A VISIT FROM OUR DAUGHTER

Laura came to visit December 10th through the 15th and it wasn't long enough! What a wonderful time we had. Laura is from Texas and she wanted to see snow. Even the weather co-operated and we had two white days before she left. We went to see the wolves, all of the beautiful lights in Coeur d'Alene, saw the Festival of Trees at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, and enjoyed the beauty of the restored hotel. We all went to the movies and saw Blindsided, if you haven't seen it, it is fabulous. We were so fortunate that the eagles are here at the lake this time of year. It is amazing seeing them overhead and then swooping down and scooping up a fish. Laura saw kids ice skating on a lake and was thrilled! She couldn't imagine that men ice fish. She was quite taken with our beautiful area, no surprise. I am still recuperating so we weren't able to do a lot of walking touristy things, but we gave her the famous "Jim Tour" of Coeur d'Alene and area in the car. She and I had a wonderful time watching Christmas movies late into the night . We miss you Laura!

A LOVELY GIFT

I am always amazed by the incredible generosity of quilters.

I commented on Pinyon Creek Stitchin blog regarding her beautiful crazy quilted ornaments honoring the furry friends

wonderful friends had lost in a fire. Upon hearing of us losing Missy she offered to make me a ornament for my tree. It is so beautifully stitched and so appreciated.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

I had a wonderful 61st birthday on the 20th. Friends and family made it so special. My Mom sent me some very unique gifts this year, a vintage pistol that we realized has live ammo in it! This small pistol was my grandfather's and he gave it to my father when he was 17. It was made in Spain and is a real keepsake. She also gave me my father's collection of coins from WWII. I used to sneak in the drawer growing up as I was so fascinated with them! There are coins from New Zealand, Australia, and many more that I haven't examined yet. I am told during the war he was very enamored with a Aussie! I know my Aussie Sis will like that. My kids gave me gifts to pamper myself knowing I am still recovering. Very thoughtful! When I opened a package from a dear dear friend Jan Bartlett I was overwhelmed. She embroidered a fabric collage with a beautiful Golden Retriever in memory of our Dear Missy girl. She also included a beautiful vintage linen embellished with embroidery. The collage brought a tear to both of our eyes. Jan you are SPECIAL!

I received so many calls and cards and want to say I felt very special!

P.S. GOD IS AWESOME!

I forgot to add that I am so grateful to God that my life was spared. I have been given two extra chances at life in the last eleven years. I am not sure what God has in store for me, but I will be forever grateful. Linda

ON THE COMPUTER AGAIN...

I am back on the computer daily. I spent over six and a half weeks in the hospital with a planned major surgery and unknown to anyone, I had a perforated bowel from the first surgery and it took a couple of weeks before my body started seeping fluid from my lower abdomen. They did an emergency major surgery which was touch and go. The surgeon told my husband and I it looked like a hand grenade had gone off inside me. He wasn't sure he could do anything to fix it. He did his best and fortunately I am still here! It has been quite the experience and one I never want to go through again. Even after getting out of the hospital, my strength is very low and I am working on getting back to normal. I rest a lot and friends have been wonderful to bring in meals and do anything else they can to help. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful friends! Thank you! You all know who you are.

I have missed all of my computer friends. Please keep in touch! Thank you for the concerned posts and e-mails.

Love,

Linda

A gift from Jen & more creations

This gorgeous book was shown to me when Jen arrived and I was so excited to see her work in person and had asked if she could bring one of her books to show me. Much to my surprise, this beautiful book is mine! I will share the pages as I gain more strength. It is something you don't want to miss! Thanks Sis! I look at it often and appreciate everything you did.

We used a very detailed stamp to etch this switch plate. It is better in person and we also used a high gloss shine spray to give it a nice finish.











This is my favorite piece. Jen brought a kit for me to complete while she was here. I did my first etching and then created my composition. I used vintage papers and aged the sides and then put it all together. It is a real conversation starter!

Thanks for all my great gifts and classes Sis! Well, I guess if we add in Matthews food bill we might be even!!!!!!!!! What a joy to see that boy enjoy our American food, especially Jim's "beerbuttchicken!"

Be sure and look at the previous post for more of Jen & my creations.

JEN CROSSLEY & I CREATING IN SEPT

Jen taught me etching and we discovered Aussie & US etching solution are different strengths. We left this piece in for a VERY long time and the edges turned out "ragged" and I will use that to my advantage when I make it a bookcover.
After seeing Jen's fabulous photo necklaces I bought a camera and had it forever. I gave it to Jen to take home and use. She took it apart and made me a gorgeous necklace with it, with some design imputs! We are great together, too bad we live a world apart..........

The last necklace Jen and I had fun taking a shoe buckle and creating a beautiful vintage choker or long necklace.

The time we spent creating together was the best. I haven't made any jewelry since she was here last year, so it was nice to be creating again.