Monday, April 4, 2011

Working to catch up....

It is a very dark and gloomy in Pittsburgh today and the rain is pouring down. There have been warnings of high winds (there were tornadoes not too far from here several week ago) so everyone is on high alert. In spite of the lack of sun and warmth, I must say that I feel better than I have felt since the beginning of the year!
I was grateful to Mimi for updating everyone about the fact that I was in the hospital for almost a week. I have been dealing with recurrent bouts of diverticulitis for months and will be facing surgery, probably in May, to remove the diseased parts. Right now my area of focus is to get healthier and remain that way so the surgery can be done as an elective and not an emergency.
I can't thank you enough for your prayers, kind emails, notes, cards and gifts during my illness. I am constantly amazed by the graciousness of the women in my blogging circle. You have made me feel buoyed by your spirit and encouraged by your words of faith. You are all a treasure and if not for the wonderful love and care of David, our children and family in addition to my friends, I would not have been able to heal and improve the way I have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
When you are ill or recovering from an illness or surgery, it is hard to be motivated to create. Many times I walked in to my craft studio (which, by the way, looks like a tornado went through it!!), looked around and walked out again. I did have some assignments to complete which forced me to think creatively and once I started last week....I have been able to accomplish some things....
My sister celebrated her birthday last week....it was a big birthday...a really, really, really big birthday. I had purchased some things for her but wanted to make something, too. Some time ago I had purchased art pieces from Michelle Palmer that were bird-related. I've spoken many times about her art and how much I love her pen & ink sketches on fabric. I gathered a wren, nest and egg and arranged them (along with some pretty feathers Michelle had included with my package) in a shadowbox frame I purchased at Michael's. (Isn't Michelle's attention to detail amazing?)



I added  hemp twine and some coordinating buttons to finish it off.
I also sent her a sequinned crown....because when you have a really, really, really big birthday...you get to be Queen for the day.

Other scrapbook related supplies were wrapped up and the package was sent last week.

 I  received my purchase last week,  from my dear friend Elizabeth of Creative Breathing, who was down-sizing her craft room. I was lucky to put in a request for these lovely gals...


Do you recognize them? Well, here is a clue....

Right! The Lennon Sisters! Those of us of a certain age will remember watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights for 13 years. Elizabeth created these pegdolls in honor of the Lennons. They are adorable! In addition to the pegdolls, Elizabeth also treated me to some vintage cards from her collection......these have wonderful graphics and I know I'll get a lot of use from the images!


I also received an unexpected but delightful gift from my friend Mary K. of Thyme To Spare. Mary remembered that I collect carrots (I know, it's crazy but there are sooooo many different ones to be found around Easter time!) She made me a fabric carrot bouquet....are you jealous? They are just the cutest and be sure to notice the adorable card that came with the gift....a bunny driving a carrot card. Wonderful!



I am so blessed and grateful to all of you for caring for me. Thank you!

xoxo
joyce







17 comments:

Unknown said...

I missed you girl. You are one tough cookie! The carrots were such a thoughtful gift and I am envious about your new dolls from Elizabeth ;) Happy belated birthday to your sis!

Bug Hugs!Sandy

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Joyce!!!
I missed you too!! SO happy to hear that you are home and on the mend! Awesome gift for your sister's BIG ONE!!
I was able to purchase some of E's creations also!
Take care!
Warmly,
deb

mimi said...

Hello my Friend :)
It is sooooo nice to have you back in blogland. I am so thankful that you are feeling better. It was great to see you today--I must say you look wonderful.
I love those little carrots and the Lennon sisters. You did a great job on your gift for Barbara--I am sure she loved it.
Stay safe and dry tonight.
xoxox
Mimi

NanE said...

Hi Joyce, welcome back! I'm so glad you are feeling better. I love Michelle Palmer's art too and I love how you put it altogether. Have a great week, Nan

Cindy said...

Yeah you are creating again!! I know your sister loved her gift!
Weren't the Lennon Sisters fun...loved them. I am so glad you got them from Elizabeth.I went the western route with her creations.
You take care of yourself and don't overdo it!!

