So,
although this is CYBER Monday, for me it is still Monster Monday!
After a very crazy and ruff weekend, it is nice to be back to the
regular schedules and work. Today I have many things to do, most of
them are NOT on the computer so I will not have to compete with all
those that are shopping today (you can always shop with me...gift
certificates!)
I found this wonderful Etsy shop, The Rat Nest,
and just couldn't pass up showing off this cute guy. Very soft,
friendly and fun for you or your Monster to enjoy - all year round.
Please visit The Rat's Nest and let them know what you think,
click, heart and maybe even buy!!!
Thank you and enjoy your Monster Monday, even if you are using it as a Cyber Monday instead. ~KM
What
a monday, definitely a MONSTER Monday. It was a long and busy - yet
relaxing - weekend. Now, it is back to reality. It is a short week of
Aye, she goes today and tommorow and then a half day on Wednesday...then
off till Monday. Monster is getting the Christmas fever already!!
Every add on TV or in the paper is 'I want that for Christmas or my
birthday ' (his birthday is in January). Hubby working hard - he is a
UPS package car delivery driver. I have a big show (last one for this
year) over the Thanksgiving weekend in lake City, Florida, so as you can
see, there is a lot going on in the Krafty house.
I guess that is why when I searched for a feature on Etsy this morning this cute bowl jumped out at me! Monster Op Matt is
a very nice shop, there are all kinds of Monsters (unfortunately most
of them are breakable) from cups to bowls. Please check out this great
shop and let them know what you think of
This is the third of a three part series on my friend and author Charity L. Maness. This is a ex cert from her book Hopefully. Hopefully
is a wonderful love story with all the 'clumsiness' of real life, the
pain and friendship we experience everyday, and also the love and
kindness that makes all of our hearts swell.
At
the bank I say to the teller cheerfully, "I would like to cash my
paycheck please. This is my first paycheck. I worked. I have a job.
Do I got a paycheck. It's all mine." The teller looks awfully nervous
and call over the manager. I think something must be wrong with my very
first paycheck and I start to panic. "Is there something wrong? Is
there money in the account? This is my first paycheck and its all
mine. Please say there is nothing wrong." I plead with the manager.
The
manager leans across the counter lays her hands on my hands that I am
wringing and says quietly, "You need to calm down a little Mrs. Madison,
you are scaring the staff." Oops. This is humiliating, but it could
definitely be worse, like me trippin on my way out accidentally tossing
my money in the air and everyone trampling me to get to the free money
floating about.
Thank goodness that didn't happen I think as I get into my car.
I call
Mattie. "Hey Mat, guess what? I just got paid and I want to take you
out tonight? Meet me at my house at eight and we'll head out from
there." I hang up so she can't say "no". I'm feeling pretty sneaky and
down right smug.
At
home I pay my bills and find out there is indeed enough money left to
have a couple of drinks with Mat. I run up the stairs to shower and get
ready for a night on the town. As I start the shower I hear the phone
ring.....
In
a few weeks her next book - Faithfully will be out, and I will read
that (as soon as I get a copy) and also write about it. These books are
wonderful, funny and a great way to relax and enjoy life. Next week I
will announce my contest, keep watching! Please remember, you can
purchase these books through Amazon.com and they are SOOOOO worth the money! You will re-read them, I guarantee it!
Today is the first Monster Monday of MY New Year. Although the New Years doesn't officially start until next week, I am starting mine now. With a new attitude and new ideas, 2010 will be the best year YET for Krafty Max!!!!!
This morning I am starting my Monster Monday off with a very cute monster....Felix...from Dilly Puppets. Please check out these wonderful little creatures.
Well, it is the Monday before Christmas....how crazy is everyone??? I am sure feeling the 'push' this year. I just can't believe how quickly time has gone by. I have so many things to get done
and so little time!!!
Today I found a wonderful little shop that makes these very cute monsters, Jayne Danger. Please check out this wonderful shop and maybe even purchase something for the little one in your life.
Thank you and try to 'feed' your monster's today! ~KM
Well, I am feeling better still! Woke up this morning without coughing...that is a milestone! To anyone who has had this flu...I feel for ya. It sure kicked my butt. But, on to bigger things now (ha-ha)....
I wish I had this little tissue monster that I found this morning. Although, I did go through 4 boxes of Kleenex (this wouldn't have lasted a hour) while I was sick. This monster is just so cute and I think it may find a home in my purse...if you don't get it first! Please check out KNC Designs because she has a variety of very cute and unique items in her shop.
