Like a rainbow Imagination has no ending....

Not a card but something I made myself

2009-12-17T14:56:00.002Z

one £9.99 canvas board (The works)
one metre of material £1.99 (Moystons)
handful of flower sequin things ( out of a mixed packet from the ELC)

ten minutes with latest toy..... staple gun! ten more mins with some fabric glue and there you go... personal wall art retailing on the net for upwards of £50.

I wanted something with brown and blue tones, couldnt find anything I liked on the net so decided to make my own.

Confession..... I have been a hermit.

2009-12-14T22:55:00.002Z

Depression and no ovaries are a bit of a bad un when it comes to interaction.

Sorry.

I have recently been blog hopping and am loving so much of the creative masterpieces I have seen. I have had no energy for leaving comments. Sorry.

I have made a few last minute birthday cards, no Christmas cards yet :-S My mo jo is lurking, i know it! just can;t find it... it'll happen.

xxx

I'm making cards for http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/

2009-07-11T22:21:00.002+01:00

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/

Have a look at the above link, I saw some details at the Race for Life about the Relays... its a team event (8 - 20 in the team) who have to stay on the track for 24 hours, not all of them! Just one person can be on the track at any given time. ... At the start of the event is a Survivours lap of honour, if you register as a Survivour you get sent a tee shirt and a lapel pin saying Survivour. There will be lots of fund raising throughout the day and during the evening there will be a ceremony when candles will be lit in the shape of the word HOPE. I envisage it will be a very emotional day as well as an uplifting one....

I contacted the organiser earlier to find out how many teams are taking place so that I can make them a thank you card, so will be cracking on with that over the next couple of days... and am going to make as many as I can of other cards which can be sold on the day... I will up load whatever I make.

Update on how I am doing - I've been fairly good with not lifting etc though have forgotten occasionally, have been a bit wiped out this week with flu like symptoms... its made me behave because I have mainly just been reading... Karin Slaughter books! what an author :-)

MSBP £13.99

2009-07-09T19:29:00.002+01:00

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/EVANDALE-CRAFTS__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Just a quickie... ordered a punch and the set of liquid pearls from the above Ebay shop. Its a good price and for July free p+p.

It was delivered the next day with really good packaging..

Just thought I would let anyone reading this know

Out of hospital and home now :-)

2009-06-20T16:49:00.004+01:00

Hello out there :-)

Thank you for the messages left and the texts from Emma (Elf)

I came out on Monday afternoon and spent a few days with my sister. Being home now has shown me the meaning of frustration!!! All those jobs that *need* doing but can't be done.... My sister has just been around to do my hoovering, bless her... luckily she brought her dyson too because mine burnt out just before I went into hospital.... sods law eh!?

Feeling a bit 'ouch' at the moment but tonnes better than I did at the beginning of the week... (said with pride)>>>> I can get out of bed without looking like a beached whale struggling.... !!

I ended up having a full hysterectomy instead of key hole but never mind, its done now. More recovery time than I would have had but I have to focus on the fact that for this pain and frustration I now have less fear and worry about my reproductive organs being affected by the cancer gene...

Had a almighty scare the night of my surgery..... there's me pressing that morphine pca button like its going to run out if I don't press it.... and in the mist I heard the porter say something about the battery on the bed, bearing in mind I got back on the ward at 1945. I drifted in and out of sleep until almost 3am when I woke more alert than a child waiting for Santa to arrive! I pressed the bed button thing to raise the top of the bed and it was a bit too high so pressed slightly for it to go down again, it kept going!! .. *gulp* It would not go up again and I was hanging on for dear life to the sides of the bed (good job they still had the bed guards up) I was panicking as I could feel my stomach being stretched..... the lady in the bed next to me raised the alarm as I couldnt reach the nurse alarm.... I was mortified when they arrived and stood there, looking at me....

I'm normally a very easy patient in hospital but the panic and the pain brought something out in me, I was saying very loudly " GET ME UP, GET ME UP, DON'T JUST STAND THERE, GET ME UP, GET ME OUT OF THIS BED" They were pressing the button and at the same time saying I must have pressed it into that position, I practically screamed at them that I had both hands on the rails so how could I have done that! One of them then plugged the bed in!!! and was able to raise the top half of the bed then.... They still maintained that I must have done something!!! Luckily other patients had witnessed what had happened as well as myself.

I did take this up with one of the Registrars and a Senior Nurse the next day, not sure if I should put something in writing...

It made me really anxious about doing anything to raise or lower the bed....

I'm hoping it has not made a difference to my healing, the wound looks ok. It's a wonder I didnt swear at them I was so scared at the time...

Gosh, don;t I go on!

Going into hospital

2009-06-09T00:21:00.002+01:00

Hello out there :-)

Just thought I would quickly update my blog, no cards at the moment although I have made some, but finding time to even get the camera out seems to be at a long list of things... but I'm going to have time to do all that when I come out.

I go in on Thursday for a hysterctomy, there is nothing wrong, it's precautionary due to my high ovarian cancer risk because of this evil mutant BRCA 2 gene... Anyway, it'll be four less things to worry about.... ovaries, tubes, cervix and womb.... I was cheeky and asked for a tummy tuck too.. obviously he said no. The Consultant said that most women ask for that too... ;-)

I did a silly thing... decided to decorate the spare room, move my craft room upstairs... at the moment its in a tiny conservertory which is affectionately known as the Tupperware room due to the amount of large storage drawers I have in there to ensure my papers etc do not fade with the sun.... so as well as about 8 - 10 paperwork things to tackle before Wednesday evening and getting some more pjs etc, I also have a whole room to finish and get up the stairs...

If I don't get a chance beforehand, I'll be back after with time to craft and post to my hearts content I hope.

Take care xxx

A card from Tracys stamps and one from Debbies charity stamp

2009-05-30T12:58:00.003+01:00

This is a card I made a couple of weeks ago using the Bonnie Baby stamps from Tracy, have a look at her blog http://craf tytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/

And one I made the other day from Debbie over at http://thecraftypad.blogspot.com/ I really can not urge readers enough to go purchase the June charity stamp, its only £3 postage free and a third of the cost Debbie will send to Cancer Research... its a stamp you can use not just for the race for life but also for people who are entering marathons, fun runs, school sports etc.. the race for life text is a seperate stamp from the image. I have combined it with a text stamp I have called 'what cancer cannot do'

If anyone would like me to stamp out and send them some of the 'what cancer cannot not do' text, then please leave me a message in the comment box, I will mail you for your address. The mail will come from imagination@useit4.fslife.co.uk which is my outlook express email address.

Totally great Customer service & a great stamp

2009-05-23T11:18:00.002+01:00

When I saw this stamp over on The Crafty Pad, I knew I had to have it... and at a small cost of £3, which isnt really £3 as a third of the cost is going to Cancer Research, then it was even more important to buy it. If you too want one pop over to Debbie at >>> http://thecraftypad.blogspot.com/

I honestly can not praise the customer service enough. I can also say after receiving my stamp this morning that it stamps out clear and crisp. The text fits nicely in the banner if you want. Its really versatile and I will be using it on the 'go for it and thank you cards' I am making for my friends and family who are taking part.

Having a moan..

2009-05-17T23:06:00.003+01:00

Today I went to M&S to get fitted for a couple of new bras... since my mastectomy in October I have just been using softies instead of prosthesis after getting an infection which lasted ages and ages down to what we later discovered was diabetes...

Anyway, I have been wearing some vest type tee shirts with inbuilt pockets... at a cost of £19.99 each or two for £35. A bit more expensive than your everyday tee shirt... but thats another moan for another time...

Today's moan is about how M&S advertise themselves as being a leader when it comes to post surgery bras... I will give them 10/10 for the fitters I have met who are trained at the local breast care unit.... but 0/10 for their onsite stock system. If you want to try on and/or buy a mastectomy bra and you live in the south west, you have to travel to Truro... about 1 hour 20 mins for most people but for me it would take a lot longer..... I drive slow! not too slow but slow.

You can buy them online, take them in to a M&S to have a fitting but thats it... They will take them back if they are not a good fit.

Totally no regard for what is for some women a massive step going to get a bra in the first place. No thought that a lot of women post surgery are too tired to be flitting in and out of the town centre in amoung going to the hospital for chemo, etc..

Only a few stores in the UK are stores that will stock the mastectomy range of bras. Our M&S fitters can recommend other bras however, these have to then be sent away by yourself and with extra cost of up to £6 per pocket to be right for a prothesis..

Guess who is writing to the Chairman of M&S?!!!

PS - On the plus side, if you are in need of some new bras, there is 25% off until next Saturday in all M&S's.......

Two for one challenge entry :-)

2009-05-05T00:16:00.003+01:00

My first ever challenge and its a two for one! The challenge was to use blue and green oon http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/

and I also used as best I could the sketch over at http://www.elzybells.typepad.com/

Couple of Dang Cute Dino cards

2009-05-03T20:52:00.002+01:00

I was playing around with the Dang Cute Dinos made by Tracy whose blog is http://craftytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/ and came up with these two cards which I think are more male than girly (YAY!!) My stamping on the blue card was less than perfect and I should have maybe decided not to stamp straight onto the paper but its done now and a bit of a learning curve.

Cult Pens - copics

2009-05-01T22:59:00.004+01:00

Just thought I would let anyone reading this know that I was having a looksee as you do on Cult pens but had seen before on Google that last year they gave a 10% discount on all orders during National Office week. This year it starts from the 11th May for a week.I rang Cult pens to see if they were taking part this year. The chap I spoke to wasn;t sure if that was going to be the case this year but I am to ring him back next Tuesday when he will know... So just in case... if you were poised with your finger on that order button... just wait a couple more days... just in case!!

True Crafting Spirit

2009-05-01T10:59:00.005+01:00

On Monday afternoon, I spent a couple of hours with Tracy and was shown loads of crafting items that she has made but not put on her blog as of yet... Talk about skill! Plus what made it even more lovely is that she doesn't realise how talented she is... though at the same time that could be described as sad too.

She made a lovely 6x6 scrapbook, a note set holder and a few other items that she is designing templates for. I had a sneak peek at some future Devon & Devin Stamps, they really are cute and will fit so many occasions, the card she has on her blog http://craftytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/ does not do the stamps the justice they deserve.

