Good News, Bad News, Good News

Nothing's Personal, Travel, Whole 9 Yards, , , , , , , 57 Comments

S’up with you ?!

It’s been eons since I’ve made a post and while I’ve started a few, they seemed harder to finish than ever.  I’ve always wanted Boomdeeadda to be a place to share happy things, fun things, good times.

Like a crazy fabulous train trip with Mr B

For my birthday in June and to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, we took The Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver.  With stunning views out every window, wonderful meals, super fun hosts and non-stop wine service, there’s nothing like this luxury trip. Visit the link for a peek at the whole experience. It’s super special!

But then summer came along and news that my beloved job at Urban was ending !

My friend and store owner, Lori, was ready to retire. It’s a conundrum to be happy for your sweet friend and sad about an ending.  The entire month of July was a Store-wide closing sale. It kicked my butt.  There were tears and hugs as we all feel like family.  After the dust settled, we got together on a beautiful day to celebrate our friendships and wish Lori well.

Hold the door, in the ‘nth hour, there was a buyer for Urban!

While Edmonton still has Urban Scapbook as a crafting destination, I’m no longer working there. I gave it a go, but it’s very different from what we had going on. So for me, it wasn’t a good fit. The good news, I’m getting some long delayed projects done. Also a wonderful, all-be-it short, visit with my sweet BFF Alys in San Jose !

Where else does one find a good project? Ikea of course!

One of the first projects as an unemployed retired gal, was to organize my craft room.  I wanted all my stash to be tucked away, but accessible. Also look pretty but be functional. I didn’t want to spend a ton, but it has to be sturdy.  While it all sounds quite contradictory, Ikea ticked all those boxes.

With Blossum’s expert advice, I was able to put it together in one evening. You don’t need fancy tools, which is good, because I don’t have any 😀 ha!

After putting in more drawers, Mr B helped me carry it up to my crafting room and then the fun began.

Fast forward a day and a half and I’m a happy crafter. I’ve put two Ikea units back to back to make a landing space for a lot of stuff that used to be on my work desk. It feels light, bright and inviting.

You’re so kind to stop by! Life has been an adventure, with good news, bad news, good news.

Next time, a walk-a-bout the Boom-room and a Christmas scrapbook layout with Crate Paper’s, Snow and Cocoa.

xo Boomdee aka Kelly

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Lucky me, I have a dedicated craft room and currently on the Cut File Team for Paige Taylor Evans. I mostly enjoy making 12x12 layouts and Mini Albums. Thanks so much for coming by 💛

57 thoughts on “Good News, Bad News, Good News”

  1. It’s so nice to have a Boomdee post! Squeal. We sure had fun together, starting with that wonderful class. And then the shopping…and Starbucks visits, and meals, and more shopping. So much fun.

    Your BoomRoom looks amazing. I love what you’ve done with the place. 🙂 All your colors sing cheerfulness and inspiration. Are those drawers facing out also from IKEA? How deep are they? They work really well there creating storage and a work surface, something that is always in short supply when we create.

    It’s nice to get an assist from your four legged helpers. Ahem. 😉 You can cross “organize my craft room” off the list for New Year’s and it’s only December. Way. To. Go. xo

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    1. Hello hello! I’m pretty tickled to have my room reorganized. I’ve done a couple of projects there now and I must say, “it’s still clean”. There just wasn’t enough space on my work surface to remain tidy. It all ended up on the floor, along with me. Having a place for everything means a fast clean up too. There’s a lot of ‘stuff’ in there, but surprisingly, I do know where everything is 😀 I’ve been filling my spare time completing half started projects. Including my Art Journal, a card kit and a layout. I have a never ending line-up, ha!
      I have a short video coming up in my next blog that will show the Ikea drawers from the side I work on. Stay tuned 😀 On to the closets now. They’re a weird shape with deep corners. I have to figure out how to utilize them best. Toodles and hugs xo K

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      1. I’ve noticed that when I do an overhaul, and put thought into the new arrangement, that it also solidifies where things are and go. They’re easier to find, and as you say, things are easier to put away.

        I’m so happy to hear that you’re working on unfinished projects. That can be so rewarding, too. I’m looking forward to seeing that video. If you’re at all interested, please send me photos of the closets. I can suggest a few ideas. Or…we can Skype!

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  2. Hello Miss Kelly! So sorry to hear that you aren’t at Urban anymore, I know how much you loved it there. We really had a great time there didn’t we? I know we really need to get together, so sorry I haven’t been able to. Have been so busy with the Reno that never ends, I just finished painting on Thursday. Trying to get everything cleaned up and ready for Christmas now. Phone me sometime!! ❤️❤️Love your room!

