tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23504310138929204942024-03-05T07:29:25.097-08:00Scrap HappyI love paper! The way it feels - the way it smells. Scrap Happy is just my own little place where I can write about anything and display my creations. My very own Mental Therapy Heaven.Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-80636076865439926752017-11-13T07:24:00.002-08:002017-11-13T07:25:09.981-08:00New Blog<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please follow my new blog. I will no longer be posting here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dannyandpeteysmom.blogspot.com/">dannyandpeteysmom.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope to see you over there! Please become a follower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hugs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sher</span></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-24775581019911272042015-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:002015-06-17T06:00:02.871-07:00CDB Summertime Blog Hop!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Blogland!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry I've ignored my blog in so long. I've had my fair share of body aches and pains and weeks of physical therapy. My family also got a new addition about a month ago... a new puppy! Oh my! Puppies are a lot of work!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJYQsDvDUHMlUk88DIStA_YdAZsLBxCtLW_tIG1igU6mG71Jj4uKP7IJl1S6rgd-59h7YRcvtD1ExFq-PeB2InBQsHnGDgZ6jOQWNGvhuQr2LUwFITLUlBYRikntgkXZ6lz79vVhWhPlL/s1600/2015_05250091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJYQsDvDUHMlUk88DIStA_YdAZsLBxCtLW_tIG1igU6mG71Jj4uKP7IJl1S6rgd-59h7YRcvtD1ExFq-PeB2InBQsHnGDgZ6jOQWNGvhuQr2LUwFITLUlBYRikntgkXZ6lz79vVhWhPlL/s320/2015_05250091.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Petey, say hello to Blogland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have THREE great sponsors for this blog hop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">challenge, and two will be given to random winners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be eligible for our third prize, you must do the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enter a project for this challenge AND</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">visit ALL the blogs in the line-up below AND</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">leave a comment at each of the blogs AND</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">leave a comment in <a href="http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs Post</a> with your email address</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All you have to do is create something showing summertime fun. Swimming, picnicking, boating, a day at the park etc.... You get the idea. But make sure you follow the instructions listed above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to help you along you hopping journey, I have enclosed the blog hop line up. If for any reason you get lost along the way, come back here and hop back on again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharon: <a href="http://www.sharonsscrappin.blogspot.com/">http://www.sharonsscrappin.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carole: <a href="http://cjpcraft.blogspot.com/">http://cjpcraft.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julia: <a href="http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/">http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doris: <a href="http://momsbeenscrappin.blogspot.com/">http://momsbeenscrappin.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maureen: <a href="http://maureenjscott.blogspot.co.uk/">http://maureenjscott.blogspot.co.uk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa: <a href="http://papercraftbliss.com/">http://papercraftbliss.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rene: <a href="http://craftlane.blogspot.com/">http://craftlane.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crafting by Designs: <a href="http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here is a little inspiration from me. The first one up is a fabulous digi from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MilkCoffee">Milk Coffee </a>Stamps. I love their stamps! They are all so cute!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/97324984/digital-stamp-lisbeth-loves-sunflower?ref=shop_home_active_4"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisbeth loves sunflower</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE-68dzuOQsFgoeqLEMT1N3-sVwmrB_uIyg54naSTWvsole-nBS2vtj5HhXDavghPPJb_QBLG_o6laF_QVexeFuSRJKDsmRzzvkDtdh_CIMtIHdNI9gzyjBRFwzdtJquKrEa-tCOhsnzQ/s1600/2015_06010274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE-68dzuOQsFgoeqLEMT1N3-sVwmrB_uIyg54naSTWvsole-nBS2vtj5HhXDavghPPJb_QBLG_o6laF_QVexeFuSRJKDsmRzzvkDtdh_CIMtIHdNI9gzyjBRFwzdtJquKrEa-tCOhsnzQ/s320/2015_06010274.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And my second little piece of inspiration if from the<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theeastwind?ref=l2-shopheader-name"> East Winds</a>. Love, love, love!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221511499/digital-stamp-diva-lisa-she-300dpi?ref=shop_home_active_2"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diva Lisa She</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vwzEDfWNZusegQ7ZeF6M5CN-qQnjjgc8QzLOXqRu9q67MiZ0tPukn9_OkiIG0bTrows8j5LEZGDEugJDliZnkyQ88XRe0BCd0LZN_Q5Ej3mDx2yXi0qVHy9RuqNK73a4b_i1KtkpEWYW/s1600/2015_06010277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vwzEDfWNZusegQ7ZeF6M5CN-qQnjjgc8QzLOXqRu9q67MiZ0tPukn9_OkiIG0bTrows8j5LEZGDEugJDliZnkyQ88XRe0BCd0LZN_Q5Ej3mDx2yXi0qVHy9RuqNK73a4b_i1KtkpEWYW/s320/2015_06010277.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now don't forget to leave a comment at all of the DT's Blog to be eligible for the 3rd prize.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Hopping!</span></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-18335724789858543992015-02-01T14:08:00.002-08:002015-02-01T14:09:00.152-08:00Unity {be inspired} Challenge #24<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow! I haven't kept this blog updated in ages! I add everything to my facebook page now, From My Scrappy Corner.</div>
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Anyway... I absolutely love Unity Stamps! In fact, I love everything about Unity! </div>
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I've never participated in any Unity Challenges before. I never felt confident enough as well as <strike>good</strike> talented enough. The colors used in the color challenge are all of my favorite colors, so I thought why not. You never know until you try. So, Here it is:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5QCAIva-CSk-4BxZRLq5iypuDsRWOCiM_VfvJQxsi4fg8nwhtHJ7mQtVnEFa2hQb9U2JlAvhDwZj8l9w23BFWSZLYv8Eu4lq94jNovf7Vn8WkuD6ytbPCZKHBQAeJCbeTuwm9VLEoIhj/s1600/2015_02010111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5QCAIva-CSk-4BxZRLq5iypuDsRWOCiM_VfvJQxsi4fg8nwhtHJ7mQtVnEFa2hQb9U2JlAvhDwZj8l9w23BFWSZLYv8Eu4lq94jNovf7Vn8WkuD6ytbPCZKHBQAeJCbeTuwm9VLEoIhj/s1600/2015_02010111.JPG" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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For almost 2 weeks my mojo was missing. It came back this morning and I played with paper until 3:00 today. I had to stop to watch the Puppy Bowl. It's a tradition my son and I started 11 years ago. I created cards for some other challenges and some just for me, as well as other Unity Cards. Everything is just mixed in below.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like what you have seen. Please let me know you were here. I love reading comments.</div>
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Also, I can be found at my other blog, which is current, a blog tracking my journey. Trapped in a Fat Body, and you can find it right <a href="http://trappedinafatbody.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</div>
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Have a great evening!</div>
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This is my blog, my thoughts, my feelings, my words.</div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-26766487394400855332014-06-17T21:00:00.000-07:002014-06-18T13:11:59.315-07:00And We're Hopping!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to our little Blog Hop to kick off summer here in the U.S. Our Blog Hop is all about our favorite Holidays. I'll be showing a couple of cards to you, but first, my most favorite isn't a holiday, it is a season. There is no season better than fall. I love the cool, crisp air, the smell and sight of fallen leaves. Jeans and t-shirt weather during the day and throw a hoodie on at night and sit by the campfire. There's nothing better. Plus it is the start of hunting season and my guys hunt, I have my Saturday mornings and afternoons to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> has three generous sponsors for the hop and just to spice it up, we added a little twist. Be sure to follow the directions in the hop to qualify for the prizes. And if at any time you get lost along the way, just click on CBD above and the line up will be right there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First we'd like to thank our THREE generous sponsors</span></div>
