I wish I had a Fairy Godmother

And that would be why....
I have more projects then I have years left. At the moment I have to live until I'm 130 to complete just whats on the drawing board.
First my good news: You all know about Alphastamps Give aways...well guess who won?
Yup, little old me. I'm not used to winning...doesn't happen very often and to cover up my disappointment I always say "I'm lucky in life" LOL So yes, I won the Hometown Give away which is perfect for me since I loved all the stuff in it. So YAY! Me.
 My friend Norma sent me the cutest little Santa. So much went wrong over this past year that Christmas wasn't the usual "bright star". Normally I have a table arrangement but this year I had nothing. That Santa found a real fast home.

How cute is that? And then we have this years ornament. I always have an ornament for anyone who stops by over the holidays. Again, because this year was such a mess, all the idea's I had fell by the wayside..Only when Ellie came into my life did things start to  shine again and it was too late to do the things I had planned, so this is what I came up with.

A pretty pink cupcake with sparkling frosting and a cherry on top. The ball is frosty pink glass glued into a cupcake paper, frosted with molding paste, sprinkled with bugle beads and silver beads and the cherry is made of red clay and coated in triple thick. Fun, fast and cute, my kind of project.

As you can see Miss Ellie is really growing. She just LOVED Christmas. We got a kick out of her carefully opening her gifts and then playing with THEM instead of the paper. (something all our other dogs did) She continues to add laughter and joy to each day.
Tomorrow I will show you what I made for my Secret Sister now that I know she received it.
Thanks for stopping by.......

It's a Wonderful Life!!

Oops! That title is already taken huh?

As most of you know, this year hasn't been the best...but considering all that is happening in our country and around the world, my life is a cake walk. I just wanted you all to know that I know that and never, ever lost sight of how truly lucky I am, in spite of my pity parties.

This year was overwhelming. That's a fact and without the wonderful friends and family that I have, it would have been far more difficult. But each time I got kicked in the gut, you all rallied. You were there with your prayers, your love and support and it meant the world to me.

I am recovering from the Flu that hit me like gang busters. WE wouldn't want this year to cut me any slack before it departs into history forever. Even though I had the flu shot, it still got me and laid me out for 3 days...I had to giggle to myself because to be honest if I read this in one of my favorite books, I'd really think the author over played the stress a wee bit. Truthfully, I started to feel like one of those blow up clowns that you punch, it falls back, hits the ground and bounces back up for more.

Mind you, most people only knew the stuff I felt I had to reveal...there was actually more in between.

While I was down with the flu and feeling a wee bit sorry for myself because I basically had called off Christmas....My thoughts ran deep and all I truly wanted was Happiness and good health for all those I care about. A peaceful and Happy New Year would be such a wonderful gift for all...Enter Richard with a small envelope. I didn't recognize the return address. I opened it and found a small jewelry box, inside I found a necklace. This necklace...

I held it in my hand and began to weep, not out of sadness but because of the overwhelming feeling of love and selflessness on the part of the person who sent it.

The large tag reads: Always by my side with 2 little paw prints. The two hearts contain the names of the two dogs I lost recently. There was no card , no hint of who sent this beautiful, thoughtful gift.

I realized at that moment, this holiday had nothing to do with presents and all too do with Love, compassion and understanding.

Beautiful is the heart that would think only of the joy her gift would bring to one she calls friend.

A word that she obviously not only believes in, but acts upon....No thank you expected, no agenda, other then to say "I understand my friend and my heart is with you"...

How very selfish I felt. Who the hell was I to cancel Christmas. What right did I have to be so sad. How many people are blessed with the love that has been shown to me by all of you.Especially one very special lady.

I hope that you all had a Very Merry Christmas. If I could give you all a gift it would be a new year filled with all the blessings just knowing you has brought into my life. A year filled with Love, good health and wonderful friends and family.

If I make any attempt to throw even a small pity party this coming year, I want you to kick me in the keester...and that's an order. We have some great plans for the coming year and we intend to keep our Merry little group very busy and hopefully as happy.

So thank you...Friends...Family  and followers for all the love and support you've shown me this year.

BIG HUGS to all of you!!!!

Christmas ? Already?

But I'm not done yet!!! Sorry for once again disappearing. I felt weird for a few days, earache, headache, sore throat...but it's Christmas and I have things to do. Always the last minute gift to make or gift to wrap ...then BANG!! I was so sick I couldn't lift my head from the pillow. The flu hit me like a freight train (so much for the flu shot). I cannot recall ever being knocked down like that. After two days of staying in bed, mostly sleeping, I thought I felt better. Got up and started my cookies. Suddenly the room began to spin, I felt cold and sweaty at the same time and ended right back in bed for another 2 days. Still not myself, but at least I can sit at my computer without feeling like I'm about to die.