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    1. hello hello Ms Hobbins! Thanks so much for your message hon. We sure did have fun..once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m glad I didn’t miss it. Holy, your reno must really be something. I remember you mentioned it in September at Lori’s party. I shall phone you before Christmas! It’s been too long 😀 Hugs K

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  3. WOW Kelly, You did a great job. I can’t wait to have a walk around the “Boom Room” Julia had suggested that I have you come help me organize my space, IF I ever get it finished. Working on that. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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    1. Hi Amy!! Omgosh, I would totally love to come and hang in your craft room! I’m no expert by any means, that’d be Alys. I haven’t had much luck keeping up with all my sweet friends over the past couple of months. It might take a plane flight just to say hello, ha! Thanks so much for your message and Merry Christmas too!

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  4. Love you Boomdee! Best wishes on this new phase of your life. These changes keep slamming us but we manage to keep going. I just know your best and happiest years lie ahead! Re: the photo of you with Alys…why don’t they have an option for “totally, absolutely LOVE this!!!!” ?

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    1. Oh (( Julia )) ! I love you too ❤ You do know I think about you and Matt even when we haven't talked? I hope so. My days have been full of angst about work and 'getting organized' and as you know, time just slips away. September was quite the month for lot's of reasons. After Jim and I battled a crazy week long flu, we had to cancel our joint trip to California. We were to meet up with Alys and Mike in early October, for a holiday in Carmel. It was really disappointing, but we were both to ill to travel. At least it hit before we left home :/ I managed to book a last minute flight for a few days with with Alys before I went back to work. It was so good to get away from my worries and spend time with Alys.

      That photo is us at her local scrapbook store taking a Christmas card class. What a treat the whole trip was. Are you putting up your tree yet? I've got my 'tree-spot' ready to go, I just need to bring everything up from our lower level. I love decorating the tree, it's so pretty. Nothing like your bedazzled beauty 😀 I've never seen a tree quite so full of beautiful ornaments. I met a friend for lunch this week and we happened into a small shop that was selling off two small narrow white Christmas trees. I really wanted one but currently have three in varying sizes and wasn't sure where I could put it…..but I still might have to go back, LOL Maybe my aqua and white one side by side? Tee-hee.

      Love and generous hugs sent your way. xoxo K

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  5. Hey Kelly!! Great post but I am sorry to hear about your job. However it looks like you will never get bored! And the kitties must be happy having mom more around.
    That train trip is on our wishlist!!! And so happy you met up with your bestie in California once more. Everything else looks fab in the Boom Room and I hope to see more.
    Big hugs and wet noses from Charley xoxoxo Johanna

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    1. Heyyyy Johanna & sweet Charley girl !! ❤ I've popped by your blog a few times looking for updates. I was nervous to ask about Charley and I'm overjoyed to know she's still giving lovely wet noses ! The kitties are great company and follow me everywhere all day. We're like a gang 😀 I hope you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Rocky Mountaineer. Such a beautiful and relaxing excursion. Our hosts made the whole trip extra fun. A young Aussie fellow was super entertaining. We went in June when everything was green and fresh. Later this summer, there were terrible forest fires in BC and we even got the smoke in Edmonton. So I would definitely recommend June. If you do manage to plan it, please let me know! I would totally meet you up in the Rockies for a coffee or 'wine-with-a-view'. We're about a 5 hour drive but Mr B and I love the mountains. It's like Christmas morning every single time. Big hugs sent your way and Charley, lets just lay around on the floor 😀 I'll pet your tummy xo K

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  6. Good to hear from you, Boomdee! Glad to see you in my mailbox! I wish my office was as organized as your craft room. Maybe this winter… 🙂

    Sometimes certain jobs are not meant to be, but one usually does learn something from them.

    Keep the updates coming, and give the kitties a scritch from me! 🙂

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    1. Hello Lavinia and thank you so much! Yes, everything has it’s time and it was awesome working with loving, creative woman. I learned tons and continue those special friendships. Life is good! Blessings, xK

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    1. Thank you so much little Cupcake and G ❤ Blossum does visit when I'm in my craft room, but she hangs out on a giant pillow I make for her. It's big enough for mom to visit and snuggle or give tummy rubs, which she loves. But then again, who doesn't? LOL 😀 xo

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  8. Wow, such a lot of stuff going on. I’m sorry about your fun job. But happy that you might blog more!!! And your craft room looks really nice. It’s funny, the Ikea stuff seems like a nightmare, but if you sit down and look at the instructions and then lay out the pieces, it usually works pretty well. But I’ve never dealt with drawers! Wow.