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<a href="http://doodlepantryblog.com/"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="http://doodlepantryblog.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QLENiH__djd0b2BP1zqAFLD8Apb7jEQN67w0mhkBLjfV0N4VjadjSibQQ73aeN6DQNk9I1iKOwg38uk5XP5BAQH4V6e3w1_ZjpzX969jUx0AciTWb2JePH9bZGF7i3vOcfJxdCSzKE/s1600/DoodlePantryLogo.png" height="264" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, here's the twist: if you enter a project you're eligible</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to win one of the prizes from our first two sponsors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://doodlepantryblog.blogspot.com/p/we-sponsor.html">The Doodle Pantry</a> and <a href="http://fred-she-said-store.blogspot.com/">Fred She Said</a>,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> BUT if you hop thru each of the blogs and leave a comment and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your email address at EACH blog, you're also eligible to win</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a prize from our third sponsor <a href="http://www.disdigistamps.com/">Di's Digi Stamps</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the line up of the blogs to visit:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maureen - <a href="http://maureenjscott.blogspot.com.uk/">Handmade by Maureen</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa - <a href="http://papercraftbliss.com/">Paper Craft Bliss</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharon - <a href="http://www.sharonsscrappin.blogspot.com/">Scrap Happy</a> (YOU ARE HERE)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doris -<a href="http://momsbeenscrappin.blogspot.com/2014/06/favorite-holidays-blog-hop.html"> <u>Mom's Been Scrapping</u></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leeann - <a href="http://paperdollscreations.blogspot.com/">Paper Doll's Creations</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rene - <a href="http://craftlane.blogspot.com/">Life In the Craft Lane</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julia - <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1628980541"></span>Paper and Scraps Creations By Julia</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1628980542"></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You should have came here from Lisa. Weren't here creations fabulous? Now you're going to head over to Doris and see her beautiful inspiration. But first, I'm going to show you a few of mine:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you're having a really great time visiting all of the DT's blogs. We are so very happy you're hopping with us. Don't forget to follow the directions above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck!</span></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-39316937401704546152014-06-10T13:44:00.001-07:002014-06-10T13:44:44.205-07:0030 Years, 3 Decades, 10,950 Days<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">June 10th has been a bittersweet day for me for the past 30 years. My life forever changed on that day. And not just mine, a lot of others too. There are 2 days a year that I really wouldn't mind skipping over. Just completely eliminate them from my life. June 10th and 11th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On June 10, 1984, at 12:05 p.m., the day before my 16th birthday I gave birth to a 8 pound, 8 ounce, 21-1/2" long healthy baby girl. My sweet 16 was spent in the hospital. I left the hospital alone, a couple who's dreams I had made come true left with their brand new baby girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It hasn't been easy. I made the decision to give up my baby on my own. I chose LIFE. I could have ended that life, but did not. I made some one's dreams come true. On the ride home from the hospital I was told that this will never be mentioned in our house again. I hurt a lot of people. My dad the most. I was his baby girl. His baby gave birth to a baby. My dad died in 2003. I never told him how I sorry I was. For disappointing him the way that I had. Another regret I have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For 20 years I wondered, every day about this baby. What did she look like, what kind of life did she have. Does she know I gave her up because I loved her, not because I didn't want her...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">June 12, 2004 we were reunited. She was beautiful. She had my eyes, cheekbones and hands. Unfortunately honesty didn't play a huge role and 10 years later, the same feelings are back as they were in the beginning. Not that I am ungrateful for what I have experienced with her, I must go through those feelings of giving her up all over again. And now she has a baby girl of her own, a baby that I have not met and it makes giving her up a million times harder than before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It took 30 years for my sister to tell me that she is proud of me. Wow! Proud of me. I've never viewed myself as someone to be proud of. Some one who messed around and got pregnant at 15. Proud of me because I chose life. I gave someone the gift of life. That even though things haven't worked out as I would I have liked, I can walk away from this with my head held high. Those words were never spoken before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">30 is a significant number. I have cried from the time I woke up this morning. My husband doesn't understand. He told me to get over it and learn to deal with it better. This day in the past has been hard, but this year it is especially hard. Basically because of what has happened over the past year that I really don't understand and have asked, but received no answers. Just the basic wanted to know health history and maybe be a once a year acquaintance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've finally been able to tell my sister that all of the comments and likes on pictures from my family are hurtful. They are my family, there is contact with them, but not me. That's fine. My family has never done anything to her, they didn't give her up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">June 11th is my birthday. My 46th Birthday. First i can't believe I'm going to be 46. Second I can't believe that<strike> my daughter</strike> is 30. It sucks that she was born the day before my birthday. It really does. My birthday means nothing to me. It's not a happy time. I wish those around would understand that. I ask for nothing, I want nothing. Just to be left alone as if it was just another day. Since my 16th birthday, I seem to find less than desirable things to do on my birthday. And this year is no different. I can not enjoy my 46th birthday this year because the day after I scheduled surgery. Because of the sins of my past, I find myself punishing my future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No one knows how I feel, except for me. I try to explain, but it is too hard. I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but who would hear me? Lord knows I've cried a river already. You can't go back and change things. Everything happens for a reason, all a part of God's plan. Oh if I could though, I would go back and change a few things. Not back to the beginning, just 10 years ago. 10 years I didn't know, I still wondered. And wondering is a lot easier than knowing.</span></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-16243786183186042642014-05-30T12:19:00.004-07:002014-05-30T12:19:37.736-07:00Challenge Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For the first time in a long I had a Friday home alone. My son was in school and my husband has a temporary shift change. For days I had plans running through my mind...well...you know how that goes. I didn't do anything that I had planned on, but did take a 45 minute nap, 2 loads of laundry and managed to play with paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm entering the Lawn/Fawn Challenge at Mountain Plains Crafters. First time ever entering over there and if you would like to drop by, just click<a href="http://mountainplainscrafters2.blogspot.com/2014/05/lawn-fawn-challenge.html"> here</a>. This is the card I created:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've also started to dabble in Mixed Media. There is no wrong or right way as far as I'm concerned. I love the fact that one can completely be free and lose them self in their creations. Although it looks big, it is a 5x7 canvas. Let me know what you think.</span></div>
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<i>Hugs,</i></div>
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<i>Sharon</i></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-22517811051194178682014-05-11T15:21:00.001-07:002014-05-11T15:30:39.368-07:00How dare you, Donna K.Childree<div style="text-align: center;">
The World Wide Web can be very good and it can be very bad. You can get lost in the Cyber World which is what happened to me last night. A click here, a like here, then another click and there you are, lost in a giant world on a wide screen monitor. Somehow I clicked on a blog about a baby, then to another and another and I ended up on an adoption page of quotes. From Birth Mothers, Adoptive Mothers and Adopted Children. I read this quote:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“You were tossed away like a pair of beautiful, brand new shoes that did not quite fit.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6981057.Donna_K_Childree" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Donna K. Childree</a></span></div>
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What??? I couldn't believe me eyes, I sat there in disbelief and read it over and over again. Is this how someone truly feels? I am a Birth Mom, do I feel like I tossed the baby I carried for 9 months away like a brand new pair of shoes that didn't fit? NO! I want Donna K. Childree to know my story. I was 15 years old. 15!!! I should have been out having fun with my friends, hanging out at the mall, shopping for a dress for the upcoming school dance. Instead I was terrified. Only a few knew, I hid it. I hid it from my family until it came to the ultimate head in March of 1984. A very close friend gave me the money for an abortion, that's what I was going to do, perfect, my life would return to normal. I made it the whole to the front door of the clinic, but couldn't open it. I just couldn't. Maybe if I ignored the fact that I was pregnant, the pregnancy would go away, well that didn't happen either. I knew I could not keep this baby. As much as I loved this baby that was growing inside me, I knew I couldn't do it. What kind of life would I be able to provide? I didn't want my mom to raise my baby. I did not want this child to grow up in the same environment that I did. My dad drank and on those nights he didn't come home after work, you just never knew how he was going to be and who he was going to target.</div>
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Long before my family found out, I decided that I was giving my baby up for adoption. My mind was set. I knew it would be hard, day after day, not knowing, wondering, praying for a wonderful family. Looking into the faces of little ones that appeared to be the same age as her. Any similarities, any resemblance?</div>
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After rereading the quote yet again, I started wondering maybe this is how Kelly feels. Maybe she feels I tossed her away. I thought that when she was pregnant and had her own child, she would understand. Sadly no. </div>
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We were reunited once, she stayed for a while, then went away. She came back, she was ready, she's gone again. The second time I thought was different. Her words were different, her actions were different, but in the end nothing changed. I never wanted to be a "Mom" to her .Did I want to be in her life? Yes. But not as a once a year acquaintance. Would Danny and I love to meet her baby? The baby that shares the same blood lines as us, yes. Will we ever meet the baby? No. Will we ever see or hear from Kelly again? Probably not. Do we like knowing all of this, no, but its life, it is her life, her choice and I am the one that gave those choices to her because I gave her up.<br />
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At times I do have regret. I have never regretted giving her up for adoption. I regret the afterwards. </div>