This Monday finds me still sick with the flu. Although I am getting better (great meds) I am still very tired and not even close to being well again. I know that I have been sick with the flu in the past years, but this hit me VERY fast (12-14 hours) and VERY hard. I am so lucky if my family didn't get sick too.
Looking around Etsy (like always) I found this cut little shop, Run Freak Run (don't let the name fool you) it is a cute shop. I just love this little gal, and I totally understand how she feels....
So, although this is CYBER Monday, for me it is still Monster Monday! After a very crazy and ruff weekend, it is nice to be back to the regular schedules and work. Today I have many things to do, most of them are NOT on the computer so I will not have to compete with all those that are shopping today (you can always shop with me...gift certificates!)
I found this wonderful Etsy shop, The Rat Nest, and just couldn't pass up showing off this cute guy. Very soft, friendly and fun for you or your Monster to enjoy - all year round. Please visit The Rat's Nest and let them know what you think,
click, heart and maybe even buy!!!
Thank you and enjoy your Monster Monday, even if you are using it as a Cyber Monday instead. ~KM
What a monday, definitely a MONSTER Monday. It was a long and busy - yet relaxing - weekend. Now, it is back to reality. It is a short week of Aye, she goes today and tommorow and then a half day on Wednesday...then off till Monday. Monster is getting the Christmas fever already!! Every add on TV or in the paper is 'I want that for Christmas or my birthday ' (his birthday is in January). Hubby working hard - he is a UPS package car delivery driver. I have a big show (last one for this year) over the Thanksgiving weekend in lake City, Florida, so as you can see, there is a lot going on in the Krafty house.
I guess that is why when I searched for a feature on Etsy this morning this cute bowl jumped out at me! Monster Op Matt is a very nice shop, there are all kinds of Monsters (unfortunately most of them are breakable) from cups to bowls. Please check out this great shop and let them know what you think of
This monster is a little bit scary, but I love him just the same! The shop is a wonderful shop called, Gashly Crumb Tentacles Monster Adoption Society, and their story is great too. Although I have not held one of these monsters in my hands, the quality, detail and love that is put into these can be seen even from the photos. I would love one of these for my monster, however, I am not sure that it wouldn't scare him toooooo much!
Have a wonderful Monster Monday and don't forget to keep checking in on my Face Book Fan Page to see the progress of some of my projects!! Enjoy! ~KM
Well, this Monster Monday I thought I would show you this wonderful Etsy shop that I found...they not only only sell these wonderful Monsters, but they also sell the patterns if you want to make them yourself. I love my beads, and I know how to knit, but....I don't think i could do these....I have no patience for knitting!!! Just think, you could get one of these for your Christmas party to give to your boss, or even to a 'favorite' aunt!!!
Ha-Ha LOL!!!
I am showing you two different Monsters, mainly because I couldn't choose which one I licked the best! Enjoy your Monster Monday!!! ~KM
This Monster Monday I thought I would show off this wonderful Etsian that I found...I simply love the look of these gloves - tooooo cute from Boysenberry Lane's Shop who has many different styles and sizes of these cute gloves, please go and check them out....My own Monster will be spending the day with MeMe so that I can actually get some things done!
Well, this Monday I am getting back to my regular "Monster Monday" features. I have not gotten any response to the contest for the newest Charity Maness book *totally disappointed* - *sigh* - so I have decided to make it really easy...comment on this post and leave me your email to enter into a drawing for a copy of Charity's newest book....Faithfully. This is as simple of a contest as I can make! Please, these are wonderful books, you will enjoy them so much, either buy them or win one...thanks!
Now, onto the feature for today...MisfitCreatures. This is such a wonderful Monster Couple! Perfect for anyone's fall festivities or everyday just to make you smile! There are many 'monsters' in this shop, just check it out and see. Leave the shop a note, mark it as a favorite or maybe even buy something.
Enjoy your Monster Monday and please....keep your monsters close to your heart, I do....~KM
Morning all!! First a bit of news, I was so busy and tired this weekend that I didn't even get a post done for Sunday...sorry! The craft show that I went to was a wonderful success! There was a wonderful crowd and wonderful weather. I also did WONDERFULLY! Yes, I actually made money at this show!. The show circuits have been so bad lately that if you just cover all your expenses you are usually happy. This was such a good show that I actually made money!! Ya HOOOOO!
Sorry, didn't mean to brag or rub it in, I am just really happy....I would do a happy dance, but my back and legs are
killing me!!! LOL.
