WELCOME!

WELCOME!

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to have you visit with me and I hope you enjoy your stay. I absolutely love company, sharing, and making new friends so I hope you find something here that inspires, motivates, or just pleases you in some way.

Of course, I love to visit and be inspired also. So if I don't already drop in on you, please let me know where I can find you and I'll hop on over to see what you're doing or to just say "hi".

Before you go, I would love it if you'd please leave me a comment letting me know you dropped in! Actually, I'd just love to hear from you -- comments, opinions, or questions you'd like me to answer.

In the meantime, relax and make yourselves at home... you're family here!!!

I'll be seeing you!


Monday, February 28, 2011

NOT JUST A FRY BOX!

Good afternoon! I hope everyone is beginning a healthy and happy new week!

After a fun but exhausting weekend, surprisingly I'm really not quite ready to settle down and get back to crafting -- I can't believe I said this but it's true!  I'm pretty tired, and I'm having a difficult time trying to complete a project I started earlier over the weekend; I'm absolutely at a loss as to how I want to complete it, my mind doesn't want to cooperate with figuring it out, and I don't feel like trying to push it or stress over it right now.  So, I whipped up another little project for you today; something simple but which was fun and relaxing:


This is your basic fry box but, of course, I've not seen anyone post it plain and/or filled with french fries!!!  As crafters, dressing up and embellishing boxes is what we all have in mind to do with them-- it's one of the things that make boxes so much fun!   Here I've accented it and tucked a small gift of a beaded bracelet in a velvet pouch inside it, added a card, and it's now a quick and easy gift box -- not just a fry box anymore!  The only items needed were a few rhinestones, some ribbon, Peel-offs, a metal frame, and a few minutes.  (The frame embellishment on the front photoed as gold but it's actually silver; I think the gold tone picked up from the reflection of my clothing.)

Boxes are wonderful, and can often be designed to become even more appreciated and/or attention-getting than the gift itself -- without a lot of materials and/or effort!  I think what I love most about boxes the most is that you can always make them beautiful!

BTW, the hubby says to thank you for the birthday wishes, and I promise to post a picture of his new "toy" when it arrives in April!

Have a great-great day!  I'll be back... so,

I'll be seeing you!

 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

HELLO, HELLO!!!

Hello, my family, and a happy Sunday!

Just got home from church, and wanted to let you know I sent happy prayers out to each of you.

Didn't get the opportunity to complete my project this weekend because yesterday was the hubby's birthday, and there's been "little" surprise celebrations going on non-stop (some of which I wasn't even aware had been planned).  We've had a wonderful time this weekend for his birthday!  His youngest brother came in from Decatur, IL, who we haven't seen in over a year; he'd gotten together with the next younger brother and planned a dinner party and it was so much fun -- I even danced!!!  Although the hubby "refers" -- key word -- to himself as Fred Astaire Jr., I am not nor claim to be a dancer but I do have such fun trying!  LOL!!!  Of course, my son had planned a small celebration too, so it's been a weekend of just having family fun!!!  I'm so thrilled for my honey and happy that he's called this the best birthday weekend he's ever had.  I guess I'd say the same if I got a heat/massage chair AND a new car for my birthday!!!   I guess I don't have to say, I can't wait until MY birthday now  -- and I really don't care for surprises!!!  LOL!  I even went so far as the drop a hint that I'd like the new Cricut machine for my birthday!  Heeee -heeee!

As with most retired couples, the hubby and I live comfortably managing to enjoy ourselves, our life, and to acquire most of the things we want through careful budgeting -- because we're nowhere near wealthy.

Well, when everyone would ask Len what he wanted for his birthday, he'd jokingly say he wanted a Mercedes Benz!  Of course, he really hadn't considered getting one, but a little here and a little there from everyone  made a wish come true!!!  I AM STILL ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED MYSELF!!!  Actually, he won't  have the car until April because, from what I understand, once ordered and getting here to the U.S, it must be then be assembled because it comes in parts.  I hope once April gets here, my honey's head isn't so far up in the clouds he won't hear me when I shout up at him -- or gets any bigger than it already is, LOL!!!  Now, wouldn't you drop hints too?!!!  The new Cricut isn't nearly as much as a new Mercedes!!!