Tracy had said she had some papers for me, papers!! bit of an understatement I would say as she gave me the box of goodies below... how generous is that!! But that was'nt everything...

She also gave me these!!

Yes!!! Two sheets of newly made rubber.. Dang Cute Dinos and Bonny Baby. I welled up, I can tell you.... Tracy would not accept any money for these as she said they were a present from her for everything I have been through health wise over the recent years. Now how generous and kind is that?

I think its only right that even though I know she might slap me for this, that I should point anyone reading this in the direction of her new online stamp shop>
http://www.justtracys.co.uk

Each of those FULL sheets of rubber stamps cost £19.99 and as you can see you get loads of images for that price. I love the little letters that fit in the building blocks on the Baby set. I'm making a baby card that I will put on tomorrow. Some people will think this is weird of me, but something I really liked about colouring in the pram is the wheels are not too thin, a promarker nib doesn't go over the edge, which is a major bonus for me... I have coloured prams in before with promarkers that are too thin wheels.. do you know what I mean?

The P & P is only 99p per order...

I made a card using the Dang Cute Dino set of stamps, well I say the set but thats a big fib! I used 4 stamps from the set and a sentiment. The card is for my sisters boyfriends parents who are retiring to a complex in Cyprus... I hope they get the funny side!

I feel really touched by Tracy's generousity, its not like she has some big multinational company and can afford to give full sets of stamps away. I'd better shut up or I'll be having a tear or two again!

Blog Candy ending tonight - Toodles & Binks

2009-04-30T21:49:00.001+01:00

http://toodlesandbinks.blogspot.com/2009/04/at-last-we-can-say-bit-more.html

Blog candy ending tonight 30th April over at Toodles & Binks Blog... >>>>>>> thata way!

Blog Candy, hopping and challenges.

2009-04-30T00:38:00.003+01:00

As you can see from the left hand side bar, I have been busy with the old surfing this evening.. :-)

I have after spending some time on Monday with Tracy decided to challenge myself with a couple of challenges. Holding her cards and other papercraft items in my hands gave me a bit of a ompf!

I'm going to blog tomorrow about my visit to Tracy's, mainly because I need some good light to take some photos...

You know those male cards that are a bit harder to make?? well have a read of this

2009-04-27T02:42:00.002+01:00

http://craftytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/

I went over to Tracy's blog to thank her for helping me out with the photo/blog linking thing and spied her newly designed stamps... Little tinker had not even mentioned them to me when we spoke the other day..... She's like that, never one to blow her own trumpet.

Tracy used to work in the local craft shop and through that, we became friends, not that we see each other very often but when we do its like a continuation of our last chat... I like friendships like that :-) Tracy has kindly sorted out some papers for me... which I will collect tomorrow as I'm sort of near hers when I go to the hospital...

Thanks to both Tracy and Lea for their excellent instructions on doing the photo/link thingy..

Can you help me please?

2009-04-25T21:18:00.002+01:00

Can someone tell me the most simple way of posting a picture of someone else's candy with a link so that when a blog visitor clicks on the picture it will take them to the owner of the candy's blog......

Thank you tons and tons xx

If you read this please send out winning thoughts to number 12.

2009-04-21T15:20:00.002+01:00

Ha!!! gotcha!!!!

Thank you so much for the winning thoughts.....

That was a bit naughty of me... because I am number 12 on the comments for the blog candy on http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/

If this candy doesn't reach somewhere in the 300 - 400 hundreds I'll eat that hat that everyone talks about! If I was to say Copics, Miss Anya's, Nesties galore, paper strokingly heaven, flowers, ribbons and buttons.... you would be leaving this post right now and getting over there...... *whooosh* you've gone already......;-)

REMEMBER...... NUMBER 12

A couple of cards

2009-04-20T21:01:00.003+01:00

My friends twins are 5 tomorrow and we live about 150 miles apart so I don;t get to see them very much.

I think I made a card that is a bit too old for a 5 year old with the card for Mollie. Her birthday cake was Tinkerbelle and she is having ballet lessons and loving them.. Morgan's is about right for a 5 year old but not exactly what he is into... I mailed his mum and asked her if he was still into football..... Nope!! now he is into Dr Who, Transformers or Power Rangers...

Anyone going to Devon/Cornwall?? BARGAINS at Trago Mills

2009-04-12T17:31:00.003+01:00

A lot of people who live in Devon and Cornwall know of the bargains to be had at Trago mills.. and I know of a lot of friends who live in other parts of the Country who have also bought some really good buys there....

I went to the Liskeard Trago yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see that they have expanded their craft section which was poor before ( apparently they did this last July but being a hermit I hadn't been there for ages!)

I've posted this mainly so that anyone who is coming this way, saves their crafting money if they can, to enable them to be able to get more for their money....

I think you can see on the photo above the difference in the prices but have made a mental list of some of the things there from the craft essentials leaflet so you can see the difference.

Daisy & Dandilion clear stamps RRP £5.99 - Trago price £3.79
Wheelabe tote RRP £59.99 - Trago price £ 39.95 or 99.. give or take 4 p!
Scalloped Cardstock 12x12 RRP £9.99 - Trago price £6.75 or there abouts, might be slightly cheaper
Alphaminis foam stickers RRP £1.99 - Trago price £1.49 and alphamania cardstock stickers
Cat & Dog Collections RRP £16.99 - Trago price £11.49 or cheaper.
Scalloped cards are between 50p - £1 cheaper than the RRP per pack
All paper flowers, Stamp duos and studded stickers are RRP £ 1.99 - trago price £1.29
Papermania The big one 12x12 papers RRP £14.99 - Trago price £10.79 or slightly less.
Clare Curd clear stamps RRP £5.99 - Trago price £3.79

Sorry I can't remember any other prices. Trago is a bit hit and miss with the products it carries but if you or any of your friends passing by either the Newton Abbot or Liskeard, its worth a crafting visit :-) - Highlight what you want in the craft essentials leaflet, give them the dosh and cross your fingers ;-) ..........

Mega Blog Candy at Crafty Goings On.....

2009-04-10T11:34:00.005+01:00

Karen has 72 Copic Marker pens as blog candy over at
http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/

It does end today 1oth April but you do still have time to enter ;-)

Karen says on her blog :-

The twist is that we want you to link to a project on your blog (in your comment) that either uses a download or a stamped image that you coloured in.

Link to a card you made with a download or a stamped image (does NOT have to be one of ours)
If you are using one of the Charmed Cards & Crafts downloads then you get two chances (please enter two comments, in the second just write "my second chance). All entries will be checked.
Please mention the candy on your blog.

Here is the card I made using a Dottie at Work download, my friends daughter is 18 soon and is training to be a hairdresser.

Are you looking for Retro flower punches?

2009-04-04T23:06:00.002+01:00

I have spent a hour tonight looking at different sites to get a small, medium and large in the retro flower punch... ( well if I can't get hold of the Miss Anya stamps then I have to console myself someway!!)

Have just ordered them from here

http://www.bgpayne.com

Never bought from the online store before but the prices are reasonable...

A few cards at last!! & update on Steph

2009-04-01T21:25:00.004+01:00

I made 40 thank you cards for my cousin 's wedding. They were all simply made with embossed plain white card and a few gems.

Below is the Congratulations card I made for my cousin and his new wife.

An assortment of cards made for friends and family recently. I'm a bad blogger by not giving details of what products I used but will get back into the swing of blogging soon I hope.

Steph recently returned from her third trip to Germany for treatment and the results from her second treatment was a further 15% reduction in the liver tumour... all good news :-)

Card magazines

2009-03-31T14:02:00.002+01:00

What do you do with yours??

I'm ashamed to say that I am sorting through hundreds of the things at t his moment... 5 years worth to be exact... more than £1k's worth of mainly advertisements so it seems.....

I'm taking out some of the quick make sections and a few odd pages for future inspiration and then will take them to the scrap store. I'm sure they will be made good use of but if anyone has other ideas what they do with their old magazines, I'd be pleased to hear.

I might get some time soon to be able to blog regularly. xx

I know a secret... its not one to keep to myself though...

2009-03-17T13:14:00.002Z

http://craftytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/

Take a look over on Tracey's blog for a link to a ***NEW*** stamp site. Great stamps, great prices and excellent customer service.

:-)

Good news about Steph :o)

2009-02-25T20:03:00.002Z

Steph and Ali are n Germany at the moment, Steph had her second lot of treatment yesterday... and the results of her first treatment...... I won't keep anyone in suspense... Dr Vogl gave them the fantastic news that the tumour on her liver has shrunk by over 20%..... how fantastic is that... as you can imagine they are both over the moon... Ali will have her partner around for longer even after one treatment.... and Steph will have something so many take for granted..... time..... I keep having a little happy tear...

Also she has been told she has a tumour pressing on her spinal cord that was in the UK going to be treated by radiotherapy .... Dr Vogl had said he can give it a blast with the Chemoembolization to remove it...... yep more tears from yours truly... so i can only imagine how Steph feels.

Take a look here... http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=607675658&ref=name#/group.php?gid=49543032511&ref=ts
This is one of Debbie's groups on facebook to highlight the petition that can be signed online to get Government to allow Chemoembolization here in the UK for all patients with Mesothelioma which would open the doors for ALL patients with cancers that can be treated to do so....

This is the direct link to the petition... don't forget to make sure if you sign it to ensure that you check your email after ( and junk mail) for the confirmation email. Make your vote count. :o)

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Mesothelioma-/

Fund raising is still continuing to make sure Steph can have the 3rd treatment...

Please pass on the link to all you know to sign the petition... There are people dying when there is no need, make your thoughts known to the Government.

PS I am still making cards!!

Thanks a million and I sincerely hope everyone reading this is happy and healthy xxx

Update on Steph

2009-02-01T12:43:00.002Z

:-) Good news is that Steph has had her first lot of treatment with Dr Vogl in Germany. He scanned her liver and said that he would be able to use the treatment on all the tumours that are there :-) She is back home now and is very tired. She was'nt able to have her normal chemo on Thursday due to her white blood count being too low..... this could have been because she had only had the treatment in Germany a few days beforehand..

