It was divine. Santa Cruz Boardwalk

My first Gocco print.

For my birthday this year I received my first Gocco machine from my fabulous husband. Honestly, although I was so excited to start printing, I have been very intimidated by that little machine. I have seen all of the wonderful things others have been creating and psyching myself out a bit. Not sure if I would be able to create something I’d be happy with. 
 

The inks. How pretty!
 

Well, I got up the nerve last night to try it out. Armed with a plethora of inks and ready with my photocopied design I had made earlier, I set out to attempt my first batch of note cards. I cannot even describe how excited and pleased and giddy I was as my first print was revealed!! I am so far beyond hooked to this machine! Can’t wait to create some more designs. 
 

Gocco screen after cleaning and cleaning.
 

My question to you seasoned Gocco-ers, how do I get these screens clean!!?? I’ve tried and tried to get this screen clean by using the screen cleaner, windex… blotting and blotting. However, as you can see, I couldn’t get it all off… or even half of it off! Any tips on how to clean these bad boys? Also, can I reuse this as is? I think I got all of the ink out of the design on the screen.
 

FYI: I will be putting a batch of these notecards in my Etsy shop soon! Will keep you posted!

Haleakala at Sunrise, Maui, Hawaii, 2007

Monday, July 14, was our 3 year anniversary. It’s amazing and sad how quickly time passes when you are enjoying your life together. Shouldn’t it be the other way? Why does time just drag when we are miserable. I wish life would slow down a bit so we could soak up so much more of the wonderful, happy times.

We have had a really incredible three years together. We began with two weddings, lived on a sailboat in Key West until Hurricane Katrina came through and sank it. Next we were homeless before moving to Oahu, Hawaii for 2 truly amazing and breathtaking years. It was really a 2 year honeymoon!! Camping on and exploring the other islands, snorkeling, hiking and beautiful beaches. Taking in all that Hawaii had to offer. Now we are settling in on the East Coast, and can’t wait to see what’s to come.

Our life has been such an amazing blessing. Not always perfect, sometimes things get hard, but in the words of Hannah Montana, “Life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock!!”

…Kua ‘Aina Burger on the North Shore of Oahu. They have the best Mahi Mahi Burger on the planet, and I miss it today more than ever! What is it about food that brings such joy to my life!?

FYI: If you order the Mahi Burger, get it with avocado and on wheat toast… AMAZING!

What are you craving?