what's on my workdesk this wednesday?

a cat and a catch up,

Schrodinger's cat

Also on my desk - makings from Saturdays 'Vickies Stampers Club' this here is a collapsible box type thing card do dar what not,  that was taught by Jo of Jozart, I did mine as a collage and added metal

my version of the 'box' card

other people did some lovely designs

we also did speed tag making in a pass the parcel style to limber up before the serious stuff, all done to a good old sing song (good for the soul)

some of our group are more shy than others, but we all know how to have a good time, and despite us all having a bit of bother in our lives at the moment, coming and taking part in this group on Saturday lifted all our spirits, I perhaps will also mention Neet - who I will go visit in virtual space to check out her desk in a minute, was unable to lead her class, so Jo and I charged to the rescue with the speed tagging and box card making... I so hope Neet is taking it easy and recovering from her 'hiccough'

Lynne gave me a most gorgeous belated birthday card

Jo in full on teach mode

I stayed at Jo's the night before and we were talking until 2am, she gave me bags of good stuff, and I still have to mail her her goodies, but did remember to drop off a couple of promised items to her...it was so fantastic to be in a 'real' group and have crafting fun.  If you are anywhere near Warrington/Padgate the group can be joined via the Yahoo group called Vickies Stampers - just follow the joining instructions.

how long have we got? the race is ON

here's one to do before you die:

travel from Bayeux (do the tapestry) and Winchester (do the cathedral) in the same day

be open to the history - walk the same path people have walked for over two thousand years in a 12 hour stint. Cram centuries of history into one day and tell me your head isn't spinning.

Then tell me that humanity isn't impressive -  if you can -  after seeing what we are capable of.  It struck me that, if you want to be remembered forever,  you need to make an impressive mark on the world - and usually it isn't for being nice.

Today?

As I left England on my birthday 17th April -  a lady was buried. Now she won't be forgotten...and my best friend laid her father in law to rest too,

as I returned to the UK another lady was laid to rest, I knew her from when we were both 18, in our group we did the maths and statistically we knew by now a number of us would be dead some, as in her case, to cancer.

she was 48, as am I, and my mom died 37 years ago of breast cancer at age 36 - I always thought it would be me that would be the statistic of the one in four, and yet here i am.

 Alison spent her whole life in service to others.  She made a difference to a huge number of people and now she is gone.  If you are anywhere near 50 sand certainly if you are 60 I'm sure if you pull out the graduation photo of your cohort a number of them will no longer be with us either.

She did not have long enough. So many don't.
Today I am grateful I have time to waste and no end of life to face just yet.  I will die happy knowing, unlike my Mom, I saw my kids grow up.  That was the biggest tick I needed on my bucket list - all the rest is gravy.

Here is a gallery of images from the last five days - click on the image to see in full screen

Please make sure you give generously to the race for life this May.

Rocking my world friday

I received a circle journal from Virginia this week and as well as mail art and the journal; she gave me holiday fodder, gorgeous stuff that I have been stroking and admiring, and I totally forgot to say thank you, or blog it,

holiday fodder from Virginia

So I thought I could tell you what has rocked my world this week and say thanks, so:

1. Thanks V...

2.  Whilst I know the card was sent tongue in cheek - I am glad this week that I am  a 'graceful under pressure' person,  strong on personal integrity, I have managed to get through the week and maintain our reputation when things could have gone horribly wrong.

3. My son has survived the first week of owning a car and not killing himself or anyone else (although he has scared himself and the neighbours a couple of times...)

4. Remembering I love The Killers courtesy of the CJ (ta Sonja) and enjoying listening to their latest album

5. Being so busy and climbing so many stairs that I have not gained a single pound but have eaten gluttonous amounts of chocolate this week (= graceful under pressure but gives in to chocolate when stressed)

6.  Falling in love with my Man for standing up for me (and he even knows when to do it as usually I am firmly standing on my own two feet without assistance)

7. Driving down the street only to see my brother (and dog) stranded mid poo and in need of a 'sac pour merde de chein' (dog poo bag) and being able to emergency stop hazard lights flashing and fling an (empty) poo bag at him shouting at the top of my voice "YOUNG MAN PICK THAT UP", only to be applauded by passers by...(who didn't know we are related!)

8. Feeling like I am okay about things that I cannot do anything about, losing that horrid sense of being overwhelmed, finally being able to talk to someone about Sarah without crying

9.  Loving sending off mail art babies journals and things and getting junk in the mail everyday

10 Being a small part of a big world, I like to thing I am making a difference.