As for my "wee" parting gift (I only bought the chair), I'm ending his birthday weekend by taking him out to dinner in just a bit, but before I left I wanted to drop in and, at least,say hello as I haven't been here since Friday!  Now you know why my jealous butt disappeared to this weekend!

I'll be seeing you!

Friday, February 25, 2011

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES!

Good afternoon, family!!!  We've arrived at another weekend, and I hope we're all well and looking forward to some happy crafting!!!

I have to tell you, I believe I did get around to visiting as many of you as I could reach; unfortunately, by the time I was done, so many of you had reposted that I was immediately already behind again... lol!!!  Soooo this tells me I'm going to have to rethink how I need to do things.  Once I figure it out, I'll let you know...lol!  My problem is I'm determined to see and do everything!  But I'm really going to have to come up with a plan.

In the meantime, I do have a project I completed which I'd like to share.  I've been playing around with resin again, wanting to do something different than the pendants -- this time I made resin butterflies.  I'm calling them "Beautiful Butterflies" because I think they are.

For a better view, click on the images:


Here's a close up of one:


I used Sticles to edge the bottom layer butterfly and to line the mid-body portion above the antennae on the top layer.  The antennae are hair pins.

I really like how these came out -- it took me about 3 attempts to get them right.  I think what I really love is  the transparent look the resin on the clear transparency gives them.  I've now just got got to try some with more colors -- more vibrant colors!!! 

So, what do you think?  Aren't they beautiful butterflies?  And, they were such fun to do!

I'm not sure just what I'm going to do with them yet -- put a pin back on them, use them on a vase maybe for a home decor project, use them as magnets... any suggestions?   Right now I'm just glad to have finally gotten them to turn out right!!!

That's it for now, but I'll be back!!!



Thursday, February 24, 2011

CORRECTION: MOVING AS FAST AS I CAN!!! LOL!

Happy Thursday, everyone!  As I always say... "hope all's well"!!!

Because you are my family, I have made it an obligation to check in and personally keep in contact with you as much as and as often as I possibly can.  I enjoy your visits and comments, and I don't take advantage of your taking time out to do that for me.  Therefore, although I enjoy it anyway, it's only the right thing to do and  give back the love.   I hate getting backed up on my visits to you because it becomes almost impossible to get back on track.  And, even if I can't get to you every day, I don't make it a habit to just put it aside.  Well, as I'm sincere in my determination, yesterday between household chores I made the decision to spend all day catching up on my visiting instead of doing any crafting.  I thoroughly enjoyed dropping in on you to be inspired and awed by your wonderful projects, or to just say hello.  However, I still did not get around to everyone I'd hoped to, although my last visit was at about 2:30 this morning.  (Yes, this morning I was exhausted but it felt good to, if you know what I mean)

To those of you I didn't get an opportunity to visit, I have not forgotten, passed over, and/or ignored you!  I am, again  today, starting my day heading out to check in with you too.  If there is anyone that I don't reach, please know it's because I couldn't.  Also, please know that I follow almost 500 blogs and eventhough many of them don't follow me, I still share my love and visit with them as well, so it may take me some time (particularly as it seemssince my internet as been back up and running either my computer is slower or Google is slower; it's taking a rather long time for your blogs to open).

CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION:  When I say 500 blogs I follow, I do not mean I've become a member!!!  GOD, I'd never get to craft!!!  What I mean is, as many as 200+ blogs that  I admire, I frequently visit with and leave comments.  Additionally, I have others who either follow/visit me that I share emails with who have no blogs!  Phew!  Thought I'd clarify that -- if only for my own sake!  LOL!

I do have a couple of projects I haven't completed and I hope to get to them, hopefully sometime today; however, I will be visiting with my family and friends until I feel I've touched the majority of you.  Therefore, I don't know if I'll post a project today or not, it will depend on how long it takes to make "my rounds"!!!  LOL!  I'm just itching to get back to my crafting but THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME -- YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO ME!  Just so you know!

I'll be seeing you!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

VICTORIAN STYLE SHOE/BOX UPDATED INFORMATION

Happy Wednesday, blogging family!!!  Hope all's well and that there's some happy crafting going on!!!