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So for those of you who are on the other side, who can not see it clearly, giving a child up for adoption is like a death. The feelings are very similar to grief. A grieving process, grief that never goes away. When someone dies, there is a funeral, there is closure, you grieve, you go on. They are never coming back. When you give a child up for adoption, you grieve for a child that you put you selfishness aside for. A child that you may or may not have ever seen. You worry, you worry for someone that you have never met. When you do meet, it is an amazing or not so amazing experience. Then they go away, the grieving begins again. No one will ever understand.</div>
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It was easier not knowing.</div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-29103329811615250032014-04-22T12:36:00.000-07:002014-04-24T19:27:03.886-07:00The Darker Side of Me<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rarely do I visit the "Dark Side" of my mental therapy. Over the weekend I decided to challenge myself and did. I am quite happy with the turn out and I am going to actually enter them in a couple of Dark Side Challenges. I just love how the "Dark Side" sounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am entering the tag in the current PunkYouGirl Challenge and the Left of Center Challenge. Oh I almost forgot! Here is the direct link for the PunkYouGirl Lavish Lace Challenge. Just click <a href="http://punkyougirl.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/challenge-11-lavish-lace.html">here</a>. I entered my card over at the Outlawz and I don't think it was received very well. Oh well, sometimes you have to think outside of the box and I'm still a little upset with them that I never received the prize I won in February. Such is life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My paper I used on both is from Color Bok. The lace is from a doilie, my images are from Rick St. Dennis and Smeared Ink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please let me know you were here. I love reading your comments. Become a follower of my blog, the more the merrier. I can't promise that I will keep my blog updated, because in all honesty I suck at it. Also stop over at <a href="http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> and join us for a challenge or two. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly it took me two times to realize this, there won't be a third. I just wish people would understand that even though they don't think they are hurting your feelings, they really are.</span></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-36623767167717980352014-04-14T18:20:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:20:20.377-07:00Sigh........<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Sometimes as hard as it may be, you just have to accept the fact that no matter how many times you try to explain your feelings, others will never understand. Once a mistake has been made you can not go back and change it no matter how hard you wish you could. Hope and pray that the person you hurt and disappointed the most forgave you in the end. And the realization that yes, this is how the story is going to end.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Every one is a product of their environment and it is clear you have never been a part of mine. Selfishness is a very unattractive trait.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Everyday when you look at her, you will see a part of me, because she is a part of you and you are a part of me. And you are the one that will have to live with that.</span></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-69203993155678564432014-03-30T17:42:00.002-07:002014-03-30T17:42:39.259-07:00Inky Fingers = Happy Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been seeing these bookmarks on Pinterest and have been wanting to try them. Months ago I even remember to grab a few Paint Samples when I was at WalMart. We woke up to snow on the ground this morning and it was quite drab. Perfect day to play with paper. By the time I was done, the sun was shining, the snow had melted at it reached 50 glorious degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So super easy and so quick to make. How cute are these?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAdX6FIi1s5LPQAoQvEOSyrEeFdPj4fCFLdHm4Dj-QlOt-kBtrYh-wP12Wwxvs1FVulu3MUaGGhJxr98RvLALLaiBW7yIHZ5Rn4EP3DTVXGhHcFK_CcAMSaCTXgm6dne_wHBx-Gr2QejP/s1600/2014_03300002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAdX6FIi1s5LPQAoQvEOSyrEeFdPj4fCFLdHm4Dj-QlOt-kBtrYh-wP12Wwxvs1FVulu3MUaGGhJxr98RvLALLaiBW7yIHZ5Rn4EP3DTVXGhHcFK_CcAMSaCTXgm6dne_wHBx-Gr2QejP/s1600/2014_03300002.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made several cards today for challenges over at the Outlawz. I'm also entering them in <a href="http://left%20of%20center%20anything%20goes%20anniversary%20event%20challenge/">Left of Center's First Anniversary</a> party. Maureen, my wonderful DT Sister over at <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> organized LOC's party and let me tell you they have had quite an amazing turn out. I'm in awe with each project I see.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Outlawz - Saturday Paper ala Mode<br />Use Glitter</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Outlawz - Tuesday Color - Choose 3 colors<br />from the 5 listed. Twist - Make it for a boy.<br />Left of Center - 1st Anniversary Party</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Outlawz - Twisted Thursday - Anything Goes<br />added twist- use a butterfly<br />Left of Center 1st Anniversary Party</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Outlawz - CAS Sunday - Get Well</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Stop over and visit these amazing blogs. You won't be disappointed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Time for The Walking Dead Season 4 Finale. My family is addicted to it. It is going to be a long time until Season 5 in October.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As always, thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment and let me know that you were here.</span></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-73873799838326094452014-03-15T09:58:00.002-07:002014-03-15T09:58:44.340-07:00Life's Lessons<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've ignored my blog for quite some time. I had surgery in February on my hand and am finally getting back into the swing of things. I'm playing with paper, but not as much as I would like. Playing paper is a pure form of mental therapy for me and since I haven't been playing with it as much, so many things are on my mind....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First off, <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> is having an awesome almost month long <span style="color: #45818e;">Anything Goes Challenge</span> in progress as well as their weekly <span style="color: #674ea7;">Things with Wings</span> Challenge. Stop over, check out the awesome inspiration and the fantastic prizes offered by our GENEROUS SPONSORS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For my Anything Goes Challenge I used a digi from A Day for Daisies. I love this freehand butterfly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3UupC65NiTyMc5tCo3Ui1FoaTUARAc3sKM_VYNVpacD62EGw5O34JpRPe2IPfkBQp1XCbayEJw7-bXjs6PxLGGQ9WRYBb2DM0UANNhf2ca99PzK4jvL42yW4Z12X4WoVGpv4-1frGq8a/s1600/2014_03010015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3UupC65NiTyMc5tCo3Ui1FoaTUARAc3sKM_VYNVpacD62EGw5O34JpRPe2IPfkBQp1XCbayEJw7-bXjs6PxLGGQ9WRYBb2DM0UANNhf2ca99PzK4jvL42yW4Z12X4WoVGpv4-1frGq8a/s1600/2014_03010015.JPG" height="320" width="257" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And for our Things with Wings challenge, I found this cute little guy on Pinterest. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D2dy2atjTG-PFRh0G8Jsxoc76kQV7mmp2zC-AI7kgs6ipwJxjdgfCB1tf2-Dr5ALVRHnnH3BjpKVxwvcyMZGK_DIzEVTxy9rX6vW2S_xyrP0j5W7vchS3VtH1ISKjrmXlJKGgSPB6UaX/s1600/2014_03110004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D2dy2atjTG-PFRh0G8Jsxoc76kQV7mmp2zC-AI7kgs6ipwJxjdgfCB1tf2-Dr5ALVRHnnH3BjpKVxwvcyMZGK_DIzEVTxy9rX6vW2S_xyrP0j5W7vchS3VtH1ISKjrmXlJKGgSPB6UaX/s1600/2014_03110004.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exactly one year ago, I was told something that I thought was going to be an incredible journey. The daughter that I had given up for adoption and her husband told my son and I that they were expecting, due in September. We were asked if we would like to hear the baby's heartbeat. Oh My! Would we? That little beating heart was one of the most beautiful sounds ever heard. After that day, well I'm not exactly sure what happened. Somewhere along the way feelings changed. I'm sad, but more than being sad, I'm hurt. I'm hurt because of the lack of honesty and being misled. When we first met, I was so happy. All those years of wonder, not knowing and then there she was, first a voice on the phone, she had a name, then a couple of weeks later, she was standing there right in front of me. There are no words to completely describe the feelings and emotions. She was young, 20 at the time and not fully knowing what all was involved and how I would feel. She felt pressured because I wanted her to meet my family, the family that also wondered for 20 years. From the beginning I asked for honesty... after awhile, she went away and stayed away. No words spoken, basically ignore it and it will go away. Something that I have done quite often. A death in her family and health issues with my son brought us back together years later by a phone call. More conversations, invitations to her graduation party/house warming party, birthday's on my side, crafting together... all still just asking for honesty. One night I remember the words coming from her, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry for hurting you. I didn't know what was going to be involved, I wasn't ready. I'm ready for this now." WONDERFUL! Then came the wedding and the words, "You're one of my mother's of the bride." I hosted the bridal shower with her mom, I was there at the church while she was getting ready, seated behind her mom and dad in church, even given a rose by her husband. Seated at the parent table at the reception and my family was included in this beautiful, dreams can come true, fairy tale. Honestly on my part, I was uncomfortable being called Bio- Mom, I was uncomfortable having all of these people know who I was. I remember asking if I could attend the wedding and just sit in the back of the church, I just wanted to see her get married...