Why I WON'T be Going Pink this October...

October begins Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for many organizations it is all about turning their products pink & making donations to the leading breast cancer support groups. You can find everything from pink garbage collection bins (at least in my little town) to pink football jerseys on a Sunday afternoon television.

While I wholeheartedly support awareness toward ANY AND ALL types of cancer, I am not getting behind the pink ribbons this year. if you are new to my blog, you will learn that I am a bit of a rebel in some ways, but I do tend to stand up for what I believe in.

Several years ago I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. it has not been a fun or easy battle, by any means. but I have had the wonderful support of my family, friends, and some great people online. I have managed to live longer than I ever thought I would, truthfully. God has blessed me beyond measure. I am constantly in awe, and thankful. so very, very thankful.

But I am not blind to the reality of what goes on in many of the breast cancer pink ribbon groups that become so prevalent at this time of year. The bottom line is this - be informed. not only about breast cancer groups, but about any organization you financially support. do research. look into the products that turn themselves pink for a month or sport a pink ribbon. is that perfume or makeup with the pink ribbon really composed of toxic chemicals that actually CAUSE cancer?

When I was going through chemo, I used to joke that yes, I had no hair, was throwing up, and had no energy, but by golly, I was going to do my housework with that big shiny pink vacuum cleaner! of course the fact that we have no carpet in our house only added to the humor! :)

Check out Think Before You Pink for lots of information.

btw - there ARE things you can do to help people going through any kind of cancer journey. since you are probably a crafter if you are reading my blog, make cards for a local cancer center. I set up a box at my chemo center for everyone to go through and take as they needed. I believe Split Coast Stampers is running their annual 'Hope You Can Cling To' promotion to send cards to the cancer patients at MD Anderson in Texas.

I Will Gladly Share Pink

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

I will gladly share pink so that anyone and everyone fighting this horrible beast knows that they are not alone. I will not give up because I fight this battle for my family. they will know that we can have things in life that might knock us sideways, but we are strong and we fight because love matters.

I might grow weary of what is being called 'pinkwashing', but I will continue to hope and pray for cures for EVERY disease. I want to see more research. I want to see less of Big Pharma and high medication costs.

FYI - if at all possible, please make sure that those pink products you see and purchase truly are supporting breast cancer research. more and more information is appearing that companies are using the pink ribbon as nothing more than a marketing tool to put money into their own coffers, with little or no money going to the intended sponsor. actually, you should do this for any organization that states it is donating a portion of its proceeds to a specific non-profit agency. also, are those pink products actually cancer inducing or detrimental in the first place? one that is in the news this week is from a fracking company. that doesn't make a lick of sense..... destroy the planet but donate 10 cents to breast cancer? no, I don't think I'll buy that pink drill bit, thank you very much.

I will continue to collect every single support stamp set I can get my hands on so that I may make cards to send along to others fighting any incurable disease. we are all in this together. no one goes through this journey called life alone.

I will gladly share pink always, always, always. and I will not give up hope.

I'm More Than a Pink Ribbon....

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

This is weighing heavy on my heart today.

I just finished watching a live stream from the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Annual Fall Conference regarding Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I must say that I cried during the more than hour long lecture. the outlook right now is still not good.

Triple Negative is so very different from other types of breast cancer. it is constantly changing in the body as genes alter themselves and chromosomes actively rearrange themselves. as I have mentioned before, rarely do women with this type of breast cancer live more than 5 years past their diagnosis. it's been 2 1/2 years since mine. and I count myself blessed every morning I wake up.

a fellow group member from the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivors on Facebook posted this today. she gave me permission to share with all of you. her name is Jamie Grant-Prater, and she posted this so beautifully:

"PLEASE READ -
 October is quickly approaching, nicknamed Pinktober because it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast Cancer could not be anything further from a shiny pink ribbon. There is no cure for breast cancer, while some can stop the progression of the disease, most are not so lucky. 