Well it seems my February 15 DT project I did for  Pam's blog was more of a success than I would have imagined!  Yep, it's the Victorian Style Flat Shoe/Box below which, I'm told, is gaining popularity:


It has been requested that I provide an updated link to the shoe/box with an update which now includes a " .gypsy" download file.  In my recent absence, Pam very graciously converted and provided this gypsy template.  Below, please find (and click on) the post link to be directed to the Victorian Style Flat Shoe/Box post.  At the very bottom of the page you will find the .cut, .gypsy, and pattern template downloads.

http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/2011/02/victorian-style-flat-shoe-box.html


Hope you enjoy!  And, thanks to Pam for working on your behalf and assisting in providing you the file update!!!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

FINALLY!!! ALMOST!

Hello, everyone!  Well, it's taken longer than expected (as in alllllll day!) but my internet -- at least -- is back up.  Unfortunately, there are still a couple of unresolved issues:  my fax line is still not working and there's now static in the lines that wasn't there before.  AT&T will be back out again tomorrow with a more experience technician to test the lines and work at getting to the bottom of this.  But, I can post!!!  YEA!!!

NEW FOLLOWERS!!!  Wow, since I've been "off-line" several new followers have decided to join the family!!!  WELCOME!  I'm always happy for my family to grow; I hope you'll get comfortable and stay awhile.   Thank you for following me, I'm so honored, and can't wait to get to know you!

Okay, of course I have a project to share.  I'm going to call it "Just for Inspiration".  I don't know if I should refer to it as a card or a book, but I don't think it matters.  Here it is the cover:

BELIEVE "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal."

Here are the inside pages:
HOPE

DREAM "Live life as if it were created just for you."

LOVE "These are the magic years... and therefore magic days... and therefore magic moments."

As it's taken all afternoon for ADT and AT&T U-verse to get me operable, I'm a bit behind on some chores, so I'm off to take care of a few things I have to get to and then I'll be around to visit with you (saying this with my fingers crossed that nothing else happens)!  LOL!!!

Hope you like my project!!!



Friday, February 18, 2011

WOW! MORE BLOG AWARDS!!!

Good Friday, all!!!  I hope you're all prepared for a wonderful crafting weekend as always!

Yesterday, I had such a great day with my aunt.  After running our errands, my dear hubby joined us for a trip to the museum and after that we went to a new Louisianna-style restuarant for dinner -- the food was too die for -- soooo delicious.  I had a different style of jambalaya; here they stuff the jambalaya between a breaded chicken breast.  When you cut into it, the jambalaya just oozes out!  It was awesome!  The weather was great too, about 60 degrees and sunny, what a wonderful day!!!  Surprisingly, my aunt didn't tire as I'd thought she would after an all-day excursion.

I wanted to share a few awards I've received over the last week or so, and give back some love:

This award is from a very sweet blogger and my friend Elizabeth.  Thank you so much Elizabeth, I am so honored you passed this award on to me.  However, as I've received it numerous times, I will allow anyone that wants it place it on their blogs from me instead of passing it on again, and I'll add your name to it on my sidebar to show my appreciation.


This next award was presented to me by  Bobby and Jill.  I have to admit I actually cried when I read how this award came to be presented to me.  Thank you Bobby and Jill!!!  I love visiting your blog and I always leave so awed and inspired by your talents.

As this award is new to me, to accept it I must pass it on to another person.  This was not an easy decision because I love you all, I'm inspired by you all, and I don't consider you just best friends but my blogging family.  So to keep from having to just select one from the many of you,  I considered that I was a protege' and the roots to even beginning this blog stemmed from the inspirations and support of someone who didn't just guide me but who also was a teacher to me, I'd pass this award on to her.  Jen.  Jen, thank you so much for all you've done for me!  Without your help and always being there for me to call upon (I was such a nuisance), this year would never have happened!


Thank you to all of you!  You keep me my heart so filled, and I just hope I'm giving back just a fraction of what I get in return!

I'll be back soon with a project!

Hugs!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A MATCH BOX STYLE GIFT BOX AND TRANSPARENCY CARD SET!

Hello, again!!!  I'm back with another project to share!