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please don't get me wrong, I am extremely grateful for being a part of it, for my family being a part of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But....something happened. The baby was born in September. I haven't seen her. My mom and sister have, I'm also grateful for that. I have intuition and being told that my intuition was wrong by family members hurt. I could see the baby, but my son was not allowed to. He had Lyme's disease at the end of September, it was gone by the end of October. That was the reason he could not see the baby. He asked all of the time, I made up excuse after excuse. Well into November the answer was still no, leaving the last reply as the pediatrician recommended the baby not be around any children because of colds and flu season with a maybe after Christmas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of this has put a wedge between my mom and I. Her coming to my house in tears telling me how this is breaking her heart, that my feelings of <strike>my daughter </strike> not wanting to have anything to do with me were crazy. Conversations with my sister telling me that it's not what I think. I gave birth to her, for 9 months we were one and I know, I know how and what I was feeling and to be told that I was wrong was extremely hurtful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After a while I sent a message and put it out there. That opened a whole dialogue on exactly what I knew. But none of the questions from the 2nd time we got back together were answered. Her answers were all from the beginning. She wanted to know health history and her story. That was it. Maybe a once a year visit, occasional emails and communication through facebook... My sister knows this, my mother doesn't. I have been blocked on her news feed and she has been blocked from mine. Reading the gushing comments made by my family members and the conversations held between them hurt. It really does. I'm saddened by it. It's o.k. though, I am a survivor and I can get through anything and everything that comes my way. God gave me incredible strength for a reason. There is so much more I could write, but it would take years to read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the end, I can not help to feel that I am being punished. Punished for giving her a life that I would never have been able to. For not keeping her, for giving her away. I thought that when she had a baby of her own she would understand.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fool me once, shame on you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A life's lesson learned.</span></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-3458668736291036302014-01-27T18:12:00.001-08:002014-01-27T18:12:51.003-08:00Brrrrr......<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello! I sure hope it's warm where you are. Here in Western PA we are in our second round of the Polar Vortex and let's just say I'm getting pretty darn tired of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The card I created is for our <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> new challenge that goes live on Wednesday, January 29th. The theme is <span style="color: #e69138;">Think Warm Thoughts</span>. Create any project that makes you feel warm. Cindy is our fabulous hostess and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OakPondCreations">Oak Pond Creations</a> is our awesome sponsor. They have generously gifted one lucky winner 3 digis of their choice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have rekindled my love affair with my Cricut. I had a special order for a birthday party and that made me dig out the cartridges and .....well you know.... I'm addicted all over again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPzNAamUPnpChlcWQNlujUEnrrrlHjowGLH8IetyO0ksxmv2d5AIJyC4ubYfv2En6Wlz8RNErtP2u8_QZlXA-BlUtTMoWvgd5EO9N7JZe5oCrMZjPuGPprKEzV4-8Rj0pS6ZIYUrfjzuZ/s1600/2014_01270006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPzNAamUPnpChlcWQNlujUEnrrrlHjowGLH8IetyO0ksxmv2d5AIJyC4ubYfv2En6Wlz8RNErtP2u8_QZlXA-BlUtTMoWvgd5EO9N7JZe5oCrMZjPuGPprKEzV4-8Rj0pS6ZIYUrfjzuZ/s1600/2014_01270006.JPG" height="311" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The card base and card stock is Recollections from Michael's. The DP is from an old My Minds Eye stack. The cartridge I used is Create a Critter. One of my favorites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am also entering this card for the first time in the <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/2014/01/fccb-challenge-195-mix-and-match.html">Fantabulous Cricut Challenge</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wish I could remember how I came across their blog, but can not. The challenge this week for them is mix and match. 3 papers and a Cricut Cut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also came up with this one while I was creating in my messy corner. My son will be the lucky recipient. I would sing this song to him every night when he was little. On occasion I still sing it to him. He's going on 13 and is still very tolerant with me :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWehr69oNfOHNtmjF5i5LiI-WBQrMVrrBQbOhACcc1yMXtyjt4UJLG1BKBl3mchO0MiPE4N5nisU7BffZlUJXycePq4YHnukhleQ7AYxD2wsKBQEM01t4lkX5YUnxYZoesbfBlj6O6BO3l/s1600/2014_01270009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWehr69oNfOHNtmjF5i5LiI-WBQrMVrrBQbOhACcc1yMXtyjt4UJLG1BKBl3mchO0MiPE4N5nisU7BffZlUJXycePq4YHnukhleQ7AYxD2wsKBQEM01t4lkX5YUnxYZoesbfBlj6O6BO3l/s1600/2014_01270009.JPG" height="310" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> And last but not least, I am entering this card in Saturday's Paper ala Mode Recipe Challenge over at <a href="http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/saturdayscarpbookingchallenge/forum/topics/paper-a-la-mode-january-25-31-2014-recipe-challenge">The Outlawz.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV65JmeLvnDSPjRuyD2hZUrDR31oQe89NyImUE52uirUuLSf4GBvv3GHOmlCPp3c__Z-YgG7mxZeSBUCAQprv20oO0Lhf0v2pBSv602L-6zi09EuXqU_qwJzzv2bADixQjzReFlv0fybb/s1600/2014_01270001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV65JmeLvnDSPjRuyD2hZUrDR31oQe89NyImUE52uirUuLSf4GBvv3GHOmlCPp3c__Z-YgG7mxZeSBUCAQprv20oO0Lhf0v2pBSv602L-6zi09EuXqU_qwJzzv2bADixQjzReFlv0fybb/s1600/2014_01270001.JPG" height="320" width="272" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As always, thanks for stopping by. If you're not a follower of my blog, why not become one? Every one is welcome. Please drop me a line in the comment section and let me know you were here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keep Warm!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hugs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sharon</span></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-11495611099822694902014-01-24T12:56:00.001-08:002014-01-24T12:56:27.112-08:00Get Your Girl On<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello Blogland. I'm hosting the Challenge this week at Crafting By Designs. You can click<a href="http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/2014/01/get-your-girl-on.html"> here.</a> The theme this is is <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Get Your Girl On</span>. I do not consider myself a Girly Girl. It's hard when you live in a house with two guys who adore everything about the great outdoors. I love to fish and I love spending time at our camp in the mountains, but I do have semi Girly Girl moments at times.</div>
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Our sponsor this week is <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/alldressedupstamps">All Dressed Up Stamps</a></span> and they are generously gifting one lucky winner 3 Digi's of their choice. They also generously gifted our Design Team a few digi's to work with. The one I chose is titled AMORE.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOQVxQBEHQ5tdVBu26zdBjj-c6q1xcvUuxeeiuuunaqeytcddnPZ28B4alcKLU0lPkrI5nQvSLFNo3ZfPgdtuL3Tg8HmnUJT0qClwxY_ka1cl3sPQSlQAhgz9MRd4unkuYhJlu6CD38Zj/s1600/2013_12300061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOQVxQBEHQ5tdVBu26zdBjj-c6q1xcvUuxeeiuuunaqeytcddnPZ28B4alcKLU0lPkrI5nQvSLFNo3ZfPgdtuL3Tg8HmnUJT0qClwxY_ka1cl3sPQSlQAhgz9MRd4unkuYhJlu6CD38Zj/s1600/2013_12300061.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this image! The paper is from an old My Mind's Eye stack. I stamped the edges with black pigment ink and heat embossed with silver embossing powder. The flowers are colored in with blending chalks and the image is colored in with colored pencils.</div>
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I also finished my Cowgirl Party Theme special order and delivered it this morning. She loved it! The party is next week. I can not wait to hear how the birthday girl loved her decorations. I also received another special theme decoration order, Pirates. I have a feeling I'm going to have just as much fun creating those as I did the Cowgirl ones.</div>
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I must step away from the computer now and get a few things done. Hoping all goes right for tomorrow, my son is having 2 friends over and we are supposed to get a bad snowstorm. Fingers crossed that the roads are in good shape and they can get here. Once here, they can spend the night if it gets too bad. I grocery shopped this morning, my husband helped me unload it. He asked me, "How much food are these kids going to eat?" I smiled and answered, "Three 13 year olds, you'd be surprised."</div>
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Enjoy your weekend! Be safe, keep warm and don't forget to play with paper and glue!</div>
