Bernardo Winery

Had a great time with friends at a local winery. If you live in San Diego, you should go spend a day at this little local treasure. Very fun, friends, great food, and wine! If you eat at Cafe Merlot and want a light lunch, just get the cheese plate and a pitcher of Sangria's. The cheese plate comes with a huge plate of bread and crackers, and another plate of olives, cheese, cranberries, roasted garlic and sun dried tomatoes. We didn't even finish it and hardly needed lunches after that.

There are all sorts of shops at the winery, you could spend a whole day there. If you have a dog, they are welcome at the winery, even in the wine tasting room.

But as in all cases, its not really the restaurant, the food, or any of that, its the friends you spend the day with.

cheers! Johanna Peterson

Countdown Calendar Class

This is my latest project. It is a count down to Christmas calendar. The numbers go from 43-01, so right near Thanksgiving you can start your countdown. It hangs on the wall and the numbers are magnetic. You can store the extra numbers on the back.

I am teaching this saturday at 2:30 at yellowbird scrapbook store, October 10th. I am going to add another date since the class is going over well. email me if you want more info on dates for the class. :) thanks for looking.

joke

YOUR DUCK IS DEAD
A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon.
As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the
bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."
The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?"
Yes, I am sure. The duck is dead," replied the vet.
"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something."
The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room.
He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room.
A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on it's haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.
The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."
The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman.
The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried, $150 just to tell me my duck is dead?"
The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150.

May 2010 cruise info!

This is the "Crown Room" there is a dance floor and bar, a band at night, & a great view!

This is one of the pools - there is a cafe (with all food and drinks free!) towel service and music and entertainment.

His & Hers couples massage

The conference room we will be using for scrapping. Great lighting, in the middle of the ship (so its nice and smooth) a great view, and a built in powerpoint system and microphone!

This is your private balcony outside of your stateroom. Oh, by the way they make you towel animals each night with a chocolate on your pillow and clean your room 2x a day!

Billiards

stateroom

they have 2 basketball courts

the atrium and glass elevators were beautiful!

Pack your bags and gather your scrapping supplies for our cruise in May! I took a tour of the ship - the "Radiance of the Seas" and it was spectacular! here are some photos from the tour.

Here is a link to Crafting Cruises http://www.craftingcruises.com/index.html

Girlfriends University!

Hey- we have a new feature at the girlfriends club website, you can sign up for a newsletter, and we have down loadable PDF project sheets of some of our projects. My Halloween Shaker Box Project is on there as well as some projects from Leah Fung and Donna Salazar. If you like the shaker box layout, just click on this link http://www.thegirlfriendsclub.net/ and it will take you over there, then click on Girlfriends University. Although the shaker box is a Halloween theme, you can build one for any theme.
Keep your eyes peeled for photos of the Royal Caribbean "Radiance of the Seas", I am taking a tour on Wednesday and I am going to post the photos!!! I hope that you join us for our cruise in may, there is still time to sign up and make small monthly payments. The last cruise was sooo much fun, you should treat yourself!
Also, there is a post from last Friday "Photo Friday", its all about taking photos out doors, you should check it out at : http://thegirlfriendsclub.typepad.com/the_girlfriends_club/ . It has a lot of good information on how to take outdoor photos, you may want to read this before heading to the pumpkin patch or picking apples.
Hugs!! your scrapbooking friend, Johanna Peterson

funny

Excerpts from a Dog’s Daily Diary:
8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary:
Day 683 of my captivity:
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. The audacity!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow– but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released — and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded!

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe…for now…

News

Hey everyone, so sad to report that YellowBird Scrapbooking store is on the market. The owners feel like they need to make some changes in their personal lives, and have decided to sell the store...but I am PRAYING that someone will buy the store. The store is actually doing very well, even in today's economy. This could be some one's dream realized, to own their own business and live in San Diego. If you know of someone who is interested in taking over the store, email me at aadvphoto@aol.com and I can pass on your information to the owners. Its a great store with a great group of customers, its a lot like a family. But, with every turn of events becomes a new opportunity.

spooky house card

eeek! so spooky! :) Here are a few photos of my spooky house card that I made using the Pine Cone Press kit. The kit has the My Minds Eye "spiders web" line in it, tons of great ribbon and a pumpkin chipboard mini album. great kit! The letters inside are "Haunted" by Quickutz. Hmmm, but now who to give this to???

Halloween Class

Boo! I mean, Hey everyone! I am ready for Halloween! Not in the literal sense, ready, but "cant wait" type of ready.
I made this layout with the new Pine Cone Press kits, the My Mind's Eye "Spider Web" line, I only used a fraction of the kit, so you will have a ton of paper, ribbon, etc. to create more projects. This is a shaker style layout and there are beads, stars and google eyes that shake around, and the moon swings from side to side.
I am teaching this class at Yellowbird scrapbooking store : Satuday September the 12th, 10 am, if you need more information, just email me or call {619}579-7422.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful parents. The first song is for you!

45 years! Not only are you wonderful parents, but you are my best friends.

You have taught me a lot about how to be a parent, but I still haven't figured out what to get you for your anniversary :)

Hugs & Kisses!!

Love, Johanna, Davi, Hallie, Sandy & Sara (even missy the cat and all the pets who you have taken in during times of crisis and fires)

I would love it if all of you would leave a comment and wish my parents happy anniversary!!

