Thank you to all of you who kept my blog alive in my absence. I think it's the first time I've been away from it for over a year! I missed all of you, terribly. I DID get a chance to look at the comments on Saturday, but I couldn't do more than that. I appreciate that some of you left them, even though you knew I probably wouldn't be able to get online. They made my day. I just wish I would have had the opportunity to at least post a little hi, but I didn't and so I had to wait 'til I got home.
I'm glad that Blogger did a good job of the automatic posting for me. I set it up on Tuesday, just in case I didn't have access and I'm so glad I did. I was very worried that things might get screwed up but, apparently, it was for nothing. All went well. Since I didn't have any access to the internet, a few things got left undone...like my sidebar and the DigiScrapDepot links. I didn't have any email access, either, so all of your email went unanswered. I received it about 4 o'clock this afternoon but just didn't have any time to get it answered. That's why none of the layouts you've sent me got into the slide show. That's another job for tomorrow.
I'm going to concentrate on my post first and then, if there's time, I'll tell you all about my week in the Message Center.
Tonight, I have the final part of Louisiana Lady's gorgeous Daughter Brag Book Series. I hope you will have picked up Parts 1, 2 & 3. If not, check on the sidebar of my blog under My Freebie Archives for the link to the blog to get them. They are a fabulous set of pages that you don't want to miss out on. They'll be perfect for all those pictures you took on Mother's Day.
If you'd like Part 4 of Louisiana Lady's Daughter Brag Book, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
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I received a few fabulous new template from Genie while I was away. I'd like to share the first one with you tonight. It's the 23rd Template she's made to share with you. I know I've told you many times before, these templates are very easy to use. There are instructions for those of you who haven't tried it yet under the heading Tutorials on the sidebar of my blog. The layers in Genie's templates are clearly marked and very easy to use. Why not give it a try? If you look carefully, you will see that there is a chipboard edge on the round mat. Genie has included instructions on how to recolor this layer and keep the chipboard edge.
If you'd like Genie's Template #21, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
I received a few fabulous new template from Genie while I was away. I'd like to share the first one with you tonight. It's the 23rd Template she's made to share with you. I know I've told you many times before, these templates are very easy to use. There are instructions for those of you who haven't tried it yet under the heading Tutorials on the sidebar of my blog. The layers in Genie's templates are clearly marked and very easy to use. Why not give it a try? If you look carefully, you will see that there is a chipboard edge on the round mat. Genie has included instructions on how to recolor this layer and keep the chipboard edge.
If you'd like Genie's Template #21, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
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I have a gorgeous quickpage that Mags made using a variety of items. She's begun with my Butterfly Series paper and added my Cloisonne Disc, which she's cut to use as a frame! Just look at all the tiny pearls she's put around the outside of it! Absolutely stunning frame! She's made another beautiful cluster of flowers and greenery for the corner and she's trimmed it up with lace..as she did the upper corners. Of course, they've been embellished with gemstones! Mags also has a passion for perfume bottles and here's one of her collectibles, photographed, cut and adding a wonderful touch to this quickpage. Doesn't Mags have a flair for these pages? Each one is a treat to look at. Mags has added one of her collectible vintage pictures to complete this layout.
Mags has also made a quickpage to share with you. I've called it Essence.
If you'd like Mags' Essence Quickpage, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
I have a gorgeous quickpage that Mags made using a variety of items. She's begun with my Butterfly Series paper and added my Cloisonne Disc, which she's cut to use as a frame! Just look at all the tiny pearls she's put around the outside of it! Absolutely stunning frame! She's made another beautiful cluster of flowers and greenery for the corner and she's trimmed it up with lace..as she did the upper corners. Of course, they've been embellished with gemstones! Mags also has a passion for perfume bottles and here's one of her collectibles, photographed, cut and adding a wonderful touch to this quickpage. Doesn't Mags have a flair for these pages? Each one is a treat to look at. Mags has added one of her collectible vintage pictures to complete this layout.
Mags has also made a quickpage to share with you. I've called it Essence.
If you'd like Mags' Essence Quickpage, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
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I have a little package of 16 Pastel Bows for you tonight. They were made with the paper from the Mother Kit. Of course, I've recolored it to give you a nice spectrum of colors. There are 8 colors, in all, but I've given you one bright and one subdued bow in each.
If you'd like the Pastel Bows, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
I have a little package of 16 Pastel Bows for you tonight. They were made with the paper from the Mother Kit. Of course, I've recolored it to give you a nice spectrum of colors. There are 8 colors, in all, but I've given you one bright and one subdued bow in each.