My own Dx. on 2/25/11 has been a game changer. I have tried to cope with this disease with all the grace, humility and humor born into my brash American soul. I am still lucky, the disease is slowly inching forward but I cherish every day, the good with the bad. However, I couldn't have survived the first year of treatment without the support of my family, friends and even my frenemies. 

I encourage all of you to really reach out to anyone you personally know going through this battle. Please make the time to take them a meal, send a gift card, flowers or offer a ride to treatment, it really does contribute to saving their life. Be a lifesaver, be a hero to someone in need. Please skip the pink ribbon instead offer support and hugs. Sending lots of love and aloha your way, Jamie"

Remember that every person with a cancer diagnosis is so much more than a ribbon color. a card saying a simple 'hello' can truly make a day go from ick to hooray.

love to all of you! :)

So Blessed

since I am sitting here by myself today, I have been thinking about how VERY BLESSED I am.....

I might be by myself for these next few days, but I am not alone. I am surrounded by the most amazing people I call my friends. thank you to all of you who have loved me through some very difficult times in the past 2 1/2 years.

I would be remiss if I didn't give a quick shout out to several groups of people:

1. the fabulous people in our District Church community who have provided prayers (LOTS!!), cards, meals, and most of all, support for David & our sons during my cancer battle. I love you all! you show God's love each and every day - no act of kindness was too small! thank you!

2. Jenn C., Michelle V., and Katie C. from Party Time Tuesdays and Paper Makeup Stamps who put together a jaw dropping blog hop for me when I was first diagnosed. Katie also had a digi stamp set drawn to help raise funds for our medical expenses. so many people participated and sent me their cards. I treasure each one of these beautiful hand made creations, just as I treasure each one of YOU!

3. some of the most fun ladies over at SplitCoastStampers who sent me, of all things, SOCKS! as I was going through radiation treatments, they bombarded me with fun socks to keep my toesies warm and stylin'! I still wear them all, and smile when I put them on! y'all rock the casbah!

also, there were some pretty talented and inspiring women who took part in the 'Hope You Can Cling To' challenges I was honored to hostess. you encouraged me as together we helped make cards to bring smiles to others going through this same battle. thank you!

4. and finally, a hugey huge huge thank you to each of you who stopped by my blog, sent a card (Jenn Borjeson - you will forever be my angel!!!), popped a message to me just to make sure I was doing okay, or texted. you let me know that I never once walked this path alone.

you didn't know that you were God's light in the darkness, did you? you didn't realize that He was using your voice to speak His love to me when I was feeling sad and overwhelmed, did you? you didn't know that in those rare moments when I so longed to just give up, He used YOU to send THAT message to say, 'hey, I'm thinking about you,' did you? and when I needed someone to reach out and hold my hand, He sent YOU to grab it.

thank you, from the bottom to the top of my heart. because thank you will never ever be enough. but it is all I have. and you are all I need! :) <3 p="">

NO CANCER!!! :)

just heard the news from biopsies that I have NO CANCER!!!!!

and I refuse to accept any mail that tells me otherwise like I had arrive last year. that was so stinky..... stinky not allowed here no more, no more, no more! ;)

thanks for the love, prayers, support, and just flat out being here with me on this journey.

GOD IS SO VERY VERY GOOD! TO HIM GOES THE GLORY! :)

A Not So Fun Update....

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Butter Rum

Well as I had mentioned before I have been going through a lot of tests and scans lately. I just returned from spending the morning at the hospital for one batch.... it seems I have to undergo another biopsy. will find out no later than tomorrow morning when it will be.

I will keep everyone updated as I get information. I do have a post for tomorrow, but things might be a little sporadic for a while after that.... know you will all be in my thoughts even if I'm not posting! love ya!

