JIM MORAN June 23,1949-June 30, 2011

I am a widow. Jim did great for three days after his surgery. Then started having probems. Wednesday morning he coded and they shocked him back, but we could see he was gone when we got to the hospital. We took him off the respirator on Thursday and he died three minutes later at 9:26. I am in shock, as are all of us. We thought we would have more time, even though we knew it was terminal. We found out yesterday that cancer tumors were in eighty percent of his liver. We didn't know that it was that extensive. I truly believe he was trying to save us the pain. His heart stopped as he was lying in bed, just like Rich's. He has always said he wanted to die alone, and not have everyone watching him, but he didn't get that wish. We were all there throughout the night. I've always said I wanted to go like Melanie a la GWTW, so I'll probably lie alone somewhere for a week before someone finds me. God delights in playing tricks with me, it seems. Once again, I am dreading the next few days, as we do all this with the same cast, different leading man.

(this picture was taken on Father's Day-I still can't believe he was sick)

Be The Lighthouse

SOME DAYS THE ROAD IS LIT AND THE WAY IS EASY

OTHER DAYS THE PATH IS DARK AND THE GOING ROUGH

FEAR NO DARKNESS...BE THE LIGHTHOUSE.

After our son died last September, we found a "bucket list" when packing up his apartment. One of the items on it was "Own a lighthouse". I must admit, I never knew that, and I never even thought about lighthouses. Now, I see them everywhere. And that isn't easy. We live in the midwest, so they aren't usually something that one notices. And since I realized that the Moran family motto means 'Shine in Darkness', somehow it all seems connected.

Last week, it hit me again that our incredible run of bad luck isn't over. As we sat in the oncologist's office and heard the news that my husband's stomach pain was not the hernia that he had thought it was. Instead it is a stage 4 malignancy that has already spread to his liver. And, wouldn't you just know it, on the doctor's wall was a large painting of a lighthouse!

And, yes, now we are officially, the family that no one wants to be.

Happy Mothers' Day

SONG FOR A FIFTH CHILD

(THE VALUE OF VALUES)

Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth

Empty the dustpan--poison the moth

Hang out the washing--make up the bed

Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue

(Lullabye, rockabye, lullaby loo)

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

(Lullabye, rockabye, lullaby loo)

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

And out in the yard there's a hullaba-loo

But I'm playing "Kanga" and this is my "Roo"

Look, aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?

(Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs! And dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep!

I discovered this poem many years ago when my fifth child, Rich, was a baby.

Happy Mothers' Day everyone, and especially to the five wonderful children

that I have been privileged to raise. It seems like yesterday that you were

all babies and we were "blissfully rocking".

In The Pink

Okay, this isn't a difficult project, but definitely one with a lot of meaning. Last summer, when I was going through my six and a half weeks of radiation, the very worst part of it for me was the clothes pins. Yes, I guess I must be weird. But something about putting on that ugly hospital gown every day and fastening it with two clothespins was just awful! So when my craft group decided we really needed to do a project for others at some of our monthly gatherings, this was my first thought. We painted a bunch of them bright colors and decorated them with stamps, and pictures, and uplifting, inspirational words. I think if they bring a smile to just one patient, they are worth it. Today I delivered the pins and had my one year mammo and visit with the oncologist and everything is good.
Actually now that I think about it, the very worst part was when the hot young tech drew lines and arrows all over my bosom with an indelible marker.

Soul Restoration

Remember this class? It's over now, but still a big,big part of my life. Monday and Tuesday they are sponsoring a contest, and inviting students to blog about what the class meant to them. Well, very simply, I loved it. It came at a perfect time for me, and let me mess, and glue, and cut, for hours at a time, without having to think too much about my sorrow. They are having a second class in June. I'm not too sure what it will be like, but it involves lots and lots of index cards. The winner will get free registration to the class for herself and for a friend.

I mentioned the time line before and how it made me see that I have really had a good life and that it has gone by very quickly. We also made another book about soul restoration and a book of Promises for the future. I am still working on that one. I also did a lot of journaling. Some of it was pretty dark, but I needed to do it, and it helped. I think my very favorite project was the Truth Cards. I put mine on a little easel and have one out every day to remember my own personal truths. Every person's truths are different, but they are all very motivating and uplifting.

I remember a tv show when I was a child called "Queen For A Day". Women would come on the show and talk about how awful their lives were. At the end of the show, the most pitiful one was chosen to be Queen. Maybe I am mixing it up with Miss America, but it seems to me that she got a robe, a crown, and flowers. And she always seemed to win a washing machine. I sort of feel like I have become those women, because so many awful things have happened to me in the last year. Some of them I have never even mentioned, because, really, how much can you believe??? But, as someone, who has always been pretty happy and content, 2009 and 2010 were like one of those barrels you see rolling down a big hill in old movies. Over and over and over again, and then another big bump, while I just tried to hang on as best as I could. I really think, that if I can't win the class, I should at least get the crown.