If you'd like the Pastel Bows, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
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Cra-Z-cat has made another adorable layout of Rebecca. This time, she's busily blowing bubbles. Remember those days? I used to LOVE bubbles. I was a Master Bubbleer. I could blow gigundo bubbles! Rebecca is getting an early start so she might just take over my title.
Cra-Z-cat has used the Primary Plaids Kit for her layout. She's started with the blue plaid paper for her background and cut the other papers into mats and given them a sewn edge. She's put a special edge on her pictures for a different look. Those cute little butterflies embellish the page. I love the journaling around the edge of the middle mat. Such a good idea! That lighter mat is just perfect for that. I also like how Cra-Z-cat's tucked the two pictures beneath the top mat and taken them off the page. It's a great layout, Cra-Z-cat. Thank you for making it and sending it in.
Cra-Z-cat has made a quickpage to share with all of you.
If you'd like Cra-Z-cat's Primary Plaids Quickpage #2, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
Cra-Z-cat has made another adorable layout of Rebecca. This time, she's busily blowing bubbles. Remember those days? I used to LOVE bubbles. I was a Master Bubbleer. I could blow gigundo bubbles! Rebecca is getting an early start so she might just take over my title.
Cra-Z-cat has used the Primary Plaids Kit for her layout. She's started with the blue plaid paper for her background and cut the other papers into mats and given them a sewn edge. She's put a special edge on her pictures for a different look. Those cute little butterflies embellish the page. I love the journaling around the edge of the middle mat. Such a good idea! That lighter mat is just perfect for that. I also like how Cra-Z-cat's tucked the two pictures beneath the top mat and taken them off the page. It's a great layout, Cra-Z-cat. Thank you for making it and sending it in.
Cra-Z-cat has made a quickpage to share with all of you.
If you'd like Cra-Z-cat's Primary Plaids Quickpage #2, click here to download. Please don't hotlink to this file. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here to my blog. Thank you.
***
Prayer Chain
It's time to remember some of our friends who are in need of our intercessory prayer. It's a great comfort to them to know that we care enough to include them in our prayers.
I received some good news from Misty Lady while I was away. Misty Lady wrote: "Just want to say thank you for all the prayers, think they helped. What was supposed to be something simple turned very complicated and I ended up needing surgery and have been in and out of the hospital but according to my doctor she said I must have a guardian angel. Other then low energy, the worst is over." We're very glad to hear that, Misty. Welcome back!
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son's Name. We ask you, mercifully, to hear us as we make our prayers and supplications to you. Grant that those things which we faithfully ask, according to your will, may effectually be obtained. Give us grateful hearts, O Father, and make us mindful of the needs of others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We ask your blessing and healing for our friends we name: Irene, Rita, Mrs. C and family, Larry, James, Juliet, Brendan, Ken, Logan, Rachel, Mags, Kim, Anne, shelbz, Kathy, Destiny, silverghost, Catt, Jamie, David, Ryan, Spencer, Claudia, Sandie, and Jane. Fill them with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and guard their hearts and minds with Your settling presence.
We ask you also, Heavenly Father to watch over those in the military who are serving their countries. We especially ask you to take Joe S., Devon, Bill, Mandy, shelbz's husband, and Jacob into Your keeping. Defend them with Your grace, strengthen them in their trials. Give them courage to face any peril they may face. Grant them a sense of Your abiding presence wherever they go. Give them an overwhelming awareness of Your love. Be with their families, especially Geralyn, Lizzie, and others, and give them strength to cope with all that they have to endure.
We know your power and we know your might. We ask that you deliver all who are battling drug addiction from their bondage. Give them peace and patience as they work through their issues. Set them free, Lord, so that they may resume their normal lives. Lead them not into temptation but deliver them from evil. Help their families to forgive them even though they have been badly hurt.
Lord, please Bless Linda S's son, and all who are incarcerated. Let Your Perfect Justice cut through and aid them now. Grant them Mercy so that they may be released at the earliest possible moment and go home to their families.
Defend us, deliver us, and in your compassion protect us, O Lord, by your grace. Amen.
Irene - Louisiana Lady's husband's aunt - Blocked arteries
Rita - Bet's Mom - In hospital recovering from a stroke
Adult Children - battling drug addiction
Linda S's son - currently incarcerated and hoping for parole.
