Loss of a great man..

It is with great sadness that I must report that my son lost his Father In Law and the funeral was today. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. He was involved in a project near and dear to his heart. http://www.tdf1000.org/donation/donate_step1.php?donateid=16

Kari you will be missed!!!

Its been almost 4 weeks now since the cancer surgery on the face. It is well healed and if I wore foundation it would be totally hidden. There is just a bit of reddness left but I can live with that. No biggie.

Healing and looking closer to normal

Stitches are out and steri-strips off. Feeling much better, no more pain pills, bruising deminished scaring looks like I will be able to tolerate it well.

Well here it is about 72+ hours after the surgery with the dressings off. I counted the stitches and came up with about 70-75. The spot that was on the nose was about the size of a pencil eraser....but once they started to cut away the cancer area, they found it was much more involved than just the small spot on the nose. The final hole was about the size of between a quarter and a half dollar so they had to excise a much larger area and create a flap, move tissue around to fill in the hole....thus the need for cutting and stitches all the way to the mouth.

Day 2 post surgery

Lots of pain today...not feeling well at all. Not sleeping well due to being told not to lie down due to the selling of the face and neck.

Post surgery day 1

This was about 24 hours after surgery...Eye is almost swollen shut and I look like I was in a fight with a lawnmower and lost. There was a lot of swelling to say the least.

Surgery...

It was discovered that I had Basal Cell Carcinoma on my nose. I had the surgery on the 8th of September and this is what I looked like right after the surgery

If I had to choose a view to look at for the rest of my life it would be watching the ocean. It has the most calming effect on me. I love to watch the wave, the seagulls, and people walking on the beach. Children playing with parents, dogs playing with frisbies, kids picking up shells with wide-eyed curiosity. Family bonding time..the beach holds such special memories for me...growing up it was always a destination for at least one week of family vacation. Fun times and special warm fuzzy feelings...yep the ocean would be my forever view.

Stamps: OCL-Sandy Sunsets

Paper: Pacific Point, white, DSP, black

Ink: momento Rich cocoa, pacific point, Island Indigo, black

Accessories: punches, sponge

Techniques: sponging

Stamps: Martha Stewart- Birds

Paper: White, so saffron, DSP

Ink: Monento Black, Island Indigo

Accessories: scalloped corner rounder, ribbon baby brads, copic markers

Stamps: TAC

Paper: Rich sazzelberry, prettu in pink, white, DSP

Ink: Rich razzelberry, momento Bamboo Leaves, Momento black

Accessories: punches, sewing machine

This is made for the teaparty over at SCS

here is the link: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/teapot-tuesdays-f260/mmtpt154-~-its-tate-his-knees-uncontrollable-sneeze-t532751.html

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem

Paper: melon mambo, rich razz., tangerine tango dsp

Ink: melon mambo, versamark

Accessories: spica glitter pen, white embossing powder, copic markers

I made this card for the teaparty located here:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...l-t532181.html

Thanks Cindy for always finding someone who needs ink stamp and paper in their mailbox.

Stamps: Sincere Salutations,

Paper: Bazzell textured Blue/green, island indigo, white

Ink: black, copic markers

Accessories: paper piercer, copic markers

I truly love the new SU color lucky Limade. I thought I would make a monotone Christmas card using stampscapes Lakeside cabin.

Stamps: stampscapes (lakeside cabin)

Paper: lucky limade, more mustard, white

Ink: lucky limade, barely banana, bravo burgandy (left on the grass stamp by mistake), river rock for the background color

Accessories: copic markers tto color the window, SAMJ, sponge, brayer

A friend of mine is dealing with her best friend moving so I made this card for her to show how much she cares.

I used new papers as well as old and the stamp set is new and the copic markers are old.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets

Paper: wisteria wonder, lucky limade, pretty in pink

Ink: wisteria wonder

Accessories: punches, copic markers, baby brads

I was practicing with my copic markers and I really like how this one turned out. I used old and new for this challenge. Old paper (bazzel-rose), new paper Wisteria Wonder, designer paper & ribbon (2010-in colors-blushing bride)
The sponging was with new ink wisteria wonder.

In honor of National Mutt day:

My 1/2 doxie-1/2 pom is always under the table when I am trying to stamp. I took this picture of her. She is almost 2 and weighs in at 13 pounds. Her name is Turbo (she never stays still).

When : July 31st

It's Mutt's Day. Mutts deserve their day in the spotlight, as much as a pure breed. If you own a mutt, or you are a mutt (reading this), then you know this day is for you.

By definition a mutt, sometimes called a "Halfbreed", is a dog that is of mixed breed. They come from two to several breeds. Purebred owners, and sometimes the public in general, view them as lesser in many ways. Mutt owners know better. They value the diversity and uniqueness of their mutts. Sure, a mutt doesn't carry the expensive price tag that a purebred with papers has on its head. To the mutt owner, however, the mutt is invaluable. In addition, mutts don't walk around needing to prove anything. You won't see them strutting around any dog shows trying to prove they are the best.

