Goodbye 2007

I can't recall being so ready to say goodbye to one year and hello to the new year. Before I say goodbye, I'd like to reflect on some wonderful moments in 2007. We were able to enjoy some wonderful get-aways to the beach and Mammoth as a family. We took our pre-teen to his first concert, KISS, what a rock and roll show! Kyle went back to the classroom successfully after being home-schooled for two years. We got Mabel, our first little dog this year, and what a joy she is in our lives. Kyle and I enjoyed many days of Disney fun and he and his dad enjoyed many days of fishing and camping. Hubby and I got a wonderful get-away to Pacific Grove this fall, thanks Mom. It was a good year in so many ways. That's what I'll remember about this year, not the challenges and difficult moments.

On the craft front it was a good year. I was able to take a full day of classes with two very inspiring artists, Terry Medaris and Tim Holtz. I started my blog and my etsy shop this year, both of which exceeded my expectations. I joined Craft Critique as a feature reporter. And, I dipped my toe into the submissions waters. I swapped ideas and cards with so many friends. I can't tell you how much my blogging stamping crafty friends mean to me. You inspire me, support me, and help me laugh. Thank you.

Bring on 2008!

This card was made with alcohol inks on transparency over glossy white cardstock stamped with stazon and the SU turtle image. The tag was made with the same alcohol inks on glossy cardstock. I colored up the paperclip and brad with the same alcohol inks.

Playing with New Toys

I'm having fun with my new bind it all. I had to go by the scrapbook store yesterday for lessons. It's easier to use than I imagined, and I'm getting faster at it with practice. These are the tags I made a while back and they screamed out to be used with the new toy. I cut up some sketch paper for the inside. Each book has about 40 pages. The o rings on these are 5/8" if you are new to this toy, too. I think lining things up is the hardest part. I found that I can cut holes in several sheets of paper at once. It cuts through the cardstock easily, too. I do the covers opposite of how it says in the book. Just practice a bit and you'll get it. I'd love to see what you made with your new toys.

These are for sale in my etsy shop.

Peaceful Wishes

As we enter the last week of 2007, I'm ready to say hello to 2008. May the new year bring peace and hope and joy into your life.

I took this photo of the castle at Disneyland last week.

Blog Candy Winner & Update on Mom

Congratulations to Margo (flyingflower) who is the winner of my blog candy. I used a random number generator that picked #4, and she left the fourth comment. Please let me know what goodie from the shop appeals to you and I'll get it in the mail after the holiday, Margo. Thanks to everyone for taking time to look at the shop and offer your thoughts on it. I'm hoping to spend some time after the holiday to update it a bit.

For those friends who are inquiring about my mom's health, I thank you so much for your concern and good thoughts. She is still struggling, but is hanging in there. The doctor told her yesterday that this awful acute phase of her illness will last about 6 months. It's a long time to be so ill, but she is hopeful that we can go out to dinner on her birthday in late June. I'm so happy she is holding onto something to look forward to. She reminded me this morning that the rest of the world takes all the little things for granted. She would give anything to stand up and walk somewhere in a hurry. So, as you are rushing around with last minute holiday preparations, remember to be thankful that you can do them. It really is the little things that matter.

10,000 Hits Blog Candy

I really never thought I'd have very many people reading my blog. Today I am blown away to see that I just jumped up over 10,000 hits on this little blog. Maybe it's just 10 people who visit often....LOL. So, I think I'll do a little shameless self promotion blog candy. Take a peek at my etsy shop. I'd love to hear what you think is good or not good about it, or if you see something in the shop that strikes your fancy. Just leave a comment here with a way for me to get in touch with you. I'll leave it open until Dec. 20th. Then I'll draw one name from those who comment on this post to choose any item from my shop as the prize as long as it is still in the shop on Dec. 20th. Thanks for taking the time to peek in at my shop and for all the time you've spent visiting my blog.

Pattern Fun

I adore old patterns. I can't seem to pass them by when I'm out treasure hunting. Many of them find their way into my etsy shop. Recently I ran onto some that were incomplete, so I re-purposed them into these tags. It was a fun, sit in the chair, and sort of watch TV project. I think I like these old sewing things, because they take me back to my young days when all the women in my family got together and created beautiful things out of cloth. Actually, we still do that. My mom and aunt and sometimes my cousin and me will get together and shop for fabric and sew forever in an assembly line fashion. Just imagine dozens of nightgowns being stitched up. Such fun times with lots of giggling, sewing, and telling of stories. I usually get the easy jobs like ironing, sewing straight seams, or cutting out the pieces. I'm the novice in the group and sometimes even get the job of making sandwiches or getting sodas. I love it all, because it's about the time we spend together.

Snow Dogs

These girls don't like the rain, but they love the snow. They get out there and romp and snow plow. Poor little Mabel gets a cold belly pretty quickly. Shelly doesn't have much hair, so she gets chilly quick, too. I guess it's time to get their coats out of the closet. This is our first snow of the year. They are snuggled under a blanket by the fire now.

Mom is doing ok for those who asked. She will be ill for quite a long time, but is getting good care at home thanks to my dad and a visiting nurse. I am helping out with food and a little respite for dad as I can. We are hoping to visit later today when the roads are plowed to decorate their tree.

How about some tags?

Still no cards, but I did work on some tags for an exchange next week. I stamped these a while ago, but did the aging and glitzing on them today. Now, I just need to find the cropadile in this mess to finish them up. These are all made with tags and cardstock that I picked up at a printer's estate sale back in October.

Still no cards....

I didn't fall off the face of the earth and my stamps are yelling at me, but I just can't help them right now. Mom is in a crazy roller coaster ride trying to get well. She spent most of last night in the ER getting her IV line cleared out and getting more treatment. I am in a bit of recovery mode myself today. My dermatologist wouldn't give me a pass this time, and took 3 places off my legs yesterday. One of them is a pretty big chunk out of the inside of my left knee. It's not in a good place as far as moving around goes. The stitches in that spot have been bleeding, so I know I'm not being still enough. So, I'm resting today, need to get to the recliner.

On a brighter note. Have you been reading Tim Holtz's blog? He's doing wonderful 12 days of Christmas tutorials. They are fabulous. I may have to make mine for Valentine's Day or Easter, but I'm gonna do them all as soon as life lets me. Also, I got an interesting request from a magazine today that wants to use something in my etsy shop for a photo shoot. Isn't that crazy? I'm waiting for more info. Life always surprises me in ways I just couldn't even guess.

And my dear sweet hubby brought me flowers and a thank you card for all I do for all of us. Isn't he the best. He told me that he didn't think anyone had thanked me lately and he wanted me to know how much he appreciates me. I think I'll keep him!I'm so glad he didn't bring me a puppy this time. Remember last time my life was a bit nuts he brought Mabel home. LOL

Home Again

Mom has been home just over 24 hours, so I feel safe in posting this. Last time I posted too soon and she went right back. She seems more stable this time around. She was way too many days in the hospital--basically 2 full weeks. We are hopeful that she is on the road to recovery which is expected to take 3 - 12 months. The medication she is on is intravenous and is very caustic, so she's pretty pooped out from the illness and the meds. We are just happy she is home in her own bed with her own nightgown and all that good stuff. You know you've been in the hospital too much when you are happy to have soft kleenex and a feather pillow.

I came home this afternoon to a clean house, tree and lights up, and pizza. I love my guys for taking care of me. A nice long nap was good medicine. We are in a new kind of normal, but routine is good. Crisis mode is exhausting. Thanks for all the well wishes.