, Beckie

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  20. Welcome back to the blogosphere! My (somewhat neglected) blog is hanwayink.com, and that's my twitter handle as well. Me? I'm a former almost-teacher, former accountant (but number girl forever) who now works for the Canadian gov. good times.

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  21. Hi, Alyssa! I found my way here from my latest addiction, Unity Stamps. Love them! Congrats on your new launch (I'm sorry I missed the first one!) and here's to new beginnings! Sounds like you are a stronger person - and now you'll be off to new & exciting adventures! Here's my blog address: http://miwannascrap.blogspot.com, which is primarily devoted to my papercrafting projects but every once in awhile, I'll remember to post a blurb about my kids. ;) I look forward to seeing your creations for inspiration - I agree, crafting is therapeutic!

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  22. I'm new to your blog but what I've seen so far I am sure I will stay with you. I love this stamp!

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  23. Like the Phoenix rising out of the ashes.....welcome back.

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  24. Alyssa I'm happy you are happy and with peace again.
    I'm from Lima, Peru. Love papercrafting and crafts since I was so little.
    I studied architecture and graphic design. Have 2 wonderful jack russells that lighten my life and a supportive family I adore. MY blog is : http://www.colorful-journal.com/

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  25. Welcome back! I believe God allows the heartaches and hardships to make us stronger. Thanks for sharing your story. I am a mom of three children and fairly new to blog land. I started my blog, createdbykrisb@blogspot.com just last December. Last summer I pulled out my old stamps that had been in storage for almost 14 years and started crafting again, my family think I'm obsessed with it now! I totally agree that it is therapeutic. Can't wait to see the wonderful things you'll create! God bless!!

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  26. Welcome back Alyssa!! I am following this blog now too - loved your last one, so I can only imagine this one will be even better!! A bit about me - I've been a SAHM for 10 years, have 2 kids, who are growing up so fast! I am very involved in their schools, hold board (boring) positions. I run a Brownie group of 7 & 8 yr old girls. I also do admin work for my hubby who owns a drywall business... I have found a serious love for crafting many years ago, but really started getting serious with it over the last 3 years. I feel that it is my 'me' time & it allows me to be creative & so often, it is my therapy!! My blog is janicesjems.blogspot.ca - although I don't post nearly often enough I would love for you to take a peek if you'd like ;) Looking forward to seeing your fun creations!! Is there any other twine... I love my Trendy too :)

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  27. Me: I went to college, worked for 2 years in my career, stayed home with the kids for 20 years, now work at a kids store, garden, do crafts, love my dog (my beloved kitty just died and I really miss him!), etc.

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  28. Hi Alyssa,

    I really enjoyed reading your story. Thanks for sharing something so personal.

    I like in San Diego too. I'm in North County. What part are you in?

    I have a full time job and two boys (21 & 15) that play baseball, so I don't have as much time to stamp as I would like. But when I get to do it, I love every minute of it.

    I look forward to reading your blog.

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  29. i have no idea how much you know of me, but i think you already know about my blog anyways, hehe. but i'm a SAHM with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. paper crafting fell on my lap on accident 1.5 years ago. previously, i was all about fiber arts (knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, etc.)... my craft blog start off as a knitting blog back in 2004. since then, i've had craft ADD really badly. i'm bummed you are no longer in nor cal, but if i were anywhere in so cal, SD would be the place!! (NOT LA) ;-)
    you sound like you are in a much better place, and i'm so glad to hear it =)
    - Ruth

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  30. I am new to your blog as well. I enjoyed reading your story. I also love Unity stamps..I am a SAHM to my 3 shelties.. I'm in southern Louisiana. I look forward to following your blog..
    Mary

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  31. Welcome back. Glad things are looking up for you. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us. I love your card.

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  32. Welcome back. Glad things are looking up for you. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us. I love your card.

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  33. So excited you are back but sorry for your troubles. I am a mother of two and an accountant, crafting is my stress relief and I love to create. My blog is www.corriescrafts. blogspot.com

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  34. Welcome back. Congrats on your relaunch. Noticed the fb post and wanted to hop over here right away. Sounds as though there will be lots of fun craftiness in store here. Best Wishes!!!
    http://NeatNook.blogspot.com

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  35. Congrats on the relaunch!! I'm looking forward to seeing your fresh new creations!

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    1. ^My name is Andi - don't know why that didn't post...

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  36. Welcome back Alyssa!!! I was sad to see you shut down the MTS store, but I'm so happy to see you return :) I started papercrafting when I got the CRAZY idea to DIY my wedding too. It started as a little hobby, but when I had a really crappy job in a crappy town that I hated, it became a huge stress reliever. I would feel so bad about my day and I felt like I didn't accomplish anything though I was away from home for 12hrs a day. But, when I came home, I could make something and felt like at least the whole day wasn't a complete waste. Now, I live and work in a city that I love and yet, cardmaking is still a love of mine :)

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  37. Glad to see you back. Nothing keeps a great girl down :) I also agree that when I am down nothing lifts me up better than a little glitter and ink. I am also a ZING and MTC user and it has opened my world in the amount of creativity that I can produce. Good luck on your new adventure.