This is a gift I made that I'm going to be giving to a cousin for her birthday next month, so I'm hoping she doesn't select now as the time to come peruse my blog, lol!!!  She's never bothered to come have a peek here before but it'd be just my luck!!!  She has uncanny timing!

I really like how this came out.  You can probably get a better view by clicking on each of the images.



The card reads "Each Day Holds The Possibility of Miracles".  She's been through a lot in the last several years and so this sentiment suits her perfectly.

Here are a few close-ups:                       
The Box

The Transparency Card

The Box Open

Of course, these are more paper flowers I enjoyed making, and I used one of my UTEE cameos; I don't know what company made the metal words "Cherish" and "Love", I have a bunch of them that are loose in a compartment in a large bin.  The beads are from an old strand of pearls.

I'm very happy with this quick gift; I  think it's quite pretty!

Hope you like it!!!

P.S.  Just so you know, I have some errands to run with my Aunt tomorrow, so if I post and/or get around to visiting, it'll be later in the evening!!!   Happy Crafting!!!


WELCOME TO NEW FOLLOWERS!!!

Happy, happy Wednesday, all!!!  I hope everyone's day is as bright and sun-shiny as mine!

I'd like to take this opportunity to say welcome to some new followers!!!  I am so very happy to see you and very appreciative that you stopped by and decided to be a part of my blogging family!  (And we are a wonderful family!)  You will always be welcome  -- day, night, just drop on in whenever you feel like it.  I don't stand on ceremony; so just relax, make yourselves comfortable, and thank you for taking the time to come on in!

I'll be back in a wee bit with a project to share!

Hugs to you all!  And, I'll be seeing you!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

VICTORIAN STYLE FLAT SHOE BOX

Hello, everyone!!!  Hope all's well!   I'm back with another monthly DT project I did for over at Pam's that I hope you'll  like.

First, don't you just hate when you see and are inspired by a project but you can't do it because you don't know how it was done; can't find any directions, cut files, or patterns for it?  Well, I've been seeing this flat victorian shoe project (sometimes being used as a box) all over the internet, loved it and couldn't find any directions for it.  So, the last time I saw one, I really looked at it and decided it didn't look difficult at all and that I could probably make my own version of a cut.file and pattern.  I did and I'll be sharing it with you -- as always!  Here it is:

Although this tutorial is picture heavy, this project is really simple and easy -- you'll see once you've done it.

The materials I used for the shoe box:

1 - 12"x12" sheet heavy cardstock (for shoe's main sole, backstrap, and front top cover)
1-   6" x 10" sheet of white scrap cardstock (for bottom sole cover)
Aleene's Thick Designer Tacky Glue

I began by cutting the two page cut.file pattern pieces (main sole, backstrap, top front sole cover, and bottom sole cover) from my cut file:




To start I began with the long narrow strip (the backstrap) from the first page cut.file.  I scored it along the straight edge about 1/4" in, bone-folded it along the scored edge, and then snipped cuts all the way across the length of the fold up to the score line.  See the pictures below for examples:



I then located the dart near the middle of  the main sole, this one:


This dart is where I started gluing the backstrap along the edge and around the back (the rounded edge) of the main sole until it reached the dart on the other side.  I made sure the sole was glued on the top of the scoreline on the backstrap and the slitted tabs were glued to the bottom.  See picture below for example:


I then folded in the tabs on the shoe's top cover and glued it, just along the edges, to the upper/top portion (the pointed end) of the main sole and glued the tabs beneath the main sole.   EXCEPT:  do not glue the cover to the sole along the scalloped top edge as this will be the opening pocket for your shoe/box:


After I glued on the backstrap and cover, this is what the shoe looked like (I added the scissors so that you can see the open pocket -- and where you don't want to glue.  (Remember, glue along the edges only):


This is what the shoe looked like at the bottom once the backstrap and cover are glued in place:


Next I took the bottom sole cover from the second page of the cut.file and glued it to the bottom of  the main sole to cover the tabs:



Because I didn't like the shoe as flat as it was, I decided to add a small heel (this is optional if you do this shoe, you can leave it flat).  To do the heel, I cut about 1.50" from a toilet tissue tube and covered it with some of the leftover scraps; cut slits halfway down all around one end of the tube, folded the slits/tabs toward the inner part of the tube, and then glued it to the bottom back of the shoe's sole.  Pictures below show examples:




Because I decided to add a heel, I had to adjust the shoe by bending it across the center at the beginning and end of the backstrap for the shoe to align properly.  Like this:


To keep the shoe front from being so flat, I added a little batting to the inside toe of the shoe using the end of a stick to push the batting in place (also optional):


The shoe itself is done!!!  Now it's time for me to show you how I decorated my shoe.  First I premade my matching flower and assembled my embellishments and adornments.  I also had ready the little gift I wanted to tuck inside my shoe (a small box of bath salts and a small bottle of roll-on perfume).


Okay, here I go -- the fun part!  I first applied a coordinating color of Stickles to the top and the edges of my shoe and let it dry:



Then I glued on my ribbons and flower:


I tucked my little toiletry gifts in the inside of shoe's front pocket, and of course you just have to have a strand of beads draping from any victorian style box.  Finally, popped on the label in the back and -- VIOLA -- done!!! 


You can find my George and Sans Serif carts cut.file at the bottom of this post.  Also, I have added a .PDF file of the pattern that can be printed out by those of you who do not happen to have these carts.  Click on the .PDF file to open and enlarge it.
 
Please note:  I love sharing, however, I basically do these DT cut.files for myself, and usually huriedly.  Therefore, this cut.file version does not include the scoreline or slit cuts on the backstrap, please refer to this tutorial if necessary for that.  Otherwise, it's really only 4 pieces to put together, then decorate.  It really is E-Z!

I hope you like it; I'd really love to see what you can do with this!!!

As always, it was fun.  Thank you for joining me whether here or at Pam's!  And,... I'll be back!



Please click here for cut.file template download:   victorian flat shoe template.cut

Please click here for gypsy.file template download:

Please click on picture pattern template download: 





Monday, February 14, 2011

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!


I hope all's well and here's wishing you a great-great Valentine's Day!!!

As the hubby has Valentine plans for me, I won't be posting a project today.  However, I would like to invite you to please join me either here or at Pam's tomorrow (Tuesday, February 15) for my DT project.  Again, I have a project I'm sure you'll enjoy!  So, I really hope to see you tomorrow!

Until... have a beautiful day!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

BACK WITH ANOTHER CHALLENGE PROJECT!!!

I'm back and I must say, I don't know if I'll ever catch up to all you've done/are doing... LOL!!!  OMG, before I can finish commenting on one blog and moving on to the next, another posting for another  (or 2, 3, 4, etc.) more projects are already posting for places I've only just left.  And, all the blog hops!!!  I wish I could, I would love to blog-hop, but I'm only "barely" making it around to just visit!  LOL!  This is why I hate getting behind!!! I may not be there as soon as you'd like but rest assured I'm working my way there -- it's just a slooooow process.  However, I'm so glad to see everyone being productive!!!  I love the all inspiring projects!

Okay, have you ever had one of those days where you really want to craft and no project comes to mind?  Well that's the day I've had.  Sitting around thinking wasn't bringing me any fresh new ideas and I knew I wanted to participate in the "Love" word challenge at Frosted Designs that my fairy-sister Lori mentioned to me.  So I finally got up and grabbed some paper, some scrap ribbon, a few leftover flat-backed beads, and decided "what will be, will be".  I had absolutely no idea of what my project would be, how it would turn out, or anything; I just let my mind go with whatever flow it got, lol!  Although I'm not particularly crazy about the results, it's not too-too shabby, and I did get my project for the challenge.  Overall, it was fun to just let my mind wonder and to see what it came up with.  Here're the results:


The card reads "A Place Where Love Overflows... Home".  Here are close ups... just in case the Frosted Designs DT don't see my word "Love" on the card above -- it's there!!!  LOL!




I'll be back!!!

GOOD NEWS!

Happy Sunday, family!!!  Hope all's well!