Life is Never Dull

Coffee of the Day - Oatmeal Cookie Crumble

so much can change in 24 hours..... top off your coffee 'cause this is quite the post.

to start, it is snowing. you know I love the snow, so I would never complain about it. but this isn't just regular, 'oh isn't that beautiful' snow. this is heavy, wet, dangerous snow. there really is a difference. trees and branches have been breaking & falling since the night in our little town. we have them down around our house. not just little twig branches, but 6 to 9 foot branches. poor Mocha and I were almost taken out by one as it was falling a little while ago. in the almost 14 years we have lived in this house, we've never lost this many branches. the next town over has no snow at all. it's called 'Lake Effect Snow', so we get lots most winters. but not always like this.

still no heat in the house, so it's on the chilly side. then my coffee maker broke this morning. thankfully I have a french press, so I didn't have to go without. THAT would have been a really bad scene, folks.

letter arrived from hospital yesterday. "the results of your exam show an area that is probably benign, however we would like to have you return for a follow-up study....."  it was dated the 22nd. we were floored. this does not match the news I was given on Friday. so .....

life is still good. God still sits on His throne. He was in charge at the beginning of this journey, and He will be in charge at the end. of that I have no doubt.... it's raining branches, but there are showers of blessings every day. :)

The Battle is Over!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

  

edited - new information has been received since I posted this, but the message of this post still holds true. God is still good, every day. the battle might not be over afterall, but He is still in charge. thank goodness!
see post of 10/24/13 for more info.

 After almost 2 years I can declare myself a survivor, finally. as near as last week this didn't seem like a possibility - ever. David and I were talking about hospice and what my choice would be.

THAT is what kind of miracle we are talking about! Don't ever for one minute believe that miracles don't still take place. they are not confined to the pages of a book that tell only the stories of people long gone.....

Thank you to every one of you who has prayed, sent cards, texts, emails, donations, or whatever. You have done so much to help me and my family. You have reached out to let us know that we have not been alone on this journey, and that means so very much to us.

I would be remiss if I didn't drop to my knees and first praise God for all He has done for me and my family. don't ever FOR ONE SINGLE MOMENT think you walk through this life alone. God shows Himself so clearly in quiet, still blessings that take place every single day if we will but slow ourselves down enough to see them.

Celebrate with us! :)

No Star Trek for me..... :(

Coffee of the Day - Moon Pie

My fam is off to see one of the most anticipated movies of the summer - Star Trek: Into Darkness. I so wanted to go along with them, but just don't have the energy for it... poo. they were nice and offered to stay home, but there was absolutely no way I could do that do them. can't wait to hear their take on it when they get home though....

To top it all off, I have finished all but 1 book, have about 8+ waiting at the library for me, but the library is closed for several days due to a big catalog overhaul. major poo. you can't imagine what it is like to feel horrid, spend almost all of your time in bed, and have NOTHING to read. poo on a stick. one of those big ol' ugly sticks, too.

gotta gear up for some major dr.'s visits in the days and weeks ahead. does this now become colonel poo? I don't know my rankings, obviously, but we are most certainly climbing the poo ladder in a rather quick fashion. in case you haven't figured it out yet, cancer is not a nice thing. it just. doesn't. go. away.

but the sun is still shining. the birds are still singing. and there is still a Starbucks open somewhere! :)  hey, I heard that Dunkin Donuts has $0.31 iced coffees tomorrow. go check it out and have one for me! :)

love to all of you! I'll get crafty as soon as I can.

Pink Power

Coffee of the Day - Maple

It's absolutely gorgeous here! also our big Maple Festival is going on, so lots and lots of people visiting our little town. first year in many that the sun is actually shining for the festival, so that is nice. Ryan is in the bathtub races tomorrow morning, so that should be fun. it's weird to not have anyone marching in the big  parade. that's what happens when everyone goes and graduates from high school! ;)  since we only live a block from the town square, I can smell the yummy foods when I step outside my door. oh my gosh, all of the maple aromas are divine! we let friends park in our driveway so they can just walk up from here. traffic gets really jammed up, and the dogs pretty much spend the entire weekend barking at all of the people walking by the house.