Larry - grieving the loss of his wife and dealing with emotional difficulties
Mrs. C. and family - dealing with emotional and physical difficulties
James - Louisiana Lady's husband's uncle who is in the hospital
Juliet - recovering from surgery
Brendan - fighting pneumonia
Rachel - recovering from a stroke
Mags - living with debilitating arthritic pain
Kim - recently diagnosed with cancer
Anne - swelling issues with her legs
shelbz - fighting a courageous battle with cancer
Kathy - who is battling cancer
Destiny (Cra-Z-cat's great-niece) - Born at 27 weeks 4 days of pregnancy, weighing 1 pound 3 ounces.
silverghost - living with debilitating pain
Catt - living with MS
Jamie - living with MS
David - (my son) living with MS
Ryan - (Scrapee's son) living with leukemia
Spencer - (Kari's friend's son) living with leukemia
sandie - going through a difficult period.
Jane (Hayley's Mother) - Living with cancer
"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses of the Negev.
Those who sowed with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves."(Psalm 126)
Prayer Chain
It's time to remember some of our friends who are in need of our intercessory prayer. It's a great comfort to them to know that we care enough to include them in our prayers.
I received some good news from Misty Lady while I was away. Misty Lady wrote: "Just want to say thank you for all the prayers, think they helped. What was supposed to be something simple turned very complicated and I ended up needing surgery and have been in and out of the hospital but according to my doctor she said I must have a guardian angel. Other then low energy, the worst is over." We're very glad to hear that, Misty. Welcome back!
We ask your blessing and healing for our friends we name: Irene, Rita, Mrs. C and family, Larry, James, Juliet, Brendan, Ken, Logan, Rachel, Mags, Kim, Anne, shelbz, Kathy, Destiny, silverghost, Catt, Jamie, David, Ryan, Spencer, Claudia, Sandie, and Jane. Fill them with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and guard their hearts and minds with Your settling presence.
We ask you also, Heavenly Father to watch over those in the military who are serving their countries. We especially ask you to take Joe S., Devon, Bill, Mandy, shelbz's husband, and Jacob into Your keeping. Defend them with Your grace, strengthen them in their trials. Give them courage to face any peril they may face. Grant them a sense of Your abiding presence wherever they go. Give them an overwhelming awareness of Your love. Be with their families, especially Geralyn, Lizzie, and others, and give them strength to cope with all that they have to endure.
We know your power and we know your might. We ask that you deliver all who are battling drug addiction from their bondage. Give them peace and patience as they work through their issues. Set them free, Lord, so that they may resume their normal lives. Lead them not into temptation but deliver them from evil. Help their families to forgive them even though they have been badly hurt.
Lord, please Bless Linda S's son, and all who are incarcerated. Let Your Perfect Justice cut through and aid them now. Grant them Mercy so that they may be released at the earliest possible moment and go home to their families.
Defend us, deliver us, and in your compassion protect us, O Lord, by your grace. Amen.
Irene - Louisiana Lady's husband's aunt - Blocked arteries
Rita - Bet's Mom - In hospital recovering from a stroke
Adult Children - battling drug addiction
Linda S's son - currently incarcerated and hoping for parole.
Larry - grieving the loss of his wife and dealing with emotional difficulties
Mrs. C. and family - dealing with emotional and physical difficulties
James - Louisiana Lady's husband's uncle who is in the hospital
Juliet - recovering from surgery
Brendan - fighting pneumonia
Rachel - recovering from a stroke
Mags - living with debilitating arthritic pain
Kim - recently diagnosed with cancer
Anne - swelling issues with her legs
shelbz - fighting a courageous battle with cancer
Kathy - who is battling cancer
Destiny (Cra-Z-cat's great-niece) - Born at 27 weeks 4 days of pregnancy, weighing 1 pound 3 ounces.
silverghost - living with debilitating pain
Catt - living with MS
Jamie - living with MS
David - (my son) living with MS
Ryan - (Scrapee's son) living with leukemia
Spencer - (Kari's friend's son) living with leukemia
sandie - going through a difficult period.
Jane (Hayley's Mother) - Living with cancer
"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses of the Negev.
Those who sowed with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves."(Psalm 126)
***
Message Center
It's so good to be back. Now...just to get back to my normal routine. We've been out of town since last Wednesday and I've had no internet for the entire time! I think I'm in withdrawal. I won't bore you with the details but I'll just say we were doing a trade show in Vermont for the past 4 days! I loved it but it was tiring. It was a long trip, about 9 hours of driving each way and then 4 very busy days in the middle. We stopped, about half way home, last night, and spent the night at a lovely RV Resort that we've previously stayed in. It was a nice quiet evening with lots of time to regroup.
I'm a bit late getting started because, after we got home, I had to unload the motor home, do the laundry, put all the food away, unload the dishwasher, vacuum and clean the motor home, cook dinner, and type my blog. I'm pretty well finished for the night...lol. I don't have a lot of energy left and that glass of wine is looking better and better.