Her next lot of treatment is due on the 20th Feb, the fundraising is still ongoing for that treatment, there was a fabulous fund raising evening on the 23rd January, many artists gave their time for free and a really good evening was had with lots of fundraising activities as well such as two lads who had leg waxes and one of them had his hair shaved... my niece did the pulling off of the waxing strips... shes evil !!!!! for a 12 year old... her friend also did the other leg... and they were pretty hairy... OUCH!

Stephs postman is doing as much fundraising at his depot and out and about to raise funds for the final treatment... what a fella eh!

I'm posting a video of Debbie Brewer who was Steph and Ali's inspiration behind the treatment - be warned, this might make you gulp back a few tears. A brave brave lady. This was taken last year after Debbies first treatment, when the treatment had shrunk the tumour by 18%, now it is 56% smaller..and in partial remission. she is due to go back in March. Dr Vogl sounds like my Consultant Mr Drabble. (By the way... if anyone is on facebook, please join my group called "We love Mr Drabble" )

The link to Debbies interview with the BBC.
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=61960208520&h=37rtb&u=0FRyh

Please Help and pass on. I thank you all.

2009-01-11T22:03:00.006Z

Steph is a 35 year old wonderful woman who just needs a chance!.

Steph has been having treatment since she was 30 for cancer. . The Cancer started in her breast then to her bones and then to her liver.

There has not been a month gone by where Steph has not had treatment since her diagnosis in 2005

Back in October, Steph won the fight for Avastin as it was not available on the NHS in her local PCT. Unfortunately she was only able to have a few infusions as she then became very ill with ischemic colitis.

Since 24th Oct 08, Steph has been in and out of Brent Ward, Stonehouse ward and St Lukes hospice in Plymouth.

After speaking with Steph's oncologist in the past 2 weeks, we now know the prognosis. Because of the bone and liver cancer, there is about 5 months of Steph's life remaining, and that's on treatment!

There has been a lot of contact with a lady (Debbie) who is being treated by a Prof. Dr. Thomas Vogl in Germany. He thinks he can give Steph better treatment to prolong her life and not just give her quality of life. Debbie is now in remission.

Chemoperfusion is something that is not on offer here in the UK.

So, this Chemoperfusion will cost about 4000 euros per treatment and we believe Prof Vogl wants to try 3 sessions.

Bearing in mind Steph is very poorly, she needs this as soon as possible.

Steph attends the same Macmillan Centre as I do and I wanted to be able to spread the word about her fundrasing as much as I could. I know very few people have very much money spare not just because its after Christmas but also with the credit crunch, but if you could donate a £1 it would be a pound closer to Steph being given the chance of extra quiality of life as well as extending her life. Please please can you pass the link to my page onto all your blogging buddies. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Here is the link to be able to donate directly

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2242662

Some extra links to read or watch about Steph.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7818016.stm

http://www.plymouthsound.co.uk/Article.asp?id=1091956

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Cancer-patient-s-desperate-plea-cash-German-treatment/article-591274-detail/article.html

Steph's groups on facebook, please join and leave her an uplifting encouraging message if you feel able to. Whilst funds are being raised, Steph also needs encouragement and her spirits to be kept high... Shes a fighter but why do it alone when there are so many good people out there who would love nothing more than to be part of her journey... in letting her know she is thought of.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=37527647167&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=27649788290

Extra edit!

Today was also my mums birthday and as I have been feeling unwell.. ( its only the diabetes meds!! yuck) and not in a fit state for leaving the house, it suddenly come to me after first posting this that I might not have been able to take flowers anywhere but in posting this.... hopefully a ray of hope can be expanded for Steph..... that for my mum would be the best present I could give right now.

No cards just an update on my absence.

2008-12-29T07:26:00.003Z

Having been away from my blog for so long now, its like starting over again......

Since my last post way back in the second week of November I have had a raging infection in my wound which was so bad that it ached to use my left arm.... yep I'm left handed! and combined with my pc keep shutting down... it made for a no show from yours truly...

Ten days ago just as the infection had started to go... a discovery was made as to why it was taking so long... I'm diabetic! with extremely high blood sugar results.. 27.1 on the last one... I'm seeing the doctor this morning for fasting cholesterol and another finger prick to see what the result is today.. I have been put on two different medications... the side effects of one is that you lose weight.. YAY!! and the other that you gain weight.. BOO!

I need to go visit the blogs of the people who left comments in my absence and to upload some cards that I received for my birthday and Christmas.

Thank you to ...... Linda, Chris, Emma and Tina xxxx

Unfinished/half started??

2008-11-11T19:19:00.002Z

I'm having a bit of a tidy up (AGAIN) of my craft stash...

Totally ashamed of how many images I have coloured but zilch done with them, hundreds of different flowers, hearts, awareness ribbon punchies, etc all in the bottom of a "thats for tidying up" container... with another one exactly the same in the drawer full to the brim...

I'm guilty of opening more than one glue stick at a time.. why?

Brads in another "small bits to tidy up" container mixed in with small pieces of ribbon.

Envelopes and unused cards in a massive pile on the side.. instead of in the drawers bought for that purpose.!

And thats with having a small room that resembles a tupperware haven with a place for almost everything....

Someone please tell me they are the same.. or better still worse??!!!

Studio G clear stamps & Michael's

2008-11-11T17:45:00.003Z

http://www.pezadoodle.com/index.htm

UKers - Have a look here at the amount of Studio G stamps there have been in the past...

USAers - I'm envious, no other word for it..... (starts saving for air fare to USA)

Not crafting but a must read for everyone, make a flask of tea/coffee first!

2008-11-03T19:16:00.002Z

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=826963&page=13

I'm on page 13 of this thread on moneysavingexpert at the moment, so would recommend to go back to the beginning.. when you have read it.. come back and let me know if you already do any of the money saving tips on this particular thread..

I have giggled more than half a dozen times reading it :):):)

Please bear with me....

2008-11-01T13:43:00.003Z

I'm having a play with blogger and will be adding to the side bars. if you were a follower can you re add if it doesn't do it automatically please..

I also want to be able to put a watermark on my photos so if anyone knows of a very simple to understand site ... shout my way... LOUD!!

I have a bit of a cold and am aching from yesterday so thought at least I could make a start on sorting out my blog..

Thanks a million

Breast Awareness Cards

2008-10-31T12:41:00.002Z

I am about to leave to go up to the hospital to have a bit of seroma drained from under my arm, Dracula is obviously a bit kinky on the 31st!

I have over the past week made a few! cards to take up to the Breast Care unit to sell onto increase their funds a bit and also for patients/friends of patients to buy just to say.... I'm thinking of you...

I'm being a bit cheeky and entering the cards into two blog candy blogs too....

Suzanne over at http://slumbercards.blogspot.com/

and

Zoe over at http://bunny-zoes.blogspot.com/
who both have beautiful and generous candy on their blogs in support of Breast Awareness. Thank you both for making your blog anniversary's a celebration of Awareness.

part two ;-)

2008-10-28T20:46:00.004Z

Thank you for all the comments on my last post.. and apologies for the delay in getting this post on line. I will get round to everyones blog individually over the next few days.

I stayed at my sisters at the weekend as her children went away with their dad so it was company for both of us. I did an interview with a local reporter on Monday to highlight hereditary breast cancers and to give some much needed PR for the genetic service and the local Macmillan drop in centre.

Last friday I ended up having to have some more seroma drained off... and it looks like I might have to go up again... as it looks like I have grown a small breast!

The time I spent in hospital set me up for afternoon naps! I had a 4 hour one this afternoon. The thought of keeping extra warm is a pull too, isnt it? its freezing...

Apart from tiredness and a bit of dizziness now and again.. tempered with a bit of nausea I am feeling fine.

Still not had any diet coke.... go me!!!

I will upload the cards I have made tomorrow.. I'm off for a nosey around the net now.. I am so out of touch with any new crafting items to *want* but not need.. ;-)

Cooooeeee blogging world, I'm home....

2008-10-23T20:24:00.002+01:00

Gosh, h ave you seen my title? Anyone would think I had one of those blogs that get a 100 hits plus a day... so start again>>>>>

Coooeee my wonderful blogging buddies... I'm home...

My operation went very smoothly on the Wednesday morning, Came around in recovery gabbled a bit to the nurses , zonked again and then came around in the Ward, both my sisters were there although I didn't remember that until the night.. a couple of hours after I came around, they let me have a cuppa tea... BLISS! about half hour after that, i had the most painful pins and needles in my left hand, I mentioned it to the aux nurse who went to get the Sister, in the meantime..... on looking down, there was blood everywhere... then all these very calm doctors gathered around taking bloods for grouping etc and a mention of a transfusion made me a bit more alert.. YUCK. Then my fantastic Consultant arrived and said he would have to take me down to surgery again...that was after using the heel of his hand to assist the draining ... bleurgh.... he almost filled a drain bottle, (well it is near Halloween) that hurt!. I was sooo unlike me..... super cool, waving to my bed buddies on the way out, with a cheery..... " Won;t be long, see you soon "

Awoke back on the ward, pressure bandaged up.... no need for a transfusion.. phew....

Will be back tomorrow with the rest of my week, I'm sooo tired now...

Thank you to Chris and Tina for my lovely cards,,, they were beeeeeeeautiful.

See you all soon!

2008-10-15T03:27:00.003+01:00

I'm 3 weeks late in uploading this as my god sons 21st was on the 24th September! Richard prefers to be called Rik, plays in a death metal band, dresses very alternatively, does not know what the word conformity means but is a good lad.

Right this is the last post for a while as in less then 4 hours I will be in the hospital, yep cant sleep even though I'm shattered... Now that is a complete contradiction isnt it!! Stopped drinking milk based drinks at midnight and am boosting my water intake. I have been 11 days without drinking diet coke which is a biggie for me... Go Gina!!!! I am determined to beat this addiction...

Till next week when hopefully I can get back to blogging properly, along with entering a few challenges.

Stay safe xxx

Bluming eck! I almost did it again...