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

mary k said...

Hi Joyce, So glad that you are enjoying the carrots. Do you mind if I use your picture on my blog? I love how you used Michelle Palmer's bwautiful sketches in your gift for your sister. And Happy Birthday wishes to your (older?) sister.
We are so glad to have you active again. Try not to over do it. XOXO

GardenOfDaisies said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better!! Your crafts from Elizabeth really made me smile... I have one of her pieces here too.

marie said...

Welcome back to blogging ~ I was so happy to see a post from you! I know how difficult it is to get back in the groove.
Love what you created with Michelle's sketches ~ you're so creative! Your sister will love it, I'm sure. I hope her really, really, really big birthday is really special!
I'm going to be praying that you stay in tip top shape until you can schedule the surgery. You take care friend ~ fearfully and wonderfully made, that's us!

Jane said...

Welcome back! So happy to hear that you're feeling better! We've missed you here.
The carrot bouquet is so cute, as are the Lennon Sisters! I was happy to receive Elizabeth's Valentine Mailman and some lovely cards.
Take care of yourself!
Jane-Jacksonville

Suz said...

Joyce,
I am so glad to see you back! I do worry about you and check on you when you were gone and as so glad when your friend gave us a report. I hope your body continues to head and you can have a successful surgery to get those diseased parts out! I wish I could get you a new healthier body but I have never figured out ho to do that for myself!
Just rest and relax...I am sooo glad to see you!
Big hugs,
Suz

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

When I saw you'd posted, I literally exhaled! I'm glad you're home and getting healthy for your surgery.

The Lennon sisters!!! Oh my gosh - my youth flashed before my very eyes!

Hey, do you remember the King family?

vivian said...

oh Joyce! I'm glad youre back home and feeling somewhat better. my husband had the same thing and had emergency surgery resulting in a temporary bag for 6 months.. It was awful for him. YOu take care now! dont want to see you back there! see you around my friend!
have a great day
vivian

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

How wonderful to see you back! And, what lovely gift's for your sisters BIG BIG birthday! Here's to your continued recovery and many many "feeling-great-and-crafting" days!!
PS...love the blog look!!!!

OH! PSS! why yes I DO remember the Lennon sisters! Wow..that make for me having a BIG BIG REALLY BIG birthday too, huh?

Unknown said...

Joyce,
I am so glad to hear you are feeling better! I have also been in a craft slump, but I got motivated the other day and have my box ready to go to my tag partner already! I had a ball but oh my gosh my room looks like a bomb went off....happy to see some of Elizabeth's things went to you! I reieved my box this week too and I got the wonderful Happy New Year figurine!!! And a cute little Xmas box and a wonderful Valentine....she had missed my comment so she had to scurry to find me some things, and they are perfect!!!!! I will miss her creations but I am so glad she is moving on...
On another note, my cousin had this surgery, she has done fine for years.....so hang in there....I hope to see you again soon! Scrapbooks Etc. had a garage sale that I was in....after all was said and done and they had taken their percentage I have a credit of $195.00 !!!!! Woo Hoo! Come on down and we will go shopping! LOL Love, Sandy

woodandfabric said...

oh Joyce, I'm so happy to see you here again! Oh my!! The frame you made is Gorgeous! I didn't know you were collecting carrots!!! LOL
Michelle *Ü*

Heidi said...

I agree with Sandy...you are one tough AND SWEET cookie! Do take good care now. I'm thrilled you are back online, but don't over do it!oooooooooooopp0ps....that was glue I was rubbing off my keyboard....

Your sis must have loved your gifts, wrappings and the crown! Watch for Amy Power's InspireCo next publication on birthdays, I've got a sweet project included (I think!).

Oh, and isn't stamping on fabric fun?
Hugs! Heidi

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

I'm SO SO HAPPY to read that you're feeling better. You will continue to be in my prayers, Joyce.
I love the beautiful gift you made for Barb, using Michelle Palmer's amazing art. You did a wonderful job! : )
Take it easy...and take care.
xo,
Mary Lou

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