anyhow, I wanted to share a card I made for several challenges. main reason I made it though is to work on my stash of cards to take to my oncologist's office when I go again for the card box I have set up there. When I was there the other day, the box was almost empty. Can't have that! :) so I want to make plenty more cards for all of the folks going through chemo to grab if they want to. hard to believe it was a year ago that I was going through all of that myself. my hair is still growing in. it's all curly wurly now and looks so goofy. some of it is almost about 3" long! almost! tee hee! probably closer to 2", but I'm like the little toddler who's birthday is ALMOST to the next one.....

this fun boxing gloves image comes from Oak Pond Creations, papers are Fancy Pants Time for Spring, ribbons are all May Arts, and sentiment is Create with TLC. the bright pink ribbon is really tied in a bow, but I cut it off in the scan. it got all smooshed in the scanner anyhow....faux stitching finishes the card.

Challenges:
Oak Pond Birthday Bash - use an Oak Pond image
Link Up For Pink - breast cancer awareness
Dilly Beans - think pink
QKR Stampede - fave things (PINK!!!)
Sweet Pea Stampers - support your fave charity (cancer patients, see above)
In the Pink - ribbons and/or ruffles
Crafty Ribbons - anything goes with ribbon
Rhedd and Rosie - stitching
Whimsy - pretty in pink

Keeping it all in perspective..... Smile!

I've been having a tough past few days....not the greatest news in regard to my health stuff, but what has hit me the hardest has been my May Arts project. some of you have been very supportive and kind here on my blog, so I must begin by saying this is NOT what I am making reference to....

over on the May Arts blog all of the projects have been posted. I do hope all of you have had a chance to stop by because man oh man, there are some jaw dropping gorgeous projects! I am being completely honest when I say that mine in no way compares to what some people made. I knew at the time I saw the list of contestants that there were going to be some fabulous creations. I just flat out don't have that kind of talent, and I truly am in awe of the folks that do. they are my inspiration!

but of the over 200 comments left at the time I'm writing this, not one comment has been left for my project. every project has been mentioned except mine. not one person has said, "nice job" or "cute ribbons" or anything. that is not the reason I entered the contest. but gosh, I worked really hard at a time when I felt absolutely horrible to make something that I thought looked nice. I realize it doesn't compare with all of the other projects. but it flat out hurts. and I'd be lying to say it hasn't affected the way I think about future crafting, posting to my blog, and entering any other contests/challenges. we all want to hear nice things about what we make. to say otherwise isn't being honest.

I've been taking part in quite the little pity party since Monday, and hubby knows it. Today he sent me a link to this youtube video. I'm posting it here to share with all of you. it helped me put everything in perspective.

 

what I make is part of what I do, but it is not who I am. my life is more than paper and ribbons. hard to believe some days, but it is true. my life is also more than cancer. it's about smiling, regardless. it's about a deeper joy that comes from something other than a comment left or not left. it's about being the daughter of a King. and for me, that is enough. it is always enough. :)

A Week for Crossing Fingers

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Marshmallow

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a fabulous week so far! only one more sleep and then it's time for the weekend to semi-officially begin! :)

I just 5 minutes ago hit the 'send' button on the email for my big May Arts Spring Challenge project submission.... yikes! what a nervous nelly I am right now, as well as the entire time I was typing up that message. All projects will be posted over on the May Arts blog on Monday, April 15, so you will be able to see them all there. I have to tell you, some of the most amazing, talented, crafters are part of this round, so I don't expect to be chosen as a winner. but good golly gosh, am I thrilled as ever to have been selected as one of the contestants! All of you will have several days to vote, at least that is my understanding. so I do hope you will pop by their blog to see all of the entries and support everyone who worked so very hard! :)

I also sent off at the beginning of this week, one little card for the Paper Crafts Stamping Royalty contest. I haven't actually stamped a complete card in a while, so that was fun to do! I had Dave give the envelope a big kiss, (well not THAT big! grins!) for good luck before we took it off to the post office.