I am not a person who likes to dwell on sad or depressing things, I love happiness and happy times!  Although sad, this does makes me very happy and fills me with so much pride.  My brother wasn't able to discuss the events of my nephew during the time of preparation; however, last night I called him to check in.  He told me some things that he couldn't bring himself to deal with earlier that now I believe he's beginning to reconsider, feel better about, and is making him feel proud.  My nephew did not smoke or drink, and other than the heart attack was a healthy 34 year old young man.  My brother related to me that my nephew's organs went toward saving 63 lives, his vitals to save about 29, and 80% of his tissue and bones will go toward saving the lives of many others.  I am so very proud of him for wanting todo this.  I'm glad too my brother is gradually accepting the wonderful contribution his son has made.  Maybe it was sooner than my nephew had expected, but he did what he wanted to do and it's a good thing!  Just thought I'd share!

More good news!  I won the Cuttlebug Spot "Inspired By An Advertisement" Challenge for the week of January 25.  Here again is the winning card:


Finally, I like to thank my sweet and wonderful friend Sandy for passing on to me the "My Blog has Attitude" Blog Award:

My Blog Has Attitude

As this is another award I've previously received, I will forego passing it on but will add Sandy's name to it on my sidebar.  Thanks, again, Sandy!  I always appreciate when my family considers me with any act of kindness.

Well, I'll be back with another project to share in a little while!

I'll be seeing you!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

A "WITH AN OPEN HEART" CARD TO SHARE FOR SEVERAL CHALLENGES

Happy Saturday my wonderful blog family!!!

 
Isn't it funny how jet-lag kind of catches up with you when you least expect it?  Yesterday evening I felt fine, today I'm so sluggish.  Anyway, I made a card last night that qualifies for four (4) challenges:
  1. Cute Card Thursdays "Hearts and Flowers" Challenge
  2. My Time To Craft "Hearts and Flowers" Challenge
  3. Craft Your Passion "Anything Goes Challenge
  4. Winter Wonderland "To The One I Love" Challenge
I decided to give this card too, along with another I'd made earlier, to my hubby for Valentine;s Day.  I'm calling this one, "With An Open Heart".  Here are several views of my card:

FRONT


SIDE VIEW OF FRONT


INSIDE

On the inside of the card I'll probably write something "mushy" like:  My heart is always open and full of love for you"; however, whatever the sentiment, it will be true!  LOL!

I made the flowers on the card from some of  synthetic satin I found in my material box, and I made the roses on the inside of the flowers from filling a rose mold (I also made) with UTEE Brightz in Poppy Red.  The heart stickpin I also made with a mold and UTEE.  The stamp is from Justrite Stampers.

I'll be around to visit with many of you off and on today, although I probably won't get to all of you.  There are so many of you with so many projects you've completed while I was away, so I'm going to start out just touching base to say hello and check out your last projects first, then I'll come back later to follow-up/catch-up. 

I hope you like my card!

Friday, February 11, 2011

I'M HOME!!!

OMG!  I'm home!!!  And you are all amazing and wonderful friends!!!  I just got an opportunity to read some of your comments I was unable to access while I was away, and I am so grateful to have gotten so much more than I expected.  Thank you so very much!  Your comments were truly comforting!

All the way home, I kept thinking all I wanted to do was get home to hug and kiss my hubby, my son and Buster, let them know I much I loved them; and let you all know I was back and how much I missed you and appreciated your all your prayers.  My brother said the service was beautfiully done.  Second, I wanted to find out what challenges were going on so that I could immediately jump into my crafting -- I truly missed not being able to do something as simple as make a card while I was away.

So, I'm off to find a challenge, do some much needed crafting, and have something to come back to share with you.  After, I'll start coming around to visit with you personally (which will probably be some time tomorrow).  It may not sound appropriate to say after coming home from such a sad circumstance, but I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I'm ready to come back to life!!!

I'll be seeing you!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ABSENCE UPDATE

Hello, everyone.  I am praying all is well with you.  And, thank you all so very-very much for the many condolences and prayers; all are so very much appreciated.

I'm hoping this post goes through as my brother's computer is old, extremely slow, and very finicky.  I attempted earlier to visit some of you but it took so long to pull up your blogs it would time out.  I'm pretty bored right now sitting here by myself with nothing to do but think.

I'll begin by saying,  the news is that nothing physical was found that could be attributed to my nephew's heart attack.