2008-10-11T23:05:00.002+01:00

There I was having a looksee around this here blogging tinternet.... and this bright idea came to me that I would really like a three column blog like Emmas. I found one and thought... yep I'm going to go for this... I even went to save current settings but somehow it wouldnt save.. ( must be me!!!)

Then I stopped!!!!! as if I had gone ahead I would have lost it all again... YIKES!!!!

So I will have another try tommorrow when I do get around to blog hopping and commenting...

I'm going to make a neon flashing sign or something when it comes to me and my bright ideas...

I'm here... still.

2008-10-10T18:09:00.002+01:00

Quick update..... I go into hospital on Wednesday morning... de ja vu? hehe

I have had woman flu that pretended it was man flu so I have spent time in bed reading..

I have made some cards for the Breast Care Unit which I will upload later.... and tomorrow I'm going to have a blog hopping day...

Spent some time helping my sister out and a couple of friends who are going through a hard time...

I have bought some crafty stuff ( pats self on back for selling stuff on ebay to finance purchases) I bought the heart nestibilities along with the scalloped edged ones too... I so love Cut@home... :D

Catch you later, you bunch of fabulous women.. ( and maybe the odd fella or two?)

Thank you to the commenters on last post...

2008-09-24T19:24:00.003+01:00

I reckon I have to admit defeat and start again..... its a learning curve eh!!

For now Im off to have something to eat then finish uploading to Ebay... then will come back to have a bit of a fiddle....

oh my god!!! my counter has gone too... (insert crying face and perplexed look too )

Its going to take a few days to get the blogs that I had on my side bar and the other things I liked having there too..

if you were on my side bar and you arent there at the moment... shout at me via comments... thank you xx

Help please!!!

2008-09-24T12:27:00.003+01:00

I have lost all my links etc.... (insert crying face) I was trying to pretty up my blog and failed!!!

Can anyone talk me through how I reset my pc so that it goes back to yesterday and that any changes I have made will be undone???

Thank you in anticipation...

Oooeeerr Missus.... I'm back already!!!

2008-09-17T15:43:00.003+01:00

Just when you thought you would get some peace from the blurblings of yours truly... She appears on line when Shes meant to be in hospital recovering from surgery....( what's all that talking in the third person all about??? I'll blame it on the emotions being everywhere ;))

HA!!!! now thats where we were all wrong...
I was at the theatre door at 1245, marked up, sexy surgical stockings on, wearing a lovely white hospital friendship bracelet, a designer slit up the back funky nightgown.... and was told that due to an emergency earlier on which had put the whole surgery list back, with my wonderful gorgeously caring, understanding, empathetic (<<< I won't go on, you get the picture!!! he's fab) having to do a breast clinic this afternoon with no registrar backup to fall back on if he ran anymore over. We have built up a lovely rapport over the years I have been seeing him and he gave me a massive hug along with his sincerest apologies and will organise an emergency list asap and I will be first on it...

So the bag is staying packed.... new pjs cant be worn before hospital, it just wouldnt be right.. :)

My poor sis had been awake from 4am and looked totally drained at the end of it all... bless her cottons, shes seen me through loads of health stuff.... She got a hug from Mr D too...

I've text the folk who were coming up to see me... bless them they will have to eat the grapes themselves...

So just to say, thank you for all your continued support.. I'm off to bed for a while now... xxx

Thankyou cards.

2008-09-16T13:45:00.001+01:00

Thank you cards for the nurses on the ward. Plain and simple... bit like me!!!

Blog Candy, Thumbs up to moderation and more...

2008-09-15T10:45:00.002+01:00

Superb candy over on Christines blog as well of course as wonderful inspiration, go have a look here >>>>>http://craftlingscosycorner.blogspot.com

Christine was one of the fore runners of the TAKE OFF THE VERIFICATION idea... which is probably one of the best things you can do for the readers and commenter's of your own blog, I did it and have never had a spam message since, so when people are afraid of getting loads of spam, it just doesnt happen! and if you should get a spam message, having user moderation gives you control of what does get shown on your blog comments.... how good is that?? brill I think.

I positively detest verification myself as reading a few letters jumbled up to represent what could be at least two different ways of reading the damn thing does nothing for my eyes and at times its taken that long to actually get the right letters that its given me a headache with that squinting you have to do..... inflicting pain is no good thing in my book.

I go into hospital on Wednesday morning... 0730!! and will later get around to the people who asked for my contact details..

I have made some thank you cards for the nurses on the ward and will upload them later,,, off to get some new pjs now .. xx

Poppicrafts cardboard flowers ..... and dating!

2008-09-06T22:49:00.003+01:00

Still no cards!! but thought I would show a few of the therapy glittered flowers I have been doing...

I have spent a fair few evenings this past week helping a friend with setting up her pc and setting up profiles on facebook and a couple of dating sites... I've been a bit mother hen about it all! suffice to say after practically writing all her profile and answering the standard questions for her, she is getting a fair few mails rolling in. Am a bit concerned as most of them seem seasoned daters. (Takes off protective motherly hat!)

As I have not contribuated anything creative to write home about and instead have ohhh'd and ahhhh'd over the blogs on my list somewhere over there and down a bit>>>>>

I thought I would post a photo of my sister's dog Buddy... proving that he loves Marmite.. ( I had washed it out first!!) He is sooooo cute..

Has she? has'nt she?

2008-09-04T20:36:00.002+01:00

Nope!! I haven't made a card.... I wouldnt say my mo jo has gone, its just in hiding as my brain has loads of ideas but they dont seem to transpire into anything... I am however determined to make some thank you cards in prep for when I come out of hosp...

I did receive today in the post a set of long rectangle nesties.. YAY!!! how cool is Cut@home, megga cool in my books... I ordered them on the 27th August ... now thats super fast by anyones standards... and with the amazing discount, I decided to use the last of my paypal funds to buy them and some elzybell stamps. Now I have a wish list on my side bar of things I would like when I have sold some more items via ebay... This not working is affecting my stash addiction majorily... but in the scheme of things...it will teach me some more patience :]

Thank you thank you to those people who kindly left me messages on the previous post, you touched me immensely, the blogging community is awesome :] I will mail those who asked with my home address...

Again.. thank you soooooooooooo much.. xxx

I have my date for my mastectomy

2008-09-01T14:47:00.002+01:00

I received a call from the surgeons secretary earlier to say that I am booked in on Wednesday of this week.... it was on my answerphone as I was being a hermit with regards to phone calls... (bad girl)

I went into instant flap as I have a v important legal meeting the end of this week.. Rang the hospital and they have now booked me in for the 17th September which gives me time to do the legal meeting and a few other things...

Maybe now I can stop doing nothing and start to prioritise my time a bit better. Still doing lots of colouring in and glitttering but not much else!

I'm still here... but no crafts to show...

2008-08-29T13:40:00.002+01:00

I'd love to say that my absence has been due to having a varied and hectic social life... in fact its been due to being low in mood and sleeping loads...

I'm fine, this will pass... its only because I have so much going on in my head that its my safety zone to close down.... I have spoken to my doctor about it...

I have on the odd occasion done the odd crafting thing... but mainly painting chipboard flowers, covering them in glitter and dimensional magic. I think its my own therapy... :]

I thought I had better make a post as I received an email from Tracy who owns tracyjanecrafts who has noted that I have not posted.... which led me to slap my own legs and post this... (thank Q tracy)

Keep on taking care out there :]

YAY!! I used my poppicrafts blog candy voucher...

2008-08-19T10:47:00.003+01:00

Yep, I only went and used it... I was becoming as maternal about the blog candy gift voucher as Emma over at Elf was... !!!

I thought it was only fair to let others know what I purchased with it... I did add a further ten pounds to it (including postage) but considering how much I got for the money. I'm pleased as punch.

I needed to treat myself so an extra special thank you to Emma for picking my name out in her blog candy....

10 Ribbon slot brads
12 Jumbo round brads - festive
2" daisy blooms - Black (5 pack)
2" spotty daisy blooms - White with Black spots (5 pack)
20 gold crown brads
20 holiday themed brads
20 jumbo round brads
20 Mixed chipboard flowers pack
20 piece metal eyelet charms - swirl
20 rose circle clips
20 Truck Brads
25 bright loopy brads
25 mixed buttons - Browns
25 mixed buttons - lilacs
3" spotty daisy blooms - White with Black spots (5 pack)
40 metallic screw top brads
6" Chipboard Daisies (2 pack)
Large shopping charms

I received this in an email and just had to share it.. :]

2008-08-16T19:19:00.000+01:00

What, you ask, is 'Butt dust?' Read on and you'll discover the joy in it! These have to be original and genuine. No adult is this creative!!

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: 'Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?'

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, 'If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six.'

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. 'I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window.'

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: 'How does it know it's me?'

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. 'Please don't give me this juice again,' she said, 'It makes my teeth cough.'

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: 'How much do I cost?'

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: 'Why is he whispering in her mouth?'

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, 'I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?'

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.' Concerned, James asked: 'What happened to the flea?'

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, 'Why doesn't your skin fit your face?'

A Sermon I think this Mom will never forget...

This particular Sunday sermon began...

'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust...

'He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

Spread the smiles!!

Half price punches.

2008-08-15T12:20:00.002+01:00

http://www.craftsuperstore.co.uk/sale/crafts/li_51_p0.aspx

I am around but falling to bits slowly!!! Had to pay a visit to the doctors the other day and must have caught a virus as feel urgh with an earache and sinus headache that will not shift.. well it will but just have to give it time..

I had an email from the craftsuperstore and thought I would give anyone who has'nt heard of them, the link especially as they have half price punches at the moment..

Happy shopping :]

In the good old USA... well NY to be precise

2008-08-06T22:15:00.002+01:00

...... where is the best place to buy craft items...... really really cheaply.

I spoke to my god daughter mum earlier and she only went and booked a really quick holiday for her and Sarah (18) to have some bonding time in America... they go tomorrow!! Shes known for a week but forgot to tell me...

Shes taking her laptop so will await instructions from me as to what to get.. with not a lot of cash and morever not a lot of space... so they will have to get whatever on the last day there, they are going for two weeks and doing a lot of traveling as well as Y/Hostels...

