Back after a break & a change

I don't really know if anyone out there noticed that I've not been around recently, but I do have a very valid reason for my absense.  Some of you may remember that I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my hands and that I was waiting for my right hand to be operated on.

Well... the op went ahead on Tuesday 8th June 2010 and has been a success.  No more pins and needles in my right hand, but they remain in my left :-(  I was advised no repetitive movements for 6 weeks along with no heavy lifting.  Unusually for me, I actually stuck to the advice that I was given and didn't even switch my laptop on for the duration.  Crafting was very difficult too so that went by the wayside as well.  My poor craft room was very neglected, just being used by me to sit on the sofa bed with a cuppa and a good book.  The first time I picked up my camera was a couple of days short of the 6 weeks as my son was with the other Air Cadets escorting our town carnival, and I never realised how heavy it was before, and my hand really ached that evening as a result.

Luckily I had crafted like mad and had scheduled Blogger to upload my challenge project for Rosie D's Challenge Blog to enable me to have the break my hand needed to recover.

It still aches but it's getting better by the day, the scar is fading nicely and some of the strength is coming back.

We also had a real scare with mum when she discovered a lump and was sent for a mammogram, ultrasound and possible biopsy.  Thankfully nan was smiling down on her daughter and everything is ok.  Tears and cuddles all round.

I also found out this morning that a friend of mine lost his battle against lung cancer which finally stole his final breath on 9th June.  I've been in contact with his wife today who apologised for not letting me know sooner.  Bless her, her priorities were with her two children and very young grandson and herself, and rightly not with me at such a difficult time. Howard was such a kind and gentle man.  A great husband, father and grandad,  unfortunately the latter was for such a short time.  He was a good friend and a wonderful driving instructor and mentor to so many people.  The world will be a sadder place without him.


I also changed jobs at the beginning of July... busy, busy, busy! LOL

Right, I really must behave now and stop typing as I've done more today than I have in the past few weeks.

Night all!

x

Challenge 76 - All Creatures Great and Small

Have you seen the fantastic work by the Design Team over on Rosie-D's this time round?  Wow!  They are such a talented bunch of ladies! 

I'm going to tantalise you with a little sneak of my card for Tracy's fab theme of 'All Creatures Great and Small'

Tracy is offering this great prize too for one lucky participant that will be picked out at the end of this fortnight's challenge.

When you pop over to the blog, not only will you see the full reveal of my card but you will also find the work of Saskia, Lyn, Jackie, Tracy, Mervi and Magda.  A very talented bunch of lovely ladies.

Don't forget to check out if you were our winner from the last challenge and remember, that you've got 2 weeks to take part in order to be in with the chance of winning Tracy's prize.  See  you over there! x

Challenge 75 - Burgundy, Pink & Cream

Have you seen the girl's fantastic projects on Rosie D's this time round?  We have had some amazing entries to the challenge blog too.  Thanks to everyone who has already taken part and for those that haven't yet, remember you still have another week to do so.

Remember Tracy's theme for this time round is Burgundy, Pink and Cream colour combo.  GORGEOUS!!!!

This card is too late for my own Wedding Anniversary which was on 2nd July - 22 years!!!!!! Blimey where have they gone?!  We'll soon be celebrating our 25th - now that IS scary!

Materials:
Cream card.
Flourish stamp: Hero Arts.
Fabric paper: Indigo Mill.
Flowers: Prima.
Leaf punch: Woodware.
Clock & Sentiment stamps: Paper Artsy.
Brads: Stash.
Ribbon: Ribbon Mad.
Inkpads: Pretty Colour & Versafine.

Rosie D's challenge 75 - Burgundy, Pink & Cream

Howdy folks!  Thanks to Mervi for setting us a fantastic set of Challenges for June.

This month we have Tracy to thank for our challenges over at Rosie D's.  To kick start us off, she's given us a colour challenge...  Burgundy, Pink and Cream no less!

Ooh, is that fabric paper I can see on this project?  You'll have to pop and see what it's all about over on the Challenge Blog where you'll find some fantastic projects made by the other girlies too!

Rosie D's challenge 74 - Summer Birthdays

Did you remember to pop over to Rosie D's Challenge Blog and wish Mervi a very happy Birthday? I do hope so!

Well, here's my reveal of my summer dress card that I made for Mervi's challenge.

If you haven't already taken part, remember that Mervi is giving away a prize to celebrate her birthday to one lucky participant in the challenge blog.

Materials:
White pearlescent card.
Cardstock: Coredinations.
Paper (for dress): Black Market Paper Society.
Dress Stamp: Creative Expressions.
Alphas: BasicGrey.
Butterfly punch: Martha Stewart.
Ribbon: Stash.