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I will share my scrapbooking, mixed media art, sewing projects, jewelry pieces and a bit about me & my life. Enjoy!

December 9, 2010

Bleh

I'm finding it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. I always do.  Christmas isn't one of my favorite holidays, mainly due to family dynamics (it is what it is) but also for me it should be a time of family gatherings, sharing traditions and living in the moment.  But mostly of giving, giving of yourself, giving love, peace, joy and forget all about the drama and commercialism.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy receiving presents, but I prefer giving (as long as people appreciate them!!) but let's face it, most peole around me can all afford to get what we need. But we all seem to prefer to stress ourselves out and spend way more money than we should, or need.

Two years ago, in early December, I had my first partial knee replacement.  I only had 2 weeks notice of the surgery, so I had to finish up a whole bunch of stuff at work, which left me no time to do my Christmas shopping. And after the surgery, I was so drugged up that I literrally don't remember much of the 4 months of my life.  So hubby and I decided to make donations to World Vision on behalf of our family members, as their Christmas gifts.  We carefully picked who would give student books, packsacks, buy a goat, a pig, etc, we truly enjoyed picking these out and tried to personalize them.  We were very happy doing this and we couldn't wait to see our family's reactions.  I must admit, I was dissapointed. Some family members were grateful, some, I don't know.  Well I guess I do, since they didn't say a darn thing.  Isn't Christmas about giving??? Come on!

Since I met my husband, we have been spending our Christmas' on the East Coast.  This year, we are spending it with my family in Northern Ontario. I won't get into it, but the family dynamics make me cringe, but I'm going to give it one more try.  I think it helps that we are doing something different this year.  My mom had decided she wasn't buying gifts, my sister had asked about exchanging gifts, and I came up with the idea of doing the Chinese Exchange game (thanks to my friends who suggested it) and that's what we are doing.  It looks like it will be a fun game and God knows, we need some laughter in my mom's house at Christmas time.  And, I'm hoping that we can get back into the only one tradition I had started, sliding down the mountain.  Hopefully, we'll be able to get some ski-dooing in too!

So needless to say, I haven't been very creative on the artsy side, other than making about 50 cards.  But those are at the floral shop for sale.  Cause God knows I will not be sending those out, only to see them appear on the floor, all torn and trampled on!  Yes that's happened - more than once! If only they knew that some of those cards can take me 2 hours to make! like geeze!

So take some time and think about what Christmas really means to you.  And in the hustle and bustle of it all, try to give a little bit of your time, to those in need.  And I'm not only talking about giving money, but how about giving of yourself.

Actually, take a moment and look at this video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_3BEwpv0dM

November 27, 2010

Holiday Cards

Well I'm back from a wonderful little holiday with my family & friends in Northern Ontario. I had a blast. It certainly rejuvenated me and I decided to create some holiday cards today.  I viewed the demo videos on Tim Holtz blog this morning and decided to do some of his distressing and embossing techniques. Hope you enjoy!




I will be making more and they will be for sale at our local florist shop :)

November 11, 2010

Peace..not War

I am always sad on this day... I cry so much.  I hurt for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives, who lost their lives, and who are living today re-living the hell.  And I hurt for their families.  I cry for the little kids who don't get to see their mommy & daddy cause they went to heaven.  I cry for the spouse who never gets to grow old with their loved one... and I cry for everyone who is so touched by all of this.


I am also so thankful to have been given the priveledge to work with many peacekeepers who have gone on international missions to make other countries a better place to live.  I am grateful to family and friends who continue to work with veterans & their families, and to our soldiers & families, and to those who work in policing as well.  I SALUTE YOU!

R.I.P. To Uncle Frank Ames (Korean War), Uncle Harry MacCoy (Korean War), to C/Supt Doug Coates who died during the Haiti earthquake while commanding an UN Mission - you were an awesome boss!  R.I.P. to Martin Goudreault from my hometown who died this year. ...just to name a few.

Today, I realized that I grew, as when I cried, I also felt an overwhelming sense of relief & joy.   I am so grateful to life and to live in such a beautiful country. OH CANADA!




Uncle Harry MacCoy

C/Supt Doug Coates funeral

C/Supt Doug Coates - R.I.P.
Sometimes we are at war with our own selves. Making peace with that part of ourselves is a huge step towards peace.  It is worth it to travel to whatever lengths you need to go to feel peace. Sometimes its in front of you, sometimes you have to make really tough choices or go to great lengths to feel at peace.  Whatever it takes, it is worth it.  Always go where their ispeace, especially the peace within your heart.  May there be peace within you.

November 7, 2010

Just before you settle in Winter...

Fall is my favourite time of year.  I love the colours, the weather and the events (Thanksgiving & Hallowe'en).  So I will share with you a couple scrapbooking pages I have done.


We were very fortunate to have my parents over for Thanksgiving weekend this year.  We had a lovely weekend.  We went apple picking and visited the local cranberry farm.


And we received more relatives for Thanksgiving dinner. I am very grateful for these memories.


Is this it ? Well, is it ??? Time will tell...

If I only knew....
...how long it would take me
to create you....
...I would of hired someone
to design you...
....you damn blog!  LOL