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    1. Hello hello Lisa ! How awesome to read your message. Thank you my dear.
      I didn’t want to let go at Urban and actually took a month off to re-consider leaving. I just came to realize, if you’re not having fun, move along and let those people find someone that will work well on your team.
      I’m really excited to be home to do lots of things I’ve been putting off. I bought the IKEA unit in September and only now got things organized. That’s what retirement helps you do 😀 The drawers are a breeze and I love putting things away at the end of the evening so when I pop back in, I get a clean start. Thinking of IKEA? Go for the drawers 😀 xo K

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  9. I highly recommend retirement 🙂 And you aren’t wasting any time making your room not only super attractive, but also super functional – I should love a dedicated space for my die cutting machine! I’m going to look forward to seeing many more regular posts coming out of Boomdeadda’s Boom Room xoxo

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    1. ❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you Pauline. The golden years, right? I'm thinking of renaming retirement the Platinum years because mine are looking pretty darn sweet. I actually can't fit everything in my room and have annexed Jim's unused office for my Cameo and Sewing Machine 😀 Oh ! and there's a Minc Machine in there too, LOL.

      But it's a good start xo K

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        1. LOL, it’s easy to buy all these tools when you get a discount, but honestly, I have things I rarely use, but bought just because I got the discount. Is that a catch 22? 😀

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        2. Yes! 🙂 When I was approaching retirement I bought several things I have never used – you’d think that would teach us not to buy just because it’s there and we might possibly use it one day…… But – nope!! 😀

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    1. LOL, yes the IKEA stuff can be tricky. I once built an entire IKEA kitchen, so after that, a wee piece of furniture seemed pretty do-able 😀 Thank you so much for your welcome Derrick! I was writing the Urban blog and never had much time for my own, so that’ll change !! Cheers!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and your message Michelle. I so agree with you too. I sure do enjoy life and this is one of the reasons I can’t stay at Urban. That we each are responsible for our own happiness (to a certain degree) I want to be as diligent as I can be to ensure the best of each day ❤ Carpe Diem

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    1. Bedankt goede vriend ! 😀 It was the best gig ever for lots of reasons, so bittersweet ending for sure. The adventure continues, who knows what tomorrow will bring. I see rainbows after the rain 😀 x Boomdee

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  13. Bonjour Kelly The Love Train looks like great fun and beautifully romantic too. I am now singing Love Train for the rest of the day. As for retirement…I certainly understand the mixed feelings but it sounds like you are turning the page on a great time in your life and are now on to a new life. How exciting. Happy creativity to you in the Boomroom and happy travels. If you make it to the island..look me up. 😚😀

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    1. Bonjour, et merci mon cher ami !
      The train trip was crazy beautiful ! We’re so lucky to live with such beauty in Canada and reside in the West. Jim and I began with a flight to Calgary for a pre-adventure day. He took a helicopter excursion over the rockies and got the front seat as a single. I couldn’t get up the guts :/ but I bet you would have ! It does feel like a page turning and that’s a good thing. At this time in my life, I’m happy to have new opportunities and experiences to look forward to. I will absolutely look you up on a trip to the island! ❤ k

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      1. Excellent…I will be retiring from teaching the wee ones, thisJune….what will I do without a gaggle of 7 year olds in my life? …So many new adventures await! 😚 perhaps that train ride will be one of them!

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  14. What a happy surprise for me this fine early morning ! I got to see you and all your loveliness with my first cuppa.:) Everything has it’s season and Urban’s has come to an end. On to the new and infinitely interesting. I’m going to be looking at your scrap room very intently. It looks so professional and bright. I am so delighted to see you back here in all your lovely aqua colors. 🙂 Giant hugs to you and your sweet assistants. They deserve accolades for keeping you focused on the task at hand. 🙂