So please can you give me some hints about places for her to visit - craft item wise!!

Thank you xx

Either Im tired or my eyes need testing...

2008-08-04T22:45:00.002+01:00

You know when you go to the dashboard thing to publish comments.. and there is a bit that says...

You are not Spam...

I read it as >> You are not Sperm...

the keyboard is now wearing a mouthful of tea...

Do you ever get so hacked off with yourself you want to rub yourself out and start again??

2008-08-04T21:06:00.002+01:00

IF so, let me know.... I probably wont be able to do anything to help you but just knowing that you are'nt alone might help a tiny bit...

I joke about being a bit of a hermit but to be honest its something about me that I really do not like.. yes I like my own company and being without children or a partner does allow me to stay stuck... or is that it allows me the refuge that people with children and other halves can not get when they are feeling like urgh?

I so wish I could be the person I was before the thing that I cant discuss for legal reasons.. and even when its all done which will not be for some considerable time yet, I know that I will never be the same person. I have had so much taken from my soul... ( deep man deep )

Anyway... moving on... miserable git that I was up there^^

Anything black on the cards below was cut from a GHD box... XX>> for my sister who knew I would want the box! I have some more cards to up load but for some reason blogger isnt letting me again...

Isnt embossing cool.... to think of the hours I sat there with my fiskars boards........... therapeutic though

2008-08-04T16:31:00.002+01:00

Its Emmas fault

2008-07-31T17:21:00.002+01:00

Yep I blame Emma for my 4th blog background re vamp! I had a look at the cutest blog widget thingy on her profile and that was it... I was off!!!

I just wanted to say that... as I just changed it again... I'm even confusing myself which isn't hard to do anyway..... ;-)

The little things make a huge difference

2008-07-28T20:53:00.004+01:00

Verifying comments on Saturday.... talk about huge smile... I was drawn as the winner on http://elf-creations.blogspot.com/ Emmas blog... it more than made my day, week and even had a bit of a rounder off in part of the year. (that sounds so cryptic!)

I went out on Saturday night... first time on a 'out on the town' evening... for well over a year.. boy, am I? getting old... it all seemed a bit desperate... but my friend enjoyed her birthday evening which was the main thing... Maybe if I had had a drink it would have seemed a bit different but not only was I driving but am on medication that doesnt need alcohol interfering with its work!

Turned into a bit of an insomniac lately and am trying to get myself back on a better sleeping pattern.. its a case of - DON'T look into my eyes, DON'T look around my eyes... ;-)

Anyway onto a few cards I have made but not put on my blog....

The first two are the card I made for my sisters birthday and the 3rd is the one that Jordan made for his mum and the 4th is Chloes card for her mum and the 5th is one I made for a friend.

2008-07-24T20:15:00.002+01:00

Missed you all

My pc did that breaking down thing again... (insert the look of despair) and then when it was well healthy and back home on its little desk that had missed it so much, I got a sty on my eye (poet or what!) and couldnt manage to look at the screen let alone type anything coherent ( like I do anyway!!!???) but its better now.. still hurts underneath but I'm 'ard and can bear it... ( watch me moan later!)

Update >>
No appointment yet for mastectomy. Received a letter for my pheo check up which I will ring tomorrow to find out the date of the appointment (hosp using a different booking system now )

I have also been cat sitting, bless her Chalky is a pretty white cat who spent the last week here with me, took a few days for her to settle in but then she got well settled and seemed very much at home. Took her home today :( I had her an extra couple of days as I had a pirate day yesterday (pirate day = couldnt open my eye properly) so driving was a bit of a no no.

Have been giving my sister a fair bit support as she copes with her exhusband doing the emotional pressure thing on the children at the same time as threatening her with stopping maintenance/losing their newly built house.. I won't print my thoughts on this here as its an open page, suffice to say I'm sure that I am not alone in my thoughts about the mentality of exes who use their children at the end of a relationship. Its sad enough for the children to know their dad chose another woman over their family life.

I havent done very much crafting.. due to the pirate eye thing... but did today go to the local craft shop, how good was I, I only bought 4 single doodlebug papers... It was quite funny whilst I was there as I was doing the chatting to another crafter about how lovely some papers were but that we were not taken with the prices. All of the sudden she slipped her hand in her pocket and like a secret agent passed me a business card about scrapbooking lessons... I was expecting a steam train to pull away next to us... and for me to fall over in a pair of high stilettos whilst tilting my trilby and adjusting my flasher mac.

I also had a lot of emails from my solicitor to answer so fully expect my system to go all out of sync again as this is what normally happens... I can make a bit more of a start on my book now my eye is not so bad...

Thanks to Emma for her comment that I logged onto earlier on... it does show how blogging is a community ... :o)

Sale at Poppicrafts till the 13th

2008-07-08T23:50:00.002+01:00

15% off everything at Poppicrafts... >>> see link on side panel.

I have bought masses of buttons and brads via this online store with great service.

A £10 voucher for Poppicrafts is the scrummy candy over at http://elf-creations.blogspot.com where you will find a giggle worthy blog with lots of bright inspiration...

The next few days

2008-07-06T20:15:00.002+01:00

I want to catch up with blogs... :-)

and carry on decluttering here at home.. I really really am fed up with 'things' and how I have spent so much money over the years on replacing things just because... buying clothes, bags, shoes, makeup, etc just because.. I have clothes with tags on in size 8, 10, 12 and 14... and they dont fit... yep I might get down to the 14 but the rest... I seriously doubt it!!!

And the small sizes are things like Laura Ashley dresses bought in 1987!! so good for Ebay almost vintage section.. ;-) so have to get my backside in gear and list them!!!

I also have a very large box of fabric that has been with me for 10 years that I have done nothing with... so tomorrow its going to the Macmillan centre where I know one of the ladies is always wanting good cotton fabric for quilting...

I have four bags of clothes for charity shops..... do you share your charity bags out? I do... luckily they are all close to one another... I feel guilty if I don't...my friend laughs at me.

What are you doing in the next few days?

My last few days

2008-07-06T19:18:00.004+01:00

Friday..... Had my pre teen niece and teenager nephew over to stay for the evening to go buy their mum a birthday present and to make her cards and a gift... we had Buddy with us too.... I have realised that although in my past I may have had to mediate between feuding young women in a hostel I worked and lots of similar establishments... the fights that those you love have are far more harder to contend with... it involved Buddy's toy being slapped across my nieces leg... and her doing her demon from the sea impression and whacking him across the head(OUCH) with a chewy thing on a rope, it was hard plastic. It was a defined crack and I grimaced, him being the Hulk when angered I thought was going to turn green and show his wrath.... instead he cried and I spent ages consoling him and throwing her daggers as she sat smiling... whilst we were discussing, bonding and having some hugs, the three of us were unaware that Buddy had chewed through the lead to my carpet cleaner.. little bu**er.

They made up... thankfully... Its not been an easy few months for them as their mum and dad spilt up 11 months ago...lets just say Jordan my nephew has no respect for his dad considering his dad played away whilst working away... J has clear values and principles and no amount of excuses etc will shift him. Chloe is more confused..

A few months ago my sister started seeing someone else and by accident the children met him, hes a nice guy, good values and not about to rock what stability the family are holding onto. The children are super cool with him. as he doesnt push any boundaries and shows an interest in them. He has no children himself. He listens to J's biking stories of which he has many!!!

We were meant to be putting one of the mattresses on my bed on the floor for J to sleep on, yep! I have two... just call me Princess G ;-) . It got a bit late so they just ended up top and tailing.. and I ended up a couple of hours making a bed up on the floor... so didnt sleep well....

Saturday saw us getting up early for J paper round and myself and C wrapping their mums gifts in the car after taking buddy for a long walk... and then the winkles surprising their mum with their hand made cards... :-)

Their mum had been out the night before to see Jimmy Carr and had not made it back to the car park in time before it closed!! so had to be in on the Sat morning to get it... so that sorta put things back a bit... we went to collect it and then the four of us went for a brunch at 1115....

We had a really nicely relaxed time before I took J to get some euros as he is going to Germany tonight with the school... he has to be there at 2350....

After meeting my sis and C back at their house and my sis opening her presents from the winkles, I came home, went to the library to collect some books I had had reserved. ( am being a good girl and using it instead of opting just to buy a book whilst shopping... and its literally 3 mins walk away from me.. so how bad have I been in the past when I did have a fair bit of spare cash.... VERY BAD)

I ended up going to bed at 8 pm last night.. how exciting eh! alone with a book...

Today I got up, cried at the Holly oaks omnibus ( I used to detest this soap but my niece got me into it and we have discussions about it so I have to be up to speed on who is who and who is doing what) had a mini sort out of my card and paper scraps.. ignored the house work and went to bed to read for a few hours as I couldnt be bothered to do anything else...

This lethargy will pass

I have spent a bit of time being annoyed at my ex bro in law this weekend as he didn't even think about how the children would feel about making sure their mums birthday was special... well he may have thought about it but didnt do anything for the kids... They do get a fiver pocket money and J does have his paper round.. but bearing in mind he is off to Germany and C is going to Spain at the end of the month with her best friends family.... he could have done as my sis did when it was his birthday and continued to go with them to get something and cards... . He does have a new girlfriend which probably is taking up a bit more of his attention..

I will post their cards and mine for their mum in the next few days... we forgot to take some pics!!! though we did take some stunning ones in Matalan of all places with them wearing chicken head and rabbit costumes... its good to have fun that costs nowt!!

I shouldn't have done that...

2008-07-03T22:16:00.002+01:00

Eaten a whole packet of Haribo kiddies supermix. >>>>800 calories worth <<<<< just before bed when I was really tired... as now my eyes are sore but my mind is on overdrive...

Bad bad bad girl!!!!

Will be back tomorrow to catch up with blogs...

By the way...... THUMBS DOWN TO VERIFICATION!!!

My first Challenge Card- Spoonful of Sugar

2008-07-01T23:40:00.005+01:00

I was drawn to this one in particular as I have a bit of a thing for circles.. its that never ending thing and what I say to my niece and nephews about how much I love them... it does'nt stop there is no end...