Thank you all for all the kind words that you left me while I was gone. I missed all of you, too. It was nice when I got to read the comments on Saturday. Your sweet words made me lonesome for home and my routine of answering you. I felt bad that I couldn't respond like I normally do. It's been a long week for everyone. I'm glad you enjoyed the freebies I gave out while I was gone. I tried to give you a mix of things so you wouldn't get bored. I didn't have a lot of material to choose from on such short notice but, once again, my girls came through for me and provided me with enough to get me through. What a great Creative Team they are! They never let me down. :)
I'll answer last night's comments, as a starter, since I'm getting such a late start, and I'll get back to my normal routine of answering my comments tomorrow. :)
Anne - I'm sorry you left and came back to find me gone! I know you said you were going to be busy. I hope everything is going well for you. I think your idea about telling everyone that you are going on vacation is a good one. It's very hard to do, though. I doubt you'd get much done, anyway. The loss of routine really throws you! I hope you finally managed to find yourself some computer time. Thank you for all your lovely comments. I missed you too. The trade show was fabulous and I had a wonderful time. We had a very busy booth and there were 6 of us working it and we never stopped! It was a very worthwhile venture. I did have a wonderful Mother's Day, even if I was on the road. I got to see my son and daughter-in-law and granddaughter on Saturday. I was only 3 hours drive from Cornwall, so I took Saturday off and drove there. Then, on Sunday, I talked to both of my daughters on Skype. I called my Mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day, so we all got to talk at one point. It's good to be home! Nice to sit at a desk in front of my computer, but I have a lot of sorting out to do, many emails to open and answer, layouts to file, QPs to file and make previews for, and all the other things that are required to run the blog. I think I'll be catching up for a few days! I hope you had some good Auntie Anne days while I was gone! School is almost over. Then, you'll have more time to spend with him.
Christine - Thank you for all your kind words. I could never have gone a week without giving all of you some freebies! I learned a few things about advance blogging...like how can I post to DigiScrapDepot, how can I amend my Freebie Archives in the sidebar, add the layouts, etc. I could have bought some internet on Friday night for $30.00 for three days but, since I wasn't going to be there, I figured it was a waste of time. I did try to get internet access from Bill's cousin's house but I couldn't connect with my laptop. I tried for about an hour and neither of our computers would connect. I was going to try to, at least, update the links so people wouldn't be confused. Other than that, I really had no time to do much. Those Holding the Sun photos were fabulous, weren't they? As far as I know, they were just good photography. No photoshopping. I hope others try to duplicate them and I get to see a few great layouts. It's good to be home. I'll look for you on Skype over the next few days. I hope you get a chance to get online.
Scrapcat4914 - Thank you for your big hug. I sure needed it! It was a marathon week, for us for sure. I think Bill was happy that we did this together. I did get a chance to rest, somewhat, at night but the days were very busy. I got to bed early every night. I think that's because we were exhausted. The mornings come very early in Vermont. I was up at 5:19 every morning. It was bright and sunny and the birds were singing...quite different from home. It is dark much longer, here. It is nice to get home, though. I think we missed the rain. Our driveway was soaked when we arrived, but we didn't see one drop on the trip. I'm not sure what the weather is for the next few days. I really haven't had a chance to look yet. There was so much to do when we got home. All I could think about was writing my blog. :) Hopefully this week will be normal...whatever that is! Did you manage to get your flower beds finished? I hope you did and that the rain didn't interfere with your plans, too much. Have you had any time for scrapping? You are one busy lady! I tried to access that web page you sent me but it told me I didn't have permission to view it. Is there any way you can show me the picture?
Cra-Z-cat - You were right. I wasn't at home and I didn't have the internet access to update the slide show. It'll be done soon. I have to get the blog done, first, and then try to catch up on all the other things I that have piled up in my absence. The automatic posting was great but it was a lot of work preparing the posts. I'm glad I did, however. I could never have handled the blog, too. Happy belated Mother's Day. I assume you had a great one! I certainly hope so, anyway. I know you'll be busy this week and I hope your mom and dad's move goes well. It must be so hard for them to leave their home. It will probably be an emotional week. If you get a chance to get online, drop me an email and let me know how you're doing. Talk to you soon.
cindiaskew - Thank you for taking time to leave a comment. You are very welcome. I'm glad you found some freebies you like. Welcome to the blog. I hope you'll leave another comment in the future.
Genie - Thank you for the new templates. I appreciate them. I'm so glad to hear that things are starting to get better in your lives. All that stress can't be too good! I hope you had a good Mother's Day. Did you get some computer time? Thanks for giving the explanation of the Red Hat Society. I didn't realize, when I wrote it, that some people might not know what that was. It was just that Suhrfer's layout reminded me of them. :) They always get dressed up here in the summer and do their thing in the park around Victorian Dazzle Days. They are cute to see. What am I talking about...THEY could be me...lol.