then there is the ever fun medical testing that began yesterday. ick. as usual, they had a hard time drawing blood on me. they laugh at the hospital that now when they see my name they call down to the actual lab to have one of the specialists come do the actual taking of the blood because it is so hard to draw. sad but true. lovely side effect of chemo that you don't find out about until after the fact. I could tell you horror stories of having 4 and 5 and more needles sticking out of my arm at once while they try to find a vein, but then it's not Halloween just yet...... ha! again, sad but true. more visits tomorrow. but then again, as I mentioned before, after that is WEEKEND! hooray!

just gotta focus on the happy happy.
next week is blog candy! yippee skippee!

love to all of you!

ABC Christmas Cup of Tea

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog

Today I am posting a midway reminder card for the ABC Christmas challenge 'E is for Eyes down' bingo. We are sponsored by both Shape EZ templates and Stamp Fairy. Last week I used an image from Stamp Fairy for my card, so this week I am showing a project with a Shape EZ template.

I am using the following options from the bingo board: not a square, flowers, glitter. my card uses the Tea Cup Flip Card template. it was an easy one to cut out, which is great for my bad head.

I first printed out some digital papers onto white cs. I then printed then tea cup template right on top of the printed papers. easy peasy! :) I then typed out my poem onto the inner liner piece template prior to printing. that became the pocket for my tea bag. 

the outside cup was sprayed with walnut gold glimmer mist. be careful, because glimmer mist does cause colors from the printer to alter. in this case I love the different shades it turned the red. vintage crochet trim and buttons plus a glittered Prima poinsettia were added. edged were distressed. 

as you open the card, snowflakes from a Basic Grey stamp set were stamped on the liner. the base was sprayed with the same walnut gold glimmer mist. more distressing of the edges with both reds and browns.

it has been a very difficult past few days for me. I'm not going to go into it all here, because it has become apparent that most of you really don't want to hear my cancer/health woes. I don't blame you one bit. I don't either. guess that is why there are some complaints about me going around on the internet that I am catching wind of....that hasn't been easy to deal with either. sure do wish that people would at least be courteous enough to talk to me about their issues. I don't even know who the people are who dislike me so much.  oh well. I can't make everyone happy. I have cancer and can't change that. I'm dying and can't change that. the only thing I can change is my crafting and try to do the best I can with what I make, and believe me, I really do pour my heart into my projects. and I try to find something to smile about in the midst of it all. it isn't easy, and some days I'm not successful. 

sorry for the humbug. I'll try to do better. 

Happy Birthday, Dear Jocelyn! :)

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Coconut

Today is March 4th, so I hope all of you are marching forth with boldness and gladness in your step! this day always gives me the chuckles, 'cause I am a goof that way!

it seems only fitting that one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world is celebrating her birthday today. our middle son, Mick, has chosen the most delightful young lady as his girlfriend. you hear me speak about her from time to time here on the blog or see things that I make for her. her name is Jocelyn, and she is such a delight! :)  Today is her birthday, and I hope she finds it full of all of the most beautiful things in life!

 Mick and Jocelyn - so in love!!! :)

I love you muchly, dear Jocelyn! sending you the largest virtual pumpkin spice latte I can imagine! you are my coffee buddy!


sorry for the absence of crafty posts. I feel absolutely horrid. tried to do a few things with all of the guys home this weekend and almost ended on the ground more times than not. spent most of the time in bed, just flat worn out. oh my golly, cancer is not fun. think even brussel sprouts would be better. maybe.

Peace on Earth Angel

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan Pie

Our new challenge at ABC Christmas Challenges is Designer Paper - use a little or load it up! :) well, very rarely do I not use any, so this was a fun challenge for me! We are sponsored by QKR Stampede and Stamp and Create. Be sure to stop by the challenge blog to see the FABULOUS projects by the DT.