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Sharon</div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-12295552087299738242014-01-18T07:29:00.003-08:002014-01-18T07:29:29.385-08:00Happy Spotlight Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t34/1555522_10202961091491919_1770748063_n.jpg?oh=385bd5a9ec5a11d8f6bb2a61bf7af207&oe=52DCB2D7"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcw2I2bXyA5tFc3GWnU5pgogpjgQhXYgE4P1FVMFWCVOyWoAHeH9CODTYbiWxzoEPSEzk2FNd8SDYHpvmExHIJV670wSLylyTBv2K3LGe7qCiclMZ-VsZqtvFbd_JuK6Jhqa7b5_NASJV/s1600/Saturday+Spotlight.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello Blogland,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today is Saturday and I am happy to announce that I am the Saturday Spotlight over at <a href="http://cuttinandstampin.blogspot.com/2014/01/spotlight-saturday-sharon-duff.html">Cuttin' and Stampin'</a>. Tammy asked me if I would like to create a Winter Wonderland Project and of course I said yes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I met Tammy about 3 years ago through <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a>. She is wonderful and always brings a smile to my face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tammy provided the supplies, I came up with the idea.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmp_DyRI7QxJPLw2mfujem_1a_EQFQGC2OUX1pv9mE0Cs41H8fAV7OfvvPrrICBhFCEZ1dL1UDPsbiYcDIYSqXs5eNFbFjcpRGIiPVe19hab0ih6QtK-OTxxD8SxaBEEC8IMGSc9u2TnF/s1600/2013_12300059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmp_DyRI7QxJPLw2mfujem_1a_EQFQGC2OUX1pv9mE0Cs41H8fAV7OfvvPrrICBhFCEZ1dL1UDPsbiYcDIYSqXs5eNFbFjcpRGIiPVe19hab0ih6QtK-OTxxD8SxaBEEC8IMGSc9u2TnF/s1600/2013_12300059.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The craft base is Recollections from Michael's, I then used the Paper Smooches Fresh Snow Rubber Stamp set and stamped Snowflakes on the card using Memento White Ink. The paper and button embellishments is from the BoBunny Winter Woodland collection. I'm in love with this collection! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My guys are going hunting today and I'm going to hang out in my messy, scrappy corner. I have a special order project to finish, A Cowgirl Themed Birthday Party. Here's a sneak peek of some of the items I've finished.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVDzGaB2Ej2RPjOrDU33kWl8Q7jO7qPG5HVF7S4an6lXO16wgyh88wSZyMCKpcB-R5Y-J7q3Q_5X1PL-VJjR2kLxcd6JoYsqIQ3RfXMmk4HQbIovnSe4NPU0ARhDaW9WccBtNosC3nNqh/s1600/2014_01100009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVDzGaB2Ej2RPjOrDU33kWl8Q7jO7qPG5HVF7S4an6lXO16wgyh88wSZyMCKpcB-R5Y-J7q3Q_5X1PL-VJjR2kLxcd6JoYsqIQ3RfXMmk4HQbIovnSe4NPU0ARhDaW9WccBtNosC3nNqh/s1600/2014_01100009.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCkmLAml7wWQvML9ygz2DOrOjDrTEoCEVKHv2pxpCYhqO5n4CZb-EoTcG1xaefhfi_AmPEMeAfVNf2Eig3xDz_-gxCFZJNOGTMutjmRiFn_rWeOigB67-GTq6u2a9K9MSk_A1j4mXaG3K/s1600/0113141946-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCkmLAml7wWQvML9ygz2DOrOjDrTEoCEVKHv2pxpCYhqO5n4CZb-EoTcG1xaefhfi_AmPEMeAfVNf2Eig3xDz_-gxCFZJNOGTMutjmRiFn_rWeOigB67-GTq6u2a9K9MSk_A1j4mXaG3K/s1600/0113141946-00.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I would like to thank Tammy at <a href="http://cuttinandstampin.blogspot.com/2014/01/spotlight-saturday-sharon-duff.html">Cuttin' and Stampin'</a> for asking me to be her Spotlight Saturday guest, it was an honor. Please stop by and show her and her design team some love. They are all so incredibly talented.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Saturday! Enjoy.</span></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-19268795367944468042014-01-01T12:04:00.000-08:002014-01-01T12:04:14.788-08:00Happy 2014!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">HAPPY</span> <span style="color: red;">NEW</span> <span style="color: #674ea7;">YEAR!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">WOW! I can not believe a new year is upon us. Any resolutions this year? Personally I do not make resolutions. A new year ahead and quite a lot of uncertainty is coming along with it. The biggest is my husband's job. His contract runs out at the end of July. We've already had healthcare changes that went into effect today. Healthcare is the biggest issue the Workers/Union and Employer will have to agree upon. There have been rumors that we will be paying a very LARGE deductible....hmmmm..... Would love to start saving for that deductible now, but it is difficult when $$ is tight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will be having surgery on my right hand sometime during the next 2 months. I'm dreading it. I know the surgery will <strike>hopefully</strike> relieve the pain. The doctor seems to think I will only miss a couple of days work. Which is good, but how many paper playing days will I miss?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, let's move on..... We have a new challenge going on at <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Design</a>s. It is new to us this year. The challenge is Anything Goes, BUT it is going to be a month long challenge. We will be continuing to have 'New Challenges with a Twist' every week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have a fabulous sponsor this month:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://stitchybearstamps.com/shop" style="color: #20a6b3; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">StitchyBear's Digi Outlet</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">They'll be awarding one winner their choice of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 digis up to a $10 value, and have generously</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">gifted some lovely images to the design team to get you inspired.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is the beautiful image I was gifted by them. My very first creation for the New Year.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26jAWH3uhRm58EU_1_Vwiy_mdDJjYwOzW2_T9LztBQmzRhLOMPxVXK4qVflM4phc4cbYFF7rzcfIRJYe7L5T6_s7BbSNDBgiTEbrFlxyVBfSfmTFlVYi8cMn2Rbe4OJr-ligdltfZUxgz/s1600/2013_12300064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26jAWH3uhRm58EU_1_Vwiy_mdDJjYwOzW2_T9LztBQmzRhLOMPxVXK4qVflM4phc4cbYFF7rzcfIRJYe7L5T6_s7BbSNDBgiTEbrFlxyVBfSfmTFlVYi8cMn2Rbe4OJr-ligdltfZUxgz/s320/2013_12300064.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And a little humor to share before I close. Last night when my son went to bed, he said, "Woo Hoo! 2014! In 6 months and 5 days I become a teenager! I'll be 13!" Mom and dad aren't ready for that one yet...sigh</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My wish for all of you is to find whatever it is that makes your heart happy in 2014. Life is too short to be anything else!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Sharon</i></span></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-52828085206634088992013-12-09T18:31:00.000-08:002013-12-09T18:33:56.310-08:00A New Chapter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Craft shows are over for the season. For the amount of stress they caused, I'm really going to have to think about next year. Christmas will be here in a couple of weeks and I'm no where ready. The tree is decorated, the windows have lights, but the rest of the decorations aren't up yet. I'm changing things up this year, less is more. I'm going to be very particular with my decorating this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know the saying, "The Hardest Thing to see is Right in Front of Your Eyes." Well that happened to me within the past few days. For a very long time I had always felt something was missing from my life. It took me years to find what I thought it was.... and it was here for a while....then slowly began to disappear without explanation. I went through a whole range of emotions always ending with an unhappy feeling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Something clicked and I had to find out, I opened a line of communication. Plain and simple, no. Never intentions of a relationship. I'm fine with that, I really am. Quite relieved actually. I feel as though a weight has been lifted because all of this time I thought it was me. It never was. I wish it wouldn't have gone on as long as it had. I wish the falseness, ( for lack of a better word) was never given. God has given each of us a voice, use it. It is better to live with the truth (even though it may hurt at first) than it is to live a lie. Eventually I will talk to my family about it. They've been played too. That hurts me the most. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've closed a very long chapter in my book. I was happy to receive the answers to my questions. The chapter just went on for a few more pages than it should have. I am happy! Others have even noticed a difference in my demeanor and want to know what has changed. My next chapter has just begun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My husband drives me crazy, I don't understand him. I drive my husband crazy. He doesn't understand me. My son, our son. He is my joy, my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, my guys returned from their hunting weekend at camp. When I heard them yell hello as soon as the garage door opened, my heart skipped a beat and after hugs & kisses and listening to the hunting story again, it was right there, it's been here the whole entire time. They are the ones that complete me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4py6pe-nUJUZjeSg7KsNKAFhWsMfnPmH4AGcyO66FgydQsH1e_fohwJDaun9RwIbD_ifjsOWKLK-VYH9Tj8L6Cc93-dk3SaowCLn_dJ6DVW2wB3j4Y29IYUw3WtTlE7n1P9CKhElBJi9/s1600/2013_12080132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4py6pe-nUJUZjeSg7KsNKAFhWsMfnPmH4AGcyO66FgydQsH1e_fohwJDaun9RwIbD_ifjsOWKLK-VYH9Tj8L6Cc93-dk3SaowCLn_dJ6DVW2wB3j4Y29IYUw3WtTlE7n1P9CKhElBJi9/s320/2013_12080132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-29803404001491772802013-11-13T17:09:00.002-08:002013-11-13T17:09:24.358-08:00Crazy oh so Crazy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life is so crazy. I'm going crazy. I have my first craft show in 3 days and I'm not ready. Found a box of my cards down in the basement (JOY!) NOT! Somehow they got damp or wet and the envelopes stuck to all of them. (Insert heavy sigh with tears here.) I don't want to waste them, so somehow I'm going to try to figure out how to reuse most of them only if it is the fronts. I'm creative, right? In the midst of creating my items for sale, I forgot that I did not finish my gift card holders. Tomorrow night will be spent trying to finish them and whatever else I discovered I forgot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week I am the host of <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> new challenge. I am challenging every one who would like to join us to an Anything Goes with a Twist of Christmas. Create anything your little heart desires, as long as it has something to do with Christmas. The fabulous Rick St. Dennis is our sponsor and he has graciously donated 3 digis from his store. Please click on Crafting By Designs to go right to our blog and get all of the information. While you are over there please show some love to our wonderful Design Team. They are such an awesome group of talented ladies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I chose Rick St. Dennis' Christmas Couple to create my card. I used my own combination of colored pencils, chalks and added a little bit of rub on to give it soft, vintage tones. The paper is from Michael's Recollections Open Stock and the ribbon was found in my leftover ribbon can, the sentiment is from Clear Stamps.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWDFcDAsubjVrj27sg56AuAUPeyeIoDbiygi9k2eU1uazX4APm_8yQZphHk4WLBcM0hMeDJvXZOaMFSeetbcA_xmx8cgiOa9jYqb6hlKsfkyueaX5etb6onkx3ZOAAZmwmOGLpon1C6d_/s1600/2013_11090014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWDFcDAsubjVrj27sg56AuAUPeyeIoDbiygi9k2eU1uazX4APm_8yQZphHk4WLBcM0hMeDJvXZOaMFSeetbcA_xmx8cgiOa9jYqb6hlKsfkyueaX5etb6onkx3ZOAAZmwmOGLpon1C6d_/s320/2013_11090014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Personally I think Mrs. Claus is really rocking those shoes! I love her shoes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Craft show readiness is calling me. Please drop me a line, let me know you were here. I love reading all comments. Please become a follower. I would love to have more followers. When I reach 50, I will be offering a little blog candy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hugs, </span></div>
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Sharon</div>
