Thank You

I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words in this difficult time. I've been overwhelmed with love and support from places I never expected and from those who proved once again they can be counted on. For this I'm grateful to each of you.
I have nothing to post in the way of a craft but I wanted to let you know I'm hanging in there. I haven't been in the mood to stamp for about a month. This is probably due to the state of my craft room. My monthly subscriptions of kits have continued to roll in and I've needed random things over the last month which caused me to tear apart boxes of photos looking for something. I didn't bother to clean it up so the room is in quite a state. I'm going to try to work up the courage to get in there and clean this week. After all it's September now which means I need to start cracking on Christmast goodies!
Thank you again for your support! I'm starting to break out of my hermit shack and I'm getting back out in the world.

I'll miss him greatly

I had a big change in my life the night of my last post. One I didn't expect to happen for at least 20 years from now. My Dad suddenly passed away. We're still not sure of the cause of death but I'm thankful it was painless, quick, and he was with my Mom.

It's been a very difficult week and I'm sure things will get harder over the next year as I have my "firsts" without Dad. I'm thankful for the wonderful memories I have and that we were able to travel together just this last June. This photo is us at the Irish Times Pub in Victoria BC for Fathers Day just a few months ago. We had such a fun evening filled with laughs, good food, and great music.

I'm headed on my preplanned vacation to Maui where I'll take the time to myself to greive. Hawaii was one of my Dads favorite places to be and I know I'll feel close to him there. Last time I was there was with him and my Mom so I'll have fresh memories of him doing what he loved.

The perfect day

My husband has planned a day to celebrate my birthday for months. He's kept it top secret, even on the car ride there! We took the day off and he drove me to his office where we parked. A cab was waiting for us and he had a post it note ready to hand to the driver with the address of where we were going.

We pulled up to the Fairmont Olympic hotel and had breakfast. This was special because we pass it each time I drive him into the office. I've commented several times while waiting for the light to change how nice it would be to head there and eat breakfast instead of going to work. it's a beautiful old hotel which has been the definition of luxury for me since I was a kid and brought there for high tea. Breakfast was wonderful!

Then we had a car waiting to take us back to our car. Instead of getting back to our car we walked to the Seattle Glass Blowing Studio and he told me he'd aranged for a private 4 hour lesson! Glass blowing has also been a dream of mine for years. he aranged for me not only to take a class but for us to do it together.

I told him over and over today how much this meant to me but I don't feel like he knows just how special this was. I made him this thank you card to hopefully express that. I'll surprise him with it on his pillow tonight. Last year was a rough one for me and I'm so happy to see that he felt I deserved a great birthday. If today was any indication of what the rest of the year will be like...BRING IT ON!

No time to stamp

It's been a whirl wind the last week and it won't slow down until later this weekend. Jay and I had a wonderful trip to Victoria, BC with my parents this last weekend. I can't wait to scrap the trip. I'll leave you with a few pictures from our trip until my next post.
Jay and I on the Clipper waiting to leave Seattle

Mom and I at the Pub

Some serious Fish and Chips with yummy mushy peas!

The lush gardens at the Empress Hotel. If only you could capture the scent in a photo!

Back to Reality

I thought I would change things up and throw in a post about life. Jay and I are back from the Sonoma adventure feeling rested and glad to be home. We enjoyed beautiful views everywhere we went, sipped some great others not so great wine, and saw some of God's best work along the coast and in the Redwoods. We were also reminded we really make a great team and have a wonderful time traveling together. We're lucky enough to enjoy mostly the same things so its not an issue when planning for the day.

I'm picking up prints at Costco tomorrow morning and have my scrapin' kit ready. Here's a sneak peek of what I'll have to work with.

Rest In Peace Virginia!

My best friends daughter ended her battle with cancer on Friday 9/21/07. She has fought harder than anyone I know over the last year since being diagnosed. At only 19 it's heartbreaking to see her leave us, but at the same time it was devastating to watch her in pain.

Virginia was a people person and she taught me how to talk to anyone. I feel blessed to have so many memories to keep her spirit alive. I just need to pass the hump of sadness. It's amazing how I've known deep down this day was coming since last June when she was diagnosed yet its still feels like a shock.

I'm going to be busy with events and trying to do what I can to help this week so stamping will likey not happen.

My first attempt at jam

I'm featuring a non stamping post today to show you why I'm not stamping. I've been making a point of visiting my local farmers market every Saturday possible and it has me itching to try canning. It's always freaked me out a little so I thought I'd take baby steps by trying freezer jam. My sister in law Cora and I headed down to get our berries this morning. We came home with 2 goregous flats of local Blackberries & Raspberries. and I of course had to take pictures so I can scrap this.

Here are some photos of the day...