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  38. Clearly you got it all together! How impressive you are! Great Card and so glad to see you creating again!

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  39. I am a full time working mom of a 10 and 7 year old. I spend my days working in an environment that is very depressing (although I do love, love, love my job). I found scrapping, card making and blogging a good escape along with spending time with my beautiful kids and handsome husband. I am new to blogging and happened upon you on another site. I have added you to my favorites and look forward to seeing your creations. Love the card. My email address is einersonsgirl@yahoo.com

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  40. I am a newbie to your blog..but I am definitely following now! I am a SAHM to 3 kids; a 3 1/2 girl, and 14 going on 15 yrs. old twin boys (WHAT?? 15? already??) I enjoy crafting, and making new friends online, and am always learning...love to learn. I recently started a blog: laurascreativeworld.blogspot.ca

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  41. So glad things are looking up for you--I've missed you!! :)

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  42. Thanks for the "rest of the story" So sorry you've had your share of problems, but, hey, tomorrow is a new day! I'm 65 yo and started scrapbooking when my dad turned 97 by making a heritage album. All I had back then was a few papers, a couple of embellishments and a pair of scissors (photos too, of course!) How was I able to pull that off. Now every time I get on facebook or read a blog, "I need that" We never have enough! After the scrapbook and after recovering from Breast Cancer treatments, I started making cards with the Cricut, then I started stamping, and finally got into eveything else. You could say I'm an eclectic artist!

    Looking forward to every day you post. Welcome back!

    Hugs,

    Carmen L

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  43. Hi! I'm a stay at home mom of a 4 legged baby and my hubby heehee! So glad you are back! I love making crafts of all kinds! God has blessed me with the crafty bug and the love and need to share it with others!

    I am in the process of starting my own little business so my website isn't up and running yet...but soon!! :)

    God bless you in your new life adventures!

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  44. Congratulations on your come-back!! Seems like you're on your way back to amazing and incredible things. Enjoy yourself! Can't wait to see what you bring us.

    Luv2Scrap81 (MTC forum)

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  45. What a cool "crappy" card! :) Congrats on the relaunch

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    1. I love how detailed and organized you are here, plus creative! So I am a new follower :)
      You can come visit me at scrappyscrappy.blogspot.com
      I am considered a newbie at scrappy things (2 years?) but I am obssessed ! Love every minute of it. :)

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  46. It is very nice to meet you. It always amazes me how God never gives us more than what we can handle and as long as we have faith, He will see us through. My name is Mary. I too have a job I love and totally enjoy paper crafting. I am a design team member for Crafty Creations and get lost in pretty patterned papers, embellishments, and stamps. I had an online scrapshop but when my mom got leukemia, I had to close it down to take care of her. Since then, I unlike you, have thought about starting it back up but want a new direction. God bless you and keep you safe. Enjoy each day because they truly are a gift.

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  47. Ha Ha.... I could use a few dozen of these cards! Love the way you did the potties in colors!

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  48. I love that Oh Crap stamp, too!
    I have a MTE butterfly and sentiment stamp that I used today. Ironically, as I was using it, I wondered if the company was still around. Well, you answered that question! Congrats on perseverance, strength, and finding the good in things. I admire that kind of attitude. I'm a new follower. Follow me back, if you'd like.
    http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com

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  49. Wow, what a story. So glad you had the strength to pick yourself back up and find your way! I, too, am a grad of SDSU and I miss San Diego in so many ways. It's quite a difference from the Pacific Northwest that's been my home for 20 years! Wishing you all the success in the world. In Everything!!!

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  50. Fabulous card! It's perfect for dog sitting (I have 2 13 year old dogs and some days are messier than others). I also share your love for chevrons and am battling with my hubby on incorporating them into our home decor (so far he thinks is winning, but I am simply just wearing him down..lol). I will be joining your follower list! Here is my blog addy:
    http://mochavation.blogspot.com/

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  51. amazing card and welcome back!
    -Rachel w k
    rwkrafts.com

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  52. Hello Alyssa! That is my daughter's name! Your mom and I have great taste! Ha! My name is Donna Mack. My blog is purplepinkypromises.blogspot.com Come on over and read my story! I love your story! You have a great heart! It is so evident as I read your story! Welcome back to this side of scrappyville!! :-)

    Even though I have dabbled in scrapbooking over the years, I started hard core papercrafting about 4 years ago! I agree! It is such a stress reliever!! I just started my blog about 2 months ago! About time, huh?

    I truly love your card! I love how you masked it and gave it a rainbow effect! That twine is AWESOME!

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  53. Very cute card. I love the masking technique. Can be pretty cool at times!

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  54. I love your card and thank you for the chance to win

    Kathleen

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  55. Thank you for the chance to win. By the way you are a beautiful, intelligent young woman and your ex is a dam fool.

    Kathleen

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  56. I really like this card it's super funny. You have clever cards!

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