As for me, I am in still in Philadelphia.  My brother left for Fargo early Tuesday morning without me.  I am here with my neice.  The reason, as it happens, my brother was only made aware Monday evening my nephew was an organ donor; therefore, the hospital immediately begin removing his organs once he arrived at the hospital Sunday night-- another shocking blow!!!  My brother waited until I got here to tell me.  He and my nephew's mother arranged to have what was left of my nephew cremated shortly after my brother arrived there yesterday afternoon.  As you can imagine they are both devastated.  I know it must just double the pain  my nephew had never told him (or his mother) he was a donor, and to come as a total surprise to everyone.  As there will be nothing to view, there will only be a memorial on this Thursday (tomorrow); my brother will be leaving coming back here immediately after the service.  As my little neice had already missed so many "snow" days out of school and because there was no chance of her having the opportunity to see and/or tell her brother good-bye, my brother decided it would be best for her not to be there while he and his ex-wife attended to the arrangements.  So, here I am trying to occupy and comfort her as best I can when she comes home from school and settles down.  She was fine at while at school and with her little friends yesterday, but after the day's activities were over last night, it hit her like a ton of bricks, and it was so very painful.  After a rough night, I was willing to let her stay home from school today but she wanted to go.  I guess it'll be the same tonight; if so, I'm praying for the strength to get through this again.  My main objective was to come be supportive of my brother and as this was how he needed me, I really have no choice; but it's heartbreaking enough for an adult -- even more to watch a child trying to cope.  Life has so many twists, turns and surprises; I guess we just do what we have to do.  I do hate not being there to comfort my brother and my nephew's mother, and having to miss the memorial; though, fortunately, after being divorced, my brother and my nephew's mother remained good friends, so at least they have each other to get through what needed/needs to get done.

Before my brother left for North Dakota, he introduced me to a couple of his neighbors.  They are so very kind; they have checked on Priscilla and me several times already, and even prepared and brought us dinner yesterday evening.  Of course I'd prepared a meal for Priscilla and me, so we have something for tonight.

So, this is where things stand right now.  I plan on being back home Friday evening or early Saturday morning, depending on when my brother gets in and when my flight is confirmed.  If I can touch base before then I will.  In the meantime, I do hope this post goes through without timing out.

I miss you and hope you're doing happy crafting!

Monday, February 7, 2011

EXCUSE MY ABSENCE -- DEATH IN FAMILY

To everyone, I hope all's well.

Just a quick note to let you know I'll be away for a while.  My nephew, my brother's son, suffered a massive heart attack yesterday, and passed away.  He is only 34 years old.  He lives in Fargo, ND, and my brother lives in Phildadelphia.  I am leaving for Philadelphia tonight to accompany my brother to Fargo.  No preparations for arrangements will be made until my brother and I get to Fargo, therefore, I don't know when I'll be able to get back to you.  But, I'll get to you when I can.

Friday, February 4, 2011

A CHALLENGE PROJECT AND ANOTHER BLOG AWARD!!!

Hello again, everyone!  Well, I'm back with another challenge project.  This one is something you've all probably seen before because there are different variations of it pretty much everywhere.  However, I've never did one and I thought I'd like to for the Made By Momo, "Love Is In The Air" challenge.

The project is a standing candy bar pouch, and I've used a chocolate Hershey Bar with Almonds -- yum!!!  As I like to name my projects I'm calling this one the "Let It Stand" Valentine Candy Bar Standing Pouch:

Here's a picture of the stand attached to the back of the pouch and one showing the candy bar outside the pouch:



I think it came out pretty well!

I'ld also like to say thank you to my very dear friend Linda for passing on to me this award:


As I've received this award several times (and I'm very appreciative for each and every one of those times), I hope no one will mind if I forego the rules of passing it on again.  However, I will love adding Linda's name, as a show of my appreciation for this award, to the award on my sidebar.  And, again, Linda , thank you so very much!

Many of you know Linda, the "ladybug" lady -- lol! -- but on the off-chance you haven't met her, please visit her blog by clicking on her name where it's highlighted above.  She's such a delight!!!  And while you're there you have to check out the waving grasshopper at the top right-hand side of the page -- he's just too cute and too hysterical!!!

Well, I'll be back... so,

I'll be seeing you!