Bet - Thanks for all you sweet words. You are a kind woman. :) You always make me feel special. I did enjoy my time away from the blog but I didn't get any rest...lol. You're right, too. I AM itching to get caught up but it's going to take a couple of days, by the looks of it. How is your mom doing? I hope she is still showing some signs of improvement. She will stay on my prayer list as long as necessary. I've picked up your new quickpages but haven't had a chance to open them yet. 4 shared was acting up a bit earlier and I had a hard time with all my uploads and downloads. I'm not sure what was wrong. It just kept timing out. It seems okay now, though. It's good to be home. :)
JudyR - I guess I missed your terrible rain. It must have happened yesterday and earlier today, before we got home. Everything was soaked but we had no rain for our trip so that was good. Thanks for your new goodies. I opened the emails but haven't had a chance to do much with anything yet. That will be my tomorrow's job. I'm too pooped to pop tonight. I think I'll wait til tomorrow and, after I've had my first cup of coffee, I'll get busy trying to catch up with everything. Thanks for all your nice comments in my absence. I missed you, too. And all those funny little emails! I did get a chance to read them on Saturday. It made me feel like I was home. I hope you had a nice Mother's Day supper. :) My bacon and eggs were terrific! Nice crispy bacon...my favorite! We were disgusting. Bill and I ate the entire pound! How's that for a Mother's Day treat?
Lee in Fl - Sorry to hear you are still not getting much computer time. I'm rooting for you. I hope you had a nice Mother's Day. Things will work out. :)
Suhrfer - I didn't get much chance to sit and rest this week but you know the expression " A change is as good as a rest"? It's true. I had a fabulous time, though very busy! Happy Mother's Day to you, too. Hope you had a great time with the kids. Thanks for your detailed explanation of the Red Hat Society, too. Strange customs we have...lol. I had a day of travel today, but it was homeward so it was great! I love being away but I love coming home. Hopefully I've talked to you by the time you read this...unless you're too tired after your busy weekend. I miss our chats, too. As soon as I post my blog I'm going to research "normal" and see if I have a hope of getting there...I'll let you know if I achieve it. I am feeling much more energized. I was early to bed and early to rise for the past few days which is quite different from my usual routine. I am normally early to bed but that would be early in the morning! I'd forgotten how nice it was to sleep...lol. And...for your information...my email was full! Next time you leave a comment for me, please try to do it early in the day so that I don't have to come back and update it before I post...lol! And...remember...I'm the boss of you even though you're looking down on me. Now...CUT YOUR NAILS!
Misty - I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better. I hope you get all caught up on the freebies you missed. Happy Mother's Day to you, too. How was your swim with the dolphins? Now, you can download the dolphin I gave out the other day and use it in your layout. I HOPE someone took a picture of you doing it!
Galtscrapper - I think I missed my comment section as much as everyone else. I had no internet connection and don't you think that was frustrating! It was a lot of work to prepare the blogs...don't kid yourself. It took me most of 2 complete days to get it all done! I was really drained and didn't even care that I didn't have an internet connection the first night. It was much more difficult than I'd imagined but I had no alternative if I wanted to give out freebies while I was gone. I'm also glad I set them up to post automatically! I would have wasted all my time had I waited til the correct day and then found I couldn't do it! I'm glad to hear you may still end up with a vaginal delivery. Hope your blood tests went well. So, you're having another girl! There are many advantages to that when you think about it. It sounds like she might be a big one, too. My last daughter was only a little over 4 1/2 pounds when she was born. Just a tiny little thing. She wore doll clothes for the first few months. Her little socks tucked into her diaper...she had such short little legs. She was a bit premature. My others were close to 9 pounds, though. Please keep us informed about how you're feeling and what the doctor thinks.
Valj - Sorry I missed you. Of all the times for me to be away! Did you knock loudly? I guess I owe you a coffee, don't I? If you find some of that time on your daily travels, I could use some too...lol. Hope you had a fabulous Mother's Day. Did you have a family BBQ?
Kathy - Thanks for your support. I know you will all still be here when I get back (at least I hope you will be) but I still worry about not having something for you when you visit. I hate to disappoint people...especially those who have come to be my friends. It's for all of you that I do this. :) I'll be back to normal soon. (If I knew what normal was I could probably get there faster!)