I used
DCWV paper stack
Sweet Ebony picking apples stamp
Prismas to colour with a smattering of stickles on the flowers..
Nestibilities for all the circles apart from the actual card which was cut around a milkpan!
Bit of doodling around outer circle
Tag attached to ribbon via circle loop brad..

21 years ago today.

2008-06-29T19:04:00.003+01:00

My Mum passed away. I spent the end of last week churning up inside thinking about the date... and you know what?? Yep, I forgot the date today... now was this because I had Jordan stay over last night and today we made an almighty start on clearing my loft or because somewhere deep down I have accepted that the date is of no significance in reality... as every day is another day without her. Whilst in the loft, in among some pictures was a framed poem with a tiny photo of mum on it.. I put it to one side and brought the rest down for a car boot sale and because with Jordan's music on and him singing away :D I didnt want to bring the mood down at all...

It was a while later that my sis ( Jord's mum) asked me if I was going to the cemetery (I'm normally the only one who goes as the other two have their own way of showing their respect etc) I was really taken back that I had not woken up knowing the date... its so unlike me.. I decided not to go, instead I will wander up one day in the week... when the feeling comes over me.

Here is a photo of her taken at age 23 which was the age I was when she passed away.

She would have so loved her grandchildren...

RIP my angel xxx

I can't

2008-06-28T12:03:00.002+01:00

Tut tut @ ME!!!!!

I have a fair few "I can't" things going on in my life at the moment that legally I am unable to discuss... and on top of being a scaredy cat and a hermit a lot of the time, its pretty damn frustrating considering the person I have been at many times in my past ( think strong, confident, funny, determined, resilient etc )

On having another sort out of another box.... I came across a piece of paper that has no date on it.. but must related to some low point in my life.. it says

You don't know what you can do until you have to do it......

I have put it in my purse!!!! instead of in a box.... and am going to scrap that piece of paper along with a few photos I have of me doing stuff I never thought I could...

For now..... I am off to take my nephew for a very belated chinese lunch ( cheap set menu!) I hate to not do what I said I would do... and as I have been very good lately with the budgeting thing.. I'm going to spend time with Jordan.... ( the fact that I have from when I had a fair bit of spare dosh, two credit notes from sports shops will help this afternoon... :-) ) I might as well let him have them.... he gets less of my time etc then his younger sister...

I'll be back later with a few cards and stuff...

Hope everyone is healthy and as happy as they can be considering their own personal circumstances... xxx

Here is a AWWWWW moment for you all.. :o)

2008-06-24T23:05:00.003+01:00

Thought I would share a few pics of my niece with Buddy, hes a 5 month old Puggle (Pug/Beagle) Chloe has taught him to High 5!!

This photo was pure fluke... I called him and on the second flash he had turned around... we sat giggling for ages once we realised we had caught him in such a cute cute poise... I am actually sat here giggling at it again!!

Awww, that rule about not picking him up like a baby and having him on the sofa didnt last long did it?

Passing on the tagging.... and cheating a bit too!!

2008-06-23T23:06:00.007+01:00

As I said further down, I would be back to tag folk.... well I'm going to tag 5 people... with both tags... if they already have done one of them further down their blog that I havent seen, I apologise. I have put both sets of questions here to make it easier to copy and paste them.. ( just call me ever helpful * insert devilish angel here* I tried to tag the blogs that do not seem to have been tagged previously by either set of questions...

btw... I havent worked out how to take the underline off t his message!!!!

Feel free to leave comments on my answers further down :-)

1. It is the 'This or That' tag..

Chocolate or Vanilla ice cream:

Big Mac or Whopper:

Coke or Pepsi:

Beer or Wine:

Coffee or Tea:

Apple Juice or O.J.:

Facebook or MySpace:

Summer or Winter:

Windows or Mac:

Cats or Dogs:

2. And the other tagging is >>>

WHAT WAS HAPPENING 10 YEARS AGO?

NAME 5 THINGS TO DO TODAY

SNACKS I ENJOY

THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE

PLACES I HAVE LIVED

I tag......Tracy at

http://craftytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/

and Emma at

http://elf-creations.blogspot.com/

and Zoe at

http://a-personaltouch.blogspot.com/

and Dawny at

http://pinkpiggywiggy.blogspot.com/

and finally Lizette over on

http://scrapwithlizette.blogspot.com/

Happy answering and tagging to you all....

The latest cards I have made.

2008-06-23T12:26:00.003+01:00

Another tagging

2008-06-23T11:38:00.002+01:00

WHAT WAS HAPPENING 10 YEARS AGO?
I was painting the town red as much as I could...as well as getting in touch with my spiritual side It was two years since my first diagnosis and discounting the first year that was taken up with surgery, chemo and radiotherapy, when I hadnt done that much apart from get by day to day, I was doing what I should have been doing in my late teens/early twenties... it was also 2 years since my marriage had ended and with the year out for medical stuff, I discovered a side of me that needed to play!! ;-)

I was working in a hostel for homeless women and loving it... Attending the Spiritualist Church in Bolton where I made a life long friend, Joanne. I was also loving my home, that may sound strange but after having had a flood that destroyed all of the downstairs and two bedrooms, the house was given a new lease of life at the same time I had been going through some medical stuff... so all in all it was all about starting again... and of course removed all signs of my ex husband and his *tart* (<< not bitter, just honest as to my feelings at the time.. now I don't give a damn, she did me a massive favour!!)

NAME 5 THINGS TO DO TODAY
I could give you a list of 5 thousand!! but things that I reckon I will do are...

1. Go to the relaxation group at the macmillan centre... I have been a hermit for far too long and feel the *need* to attend.

2. Email my solicitor this evening

3. Buy some fresh provisions...

4. Make a card for a friend to give her friend for her 60th birthday...

5. Tag people for the questions on my previous tagging and for this one...

SNACKS I ENJOY
Cheese! sadly i'm a bit of cheese addict... cheese on toast with a smattering of worchester or brown sauce with loads of black pepper, cheese and crackers, pringles and dips... any dips!
cheese, crisp and salad cream sandwiches.. (I know!! gross)

I'm not really a sweet snacker... which is a good job considering the calories in the things I do like...

This isnt a snack so much but something that will make anyone reading this doubt my taste buds as well as my 'normalness' I love brussel sprouts with gravy and salad cream... * My sister can not be in the same room when I have this, I wonder why ???? hehehe*
THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE
This depends on if it was a million or a few...

A few would allow me to set up a resource to help the most disadvantaged homeless people with no pressure on them having to conform to societies demands but still enable them to be safe and warm.

If it was not enough to do this, and thinking only of me and mine... I'd sell this house, and buy a house over looking the sea... with a veranda! and a large back garden so I could grow my own vegetables and fruit.. obviously it would have a purpose built craft room which had a view of the sea...

I'd make sure my sisters mortgages were paid off.. and my friends Wendy/Richard.

I'd make a donation to the Macmillan Centre and use some of the money to go and visit different countries and experience cultures that I hold in awe.... I would also ensure that I saw the Northern Lights...

I'd put some aside in trust until my nephews and niece reached 21 to help them with what is going on in their lives at that time.

A craft shop would be nice.. ;-)

PLACES I HAVE LIVED
Totnes, Launceston, Plymouth, Salisbury, Liverpool, Chippingham, Germany, Bolton, Plymouth.

I have to pass this on to 5 others!! and will come back and do that later :0)

Now thats what I call blinking brilliant

2008-06-22T23:08:00.002+01:00

http://hannahzoecraftymonkeys.blogspot.com/

Hannah and Zoe are two young crafters who have set up their own challenge blog... for under 16 year olds.. they will be setting a challenge one a fortnight, Go have a look and if you have children who are interested in cardmaking etc... this might be exciting for them...

Go Girls!!!

Decisions, decisions....

2008-06-22T12:28:00.002+01:00

Do you ever get that you look at the amount of milk you have left and think... it'll last till tomorrow because you just can not be bothered to go out... knowing if you do you will end up buying stuff that you don't really need..... thats me today!

Today is going to be a really lazy pampering day I think, well I should say afternoon... as the morning has already past...

Last night I went to bed at 7pm, I know, a saturday evening and I'm in bed reading... talking to my friend about it, she gave me the excuse I needed for my tiredness..... I have spent the past 20 years rushing around, stressed beyond belief, not to mention the run ins I have had with some health probs... but they are hopefully all behind me now... so Thank You, Gill. You are right, my body and brain are probably readjusting to a more sedentary way of life... or I'm a lazy moo!

I have made a few cards over the past couple of days which I will upload later but for now... I'm going to have a long relaxing bath..... and give my hair an intensive conditioning whilst wearing a face mask... and I will not be answering the door to anyone!!!!

Achievemnt Candy giveaway

2008-06-20T10:35:00.001+01:00

http://elf-creations.blogspot.com/

Emma has some candy to give away.... why??? go see and smile...

Am so glad I blog hopped from Me'n'lilG's blog :-)

First Kerry Jo card

2008-06-19T13:54:00.002+01:00

How bad am I? Had to buy the Kerry Jo stamps but only just got around to making a card!!

Made this for a friends birthday, shes a bit of a goth/rock chick.... and doesn't really do cute - unless its puppies..

Been Tagged!

2008-06-19T12:03:00.002+01:00

After having a low low period this past week or so, I have given myself a shake... and a verbal slap!

I have to go back through all my comments later and reply accordingly... and also go way back to thank someone for an award, upload some cards, get my PIFs ready for posting... and a whole host of house related stuff... but first.. a bit of light hearted stuff... I'm going to answer the questions that Heather over on Craftlingscosycorner (>> link on side!) tagged me with....

It is the 'This or That' tag..

Chocolate or Vanilla ice cream: Im not brilliant at making choices when it comes to ice cream!! living in Devon will show you why!!!! If pushed I'd say Vanilla... but with choc swirls!!!

Big Mac or Whopper: Neither.... I'm more of a chicken nuggets girl!!! or a mini fillet burger with lashings of the pepper sauce..

Coke or Pepsi: Am totally addicted to Diet coke but will drink Diet Pepsi... due to financial changes Im having to try cheaper versions - urgh... but maybe in the long run it will help the addiction..... yep its that bad that I do get headaches if I dont drink it...