</span>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-88243418935562316912013-11-01T09:40:00.001-07:002013-11-01T09:40:26.733-07:00Red & Black, Black & Red<div style="text-align: center;">
November! Where has the year gone? The crazies have begun. My first craft show is in 15 days! Am I ready? NO! Am I close to being ready? NO! That damn September put me so far behind.</div>
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Ike's Art is the awesome sponsor for <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs </a>challenge this week. The challenge is very challenging, quite easy actually. Anything goes with a twist, use the colors Red and Black! Easy peasy! Click on Crafting By Designs to go over to our blog. You'll find all of the details and the link to Ike's Art over there. One lucky winner will win a $15 gift certificate.</div>
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Time is of the essence, not a lot to spare. Ike's Art generously gifted the DT a digi of their choice to use for the challenge. As soon as I saw this image, I knew what I wanted to do and when time slows down a little, maybe in 2014, I have a few more ideas I'd like to put on paper.</div>
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All paper is Recollections from Michael's. The "For You" tag, I'm really not sure. I found it in the bottom of my desk drawer.</div>
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And last night was Halloween...it poured down rain. My son did get some treats, quite a lot actually. People were giving out doubles and triples because of the weather.</div>
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Give up on what he was? ...... He was a "Cereal" Killer! A little play on words. Easiest costume ever!</div>
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Cleaning is calling me. Clean house today means play with paper day tomorrow :)</div>
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If you are a follower of my blog, wonderful. If not, why? I can not guarantee a fabulous blog post every week...But I will try. Every day musings and paper....Some days they're good, some days they're bad. </div>
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Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Sharon</div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-4054680429230952782013-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:002013-10-22T14:41:46.709-07:00September...Yep, I could have done without it this year.<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello Blogland! It has been so long since I have blogged. Life became a little crazy in our house in August and is now just finally settling. I've been crafting, well getting back into crafting, but haven't blogged. In the beginning of September, we (me, hubby and son) went fishing. It was a gorgeous day and at a lake that we have never fished before. We set up on the shore and was there all day long. A bald eagle even flew in and perched in a tree next to us. It was starting to get dark and the clean up and packing process started. My most fabulous day ended with me getting this:</div>
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Basically I fell in the lake while washing off my hands and I tried catching myself with my hand. I didn't break anything, but caused severe deep tissue damage. My x-rays showed something funny and 2 weeks later I had an MRI. The MRI showed that I have a little too much calcification growing in my wrist, severe arthritis in my thumb and the beginning of RA. My orthopedic doctor stressed the importance of me making an appointment to see the Rheumologist...o.k. fine, no problem. My cast came off on September 25th. One of the most happiest days of my life.</div>
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Until.....my son who is 12 said to me, "Mom, look at my face, it doesn't look right, I can't smile." Instantly the wheels started turning in Maximum Overdrive, all of the tests I knew to give for a stroke were flying out. Trying not to alarm him in the process. Off to the ER we went. The ER doctor diagnosed him as having Bell's Palsy. Over and over again she told us in her 30 years of being an ER doctor, she had never seen a healthy 12 year old boy with Bell's Palsy. We scheduled an appointment with the pediatrician the next day. The pediatrician diagnosed Danny with Lyme's Disease. Bell's Palsy is one of the symptoms of Lyme's Disease. He asked all of the questions...a little baffled that all of the symptoms did not occur at once. Danny's symptoms came one by one and began last spring. He prescribed the highest dose of antibiotic and gave us a script for blood work. 2 days later he called me, "Mrs. Duff, just as I suspected. Daniel has raging Lyme's Disease." "Dr. M. must you use the word Raging?" "Yes, Raging is the appropriate word." (sigh)</div>
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I have done so much research on Lyme's Disease, I think I now know everything about it. Become educated about it. You can be bit and not even know. <b>Lyme's IS NOT contagious</b> and can not be spread from human to human. However <b>Humans may become infected from their animals, cats & dogs</b>. The animals can bring the ticks in from the outside, leave the animal body and go on yours. The ticks that carry Lyme's are so small, rarely do you know you are bitten, until after the fact. Danny was so afraid that the kids in school would make fun of him or treat him differently. Not want him around, sitting next to them in class, being a gym partner and even sitting with them at lunch time. Happily NO ONE treated him differently. He even found out a few of his friends either had Lyme's at one time or knew of someone that had it. A good article can be found <a href="http://arthritis.webmd.com/tc/lyme-disease-cause">here</a>.</div>
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Danny is Lyme's free, his Bell's Palsy is gone and is still his happy go lucky self. I went from a cast to a brace. I'm still wearing the brace. I'm trying to wean myself from using it so much, but I still have a lot of pain. I see another orthopedic appointment in my near future.</div>
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So anyway...sorry for rambling. I played along with Crafting By Designs this week. Lacy Sunshine is our fabulous sponsor. I had so much fun creating my card, our challenge: Anything Goes with a Twist, Purple & Orange. </div>
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The image I used from Lacy Sunshine is called Elenor and the Mad Scientist. I am in love with the Mad Scientist! He is simply adorable. I used Fibra-Color Markers, Colored Pencils and my Blending Chalks to color the image. The papers and ribbon are all from my stash. Please stop over <a href="http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> for all of the details on the new challenge (Beginning October 23rd.)</div>
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Let me know you were here, leave a comment, become a follower and get crafty! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-55009827114991242042013-07-21T13:08:00.000-07:002013-07-21T13:08:22.154-07:00The Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday our family had a wedding. We've had 2 other weddings, the first being my niece in 2008, the second being my daughter in 2010. This wedding was my sister's son, her oldest. The oldest boy. Wow! The past week had been crazy for me. Work, weather, baking wedding cookies, keeping house in order and preparing for the wedding. Katie asked me if I would join her and her girls the morning of, would I please take the getting ready pics. Of course! I loved every minute of it. Watching their nails get done, snapping pics, watching the hair and make up, snapping pics. Going back to the hotel, the girls putting on their dresses, helping Katie get into her dress, snapping pics. I knew that Katie and Benjamin were getting married that day, but it didn't occur to me all day. Make sense? I was preoccupied. I woke up Saturday morning, my guys still sleeping, while putting on a pot of coffee, I began to get weepy. Childhood memories of Ben were creeping in. I said enough and was off to take girly getting ready for a wedding pics. After Katie had her gown on, it was time for me to go. I had to get home and get ready myself as well as my guys. I looked at Katie and she looked like a Princess. A true Princess. We hugged and then it hit me. Tears started to fill my eyes. In a few hours she was marrying Benjamin, my spud.</div>
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Benjamin was born my senior year of high school. I couldn't wait for him to arrive, I would be an Aunt. I would be the best aunt. He would be my buddy...forever. Ben was 3 weeks old when I watched him for the first time. My sister and brother in law went out on a Saturday night. I was in heaven. Oh I held him, rocked him, changed him, bathed him, changed him and bathed him and me after he projectile vomited on the two of us. I even woke up in the middle of the night to feed him and in the morning too, to give the new parents a break. I couldn't wait to get home from school every day to see him. My mom was his daycare and I still lived at home. My sister would come after work, pick him up and hug him and ask, "Did you get a new perfume?" Only because Ben and I would nap on the couch together almost every day. He changed our lives. Things were different now. I would witness my dad coming home from work, a union carpenter, get on his hands and knees and crawl around on the floor with this baby. </div>
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When Ben was old enough to understand Christmas and the Christmas specials, I was the one that watched Rudolph with him. My sister called me and said she wouldn't be home, "Rudolph's on tonite. I'm not going to be home. Ken will be here, but he doesn't care that it is Rudolph. Please watch Rudolph with Benjamin." Of course I would do it. Together we curled up on their couch, side by side with a little bowl of some sort of snack and watched Rudolph. Sometimes I would pick Ben up from preschool when my mom wasn't able to. Ben and his preschool best friend would tell me how they were going to be Air Force Pilots when they grew up. One time during preschool, I watched Ben for an evening. His first Scholastic Book order arrived, I read him, "I'll love you forever." I barely made it through the book, by the end tears were pouring down my cheeks, Ben just hugged me and said, "It's o.k. Aunt Shi-Shi, I love you." As he got older we did more things, we have too many "Thumb Spit" Swear Secrets too count. Conversations changed from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to "Don't tell your mom I'm telling you this. But one time..." </div>
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I could just go on and on. It takes a village to raise a child and I was very fortunate to be in that village.</div>