Scangel - I'm glad you got your internet problem sorted out! I know how you felt...now multiply that by 5 and you'll know how I felt...lol. I am envious when you say you are going to pick strawberries. I LOVE fresh strawberries. I love to pick them, too. They are so much fresher. When we buy them in the stores, you have to eat them the same day, almost, or they get rotten! What a waste! I think my hubby really loved that I went with him and helped out. It was a great time! I learned lots, too, and had a great time talking to the public. We had the busiest booth in the trade show! I hope all that exposure pays off.
Beth - No, I wasn't stressed before I left, just very busy with not much time to get everything done. I managed, however, and didn't even forget anything! It was worth all the trouble I went to . I had a complete change of pace and loved it. I really haven't had a break from the blog since I've begun. I even try to do it while I'm on vacation, but I'm not sure how that's going to be this summer. I have a very hard time getting an internet connection while I'm at my mom's house. We bought a Verizon card but it doesn't work in Canada, so that idea is out! Thank you for your prayers. I had a wonderful and busy time! But it was fantastic! I'm anxious for the next show...now that I've had a taste of it.
CactusFreek - Glad you liked the treehouse! I thought it was pretty wild, myself. Welcome to the blog. :)
Message Center
It's so good to be back. Now...just to get back to my normal routine. We've been out of town since last Wednesday and I've had no internet for the entire time! I think I'm in withdrawal. I won't bore you with the details but I'll just say we were doing a trade show in Vermont for the past 4 days! I loved it but it was tiring. It was a long trip, about 9 hours of driving each way and then 4 very busy days in the middle. We stopped, about half way home, last night, and spent the night at a lovely RV Resort that we've previously stayed in. It was a nice quiet evening with lots of time to regroup.
I'm a bit late getting started because, after we got home, I had to unload the motor home, do the laundry, put all the food away, unload the dishwasher, vacuum and clean the motor home, cook dinner, and type my blog. I'm pretty well finished for the night...lol. I don't have a lot of energy left and that glass of wine is looking better and better.
Thank you all for all the kind words that you left me while I was gone. I missed all of you, too. It was nice when I got to read the comments on Saturday. Your sweet words made me lonesome for home and my routine of answering you. I felt bad that I couldn't respond like I normally do. It's been a long week for everyone. I'm glad you enjoyed the freebies I gave out while I was gone. I tried to give you a mix of things so you wouldn't get bored. I didn't have a lot of material to choose from on such short notice but, once again, my girls came through for me and provided me with enough to get me through. What a great Creative Team they are! They never let me down. :)
I'll answer last night's comments, as a starter, since I'm getting such a late start, and I'll get back to my normal routine of answering my comments tomorrow. :)
Anne - I'm sorry you left and came back to find me gone! I know you said you were going to be busy. I hope everything is going well for you. I think your idea about telling everyone that you are going on vacation is a good one. It's very hard to do, though. I doubt you'd get much done, anyway. The loss of routine really throws you! I hope you finally managed to find yourself some computer time. Thank you for all your lovely comments. I missed you too. The trade show was fabulous and I had a wonderful time. We had a very busy booth and there were 6 of us working it and we never stopped! It was a very worthwhile venture. I did have a wonderful Mother's Day, even if I was on the road. I got to see my son and daughter-in-law and granddaughter on Saturday. I was only 3 hours drive from Cornwall, so I took Saturday off and drove there. Then, on Sunday, I talked to both of my daughters on Skype. I called my Mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day, so we all got to talk at one point. It's good to be home! Nice to sit at a desk in front of my computer, but I have a lot of sorting out to do, many emails to open and answer, layouts to file, QPs to file and make previews for, and all the other things that are required to run the blog. I think I'll be catching up for a few days! I hope you had some good Auntie Anne days while I was gone! School is almost over. Then, you'll have more time to spend with him.
Christine - Thank you for all your kind words. I could never have gone a week without giving all of you some freebies! I learned a few things about advance blogging...like how can I post to DigiScrapDepot, how can I amend my Freebie Archives in the sidebar, add the layouts, etc. I could have bought some internet on Friday night for $30.00 for three days but, since I wasn't going to be there, I figured it was a waste of time. I did try to get internet access from Bill's cousin's house but I couldn't connect with my laptop. I tried for about an hour and neither of our computers would connect. I was going to try to, at least, update the links so people wouldn't be confused. Other than that, I really had no time to do much. Those Holding the Sun photos were fabulous, weren't they? As far as I know, they were just good photography. No photoshopping. I hope others try to duplicate them and I get to see a few great layouts. It's good to be home. I'll look for you on Skype over the next few days. I hope you get a chance to get online.