For my card I am using the adorable Peace Angel image from QKR Stampede. She reminds me of several rag dolls I had when I was a little girl. Raggedy Ann & Andy were by far my favorites. I loved reading their books, too, and had quite a few of them. Somewhere in the attic I still have my dolls....

Papers are from the October Afternoon Good Cheer collection. it's a little hard to see, but behind the crochet lace is a piece of sheet music designer paper. I added some faux stitching to match the stitching on the doll. lots of washi tape, of course!, some vintage buttons as well as VERY vintage ric rac, baker's twine, tag, and a beautiful Prima poinsettia complete the card. her wings were coated in fruit punch stickles 'cause an angel has to sparkle! and the stars were painted with shimmerz.

on a side note, the winner for the Pinterest contest hasn't been posted yet, but thank you to everyone who helped out with re-pins.
also, I sent out a message to all of my DTs yesterday. I am cutting waaaaaay back on all of my DT work until I can hopefully feel better. this card took me over 4 hours to make yesterday, and I cried almost the entire time 'cause I felt so icky. I just can not go on like that. I'll have a few more cards to share this week, but after that, it might be a bit more sporadic. I just have got to get to a better place with my health if I can. this cancer might end up taking me in the end, but it will never win. there is still too much joy left to behold.

my love to all of you! Jennifer

Challenges:
All That Stickles - fruit punch stickles
Crafting for All Seasons - dies & punches (Spellbinders die for main images & Tim Holtz die for scalloped border at top - kinda hard to see that one)
Stamp 'n Doodle - anything goes
WAW - anything goes (and boy howdy, do we ever need peace EVERY day! if nothing else, just to keep peace in our hearts....)
Bearly Mine - lace, ribbon, twine
TTCRD - anything goes
Going Grey with Scrap Creations - bingo: digi, die cuts, flowers
Craft Your Passion - all that glitters
Eureka Stamps - inspired by a song: "Let There Be Peace on Earth" (I actually sang this song as a solo back in junior high!! yes, it has been around THAT long! ha!
Paper Girls - washi tape
Christmas Card Challenges - tags

Pressing On

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Today doesn't have a card, y'all are probably cheering since my last few cards have looked like poo on a stick..... But instead I'm just writing a few words about pressing on when it seems that life is looking like one bleak day after another.

My one year anniversary with cancer is coming up on Valentine's Day, no less. what a day for celebration. that was the day I found that lump last year. it was in the morning before David was heading out for a full day of meetings. we weren't even going to be able to really spend much of Valentine's Day together anyhow. my goodness, how life has changed in the 365 days since then. and not just for me, but also for my family.

I guess that is one thing I didn't realize - what an impact my cancer would have on David and our sons. To say that it turned their worlds upside down, too, would be a gross understatement. They still won't talk to me about it most days, which saddens me. I said from the beginning that I wanted us to have an open communication throughout this entire ordeal. but they typically keep it all bundled up inside. as do I if we're gonna be completely honest about it all.

and so we press on. I really do still try to find the joy in every day. but sometimes it is hard. life isn't easy. we are never promised that it is going to be. it isn't easy to smile when inside I want to cry because my body is falling apart. it isn't easy to go to one dr. appt. after another when I know how much they cost, and the tests are so very expensive. it isn't easy to get called 'mister' time and time again because I no longer look like a woman, even if I do put on pink. it isn't easy to see my family look at me and wonder if I will ever be healthy again. but still we press on.

and I try to craft when I can. I am so thankful for those days I can lose myself in inks and papers and ribbons. what therapy! I can pour my heart, my self into whatever I make. and it feels good, especially when it turns out right. not like the past few projects.

I've tried submitting to magazines again. that has been a bust on one level, in that I have not been accepted so far. well, one project hasn't. it's as if an entire panel of judges is saying to me, "your heart just isn't good enough for us. sorry." So I am trying to decide whether to submit that project to another magazine or not. I have to really stop and think about why I am submitting in the first place.... so there is some hard thinking to do. But thanks to a very kind person, I do have a card ( possibly 2) getting published in a UK magazine this spring.

and so I press on. and I craft because I really really like it. and what it really comes down to is that it doesn't matter if I ever get published or not. it doesn't matter if people drop following my blog (which always makes me sad) I can't be anyone other than who I am. I am an imperfect person who is just trying to get through each day the best I can. I try to find the sunshine and the joy.