Beer or Wine: This is where I sound megga boring... as ordinarily its a definite neither.... unless its gluwein after sking!!!

Coffee or Tea: Tea for me.... not too strong and quite a bit of milk... coffee only made with all milk... occasionally

Apple Juice or O.J.: Freshly squeezed orange juice. With bits. (<<< that was Heathers answer and I'm not changing it as I'm the same)

Facebook or MySpace: Tried Myspace but couldnt get the hang of it... Regularly use Facebook but not all those silly applications... I use it to keep in contact with friends all over the UK and beyond...

Summer or Winter: See this is when my indecision kicks in again!! I love winter when its all cosy inside but then I get all :( at the thought of people who are homeless and living on the street so I would have to say Summer but not so that its that hot that people get irritable, I detest driving when its hot... unless I'm a passenger with the windows open! I love long Summer evenings... though if I had children who didnt want to go to bed, I might not think the same, eh!

Windows or Mac: Never used a Mac to compare but do like the sleekness of how they look... but not the price

Cats or Dogs: Growing up. I would have said YUCK neither... I was so prim when it come to cats and dogs being a pain with the fur, mess etc... Now I am a dog lover far more than cats...though I do like cats, only because of my experience with having a dog... 19 years ago my now ex husband kept on about us getting a dog... bearing in mind he was in the Army, I was a practice manager of a medical centre and we lived in Germany.. ( in a ground floor flat!) it was neither practical or fair was my excuse ..... but he arranged for A friend to bring around a boxer pup one evening... I knew about it and was not pleased at all..... (think raised eyebrows and THAT face!!!) In she walks with this tiny little face peering out of her jacket... she placed him down on the floor... he looked straight at me with the most beautiful blue eyes and skin that was all baggy.... then ran along the carpet (brand new, silver/white) and pee'd as he went...

My now ex and our friend looked at me..... and I said..... ohhhhhhhhh can we have him? please let us have him....
Yep, I fell in love..... BIG STYLE

As this was still in the time when he would have to go into quarrentine in the future when we returned to the UK, I set up his bank account... so we would have no worries or decsions to make when that time came..

It was so funny as my ex was expecting by taking him to a Boxer Club that he would be this ferocious 'hard' dog.. nope not Tyson, he was the softest thing on four legs... and had a personality that so many people fell in love with... definitely best friend material.

I did all the stuff that you shouldnt do.... let him on the furniture, bed etc... such a change from how I had been...

When going through divorce, my main concern was that I got Tys!!!! and then when going through chemo... he was the reason the got fresh air every day... one time I fell asleep on the sofa at approx 2pm after having a chemo session... without knowing it... I slept for 26 hours... Tys had slept at the bottom of the sofa, drank all his water, ate his food and not cried to go out... bless his bladder! it was only when I woke and checked the phone that I had turned the ring down on, that I realised it was Thursday at 4pm and not the Wednesday!!! What a star, Tys was...

Tyson lived until almost 14 years old which is a very good age for boxers... and 5 years later I still miss him every day....

Its been good writting about Tys, so thanks for the tag, Heather...

I'll be back later to tag some folk... ;-)

Blog candy alerts...

2008-06-18T21:44:00.002+01:00

http://riverviewstamper.blogspot.com/
Monica has some lovely lovely blog candy up for grabs... along with loads of lovely craft inspiration and insight into her family life...

http://rebeccaclews.blogspot.com/
Becky has some 'just because' blog candy to give away.... lovely thought and gesture along with lovely inspiration..

Blog hopping is good for the soul

2008-06-14T23:32:00.002+01:00

I was feeing particularly lonely and all out of sorts with myself tonight, having not had a few good days... sadly not something I can write about here due to some legal stuff but in the future that will not be a problem, anyway after spending most of yesterday evening, last night and today in bed reading a chicklit book..... anything to distract me from what is going on! and of course downsizing and decluttering my house in preparation for having to sell it.. I sat blog hopping...

Get me, along with the not feeling good about myself I even felt urgh that my blog was lonely having had only two people even pass by in 24 hours.. now that is feeling sorry for myself in the highest, if ever I saw it!!

My hopping led me to http://scrapwithlizette.blogspot.com/ which holds not only fantastic inspiration on the card making front but also fantastic tutorials as well. Moreover the side info had a link to ...

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com

which is a blog from a mother who will take your breathe away at her fortitude. Its very sad as well as uplifting in places. You need to read from the bottom up each month and go into archieves to get to the start of the families story...

The music will haunt your soul.... in a good way....

Thank you card

2008-06-13T20:22:00.005+01:00

Wedding Card for two friends

2008-06-13T20:10:00.004+01:00

Blog Candy alert

2008-06-09T15:36:00.005+01:00

http://pinkpiggywiggy.blogspot.com/

Scrummy blog candy over at ^^ along with a lot of inspiration and smiles.... well worth a cuppa and a read..... I've linked to my favs so that I will be back again and again....

Also over on http://craftycoo.blogspot.com

There is lovely blog candy ending 11th June .

Also on ..... http://jozzasblog.blogspot.com/

Jozza is also giving away candy, this is open until Wednesday 18th June. The winner will be announced on Thursday 19th June

And over on http://nikkiscardsandnews.blogspot.com/
is blog candy with a difference..... go see!!!!

Blog Candy over at >>>>

2008-06-07T11:54:00.001+01:00

http://carolspaperplayce.blogspot.com/

Fabby blog even if you decide not to enter for the blog candy...

Been Touting for for PIF takers!!

2008-06-06T23:07:00.002+01:00

I posted a thread on Docrafts to get someone to take me up on the image PIF and now have two takers... YAY!!!! I'll be doing some stamping over the weekend as well as tomorrow evening getting ready for the Race for Life on Sunday.... myself and my niece Chloe will be taking part... Apart from decorating our t shirts in preperation and we are going to stamp pink awareness ribbons on white ribbon for our hair... we are going to have a crafting evening... just me and Chloe... I have bought her a blank pen holder for her to decorate... and am going to let her go wild with whatever she wants to use of my stash.... * without going all wide eyed when she goes overboard with using bling and flowers..*

If you want to take a look over there>>>> by clicking on the donate button, you will see our just giving page... obviously I would love more people to donate but even if you just read our family story then in some form we are still passing on the message about genetic cancers.. and in the short term, awareness is the key enabling prevention before a cure is discovered..

Stamping PIF

2008-06-01T13:18:00.002+01:00

I received a fantastic Stamp PIF from Heather over at Craftlingcosycorner >>> link over there>>>

To play the game, all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me that you want to participate, and the first three people will receive pifs of a selection of images from my stamps on smooth white card, stamped in Staz-On, so you can colour them yourselves. Don't forget to mail me your address, my email is over there >>>>

Then you must post about this on your blog and send out another three pifs from yourself to three other people.

There may be a short delay in sending the stamped PIF out as I have just ordered some of the fantastic white smooth card that Heather sent my stamped images on.,..... its pure lush...

My first Scrapbook

2008-05-31T00:13:00.030+01:00

I apologise for the mix of the layout, my adding photo skills need improving greatly!! This is the first scrap book I made back in March 2008 for my 12 year old nieces birthday. I had a week to make it and was pleased with the amount of work I fitted into that week as I had other non craft related things going on too....

Chloe is a gem of a girl and anyone would be proud to be her Auntie... I know I certainly am.... I am not in a position to buy for her the things I used to but her depth of appreciation and pride when showing her scrapbook off to her friends and ballet teacher as well as my sister telling me that Chloe had told her that her best birthday present had been her scrapbook shows that even in our now possession orientated society, she can see beyond that.

This is one of my all time favourite photos of Chloe... its like you can not help but smile when you look at her face... pure joy

There are an assortment of photos in this little notebook, I made it removable so that Chloe could flick through them seperately

Chloe had waited years to be a bridesmaid!! and carried out her duties as being the eldest bridesmaid extremely well

Our Chloe has always been into her dolls.. from being a baby herself.. bless her, the photo with the red pj bottoms was just after Christmas and she was full of flu... The last one on the second page was her last doll... Rosie who is a born again doll... she still smells of baby powder now!

Chloe has hankered after a puppy for years and finally her mum gave in and Buddy now rules their lives!

Flowers, Gems and cardstock....from TracyJanes Crafts

2008-05-30T23:46:00.004+01:00

<<<<< Look

Yesterday I broke my self imposed craft spending ban... (its ok though as I sold a couple of phones to finance it ) The reason I did, is because I have hankered after these flowers for ages and ages ... well not that long really in the scheme of things... but it felt like it when I looked on the website and saw the stock level going down!!

TracyJanesCrafts is a new online store and is run by a multi talented demonstrator who used to work in one of the LSS. Its a new business so is being built up slowly and surely..... one of the great things apart from the fabby goodies is the clear and helpful communication that Tracy gives. Like a lot of cardmakers/crafters, Tracy started out with a small stash and a tight budget... she is extremely generous in sharing her expertise, tips and tricks.. The store can be found here.... >>>>http://www.tracyjanescrafts.co.uk/
and her blog here>>>>>>>http://craftytracysstampingcorner.blogspot.com/
She's a moderator over at the Trimcraft forum...

The flowers are really well made and you get 50 in each packet, very reasonably priced and can be coordinated with the gems and pearls that she stocks.. ( will get some pearls another time ) The card stock is the less costly twin to bazzil.... I had heard it was the same but didn't really believe it till I saw and more importantly... felt it!!!

Massive thank you to Heather at Craftlingscosycorner

2008-05-30T23:39:00.002+01:00

My PIF arrived today.... YAY!!! and all the stamped images/sentiments are ones I do not have, how fabby is that.... so thank you, thank you...

I will post my PIF after the next few posts...

Before I stamp my images, I must find out what card Heather used as its lush... the smoothest card I have felt.... and as a paper/card addict... I've felt some papers!!! that sounds a bit rude...

Knowing your card is the pits... (First of many posts tonight)

2008-05-30T23:28:00.004+01:00

I couldn't use the George image for my nephews birthday card.. as my printer/ink looks terrible... so had a very late/early hours play with some paper and a stamped image... totally dismal, I have posted it as a reminder to myself that tiredness and frustration are not a good mix... I didn't even get as far as adding any greeting.. still you live and learn...