Doggie Update!!

Ok, the dog's owners were hanging up "lost dog" signs and saw our "found dog" signs. I got a call about 7:30 pm and a lady at the other end said "I think you found my dog, does she have a pink polka dot collar?" I said yes and she started to cry. I gave her the address and the girls and I and Sandy waited with the dog in the front yard. She parked across the street and I thought the dog's tail would wag off when her owners got out of the car. The whole family came and friends of theirs who were helping hang up signs came over too. we were all hugging and everyone was so happy.
Her name is "Gracie" and she is a Chi-Weenie. She is full grown. Her owners had just moved to the area, and that was the first day of work, so Gracie was a bit freaked out. I think she must have set out looking for her owners.
It was really special to be part of such a happy ending like that. It was better than any "feel good" movie, and definitely the best summer day ever. I think the girls will remember hanging up signs and taking care of "Gracie" for the day and how amazing it was to help her find her family. Hallie said late that night "We did a good thing, didn't we?"
I said "yes, Gracie was so sweet, I think a lot of people would have wanted to keep her"
Hallie asked, "Do you miss Gracie?"
I said "yeah, but I am happy her family found her"
she replied, "that made me more happy than all the presents in the world"

Me too :)

our little temporary angel

So today I was at Petco buying crickets. At the register there was a bucket of dog biscuits. I took one (for the neighbor dogs) and the cashier at the store said "oh, what type of dog do you have?" I replied,"Oh, we have a cat, robo hamster, tarantula and gecko, but no dog. I just get the treats for the neighbor dogs"...
Fast forward 15 minutes.
We have a dog.
Well, not really, we cant keep her. I was driving down Lake Jennings, which is a very busy road and the truck in front of me slowed down. I was moving into the middle turn lane to turn left. I see this teeny dog run out from under the truck and towards my car. I lost sight of her and was afraid to move my car, so I stopped and looked around, then under my car, I still couldn't see her. I was still too afraid to get back into my car without knowing where she was, had I already rolled over her? I walked to the other side of the car, got on my hands and knees (hoping a car wouldn't run over my legs) and looked under my car. She was shaking and hiding by my tire. when I reached for her she went even further under my car. Have I mentioned it's really hot out here in August? I crawled under my car as far as I could and grabbed her two front legs and drug her out. I put her in my lap and drove home. she was really thirsty, hungry and tired.

She is sweet and curious, she has no tags. The cat is ok with her, she isn't all puffed up or upset. We have shown her to most of the neighbors. The girls and their friends put up found dog signs around the neighbor hood. I am going to drive and put some up a bit further out. Someone is missing her.

So for now, we are enjoying her. She likes to sleep on your lap, oh and a blankie is good too.

We Love Making Memories!!

Santa has come early to The Red Bee...Just in time for Santa's Summer Splendor! If you are signed up for any of the SSS classes at The Red Bee on August 15th and 16th, you are automatically entered in a drawing to win a brand new Making Memories Slice Machine!! Signed up for more than one class? Well, that means your name is entered multiple times! This is a win win - take a bunch of VERY cute classes, all taught by talented and dedicated artists, such as Candice Carpenter, Leah Fung, Donna Salazar, Stephanie Akerman and myself (Johanna Peterson) and bonus - you might win a Slice! We will also have a slew of other prizes to give away at the event as well - but only for those who signed up for one of the 6 classes we're offering. There is still room in all the classes so call to sign up today! 714-838-1200

Scrapbook Cruise Info

We are soooo excited to announce that we are doing a crop and cruise with Crafting Cruises!! On May 3rd, 2010, we'll be on the Royal Carribean's Radiance of the Sea, heading down to Cabo San Lucas! Each of us will be teaching a class plus there are mini classes, my photography workshop, games and prizes! Leah has more details on her blog and here's the flyer too. It's $100 to sign up and you can make monthly payments if you like. And it's fully refundable up until the very last payment in February. We're really hoping a lot of our vBlog viewers will come along for the ride! It's going to be a blast hanging out and scrapbooking with all of you!

Focus on Photos Volume 2

Hey everyone, Leah, Donna and I made a new photography class on CD!! It is approximately 1 hour, with over 60 still photo examples, and expanded notes. You can order it here http://thegirlfriendsclub.typepad.com/the_girlfriends_club/ for $15! and.... If you already have volume 1 we are offering a 50% discount, just email me aadvphoto@aol.com and we will set you up with the discount.

BUT WAIT! there is more- we have a preview of the new CD on the the girlfriends blog, and if you leave a comment on Youtube or on the Girlfriends blog under video 75 we are giving away one of the Focus on Photos CD's!!

I get asked the following question quite often, so I thought I would share the answer:

"why are my photos blurry when I turn off the flash and take a photo indoors? How can I fix it?"

ANSWER:

when you turn off the flash, your camera needs more light, and defaults to a setting that the shutter speed is too slow. to compensate for more light, it is taking the photo for a longer amount of time. to help let in more light find your ISO setting. You may need your manual to find your ISO setting -toggle or arrow up to a higher # - if you have never moved it - it is at an auto default of 64 or 100. move up to 400, 600, 800...this will let you have more light in via sensitivity to light. this will allow your camera to need less light via shutter speed, which will allow it to shoot the photo for less time. I hope this helps, the CD Focus on Photos covers all of this and gives you examples. it may be helpful to get one :)