Mandy isn't Mandy any more. She refused to come to that name, pretty much like Punkin named herself, Mandy didn't like anything we picked. I have an old friend that has always been like a God mother to my dogs. Always bringing them treats when she visits. Her name is Ellen, Rich didn't think that was a DOG name, so what about Ella? Nope, but she did like Ellie and responds to Ellie, so that is her name. I swear Punkin is up there whispering in her ear...but she is a good girl. Housebroken in 24 hours and now she sit's, speaks and gives a paw on command. Loves the car. Teething bad but sticks to her toys and chew bones, no furniture. I think we will keep her LOL

Right before the flu shot me down. I did manage to make some little gifts for people I love and just wanted to send a little something to let them know they were special.

I first made this little guy for my Secret Sister. She collects Gnomes so I thought she'd enjoy him...Of course I had to make another for a special friend.

This little Knotty Pine was also made for a special friend. I have little dolls that special people made for me all over my studio. I never feel alone in here because I'm surrounded by the love of friends. It's always my hope that friends who get my little dolls will feel the same way.
I managed to take a pic of Nov. fan blade but totally forgot Dec. <sigh>

I've made some more stuff. But I think that's  all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

The Joy Of PUPPY BREATH

You do not realize just how quiet your world is until the being that brought life into your space is no longer there. For me it was intolerable. There were many underlying reasons  but ya know what? Today is a new day and what happened last month, several months ago is in the past and there is no rewind button to life...only forward or stop.
Since I don't plan to stop anytime soon, I had to move forward. Yes there is still a deep sadness, but there is also joy at a new life in our home.
I'd like to introduce you to Mandy. She is a Pound Puppy rescued from Kentucky where the owners of her Mom and Dad were trying to create a "designer" dog..You've heard of the "Cockerlier" , the "Schnoodle", the "JUG" the "Labordoodle". They used to be called Mutts. Heinz 57. But now apparently if you take two pedigree dogs and mix them, you have a "designer" dog. We don't really care what you call her (she started life as a jewel. All her siblings were named for precious stones, she was Sapphire and that wasn't happening) We call her Mandy.

Now in case you're wondering what her "designer" breed is LOL let me introduce you to her Mom and Dad.

DAD

Dad is a Great Dane

Mom is an Australian Shepard

So what does that make Mandy? An AussieDane ? She's our Pound Puppy <gasp>and we were delighted that both Mom and Dad and all 9 pups were rescued.

You'll probably hear a lot about Mandy as weeks go by because she really is a pretty smart furbaby. (Dads looks, Moms brains) She is 12 weeks old, she was housebroken in 2 days, sits and speaks on command and we have only has her a very short time. We suspect divine intervention because we couldn't ask for a more perfect fit. I think Rosie and Punkin would have loved her.

Meanwhile I continue to inch toward Christmas. Normally I would have gifts bought and wrapped by Oct. There is not one package wrapped except for those that had to get in the mail.

My kids away, so I'm thinking Gift Cards this year and hopefully the PO will deliver them in a hurry.

While Mandy certainly did bring some smiles into the house, Christmas just won't be the same this year.

Since so many of you shared in my sorrow, I'm hoping now you can share in my joy.

Thanks for stopping by.

A Moment of Thanks

I have some of the most wonderful "on line friends". Don't get me wrong, friends have paid me visits to express their sympathy and relatives have been loving and supporting...I wouldn't trade my friends and family for the world.
On line friends are in a league all their own. They have the anonymity that the Internet affords them. They can watch you from a distance, they don't HAVE to "share" and they certainly don't have to CARE...
I can't tell you how many cards, little gifties, e-cards and calls I have received from on line friends.
All I can say to all of you is Thank you. Thank you for sharing in my loss. Thank you for your support and understanding. You've helped me through a very difficult time. You are all such a blessing in my life. Each of you brings a ray of sunshine in your own special way and I am truly a very lucky lady.
There will always be a special place in my heart, for each critter who has enriched my life with their presence. Like all of you, each had their own special "way" of touching my heart. I am thankful for my capacity to love and always find room for another.
I was feeling a bit blue today and went to visit Judy http://judithannsblog.blogspot.com.au/
I do hope she doesn't mind me sharing but this just hit my funny bone and I laughed out loud.

Thanks Judy, it's been a while since I smiled. That picture is hilarious..
Speaking of smiles, stop by and see my friend Deb http://www.paxtonvalleyfolkart.blogspot.com/
she has some surprises there you may enjoy.
I can't show what I made for my Secret Sister but I can show you what mine made for me.