Know that you are loved, truly, deeply, my friends! Press on, for whatever it is that you are dealing with. press on.
Jennifer

Someone Thinks I'm Moxie Fab! :)

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Coconut

I've got to say a huge shout out 'THANK YOU!!!!!' to my dear sweet friend, Cath over at Moxie Fab World today. She thinks I am Moxie Fab! I'm glad someone does, 'cause man oh man, I am sure not feeling it today. She has sure brightened my day though, with her wonderful article about me. thank you so much, Cath! someday YOU need to do an article about yourself, Mistress of all the Moxie Fabness in the world! you so rock the casbah! :) over on the Moxie Fab blog you'll get to learn a bit about me, as if you really wanted to!, and also see a piccy of me REAL BIG! sporting a new bandana. it's all in black and white, which is really more like my in real life grey skin anyway. ;)  oh what cancer does to take away youthful glow...... tee hee!

In case you are interested, images used on cards from the interview come from Jellypark, A Day for Daisies, and Create with TLC.

I've been sick in bed since all day yesterday with this icky poo radiation poisoning popping back up for a howdy ho. it just won't go away and play nice. my skin is burning yet again. guess it goes with my sunshine personality! ha! we know better, don't we?! ;) but it's still snowy outside, so that makes me happy happy. and I've got a few crafty things done for something waaaaaaaaaaay cool that I can't show you until April, but they make me smile, so I'll show them when I can.

love and mushy sloppy hugs to all of you! :)
Jennifer

Top Tip Challenges - Fur or Feathers

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake

Good golly, some days I truly can't get it all together...... it just dawned on me today that I never posted the card I made for the current Top Tip Tuesday challenge - Fur or Feathers. and I actually had it done on time and everything! sheesh....... what a goober I am! ;)

head over to the challenge blog to see all of the great projects by the DT. you still have a little more than a week to play along. We are sponsored by the fabby Zlatoena and her cutie  pie bunnies! :)

My card uses the fun Rabbit Traveler digi image and Basic Grey Green at Heart papers. A spica clear glitter pen was used on the bike spokes; white gel pen for accent on the bunny, basket, and road markings. MFT die was used for grass. embellies include felt flower from Michael's, crochet trim, pearls, ticket stub, washi tape, and buttons. of course I have to add lots of distressing! :)

again, I am so sorry I forgot to post this back when I was supposed to...... this radiation poisoning has really messed me up. still trying to get over it. my skin ended up burning again, which was really weird, and is now trying to heal from that. what a bizarre ride this has been! have a visit with my regular dr. on Monday and my oncologist on Friday.

while all of the guys were home, we have been watching all of the current seasons of Dr. Who. boy oh boy, did I ever cry when David Tennant's Dr. regenerated. what an emotional episode! also reading lots and lots of books while resting. starting the new Michael Crichton one today. I do so miss him.

craft-wise I am slowly getting my craft room ready as well as trying to read as much as I can about Copic markers. want to learn how to use the few that I have so I am not so scared of them. ;) also trying my hand at printing a few digital papers. figured now is as good a time as any to try new things!

---->  don't forget that today is the big blog hop over at Create with TLC!!!! Paulette is so generous with her free artwork. be sure to let all of the DT know how wonderful their projects are with the free images provided on each blog. :)

Challenges:
Through the Craft Room Door - anything goes
By the Cute and Girly - cute and girly
Cards Galore - anything goes
Heck of a Challenge - thank you
Natalie and Amy's - favorites (Basic Grey, buttons, washi tape, tickets, distressing, PINK!)
Avenue 613 - anything goes
Dream Valley - anything goes
Glitter and Sparkle - use a digi
Allsorts - dies and punches
Basic Grey - new beginnings or something new (new-digi, felt flower, floral washi tape, floral button at top, pearls)
Stampin' for the Weekend - anything goes

Well I've Told All of You I'm Weird.....