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    1. ((( Vonderfrau ))) Thanks so much and good morning to you too dearest ! I’ve been thinking of you ❤ I bought two new sewing patterns while visiting with Alys. I'm going to be creative with my beautiful seafoam Hello Kitty Janome which I covet ever single day ❤
      So funny! My friend Lynette had a big birthday this summer and her daughters used all aqua decoration, so when it came to celebrating with Lori, I was happily given all the decor and it just 'happened' to match everything I own…LOL
      I haven't totally finished the Boomroom but it's sure a lot more organized and I want to spend everyday in there. I'm so blessed. As for my lovely assistants, I'm not sure that they don't 'think' they're the boss, LOL ! I'm happy to spoil their britches off (if they wore britches) and they're the best company. I feel quite special because they follow me around all day and shower me with loving looks and soft meows. I translate it to love but it's entirely possible they just want to convey that they wish there was something in their bowls, ha!
      See you round the water cooler at WordPress love! xo K

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    1. Hello my Dear! Thank you kindly for your visit and message too. I have to figure out how to film in the BoomRoom and get even lighting. Always fun to learn new tricks 😀 Hey?! Did you know we’re coming to New Zealand February 25, 2018? Pauline will be hosting Alys, Laurie (Life On A Bike) and me in Tawaga. Are you anywhere near by? Cheers from Boomdee

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      1. Oh my goodness, you are all coming! How brilliant. I thought it was just Alys. Pauline will be so delighted to show you around. Which airport do you arrive at? If it’s Christchurch it should be easy to at least say hi because I am only 10 mins from the airport. Otherwise, a meet up would be tricky for me. 😦

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        1. Actually, I believe I will be flying through Christchurch! I shall share more details when our itinery is final…should be soon. Jim and I are traveling together to Australia first. Then he flies home and I zip over to NZ. Crazy hey? I can hardly believe it 😀

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        4. Teehee! I don’t think I know yours either. 🙂 I actually have many real names; here’s a sample you can choose from; Amanda or Anne. On WordPress Anne or Gallivanta are what most people call me, and I am happy with that.

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        5. Hi Anne! Get this, my middle name is Anne….same spelling 😀 So is Alys’s and Laurie from ‘Life on a Bike’ Wild hey?! Petals runs my Instagram and of course everyone can call me Boomdee too…Alys jokes in cards and mail by writing, ‘Dear Petals, Boomdee, Kelly’ LOL. Pick any one that you like 😀 I like them all ! 😀

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  16. Everything happens for a reason I believe and even though you were ever so wonderful at Urban, THIS obviously is what was meant to be – you doing your own thing – creative as ever but not in the same atmosphere. I’m happy for you – new starts are invigorating and I have this feeling that there is WAY MORE in store for Madame Aqua and her boom-room!! Sending you “new beginnings hugs”!

    Love, Pam and Teddy too

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    1. (( Pam and Teddy )) I always feel so loved and blessed when we visit. Thank you for all your TLC ❤ Cheers to new beginnings. I don't want the grass to grow under my feet right? All good things end and I'd like to think of it as possibility and opportunity! With time as my own, I have a long list of things I want to do. Que the kitty tummy's….it's snuggles all around xoxo Boomdee

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    1. Thanks so much Karen! It’s sure a nice place to hang out ! With more time on my schedule, I need to get my butt outside for exercise. I really admire your groups dedication to your health. Crafting and Calories go together via a generous glass of wine most evenings. It’s all fine until you cant do up the button on your pants, LOL. In no particular order, cheers to hiking and scrapping ! 😀 x K

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      1. So glad I finally discovered hiking, and down here we can pretty much do it year round. I am envious of anyone who does crafting – my sister and daughter got all the talent in that department, I have trouble drawing stick figures (ha). So I admire what you do even if it requires some wine calories.

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  18. A shame the fit wasn’t right but we’re sure happy to see more of you here! Glad the cats were such a help. The Boom Room is looking really rather ready for some majestic work. Thanks for your email about Greece — we were very luckily safely in the UK when the drama was going on.

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    1. Hello hello A/C, I’m so relieved to know your team and all your furry guests were safe and sound during the flash floods in Greece. We were seeing the news and hearing things like ‘biblical rain’. So scary!
      Thanks for being such a great supporter of Boomdeeadda, your kindness and cheers means so much! Safe travels xo Boomdee

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  19. Your room is looking good. I’m glad Blossom supervised!

    Our cats think the bipeds can’t do anything without their help. It’s a bit silly because it’s my help the bipeds can’t manage without. The bipeds sometimes say that they get far too much help!

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    1. LOL! Clowie, you always make me laugh 😀 I can’t imagine you would be ‘too’ much help 😀 Blossum is a silly supervisor. She lays on the instructions or on the pile of IKEA brick-a-brack you need for assembly. Always wanting some lovin’ and I can’t resist. Needless to say, it usually takes longer than I plan. ox Boomdee

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