Scrapcat4914 - Thank you for your big hug. I sure needed it! It was a marathon week, for us for sure. I think Bill was happy that we did this together. I did get a chance to rest, somewhat, at night but the days were very busy. I got to bed early every night. I think that's because we were exhausted. The mornings come very early in Vermont. I was up at 5:19 every morning. It was bright and sunny and the birds were singing...quite different from home. It is dark much longer, here. It is nice to get home, though. I think we missed the rain. Our driveway was soaked when we arrived, but we didn't see one drop on the trip. I'm not sure what the weather is for the next few days. I really haven't had a chance to look yet. There was so much to do when we got home. All I could think about was writing my blog. :) Hopefully this week will be normal...whatever that is! Did you manage to get your flower beds finished? I hope you did and that the rain didn't interfere with your plans, too much. Have you had any time for scrapping? You are one busy lady! I tried to access that web page you sent me but it told me I didn't have permission to view it. Is there any way you can show me the picture?
Cra-Z-cat - You were right. I wasn't at home and I didn't have the internet access to update the slide show. It'll be done soon. I have to get the blog done, first, and then try to catch up on all the other things I that have piled up in my absence. The automatic posting was great but it was a lot of work preparing the posts. I'm glad I did, however. I could never have handled the blog, too. Happy belated Mother's Day. I assume you had a great one! I certainly hope so, anyway. I know you'll be busy this week and I hope your mom and dad's move goes well. It must be so hard for them to leave their home. It will probably be an emotional week. If you get a chance to get online, drop me an email and let me know how you're doing. Talk to you soon.
cindiaskew - Thank you for taking time to leave a comment. You are very welcome. I'm glad you found some freebies you like. Welcome to the blog. I hope you'll leave another comment in the future.
Genie - Thank you for the new templates. I appreciate them. I'm so glad to hear that things are starting to get better in your lives. All that stress can't be too good! I hope you had a good Mother's Day. Did you get some computer time? Thanks for giving the explanation of the Red Hat Society. I didn't realize, when I wrote it, that some people might not know what that was. It was just that Suhrfer's layout reminded me of them. :) They always get dressed up here in the summer and do their thing in the park around Victorian Dazzle Days. They are cute to see. What am I talking about...THEY could be me...lol.
Bet - Thanks for all you sweet words. You are a kind woman. :) You always make me feel special. I did enjoy my time away from the blog but I didn't get any rest...lol. You're right, too. I AM itching to get caught up but it's going to take a couple of days, by the looks of it. How is your mom doing? I hope she is still showing some signs of improvement. She will stay on my prayer list as long as necessary. I've picked up your new quickpages but haven't had a chance to open them yet. 4 shared was acting up a bit earlier and I had a hard time with all my uploads and downloads. I'm not sure what was wrong. It just kept timing out. It seems okay now, though. It's good to be home. :)
JudyR - I guess I missed your terrible rain. It must have happened yesterday and earlier today, before we got home. Everything was soaked but we had no rain for our trip so that was good. Thanks for your new goodies. I opened the emails but haven't had a chance to do much with anything yet. That will be my tomorrow's job. I'm too pooped to pop tonight. I think I'll wait til tomorrow and, after I've had my first cup of coffee, I'll get busy trying to catch up with everything. Thanks for all your nice comments in my absence. I missed you, too. And all those funny little emails! I did get a chance to read them on Saturday. It made me feel like I was home. I hope you had a nice Mother's Day supper. :) My bacon and eggs were terrific! Nice crispy bacon...my favorite! We were disgusting. Bill and I ate the entire pound! How's that for a Mother's Day treat?
Lee in Fl - Sorry to hear you are still not getting much computer time. I'm rooting for you. I hope you had a nice Mother's Day. Things will work out. :)
Suhrfer - I didn't get much chance to sit and rest this week but you know the expression " A change is as good as a rest"? It's true. I had a fabulous time, though very busy! Happy Mother's Day to you, too. Hope you had a great time with the kids. Thanks for your detailed explanation of the Red Hat Society, too. Strange customs we have...lol. I had a day of travel today, but it was homeward so it was great! I love being away but I love coming home. Hopefully I've talked to you by the time you read this...unless you're too tired after your busy weekend. I miss our chats, too. As soon as I post my blog I'm going to research "normal" and see if I have a hope of getting there...I'll let you know if I achieve it. I am feeling much more energized. I was early to bed and early to rise for the past few days which is quite different from my usual routine. I am normally early to bed but that would be early in the morning! I'd forgotten how nice it was to sleep...lol. And...for your information...my email was full! Next time you leave a comment for me, please try to do it early in the day so that I don't have to come back and update it before I post...lol! And...remember...I'm the boss of you even though you're looking down on me. Now...CUT YOUR NAILS!
