September 28, 2023

Seasonal Branches

Today I am sharing a card I received in the mail from one of my friends, Dawn.  These Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks are pretty awesome.  I surely hope I have the energy to stamp when I get home next week.

I think Dawn used Crushed Curry as a base layer on the mask, then added Pumpkin Pie ink on top. She may have started with Old Olive for the green and then applied some Mossy Meadow.

Stamps: Seasonal Branches

Cardstock:  Shaded Spruce, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, MossyMeadow, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks, Blending Brushes, Brushed Crass Butterflies, 2023-2025 In-Color Jute Trim, 

Every day is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

I've been thinking about how to adjust my plans for the next few months. It's disappointing to realize that some of the things I was really looking forward to might not be possible. But, I'm trying to stay positive and find other safe and fun activities to do until February.

My new tagline in addition to the one above is this

"Stay true to me and not be identified by my diagnosis". I want to keep the medically fragile part of me safe while allowing me to do the things my emotional, touchy-feely side still need.

Speaking of the touchy-feely side of me . . . housekeeping just came into my room and I had a delightful conversation with her about our favorite books and movies.  And of course it is getting to be close to baseball playoff time so there is always that.  Maybe it will help me with my multitasking homework!! I have several puzzle books, both mathematical and language, books that are suppose to helpwith that.  Good thing I liked those things before this all started.  

September 27, 2023

Autumn Leaves

Thirty some days ago I was going to be on a jet plane on my way to Las Vegas to a Stampin' Up! event.  My plans were to post again when I got back on that Sunday night.  But you know what they say about plans . . . "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry!"  Mine did not have to go quite so awry.  In the next five days I had two ER visits, three PCP visits, and am still enjoying a hospital stay.  I have not spent any significant time at home since August 23rd.  We have gone from having ParaInfluenza Type 2 (confirmed), to stroke (ruled out), to a brain tumor with returning lymphoma (unfortunately true).  We (and I do mean we because I know what it is like to be on the other side of this journey as a family member), have had scopes, scans, and biopsies (ask a family member what they used, but at least I have a brain (confirmed).  But I am where I need to be.  Just wait till you see the scrapbook . . . 

In. the meantime I am going to be sharing some of the cards I have received through the mail or some swaps I have participated in recently.

The first one is from my friend Luetta.  We have chuckled over the use of Very Vanilla and Basic White on the same card.  The combo is growing on me!!

I love the way the dies cut and emboss the leaves all at once!!

Stamps: Autumn Leaves

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape, Night of Navy, Orchid Oasis, Berry Burst, Vanilla, Basic White

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder, Autumn Leaves Dies, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

This might look like an ordinary container of cards waiting to be put together.  But according to the Yellow Dot Taxi company driver who brought me from UIHC to St. Luke's rehab it is half of my heart and soul.  WE were ready to leave the hospital and were out on Melrose drive when we suddenly turned back toward the hospital.  I had forgotten a bag of clothes as well as this container.

When they put it in the front seat he said "we can't leave half of your heart and soul here!"  I could have cried . . . .he got it!!  He knew it was more than stamps, paper, and ink!  You see . . . his mother is a cardmaker in Indiana and he said he understands how important that is . . . but more important is the people you meet along the way.  Evidently his mom's group of stampers helps ease her loneliness. 

After I had a couple of days of therapy under my belt and some adhesive, I thought I was ready to put some cards together . . . NOT!!!  I mentioned this to my Occupational Therapist so she came up with some exercises to help strengthen my left arm and hand and to help with dexterity.  Have I mentioned what an awesome place ST. Luke's Rehab is!!!  Never fear . . . I will keep trying . . . I might not talk as much as I did when stamping because multi-tasking is a little difficult, but that just means I need to keep trying.

Every day is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

My new tagline in addition to the one above is this

"Stay true to me and not be identified by my diagnosis". I want to keep the medically fragile part of me safe while allowing me to do the things my emotional, touchy, feely side still need.

Let's hope it is not another 34 days till I post again.

Happy Stamping!!