enjoy the journey

Remember the Phantom Tollbooth?  It's about this boy named Milo who is bored by the world around him and thinks everything is just a plain waste of time.  He comes home from school one day to find a package labeled, "For Milo, who has plenty of time."  After fully assembling, we find Milo in his toy car transported to the Land of Expectations through said Phantom Tollbooth. 

His imagination makes him feel like he's been gone weeks in this crazy mixed-up fairytale, when in reality he's only been "away" for an hour.  By the end of the story, Milo rushes home from school in hopes for another adventure to another land, but instead he finds another note, "For Milo, who knows the way."  Although he is disappointed that his Tollbooth is gone, Milo looks around him and now finds his world as a new and interesting place. 

The most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what's in between, and Milo and his companions took great pleasure in doing just that.  -Norton Juster

Some days I sit here thinking about starting yet another boring day.  You know...get up, straighten the house, go to work, cook dinner, work out, watch TV.  Sort of a lather, rinse, repeat kinda deal.  But then I think of Milo and am reminded of all the little things in life that are so menial, yet so important at the same time.  Right now I'm sitting here with papers strewn about in the midst of creating two cards and one scrapbook layout, listening to Miranda Lambert, writing this blog and talking to my sister in law on the phone and I couldn't be happier.  All the little things we do make up one big life.  Just remember to enjoy the journey.

The [Eath Day!] Ingredients:



 Card: 100% recycled kraft paper

Patterned Paper: DCWV - Safari Chic (scraps from a layout)

Corrugate: Upcycled from a 200#Test box, liner removed

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous - Just Thoughts; Rubbernecker - Victorian Bicycle, Old World Map

Ink and Paint: Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot, Antique Linen; Folk Art Paint - Wicker White

Emboss: Versamark ink and Stampendous Detail Black Embossing Powder

Embellish: K&Company - Squares Clearly Yours

Threads: 100% Recycled Jute

Adhesive: Double Faced Tape - 3M Archival Safe

Tools: EK Success - Corner Rounder; Tim Holtz - Distresser; Marvey Uchida - Embossing Heat Tool

The Recipe:

1. Go to Unscripted Sketches and check out Sketch #155!

2.  Select color scheme.  This week: Earth Day and something a little more masculine.

3.  Kraft Paper: Cut, folded and corners rounded

4.  Giraffed Paper: Map Stamp stamped and embossed, then edges distressed and inked.

5.  Corrugate: Peel the top liner, dry brush paint and let dry.   Stamp bicycle and journey sentiment.

6.  Adhere papers to card, embellish with clear squares and jute.

7.  Get creative, maker your own, post to your blog, link to Unscripted Sketches and leave a comment here!