To all mutts and and mutt owners, we hope you thoroughly enjoy Mutt's Day. Spend the day relaxing and doing all the things you and your dog like to do. Do so with both of your chins held high. For your mutt is worth a million bucks!

Stamps: Fabulous Florets

Paper: white, lucky limeade, pretty in pink, rose red

Ink: momento black

Accessories: copic markeres, sewing machine, ribbon, nesties, cuddlebug, dotted swiss embossing folder,

I have a dear friend who is having her 63rd birthday this next week. We have been friends for 36 years. She has a great sense of humor so I made her this card.

Stamps: none

Paper: More mustard, white

Ink: Computer black

Accessories: baby brads, 1/2 pearls, paper flowers, ribbon

A dear lady lost her Grandma very recently. I made this for her and her family using some of the new colors from Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Crosses of hope, God's Blessing, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Calpso Coral, Pool Party, white

Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Black

Accessories: nesties, sponge, brads, punches, retired ribbon (soft sky)

A dear online friend of mine lost her DH earlier this week so I made this for her. I used some old, retired SU as well as some of the new In Colors

Stamps: Crosses of Hope, sincere salutations

Paper: almost amethist, wisteria wonder, white

Ink: wisteria wonder

Accessories: jumbo wheel (new starburst), nesties, punch , ribbon (swirls)

I wanted to make a card for a dear friend of mine using some of the new toys I received yesterday. I used a combination of old, retired, and new items from Stampin' Up! as well as nesties and a star that was just the right color (where is was from is just a guess-maybe Michaels)

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: white, Island Indigo, Pool Party

Ink: Pool Party, Indigo Island

Accessories: punches, nesties, retired ribbon (blue Bayou), cuddlebug w/petals a plenty embossing folder, jumbo wheel (new starburst)

Chatting with a friend about the new catty, I found out she had lost her dad two weeks ago. Things were so hectic that she hadnt let me know. Since I thought a sympathy card would be too late I made her this one.

Stamps: Cherish friendship

Paper: Pool party, Island Indigo, white

Ink: momento black, Island Indigo, pool party

Accessories: Copic markers, nesties, MS lace punch, cuddlebug with embossing folders (square lattice, perfect polka dots), jumbo wheel with new starburst design

Stamps: Bells & Boughs

Paper: DSP, Cherry Cobbler, white

Ink: summer sun, cherry cobbler, momento black

Accessories: paper piercer, pinches, ribbon, cuddlebug w/ dotted swiss folder, copic markers for coloring

Bad Blogger

I have been so busy since we got home last November that I really cannot call myself a blogger. I have went for weeks without posting...

Updates...
Tonight is Ricks last night working at Pearl Court. He has already started a job at Bud Clark Commons (a housing for disadvantaged persons.)

It will be interesting as this is a new program for the homeless of Portland so that they can receive the services needed to keep the sheltered and fed.

Other than that change not much is happening here.

I am so honored to be able to bust a move, get into the grove, and send this card to ROX...

All the sketches really prove this gal has all the moves.

I cut all of the paper in 1/2 inch strips, then basket wove it to make the background...now there is a sketch for ya.

I loved this challenge--It's never too late to join the teaparty!!!

heres the link...come play with us

MMTPT136

Stamps: Just Believe

Paper: rose red, marina mist, pacific point, white, melon mambo

Ink: marina mist, rose red

Accessories: ribbon, scallop punches, paper piercer

I based this card on one I found here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...;ppuser=122616

I changed the layout of the card, kept the bird theme as well as the Christmas theme.
I changed the colors, left off the buttons (I am button challenged), added embossing and pearls

In real life there is fine glitter on the top of the mail boxes as snow.

Stamps: Song Birds, Heart to Heart

Paper: Rose red, black, Rose red DSP, Pacific point, white

Ink: momento black, copic markers

Accessories: copic markers, cuddlebug folder (dots), 1/2 baby pearls, swirl ribbon, heat embossing white, air brushing for copics

New Our Craft Lounge Sets

Stamps: sunflower seeds

Paper: daffodil delight, old olive, black

Ink: rich cocoa, momento black

Accessories: copic markers, punches, ribbon

Stamps: Tea Time

Paper: crushed curry, baja breeze

Ink: momento black

Accessories: ribbon, corner rounder, copic markers

Stamps: The Pond

Paper: old olive, black, white

Ink: momento black

Stamps: The Pond

Paper: choc chip, old olive

Ink: momento black

Accessories: copic markers, punches

I was fortunate enough to have the chance to work with 3 new sets from Our Craft Lounge.