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The ceremony was beautiful. The words spoken, from the heart. The love Ben and Katie have for each other is so very obvious. Weddings are crazy, so many people to talk to, so many things to do. The bride and groom made their way around the room after they ate dinner. They reached our table, Ben gave me that look he always gives me and then came the hug...followed by the tears. The words I wanted to say, the words I had rehearsed over and over wouldn't come out. The ones that did make it out, "I love you." </div>
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You see each time I looked at Benjamin yesterday, I didn't see him as the handsome, successful 27 year old man that he is, I saw him as that little baby I waited all day for to arrive. The 4 year old that came into my work dressed in his Ghost Busters jumpsuit complete with the back pack with a bouquet of flowers on Valentine's Day for me because I was alone that year. The 5 year old on his first day of school. The cub scout that was so proud of the Pinewood Derby car he made. The young teenager I would take to the demolition derby at the fair. The Valediction of his Senior Class, The college graduate.</div>
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Ben and Katie, Congratulations! I love you both so very much. </div>
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<br />Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-61370492386336592762013-07-04T05:13:00.002-07:002013-07-04T05:16:09.738-07:00Happy Birthday America!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 4th of July! A day filled with picnics, parties and fireworks! A day spent celebrating America's Freedom. We will be spending this long holiday weekend with my family in the mountains. I can't wait until we get there. 4 days with no alarm clocks and no schedules. </div>
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This week at <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a>, I am hosting the <span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Anything Goes - "Show Us Your Colors"</a></span> challenge. Create anything just as long as it shows the colors from where you are from. Don't forget to let us know what those colors are too. Our own DT Sister, Tammy, is our lovely sponsor for the challenge and has generously gifted a fantastic paper prize pack. So click on the link above and take peek at the inspiration, if you have come to my blog from there, please become a follower. Leave a comment and let me know you were here.</div>
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Enjoy your long weekend with family & friends. Be safe and take the time to enjoy the little things.</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3OK_1QyAgM">God Bless America</a></div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-44579992450797846362013-06-25T18:24:00.000-07:002013-06-25T18:24:02.505-07:00Family...It's all in the timingHello Blogland! This week over at <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> we are having an Anything Goes Challenge. A Day for Daisies is our sponsor and one lucky winner will win 4 digis of their choice. So click on Crafting By Designs and take a look at the beautiful inspiration our Design Team has created.<br />
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I chose the <span style="color: blue;">Free Hand Butterfly 1</span> from a Day for Daisies. for my creation. I used one of my Unity Stamps to stamp on it, then fussy cut it out. The papers are from my stash. Mostly DCWV. A very CAS card, but those are my favorites to create.</div>
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I turned 45 (gasp!) this month. This by far was the hardest birthday for me. I've come to realize that I have passed my middle age point. I seriously doubt I'm going to live to be 90... I've started to realize what is important and what isn't. The most important thing(s) to me are Family and Time. You can't pick your family. God decides that for you. Some family is good, some family is bad. Go with the flow and make the best of it. I however, have been blessed with an incredible family. Yes, we have our dysfunction, but that is what makes us US. I love them with all of my heart and soul. Now in some cases, your family doesn't necessarily mean they are blood family. They are your chosen ones. The ones that know everything about you and love you anyway. Chosen family still has their own form of dysfunction, but they are the ones that you just couldn't get through life if they weren't there. I am also blessed when it comes to chosen family. I have my circle of 3 very special women, all entering my life at different stages and have remained there unconditionally. Lisa, Kathy and Elisabeth. I love these 3 with all of my heart.</div>
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Now comes the part about TIME. Time is the most important gift you can give of yourself.</div>
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My sister and I were discussing what we might like for our birthdays, they are 11 days apart. Not really coming up with something we decided the gift of time would be enough. That is what is most important. Spending time together.</div>
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Our brother gave us (including our mom) a gift card for a local establishment. He told us he wants us to go out and spend the day together. Have lunch or brunch and enjoy each other's company...perfect.</div>
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Summer has just began and our schedule is packed. We have so much to do around the house, but at the end of last week I decided that the landscaping, cleaning and laundry could wait. We (me, my husband and our son) HAD to head to the beach. One day, sun and fun. Toes in sand, butt in water. We put everything aside and went to Lake Erie for the day. All day long Danny kept telling us what a great time he was having and kept thanking us for taking him to the beach. The work can wait, kids and memories can not.</div>
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Time can never be regained once it is lost. In any relationship you give the time of yourself. A little hand written note, a phone call, a short visit. It doesn't have to be lengthy. Just chatting among family and/or friends. No party, no entertaining, just a chat that hopefully includes much laughter.</div>
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So many things have happened in my life. January weighs heavy on my heart when my friend Elisabeth lost her 2 babies in a car accident. Life changes in a blink of an eye. Live your life with no regrets, love the ones in your life as if there is no tomorrow.</div>
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Sometimes you just have to stop, throw everything up in the air and tell yourself it can wait.</div>
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Remember you can never get it back...once it is gone, it's gone.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sharon</i></span></div>
<br />Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-29756320629023914462013-06-15T09:46:00.002-07:002013-06-15T09:46:35.407-07:00Father's DayHello Out There! And again and again I fail to keep my blog updated. It really is such an easy, simple task, why I can not keep up with it is beyond me.<br />
This week over at <a href="http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a> we are having our Anything Goes with a Man/Masculine/Boy Twist. Perfect for Father's Day. Our extremely talented DT Sister, <a href="http://www.craftlane.blogspot.com/">Rene</a> is our hostess. <a href="http://www.bugaboostamps.com/">Bugaboo Stamps</a> is our wonderful sponsor, generously gifting 7 images (of his or her choice) to our winner.<br />
I decided to let my son pick the image I wanted to use. I created the Father's Day card he is going to give to his dad.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2UFCyFgFsedUGM3KE_BKn84DkwTD9cWoIkzjOPYtwJnxnjvdflJ_f82yYFooTO3V2dbb4BUFmjPS0fpDBpC45SuqQlixY85g5M5hvgvlVNyYREU9DEs2d66xpmyjz77CuLcGi-5cRcPI/s1600/2013_06090022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2UFCyFgFsedUGM3KE_BKn84DkwTD9cWoIkzjOPYtwJnxnjvdflJ_f82yYFooTO3V2dbb4BUFmjPS0fpDBpC45SuqQlixY85g5M5hvgvlVNyYREU9DEs2d66xpmyjz77CuLcGi-5cRcPI/s320/2013_06090022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Perfect image and perfect verse as we are a huge peanut loving family. Danny will be giving it to his dad today, a day early because it has been a family tradition to hit the local amusement park on Father's Day. We meet up with my husband's family and have a ball.<br />
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As Father's Day is tomorrow, I find myself missing my dad so much. Today is also my dad's birthday. He would have turned 70. It's been 10 years. They say as time goes on, it gets easier. In some aspects I suppose it is true, but there's not a day that I don't think about him or am reminded of him in some way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQJlXNxnVTEhPRD1rurqhhqWSV_XaXg60VXT4Furl5Fpxsqe4Ndc4176Aifn9FoSkdYlOC65KLn81HVx94h-Rysn7Zm5zsfSBF7En667u_STkD76KEKTKkBqmjZn5QstbAtdskUS-dNlF/s1600/Oldies0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQJlXNxnVTEhPRD1rurqhhqWSV_XaXg60VXT4Furl5Fpxsqe4Ndc4176Aifn9FoSkdYlOC65KLn81HVx94h-Rysn7Zm5zsfSBF7En667u_STkD76KEKTKkBqmjZn5QstbAtdskUS-dNlF/s320/Oldies0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my Daddy in 1972. He caught a 26" Walleye on the Allegheny River.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy your weekend and celebrate those special men in your life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hugs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sharon</i></span></div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-41385942693793265722013-05-28T17:29:00.002-07:002013-05-28T17:29:36.782-07:00May 2013 - I Feel the Love ProjectHello! I can not believe it is the end of May! Where did the time go? I know it sure has gotten away from me. I haven't played with paper since last week and really wanted to work on a couple of challenges tonight. I was on facebook and came across Madison's post about the I Feel the Love Project for May. I went over to her blog and read the story. Immediately 2 card ideas came to mind and I went downstairs to play.<br />
I am copying the post from Madison for the I Feel the Love Project, May 2013.<br />
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Madison is such an amazing young lady. A senior in high school, Madison formed this group to send handmade cards to different recipients each month. Just a kind gesture to show love, support and prayers. Please stop by each month to see who the new recipient is going to be, if you have a little extra time, create a card, write a note....brighten someone's day. You can find Madison's Blog right <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/KNWHG">here</a>.<br />
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These are the 2 cards I made tonight. I am mailing them off to Madison tomorrow.<br />