Misty - I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better. I hope you get all caught up on the freebies you missed. Happy Mother's Day to you, too. How was your swim with the dolphins? Now, you can download the dolphin I gave out the other day and use it in your layout. I HOPE someone took a picture of you doing it!
Galtscrapper - I think I missed my comment section as much as everyone else. I had no internet connection and don't you think that was frustrating! It was a lot of work to prepare the blogs...don't kid yourself. It took me most of 2 complete days to get it all done! I was really drained and didn't even care that I didn't have an internet connection the first night. It was much more difficult than I'd imagined but I had no alternative if I wanted to give out freebies while I was gone. I'm also glad I set them up to post automatically! I would have wasted all my time had I waited til the correct day and then found I couldn't do it! I'm glad to hear you may still end up with a vaginal delivery. Hope your blood tests went well. So, you're having another girl! There are many advantages to that when you think about it. It sounds like she might be a big one, too. My last daughter was only a little over 4 1/2 pounds when she was born. Just a tiny little thing. She wore doll clothes for the first few months. Her little socks tucked into her diaper...she had such short little legs. She was a bit premature. My others were close to 9 pounds, though. Please keep us informed about how you're feeling and what the doctor thinks.
Valj - Sorry I missed you. Of all the times for me to be away! Did you knock loudly? I guess I owe you a coffee, don't I? If you find some of that time on your daily travels, I could use some too...lol. Hope you had a fabulous Mother's Day. Did you have a family BBQ?
Kathy - Thanks for your support. I know you will all still be here when I get back (at least I hope you will be) but I still worry about not having something for you when you visit. I hate to disappoint people...especially those who have come to be my friends. It's for all of you that I do this. :) I'll be back to normal soon. (If I knew what normal was I could probably get there faster!)
Scangel - I'm glad you got your internet problem sorted out! I know how you felt...now multiply that by 5 and you'll know how I felt...lol. I am envious when you say you are going to pick strawberries. I LOVE fresh strawberries. I love to pick them, too. They are so much fresher. When we buy them in the stores, you have to eat them the same day, almost, or they get rotten! What a waste! I think my hubby really loved that I went with him and helped out. It was a great time! I learned lots, too, and had a great time talking to the public. We had the busiest booth in the trade show! I hope all that exposure pays off.
Beth - No, I wasn't stressed before I left, just very busy with not much time to get everything done. I managed, however, and didn't even forget anything! It was worth all the trouble I went to . I had a complete change of pace and loved it. I really haven't had a break from the blog since I've begun. I even try to do it while I'm on vacation, but I'm not sure how that's going to be this summer. I have a very hard time getting an internet connection while I'm at my mom's house. We bought a Verizon card but it doesn't work in Canada, so that idea is out! Thank you for your prayers. I had a wonderful and busy time! But it was fantastic! I'm anxious for the next show...now that I've had a taste of it.
CactusFreek - Glad you liked the treehouse! I thought it was pretty wild, myself. Welcome to the blog. :)
***
Well, I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. I tried to go back to all the posts since I was gone and answer all of you. Thanks, also, to those of you who leave your support and thanks in 4 shared. The comments are very important to us. That's the only way to know if you like what we give you. We all appreciate that you take time to leave them. Please don't be afraid to leave a comment in the comment section of the blog so I can answer you.
It's nice to type the blog on the actual day, again. I'm sorry I didn't have time for more. It's getting late, now and I have to upload the files to 4 shared.
Before I go, I will leave you with another picture. Since the Holding the Sun pictures were so well received, I'll see if I have one more good one in the file. Here's one that fits right in with your idea, Cra-Z-cat.
See you all tomorrow.
It's nice to be back.
Hugs.
:)
ps...I DID get the layouts uploaded to the slide show...so have a look when you get a chance.
Well, I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. I tried to go back to all the posts since I was gone and answer all of you. Thanks, also, to those of you who leave your support and thanks in 4 shared. The comments are very important to us. That's the only way to know if you like what we give you. We all appreciate that you take time to leave them. Please don't be afraid to leave a comment in the comment section of the blog so I can answer you.
It's nice to type the blog on the actual day, again. I'm sorry I didn't have time for more. It's getting late, now and I have to upload the files to 4 shared.
Before I go, I will leave you with another picture. Since the Holding the Sun pictures were so well received, I'll see if I have one more good one in the file. Here's one that fits right in with your idea, Cra-Z-cat.
See you all tomorrow.
It's nice to be back.
Hugs.
:)
ps...I DID get the layouts uploaded to the slide show...so have a look when you get a chance.