Miss Calliope

Here is a picture of my precious bird hanging out on top of her cage just over 10 years ago. She was so much fun.
This one was taken tonight about 20 minutes before she had a seizure and died in my hands. She had some sort of episode about 5 hours before her death that left her unable to stand.

I made this card for Mothers Teapot party. The main panel is the same color as the teapot. The challenge was: Make a masculine card and include something that flies! Airplanes, kites, etc. Ooh, good idea! A banner or flag definitely flies!

I thought for hours, Oh what do I do..I dont have any airplanes, or kites anywhere near.

Then the idea of flight then became perfectly clear...A BIRD..that is something that flies for sure.

Stamps: in wilderness, thoughts and prayers

Paper: pacific point, white

Ink: baja breeze, pacific point

Accessories: sponge, punches, ribbon, paper piercer, jumbo wheel (stars), copic markers

The American Cancer Society - 2011 Relay For Life of Vancouver / Clark County WA:

The American Cancer Society - 2011 Relay For Life of Vancouver / Clark County WA:

The water has really been raging over the falls in Oregon City. Normally the water does not go over the top of the post.

Stamps: Old West, Upsy daisy (greeting)

Paper: daffodil, only Orange, pear pizzazz

Ink: momento rich cocoa

Accessories: ribbon

Made and posted same day....MIRACLE

I actually just finished making this card...

Stamps: crosses of hope, confetti, many merry messages

Paper: poppy parade, white, glorious green

Ink: glorious green, poppy parade, veramark

Accessories: holgram embossing powder, ribbon, sponge, gg markers

For Jane's Family

It is with great sadness that I had to make this card. I dear lady just lost her battle with breast cancer. Her husband was a classmate of mine

Stamps: In His Name (Our Craft Lounge)

Paper: pear pizzzazz, bravo burgundy, baja breeze

Ink: baja breeze, veramark

Accessories: jumbo roller (so swirly), ribbon, spica glitter pen, large oval punch, paper piercer

Stamps: a Lighthouse (cornish heritage farms), upsy daisy wording

Paper: pear pizzzazz, bravo burgundy, baja breeze

Ink: marina mist, bravo burgundy, black

Accessories: copic markers, oval punch, ribbon, paper punch, spica glitter pens

Stamps: Upsy Daisy

Paper: Only Orange, Crushed Curry, white, black

Ink: momento rich cocoa

Accessories: label punch, ribbon air brushing

Stamps: Upsy Daisy

Paper: Only Orange, Crushed Curry, white, black

Ink: momento rich cocoa

Accessories: label punch, ribbon air brushing

Stamps: Stipple Butterfly

Paper: white, black, natural

Ink: only orange (wording only)

Welcome to the neighorhood

Stamps: Riley Moose with Sophie

Paper: Peach Parfait, marina mist, white, black, blush blossom

Ink: marina mist, black

Accessories: punch, spica glitter pens, copic markers, ribbon

Another week of Cards

Stamps: In wilderness, sincere salutations

Paper: pretty in pink, white, Night of Navy

Ink: momento black

Accessories: copic markers, punches, cuddlebug/sizzix folders

I made a card with the cutest sunflowers and butterflies....but..It is from a set that is not released yet so I had to start over again. STAY TUNED
This is an old retired butterfly from Stampin' Up! I used veramark and then heat embossed with white for the image. The punch on the border is MS.

Stamps: Stipple Butterfly

Paper: regal rose, daffodil delight, concord grape, black

Ink: black, veramark

Accessories: MS punch, cuddlebug dotted swiss folder

I adored the layout for the challenge today, I chose this image from Our Craft Lounge (Sandy Sunsets) for the main panel. The sky was created using copic markers and airbrushing.

Stamps: OCL (sandy sunsets)

Paper: bravo burgundy DSP

Ink: momento black, encore gold

Accessories: paper piercer, gold cording, mini brads, jumbo wheel (so swirly)

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral

Paper: cherry cobbler, white, melon mambo, pretty in pink

Ink: cherry cobbler, melon mambo

Accessories: mini brads, ribbon, corner rounder

Stamps: mice friends (OCL)

Paper: regal rose, bravo burgundy, kiwi kiss, DSP

Ink: regal rose, black

Accessories: copic markers, ribbon

Stamps: Fluffles, Many Merry Messages

Paper: real red, kiwi kiss

Ink: white kraft, black, kiwi kiss

Accessories: spica glitter pens, ribbon, embossing powder

Stamps: auntie amy's , thoughts and prayers

Paper: melon mambo (textured), white, gold

Ink: melon mambo, momento black

Accessories: copic markers, ek success punch, SU oval punches, Michaels ribbon

Stamps: Penny Black-Winter whites and greens

Paper: melon mambo, white, black, gold

Ink: melon mambo, regal rose

Accessories: corner rounder, ribbon, copic markers