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

If any of you have been around my blog for a while, you know I tend to run on well, let's just say, the wacky side of life most days. ;)

For the past few weeks I've had what I thought was a bizarre case of poison ivy. I am one of those strange people who is so allergic to the stuff that I don't even have to touch the plant in order to have a reaction that can knock me out for weeks. I just have to walk by a plant, even if its dormant and I become infected. yep, it's nasty for me, especially since I love to be around nature so much.

After a visit to my dr. today,  I have discovered that not only do I NOT have poison ivy, but I instead have a rather serious case of radiation poisoning. immediate treatment with heavy antibiotics was called for. hooray.....I tell ya, I am turning mutant on us! haven't you heard me mention this before?! yep, it's happening.....I'll be talking to those ants before we know it.

I have the absolute nicest dr. in the whole wide world. he is my gp dr., not my oncologist (who is also nice!), and he was having the hardest time today giving me the news. he took the news of my cancer so rough, and I guess this is pretty heavy duty, too, for it to have reached this point.

then hubby & I were picking up the antibiotics a little while later and came to discover that this particular one is something I just might have an allergic reaction to. the pharmacist told us all of the things to watch for in the event of a reaction because of a specific allergy I have and my problems since having cancer. she said to be prepared at a moment's notice to head to the ER.  poor Dave just looked at me with the saddest expression on his face and said, "are we really ready for this adventure tonight?"  I feel horrible for all that I've put my family through.

So suffice it to say, there's never a dull moment around here! ;)  if any more teeth of mine fall out, I'll be eating baby food soon. yikes! my hair and eyebrows have taken to falling out again, too. I look quite the picture, I tell ya!

well hopefully I'll be feeling okay to craft after all is said and done. gotta keep looking for the sunshine! :

p.s. all blog candies have been mailed out as of yesterday. please let me know if you are a winner and don't receive yours in a reasonable amount of time.
I will try to get a 500 follower candy listed shortly.

Blog Candy Reminder

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Happy 12-12-12 to all of you! :)

Just wanted to remind all of you that the current blog candies close on Sunday. A Valentine themed one will start up on Monday. As for craft supplies, I am still boxing up things to give away as I am able. crossing fingers I will still be able to meet my own goal of being back to crafting at the start of 2013.......

Thank you so much for the kind comments all of you have left for me, as well as the many wonderful, supportive emails. You lift my heart more than you can know! :)

I'm still resting quite a bit and not quite feeling human yet. I swear I'm becoming a zombie, but my family is too kind to tell me. wait a second. I live in a house full of men. too kind? yeah right! they gave me grief last night because I was talking skateboard, and had to text Mick to get him to prove that I knew what I was talking about. turns out they knew all along that I had a clue, but just wanted to mess with me! ;) those rascals! so yep, zombiefied I am!

Dave and I are supposed to attend a Christmas party next week, and I think this is the first year I won't have enough handmade cards to give to everyone. it's pretty traumatic, actually. but I can only do what I can do. and right now just doing for my family is top of my priority list. not sure I'll be feeling up to even attending, much less the worry over what to put on this zombie body. some things just don't seem to really matter that much right now. and then it makes me think why I should stress so much about them in the first place.

anyhow, enjoy this 12th day. it's a special day, but then every day is! :) and so are YOU!

these are pix of us getting our tree last year. thought I would share with all of you. we'll hopefully go this coming weekend to get ours for this year. we have to wait until Mick comes home from school, as it is part of the tradition that EVERYONE picks out the tree before we cut it down. in the top photo, yes that IS a mini snowball coming at me!!!!

oh my guys are all soooooo handsome! :)