Now, on to the important stuff! This is the Monster Monday where I tell you all about the contest that I am having for the book from Charity Maness. It is rather simple, but fun.... You will need to look all over my blog and the posts from the last 5 weeks. Count how many times I use the words..... Empty Nest...... This includes in the blog posts, the blog sidelines or any other part of www.kraftymax.blogspot.com that it happens to be. Leave a comment under this post with your name and your count. On Monday, October 26th I will choose a winner at random from the people who have entered. You will receive a copy of the newest Charity Maness books, Faithfully, right off the presses!!! It may even be signed!!!! I know that this will require to to look a little bit for the words Empty Nest,
but you have to work a little to get even the 'free' things!
Thanks for following me at I tell you all about my wonderful friend and her terrific books. Remember, you can always purchase them from Amazon.com..... From Positive Test to Empty Nest and Hopefully - starting October 20th - Faithfully. Enjoy this wonderful Monster Monday and be nice to your monster! ~KM
This is the third of a three part series on my friend and author Charity L. Maness. This is a ex cert from her book Hopefully. Hopefully is a wonderful love story with all the 'clumsiness' of real life, the pain and friendship we experience everyday, and also the love and kindness that makes all of our hearts swell.
At the bank I say to the teller cheerfully, "I would like to cash my paycheck please. This is my first paycheck. I worked. I have a job. Do I got a paycheck. It's all mine." The teller looks awfully nervous and call over the manager. I think something must be wrong with my very first paycheck and I start to panic. "Is there something wrong? Is there money in the account? This is my first paycheck and its all mine. Please say there is nothing wrong." I plead with the manager.
The manager leans across the counter lays her hands on my hands that I am wringing and says quietly, "You need to calm down a little Mrs. Madison, you are scaring the staff." Oops. This is humiliating, but it could definitely be worse, like me trippin on my way out accidentally tossing my money in the air and everyone trampling me to get to the free money floating about.
Thank goodness that didn't happen I think as I get into my car.
I call Mattie. "Hey Mat, guess what? I just got paid and I want to take you out tonight? Meet me at my house at eight and we'll head out from there." I hang up so she can't say "no". I'm feeling pretty sneaky and down right smug.
At home I pay my bills and find out there is indeed enough money left to have a couple of drinks with Mat. I run up the stairs to shower and get ready for a night on the town. As I start the shower I hear the phone ring.....
In a few weeks her next book - Faithfully will be out, and I will read that (as soon as I get a copy) and also write about it. These books are wonderful, funny and a great way to relax and enjoy life. Next week I will announce my contest, keep watching! Please remember, you can purchase these books through Amazon.com and they are SOOOOO worth the money! You will re-read them, I guarantee it!
So, if you all read my last MONSTER Monday post, you know that this is the 2nd in a 3 part series about a good friend and author, Charity Maness. Her books have brought me many moments of laughter, 'ah ha's' along with just plain smiles and giggles. Her first book tells you about her life as a new mother, all the way through the toddler and teen stage to the 'empty nest' stage....From Positive Test to Empty Nest...and through it all, you really can understand and empathize with her from your own experiences - even if you are not a mother yourself.
I was born and raised in Walnut Creek California. That is where I first discovered my love for the written word. Though it was maudlin and quite lovesick poetry at the time, it was still creative. Writing came naturally though I never thought of it as a talent, just a means to an end. My homework in college was well written and extremely creative…especially if I didn’t know the answer. I would simply continue to write and hope I hit on some small bit of important data.
After meeting the man of my dreams at work (work being code for ‘bar’) where I diligently and quite well I might add, sold fine beverages as a means to pay for my college tuition and the occasional meal, I found myself married and within five years the lucky owner of three beautiful children. Through those years the only writing tool held in my hand was a jam covered crayon, unless you count eyeliner, I have had to use that medium many times in lieu of the all illusive pencil.
Now living on the coast of California just south of San Francisco, we added one more little Maness to our brood and I cut my hair. No point in having long hair when there is absolutely no time to style it. The pretty nails went by the wayside too, along with the lingerie that kept getting me in trouble, bring on the flannel nighties.
Writing seemed to be a thing of the past, though my mind was still spinning tales, for each night I would make up bedtime stories for my children with them as the lead bunny, or head honcho hippo, etc. There was always a moral and lots of action. For my birthday and Mother’s Day I would ask my children to write a story. Any story. I got some real doozies, I tell you. My oldest, if I had paid any attention at all I would have known he was born a Marine, would always write stories of mercenaries and battles. My youngest always wrote of hero puppies. Second life? Or vet? I haven’t figured that one out yet.