Soooooooo then the next day I made this one for his 14th birthday... he's really into fast cars and says he is going to put it on a frame on his bedroom wall... so even if it is fairly simple, he is pleased with it and that is what matters... or else he is even more polite than I thought... ;-)

No money for craft items for a while :-(

2008-05-27T16:53:00.003+01:00

Over the weekend my monitor decided that with just being out of warranty it was time for it to pack up, its the back light.... my local computer shop doesnt fix them as its not worth their time apparently, they stopped doing so when the prices of monitors dropped to being dirt cheap ( does anyone know what dirt cheap means because their idea of dirt cheap and mine definitely do not match!!!)

I had to bite the bullet and buy one from tesco.... (using a £12 voucher and my tesco points so paid £20 less then it cost... so thats something )

I have a laptop but I find that within a few minutes I am in agony, this has only been since having the pheo so it might be related... and thinking forward to after my mastectomy the last thing I want is to be storing up more agony for myself..

Looking after Ben ( cross Alsatian/border collie ) is proving to be good for extra fresh air... though being drenched to the skin last night for both of us was a bit of a down side , still least I could take my wet clothes off... bless him he couldnt...

Sat racking the few brains I have as its my nephews 14th birthday on Thursday... looking through the few male stamps I have..... nope no inspiration.... then, a lightbulb moment!!! George!!

I'll post the photo when its made...

YAY!! I made something and my new camera is brill

2008-05-23T21:08:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday evening I was on the phone to my sister and made the blue pen holder from the plain one on the left.... dead simple by covering with paper and ribbon.. then last night whilst drying my hair.. made the other one... I made another one for my embossing pens earlier that I will upload at another time now I have the hang of the camera :D Two are a really good size for storing 120 prismas... ( I had better watch out though as I'm a bit of a over doer when it comes to making things and could end up with tons of the things lined up :-S

Its all good....

2008-05-23T20:26:00.002+01:00

Arrived at the hospital with my sister.... and my friend Gill was waiting, shes the one who broke her ankle in the London Marathon, was waiting for us.
My consultant is the nicest man ever... and I mean ever... funny how someone elses husband can make such an impression on so many people... (wonder if he has a single brother!!??)

He had a check of the area that I have been having pain and said its just scar tissue.. then gave me the news that my mammogram was clear... it was the way he said it... he had relief in his voice as well as his normal reassuring tone.. :-)

He said he had received my email... and said,.... "so time for this off then?" with a tone of "YAY, shes made the decision...... and though I'd rather just have reconstruction of the already removed side ( bit difficult as I have already had radiotherapy) I KNOW that with an 80% chance of getting another breast cancer, its time. If the appointment for removal of my ovaries can be brought closer and it can be arranged at the same time, then it might be able to be done at the same time, but Mr D my *heart that man* consultant said that if timing does not work out then we will still crack on with the mastectomy..... the thing is that with still having glands on that side, its a passage way for secondaries....

He will be arranging the mastectomy for a few weeks time, after the 8th June as Im doing the race for life.. ( walking it!! as Im not fit... for running... )

When we came out and was walking down the corridor... I had a little cry... the relief that the mammogram was clear... the fact that I was with the two people who came with me last time I was told that I had a second cancer and had to have my breast removed. Today undid that horrible feeling... It does make such a difference when choice comes into the picture..

We went to the Macmillan Support Centre after who have been there for me throughout this second breast cancer and the pheochromcytoma, seeing their faces at the news was wonderful :D

After we went for a Chinese buffet.. ( that wont help the fitness!) and then got caught up in a bomb scare in town......... yikes... poor Gill with her crutches... we had to walk for ages to reach the car due to the cordon around town.

I had a sleep when I got home,, that drained feeling you get when you have not slept the night before properly.... along with the emotional sigh of today....

thank you for your support... it matters.. :D

Yesterday

2008-05-22T09:21:00.002+01:00

Yesterday mammogram was ok, not painful just uncomfortable... I had a word with the radiographer as I h ave had pain under the arm of the already removed breast and she went to see the Consultant who has fitted me in for an appointment tomorrow... Instead of waiting 2 weeks for the results I will get to find out tomorrow... as well of course as seeing if there is a problem with my glands etc or if its just scar tissue...

Mr D, my consultant has also received my email about going ahead with the other side being removed... looks like I'm going to be moaning about hospital food soon!!

Thanks a million for the good wishes, its really heartwarming to know there are others out there who care..

A bit anxious for the next few days..

2008-05-19T12:08:00.003+01:00

I have a mammogram on Wednesday 21st May at 3pm.. I never used to be anxious about them but since my second cancer was found due to a routine mammogram instead of finding a lump as I did the first time... .. the couple of weeks before I get a bit edgy... silly I know... but bodies and minds are weird at times... and if anyone has got a weird one... its definitely me... ;-)

I'm going to try and crack this prisma problem I have to take my mind off the other stuff....
Prisma problem = got the sansodor, stumps, smooth card.... yet I still make a hash of it.. it takes ages, and looks terrible....

Watch this space!!! determined I am

40th Birthday candy ....

2008-05-19T12:03:00.002+01:00

http://meandlilg.blogspot.com/

Debs is approaching 40 ( youngster!!) and is giving away some magnificant blog candy... take a click over to her blog.. ( link above) All you have to do is give her an idea on how to celebrate her 40th...

Lil G is going to pick the name out on Wednesday 21st May at about 7pm before she goes to bed... can you imagine how excited she will be doing that... it really makes you smile to think how a little un will be all proud just before bed...

Heidi;s Hangler Blog Candy/Gold dust giveaway

2008-05-18T18:38:00.002+01:00

http://heidi-kortoggodt.blogspot.com/

Over at Heidi's blog ^^ shes is giving away not only Hangler images but also a stamp....

Right now you have awoken from the fainting at the fact that you could maybe have in your possession some Hangler gold dust.... get yourselves over and leave a comment... ;-)

Blog Candy at Craftlings cosy corner

2008-05-18T18:04:00.002+01:00

Don't you just love it when there is something good but you dont really know what it is... well over at Craftlings cosy corner ( see the side of my blog for the link... ;-)) thats exactly what is happening... go see!!!!

Also... I have a problem where I have not been able to read comments on either my blog or anyone elses, or indeed post on my blog.. so if anyone does have a bX-78gg65 error then go to tools, clear your cache and it will be fixed.. Nope, I didnt find this for myself.. I had to go searching on the help forum.. but if it saves someone the under the breath swearing I was doing!!!

Prismas arrival

2008-05-16T15:11:00.005+01:00

Just like it, I'm there on the kitchen floor having pulled out the cooker washing machine etc... singing away to the radio... hair piled on top of my head, rubber gloves on, bleach and cif smeared all over my clothes... knock at the door...

I gingerly opened the door... another postal delivery... already had my mail today.... only my 120 prismas!!!! Talk about a child in a sweet shop, I have sharpened a few already, had a quick try with the sansador (I am going to need a lot....... a real lot of practise!)

I also recieved an enail from Funky Kits about the new Sugar Nellies on the site... as much as I WANT them... I am going to have to learn some restraint... I already broke my own limit by ordering Kerry's stamps.......... but thats allowed.. :-) its supporting a new designer and a new range of stamps...

Ohhhhhhhh well back to the warbling and the kitchen floor... its not going to do itself..

That didnt last long!

2008-05-16T13:00:00.003+01:00

My self imposed penance for being a bad blogger that is. Anyway rather than punish myself any further and because I am not feeling too well, I'm going to carry on blog hopping and reading moneysaving expert instead..

Might have another craft organisation/tidy up in a short while too.

As promised to myself

2008-05-14T23:30:00.002+01:00

A second post... :D

This evening apart from blog hopping and docraft craft talk reading I have been using H20s to colour in Magnolias Sugar Nellies and PB's..... is anyone else the same >>> have loads of images coloured in but not yet made a card.... ???? I think its the child in me... >>> bath, fresh pjs and a colouring book whilst watching the sound of music or similar as a child.... bliss

Tut @ me!

2008-05-14T14:41:00.002+01:00

Bad Blogger award goes to me.... I feel like I should be in a confessional box saying " its been over a week since I have blogged" so will do my own penance and blog twice a day for a week... though can you imagine how I will feel if I don not manage to do that (yikes.. it does not bear to think about!)

Anyway since I last blogged, I have tripped over in the street damaging my pride and my foot, luckily Im a fast healer so the bruising has gone down and its no longer painful.

I found my digi camera...... YAY!!! but for some reason it keeps turning itself off and will not save any pics I take... ( that will teach me to buy from Japan thinking that its a bargain.. and of course it is 2 years old and has only been used once at a James Blunt concert so maybe I am doing something wrong, it has been known even after reading the instructions!

The crafting I was doing prior to the 6th May went down really well and my god daughter was over the moan with her scrap book.. Shes taken some photos of her night out and we will scrap those together when she brings the book back in early June... I will make sure she brings her camera to upload pics of the scrapbook.... - see the confidence I have in getting mine working... yep, nil!

I am slowly and surely decluttering.. ( how many times I have done that over the years!! this time is different as there is no way I can fit the contents of this house into where I might possibly be moving. It goes deeper than that but thats for another day.

Craft wise - ahhhh that will come in part two of todays blogging, though please do not expect anything exciting, just more rambling ;-)

I have added a slideshow ( of sorts!!)

2008-05-05T10:16:00.003+01:00

I'm sure when I have had a play with the slide show element of Picasa, that I will be able to improve on presentation but for now it looks like I have just stumbled across a way of slideshowing the photos I had on my pc....... looks this time are not deceiving as thats exactly what happened in the small hours of this morning when I should have been getting some beauty sleep... ( boy I should have been getting loads,, !!)

Michelle has reached almost 40,000 visitors on her blog!!

2008-05-03T19:39:00.002+01:00

Take a look over on http://cardgrotto.blogspot.com/
Michelle has in less then a year reached oodles of visitors to her blog... well worth the visit... Shes giving away really generous blog candy...

The purple blog candy is absolutely scrummy. :-)