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For Reggie:<br />
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For Ashley:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbp0hLzitiBp-isDsB0jNv2ceDJ2STEU6qn66pGuiUjxLn7DTlxGq5c9-3r-B5pYqM0-dzoupjgwvmgvm-OSQRzcFAfa3yy2zbNzVPGMboDv3_fDUMEhYzbjD6gNByQ4FQuKJhoB8Bi0_/s1600/2013_05270022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbp0hLzitiBp-isDsB0jNv2ceDJ2STEU6qn66pGuiUjxLn7DTlxGq5c9-3r-B5pYqM0-dzoupjgwvmgvm-OSQRzcFAfa3yy2zbNzVPGMboDv3_fDUMEhYzbjD6gNByQ4FQuKJhoB8Bi0_/s320/2013_05270022.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And now Madison's Blog:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Honoring a Special Father</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Andrew, Ashley, Sandy, Raelynn, Reggie (Dad), and Ryan </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.ifeeltheloveproject.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-feel-love-project-may-2013.html" style="color: #949494; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: magenta;">I Feel the Love Project May 2013</span></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The I Feel the Love Project will be collecting cards in May for Reggie Nelinger so that they can be given to him in June in time for Father's Day. We would like Mr. Nelinger to know just how much we love and support him as an amazing father to his four beautiful children. This project will be a complete surprise to him as it is being arranged by the IFTL Project and his family.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is Reggie's story:</span></span></span></div>
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<br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fifteen years ago, Reggie Nelinger, an electrician, held the hand of his sweet 5 year-old daughter, Ashley, while his wife, Sandy and her little brother, Andrew, heard the doctor state their daughter/sister had Wilms', a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Reggie was there being the best dad he could be all those long days and nights as his sweet daughter fought for her life. She beat the odds that were stacked against her despite losing one of her kidneys. For the next decade and a half Reggie got to see his daughter grow into a beautiful young lady. Reggie was able to teach Ashley to drive, take her camping, watch her graduate from high school and begin to plan her life out as a young adult. He was blessed and understood the blessing God gave him with Ashley and never took for granted the gift that was given to him as a father. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This past January, Ashley was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer completely unrelated to the cancer she had as child. It is called rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the connective tissues, which in Ashley’s case is attached to her sinus passage. Not only is this cancer a bit of a medical baffle due to its rare state, but Ashley only has one kidney and that makes chemo and other forms of treatment more challenging to treat than normal. Reggie and his wife are now watching their child battle for her life once again. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All the painful memories of the first battle are brought back to memory, as well as the feelings of helplessness, sleepless nights, and the worry about finances. For Reggie there is the added burden to be a provider for his family in a time when all he wants to do is be there by his child's side. It is Reggie's big heart and positive outlook that helps his family lead the fight for Ashley's life all the while helping to maintain some level of normalcy for his other three other children and wife during this difficult situation. Reggie is a dad that needs to be recognized, a dad that has not only stared every parent's worst nightmare in the face once, but now twice. </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">***Please help us to honor Reggie by creating a card for him that says thinking of you, stay strong, great job dad... or whatever moves you. Thank you so much. It will mean more than you know to Reggie and his family. </span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2nY8yg7ZMeNQf8EnK-233b80ns7WuFvOJ08MRPC7MGIEOOpc8qUo-HkxiwbRLfJMhNd_zjM0aojoXkhHKYHhwePVfmZUdFXByalLs_dy-rKeaGxI4KSklNyuwmR8xE7qG8Xwnc6t9zA/s1600/viewattachment_2_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #949494; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2nY8yg7ZMeNQf8EnK-233b80ns7WuFvOJ08MRPC7MGIEOOpc8qUo-HkxiwbRLfJMhNd_zjM0aojoXkhHKYHhwePVfmZUdFXByalLs_dy-rKeaGxI4KSklNyuwmR8xE7qG8Xwnc6t9zA/s320/viewattachment_2_3.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: #175f5f; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(242, 242, 242); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="215" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are so inclined, you can </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">also create a card for Ashley as well.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angels-for-Ashley-Nelinger/231237380351964" style="color: #949494; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDzSkAI0thRo1c5xFdTlKEMzDCUCsyJVVsqNObvzW7rfvWMTHKv6t7K0XBN5E2sUtgNVzciUL3dmZkxiXkCkBudFdPOleiIhRjbvKPTCdgm6OVq3wyHFC4D9gTqnaKrIBi5eh56FoPnE/s200/viewattachment%25281%2529.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: #175f5f; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(242, 242, 242); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To follow Ashley's progress and/or to find out how you can make a donation towards Ashley's treatment-</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Facebook page -</span> <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angels-for-Ashley-Nelinger/231237380351964" style="color: #949494; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: magenta;">Angels for Ashley Nelinger</span></a></span></span></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">or send an email to</span> <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">apieceoflifespie@gmail.com</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">If you would like to be a part of this project... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">All you need to do is:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Submit your hand crafted card/s by May 31st to:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Madison Womack</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">IFTL Project</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">P.O. Box 1203</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Atascadero, CA 93423</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Project #21</span></span></div>
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May 2013 Collection</div>
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Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350431013892920494.post-81558989377987559322013-05-14T17:04:00.000-07:002013-05-14T17:04:30.703-07:00The 22nd BirthdayHi Everyone,<br />
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This week I am the hostess of the Anything Goes with a Twist Challenge at <a href="http://www.craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/">Crafting By Designs</a>. The twist I chose this week is Paper Piecing. I've only created a few items with paper piecing, so I'm challenging myself as well. I hope you hop over to visit and play along with us. Our DT sister, Cindy Leek is gifting a very special prize package from Close To My Heart for one lucky winner.<br />
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For my project I decided to something with owls. Owls are my niece's favorite and it was her 22nd birthday yesterday. A perfect handmade gift. I started off by painting (2) 5x7 white artists canvas'. Michael's has pretty good sales on them at times, usually $1.00 each. I drew the owl's faces and wings freehand and cut them from card stock, I used my circle punches for the eyes and the body. The owl's body is made up of 15 circles. I distressed all of the pieces with chocolate brown ink. The cardstock and design paper all came from my huge paper scrap stash.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW8raT7d2QCWljBkKG2S4sJfbIWWTOCA9qHjhfPgnglIsCxOoOfC7Cn7VSyesaTV8yqiuYwhZ8K-NawrSV_HDiBpbZwmHPDbDNw6Koed0UhrXA_Nvn5no3opotYTCxzR3QJHyELhLn0Nb/s1600/2013_05050246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW8raT7d2QCWljBkKG2S4sJfbIWWTOCA9qHjhfPgnglIsCxOoOfC7Cn7VSyesaTV8yqiuYwhZ8K-NawrSV_HDiBpbZwmHPDbDNw6Koed0UhrXA_Nvn5no3opotYTCxzR3QJHyELhLn0Nb/s400/2013_05050246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is no right or wrong way to make these adorable little owls. They are just so cute and whimsy.<br />
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This is my niece with her owl pictures. I call her Sally and have since she was a very little girl, her name is Lauren and she turned 22 yesterday. There are not enough words for me to express how proud I am of her. I can not believe she is 22! Seems like yesterday we were playing with my make up and I was fixing her hair into little pig tails and she was getting combs and brushes stuck in mine. She excelled in school all her life. Lauren was lead trumpet in the band and had a part in every musical during her 4 years in high school. Lauren went to college, was able to graduate a full semester early and was chosen to student teach in Ireland before graduating from college. Now she is a substitute teacher trying for a full time teaching position.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzS0SAAiKY7NUAWBCdxFAVyOL4lKQ7KMbAkqRWt9BN8irlgrxtd7OZ6yCdH8fU3LjtuaPGpMhYDJT4apD8AYtvAm15wDJGTb4nBo4hFO6MR9WL3FIrC-WfVTZzqGdxCbySQZDELx9LaRc/s1600/2013_05130097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzS0SAAiKY7NUAWBCdxFAVyOL4lKQ7KMbAkqRWt9BN8irlgrxtd7OZ6yCdH8fU3LjtuaPGpMhYDJT4apD8AYtvAm15wDJGTb4nBo4hFO6MR9WL3FIrC-WfVTZzqGdxCbySQZDELx9LaRc/s320/2013_05130097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I think she liked her present.</div>
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Today I had a very special surprise when I logged onto facebook. Sandi Genovese showcased my Dangle Card on her facebook wall. I watched her scrapbook showgram and made the card. A Mother's Day card for my mom. I posted a pic on her wall over the weekend and today she shared it with all of her fans. I'm so excited!</div>
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I'm sorry for such a lengthy blog post. Please stop over Crafting By Designs and play along.</div>
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Also, thank you so much for stopping by. Let me know you were here, I love reading your comments.</div>
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Hugs,</div>
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Sharon</div>
Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030466548477854729noreply@blogger.com1