Move to the country with the passel of kids, add 2 nephews, 1 niece, horses, pigs, cows, goats, bunnies, chickens, and whadaya know? I begin to write again. I can’t recall sleeping, but hey, sleep is over rated.
After writing down some funny stories for my children to read to their children some day, my husband asked what I was up to. He read a few pages and couldn’t stop laughing. “You did this? How did you remember all that? You really should publish this!” This from a man that barely says that much in a whole day, I talk enough for both of us and then some. I knew I was on to something. A few more years pass and a few kids move on and move out and I now have time to pursue this dream. Not only does it allow my creative juices to flow but when I create a character I put a smidge of each and every child I have had into the characters, so I have my children with me always. If one is in a foreign land fighting the battle on terrorism, or one is out fighting fires, one is headed off to college, and one is itching to move on, I can open my work in progress and see them come alive right there, in the room with me.
With motherhood being the best job I ever could have applied for (and conveniently not been denied because of lack of experience), writing takes a comfy second place. Without the incredible differences in my children’s personalities and their own perspectives on life I don’t believe I would be able to grasp so many different characters and their personalities. But I also need to mention my friend Maggie here, not to be confused with Mattie, but one can draw that parallel line. Unbeknownst to her she has been great fodder for further character formation.
I hope this lends you some insight into the fun and exciting journey to my odd and humorousoutlook on life.
This wonderful bio about her (written by herself) provides in site, however, the most wonderful plug I can give her is that she is a beautiful and full of life - longtime - family friend!
Please check out her books and remember, this is part 2 of 3, so next Monday will be the review about her 2nd book, Hopefully, and also the announcement of the contest. You will need to keep your eyes and computers open to try for this contest,
This is a wonderful author and friend. My family has know Charity for many years, however, I have just been able to read and re-read her books. After sitting and reading both of her current books I can SOOOOOO relate to all of her stories! You all know that I call my 4 year old boy Monster, well, he lives up to his nickname almost daily. Charity writes about her adventures in mothering 3 boys and 1 girl of her own and also some other children. Having known her children personally makes the stories even better, but I can tell you that this book is for everyone who needs to realize that their life isn't that bad and that a good laugh will fix your woes!
Here is a small sample of the fun in this book....enjoy!
Traveling with country bumkin' kids has its own set of minor mishaps too. While waiting outside of an 'Icky Mom Shop,' meaning one with pretty smelling candles and oils and things of that sort, my son Marshall found he needed to go potty. His older brothers didn't think it was necessary to bring him into the store to look for me. Nor did they think it was a priority to find a bathroom for their little brother. No, they just let little Marshall go potty right there on the side of the building. How do I know this? Well, as I was enjoying a moment of peaceful shopping when an older lady came in the store and was aghast that a little boy was outside peeing on the building. This statement of course was shrieked loud enough for the whole entire shop to hear. I slowly put down the lovely candlestick that I was coveting, covered my face in shame and made it out of there as fast as I could.
If you are interested in reading more - and laughing - you can purchase this book from Amazon Books. This book is a 'print upon demand' book, meaning that when you purchase it, it will be printed and then sent out just to you! This process is very fast and green!
Next week (October 4th) I will do a entire bio about Charity and then on (October 11th) the following Monday I will do a review of her second book Hopefully. Her 3rd book is in the 'proofing' stage and I can't wait to get a copy!
Please, order this wonderful book and let me know what you think. Remember, there will be a contest at the end of the 3 weeks for all of those that follow this special Monster Monday series! Enjoy! ~KM
This Monster Monday is a great day. After a really nice 'family' weekend with my own family and my in-laws as well, I am starting this week off on the right note! This little bag is perfect for a boy to collect his ROCKS or BUGS in. My monster, just like most loves to try to catch the little lizards that live in my garden....maybe they will feel more at home in this Mossy Monster Bag from ChristinaSerra's shop. Check it out - she has a couple of different styles....enjoy!! ~KM
Is it Monday already? This Monster Monday I would like to have you check out these wonderful Nightmare Snatchers® from the The Spiderbite Boutique. What a fun, new and terrific idea. My Monster had really bad nightmares when his dad was in Iraq for the first 6 or so months. This would have been great! Please, check them out and let them know what you think (via a heart or purchase) of these wonderful Nightmare Snatchers®. P.S. They even come with a poem to recite! Enjoy....~KM
