I am so thankful for all of the kindness from friends and this includes my sweet friend Sandi.  This is one of the cards she sent me and it simply made me smile ear to ear.   Thank you Sandi.

And last night Jennifer and Colin came to visit.  There is nothing better than Colin to make you laugh and forget all of your cares in the world.   The word blessing doesn't even fully cover what he is.  He brought this...

I smile when I look at it and think of him.  It was fun to see Jennifer too because we haven't seen each other for longer than usual!   :-(    Good medicine all around.

Another card I received that put a big smile on my face.   Love you, Jennifer, and thank you.

The card drive list is not done yet.  I expect to get the final entry slips next week.   I will update the list and then we will begin the prize drawings!  I've heard from several of you who haven't seen your name show up yet and we'll get it all settled once I've created the final list.  There will still be a few days where I will give you a chance to send me corrections.  Thanks all!

I saw this on a Paper Crafts Facebook post...

We'd love for you all to help -- Diana Harrison Biorkman has a 5-yr old son in his last stages of a 2 1/2 year battle with Neuroblastoma cancer. They are celebrating Christmas THIS weekend and Noah loves Christmas cards. Please take a minute to send a card to: Noah Biorkman, 1141 Fountain View Circle, South Lyon MI 48178.

I know that many of you are all over Christmas cards already.  If you have a few minutes make a card for Noah to make this last Christmas of his special. 

Jennifer has posted information about the Kate/Eric card drives and new ones to come.    Go here to see more.

I had my knee surgery about a week ago (and I'm making steady progress).  Through this experience I have learned what a difference small jestures make to lifting someone's spirits. An email, a phone call, a card.   It means so much. This has given me even greater passion to reach out to others.  And these card drives are such an easy and important way to do that.

Holly mentioned the card drive in yesterday's update on Kate. Check here.   Jennifer and I just sent more boxes to them.   It makes me happy to know that these lift their spirits.

Sounds like being home has been good medicine for Kate but they are about to start round 4.

I'm bummed to tell you that this class at Stamp Your Art Out on 10/27-10/29 has been postponed.  I am not sure when it will be scheduled but it will be!  I have the cards all ready to go and can't wait for you to play with these paints.

I so appreciate the emails I've received with concerns for my health.    I figure there's nothing terribly secret about what's happenin' so I might as well share it here so those who are concerned won't be.   Believe it or not, I need to have two surgeries --- first knee surgery, then gallbladder surgery.    I know -- when it rains it pours.  I am hoping to get on with the knee one next week. The GB one will happen when I've recovered from the first one. 

If I'm being honest, I'd much rather not have to do this but I am reminded daily of this Scripture that has always been very important to me.   Romans 8:28 -- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.   I don't know what God has planned for me through this but I know He has already drawn me closer. My strength to face this comes from Him. And my gratitude to Him that neither of these are life threatening.   Just bumps in the road. Others face so much worse.

I hope to get back in my studio soon and have new creations to share.  In the meantime,  thank you so much for your caring concern. 

We are well past 1300 cards.  Whoa!  And this doesn't even include any that arrived this week.   Please check the link on the right column of my blog to make sure your cards are recorded. 

I don't usually call out anyone in particular but how exciting to see an entry from my hometown -- Greensburg, PA. Thank you Christine!

First let me apologize for being MIA lately.   I'm working through some health issues that are keeping me occupied and probably will be awhile longer.   Thankfully nothing life threatening that anyone has to worry about.  But I've not spent much time creating.  I really must get back in my craft room.   I miss it.  I hope to do that soon.

This is from a recent class.    We stamped an image in distress ink and then quickly brushed on some pearl Perfect Pearls for a shimmery finish. Simple!

Supplies:  Hero Arts notecard, stamps, pearls,  Antique Linen and Broken China Distress Ink, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Perfect pearls, Martha Stewart butterfly punch

And one tip on using Perfect Pearls.  As you can see, mine is far from perfect as I still have some PP on the non stamped part.  I brushed it and couldn't get it off.  Well, I asked Jennifer what the trick is.  She said brush and brush and brush and brush -- violently!  :-)    Hmmm... missed the violently part.  I'll do better next time!   :-)