She obviously checked me out. (Don't you just love when someone actually makes an effort to make something JUST for you) She saw I liked Steam punk and Fairies...so she made me a Steam punk Fairy on a tin filled with candy, including a DARK choc. bar (my favorite)

The back is as pretty as the front. She is just delightful to look at and is now on display in the living room for all to see. I just love it and feel special knowing so much time and effort went into a project just for me.
I've gotten a number of lovely things over the past few weeks and I apologize for not sharing. Life just sort of knocked me for a loop and I haven't spent a great deal of time on the computer. Each day is better then the one before and I will be back to sharing...So stay tuned and thanks again for your love and support and for stopping by. (Now go visit Judy and Deb)

GONE TOO SOON

On Dec 1,2014 our beloved Choc. Lab Punkin lost her battle with cancer. I am thankful for her sake that her battle was brief and she did not suffer. I am grateful for the strength it took to love her so very much that I was able to let her go, but not without much sorrow. She left a hole in my heart , but memories that death can not take away. She was an incredible companion .

Each fur baby that has ever touched my life holds a special place in my heart. None have ever been replaced. As long as I remain on this planet, I will always find time to  love another and allow it to touch me in a special way. Punkin will certainly be a hard act to follow.

It is always my desire to bring some happiness to my blog. Either with pictures of newly made items or of things I've received. A video, a tutorial or just a simple saying that may touch someones heart or mind.

But life isn't always party hats and horns. Sometimes there is no sunshine  only rain. It has always been my belief that if not for the rain, we would never know rainbows..IT is with that thought that I thank  my family and friends for their understanding and support during a stormy time in my life.

Rest assured there will be Rainbows in my future and I hope you will all be here to share them.

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. Thanks for stopping by......

Life Goes On

Although much of my day is taken up with caring for my Choc. Lab...Life moves on. I've made bed covers for her, I've got tons of "doggie" towels that I keep under her in case she "leaks" (the side effect of the tumor) so far she is doing well.Very contented and in no obvious pain. For now we enjoy the time we have.
Meanwhile I am a very, very lucky woman. Not only do I have local friends to lean on, I have a family that loves me and understands my extreme love for my animals and I have on line friends who have showered me with love and support and understanding.
I have a group that I have all but neglected since my worry about Punkin began. But they continue to send words of support and love. I have moderators that stepped in and left no gap in leadership. Questions still get answered and I am told everything is moving forward as planned. What a comfort.

Monday was a Happy Mail Day and could not have come at a better time. There is a great deal more going on in my life other then Punkin. I've been exhausted and feeling a bit depressed...Suddenly here are two boxes that were picked up earlier at the PO.
I opened the first ...Remember that What Do You See pattern that Norma presented to the group? WE all had to make something that we saw. Norma was my partner and this is what she saw...

I named her Rojo. Is she cute or what? All decked out for a party. Check out her Bling in her hair clip. She just made me laugh out loud and certainly brought sunshine into my day. Norma also made me a button ornament. Pic was blurred so I'll post another day.Norma has been an on line friend for a very long time and she is a treasure.
I had signed up for a Pin keep swap on a Blog that I follow Ravenwood Whimsies. The theme was "Winter"...I ended up with the sweetest partner anyone could hope for. She introduced herself immediately and it was obvious we were cut from  similar clothe....WE kidded that we both liked Halloween as well as winter and we were torn about perhaps doing our own theme.
I made a scary skull pin keep as a joke. Thought I was being cute...So when I opened the box from Carolyn, imagine my surprise when I found this:

My skull was made as a joke. This was a work of art. A spider top hat with a ride along friend LOL whats really funny is that both of us made Bat straight pin (Hers are much cuter then mine)
Of course the "REAL" prize is the  "Winter" themed pin keep:

Both of us made snow people. You'll recall my Snow baby..This cutie was made on a bed spring and like mine, also has snowflake straight pins. Hows that for great minds thinking alike?
Carolyn has since become an active member of our group MixedMediaStudio/yahoogroups.com
and I am truly blessed not just to have had a fabulous swap partner that became a member of my group, but who also became someone I regard as a "friend". Carolyn also included two candy bars that have become an addiction...LOL Now I have to look for a Canada candy store on line .
So as you can see I am truly blessed by being surrounded by such wonderful souls.
My poor partner for several swaps, is left waiting in the wings. My Days seem to fly. I wake up caring for Punkin and before I know it, I'm ready for bed...but I have done some things in between...Life does go on and my sadness is no reason to dropout of life completely. I miss my Sunshine girls (what I call my group), but as I work in my studio, I think of them and all the beautiful things they've made and I find comfort. Hopefully soon I will find time in my day to jump on my groups and at least say "Hi" for now, I keep in touch with my moderators, try to post here when I can and work on my swaps.
Thanks for stopping by and please come again soon.... Thank you Norma and Carolyn for bringing a ray of sunshine in my day.