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