It's Not Easy Being Green

Here we are all, about to enjoy a lovely St Paddy's Day. Green eggs and ham, such a way to start the day. Finn and Tess about to get on the float. Tess loved it all. She thought everyone was there just for her. Can you say "Irish Princess"? Cass and I went home while everyone else enjoyed the parade. The weather was nice, and what a crowd. Later, I collected the other children and we had fun the rest of the day, while the rest of the family got a little bit more Irish as the day progressed. I didn't listen to any Irish music this year. Usually I start early in February. We had the shirts made as a tribute to Rich. There were 50 of them out and about today. They have the family motto "Lucet in Tenebris", which means "They Shine in Darkness" Tess told me that Uncle Wich was busy in Heaven today looking after us.

These things, I warmly wish for you-

Someone to love, Some work to do,

A bit of o’ sun A bit o’ cheer

And a guardian angel Always near.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happiest of Valentines to you from The Victorian Gypsy

Soul Restoration

I know I promised myself that I would post more, but I have been spending every available minute Mod podging, collaging, journaling, cutting, pasting, and thinking. I am totally involved in this wonderful workshop. I knew I was a brave girl after everything that has happened to me in the past year, but I can use all the reinforcement that I can get. Right now we are working on a time line, which is kind of scary because it only goes to age 80. Now I imagine that some of you think that is an advanced age, but to me it seems like it is right around the corner, especially as I see how quickly my time has gone so far. So I am adding an envelope at the end of mine to put all those things I will still want to do after I am eighty. I know several women who are still volunteering, working at jobs they love, traveling, and enjoying life in general. That's the way I plan to be.
Seriously, this is a great class. I am learning all sorts of things. There are four weeks left, and I will be sorry to see it end.

New Year, New Words

Everybody picks words for the year any more, rather than resolutions. Obviously, my word for the year should be procastination, since we are already five days into 2011. I have two words. The first one picked me, but I think I need it. The word is ACCEPTANCE. There are so many things I want to accept. This is kind of a no brainer, I guess. This year I want to accept that sometimes there are no answers. This is a tough one for me, because I expect everything to have a reason.  I accept that I will not do all the things I want to do, because I accept the fact that I'm not so young as I think I am. I do not accept getting funny emails about all the awful things that are part of our lives now that we are old. I laugh, but I do not accept them. I accept that taking care of my health is something I have to do now, not later. I accept that treats are okay, too.  I accept that every day isn't a perfect day, but that there is something perfect in every day.
My other word, the one that I am deliberately choosing is SOAR. This is my year to soar, and to shine, and to enjoy. 
Also I do have a goal. Before this year ends, I would like to have at least 200 followers on my blog. So please, follow me, and ask your friends to follow me. It's going to be good.  Just accept it.

Forecasting A Happy New Year

Don't you love this post card? Wishing good fortune is always a part of New Year Festivities. I know I'm a day late. Not the best way to start a new year, but I have been busy. I'm still undecorating the house. It seems to be hitting me harder than the original decorating. I pack a few ornaments, cry a little, pack a few more, take a break. Hopefully, I'll finish the tree tonight or first thing in the morning, and then tomorrow it will go back out to the garage. When we had a live tree, it always let me know when it was time to banish it from the house. Droopy, prickly branches were obvious. But, now, the artificial trees look as good after Christmas as they did before.

I enjoy that empty space when the tree is gone. I didn't really make resolutions this year, but I am doing a lot of space clearing. For a person who hardly ever shops, I tend to accumulate things at an alarming rate. I am trying to eliminate the things that I don't absolutely love. As William Morris, the Victorian designer and artist, said, "Have nothing in your house that you don't know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." I look around and I just have way too much stuff. So, no resolutions, but a definite determination to clean up, clear out, and have some sort of control. That's how my life is now. William Morris also said, "The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."
Nothing matters, yet everything matters. I'm not sure if someone else said that first, but it explains so much about the way I feel.

A Blank Slate

Here it is. 2011. And not a minute too soon. A New Year. A Blank Slate. We never know what any year will bring, it's true, but I am wishing you, and me, and everyone in the world the best of everything.

Eight isn't Enough

I finally got everyone together and to sit reasonably still for a moment. So ta-da! Finally, all eight in one picture. Of course, some aren't smiling, some aren't looking at the camera, and some wouldn't take off their hats, but they are all right here wishing us all a very merry Christmas.

Paper Stories

Yesterday we had our annual Christmas craft nite. I've talked about our group before. We have been meeting once a month for over 30 years. Dinner, lots of laughter, and an easy craft. We have several very talented women in our small group, so there are always wonderful projects. At Christmas we don't craft but have a gift exchange. This is what I made. I love it and plan to make more. I am a book lover, hoarder, keeper, so it was very hard for me to tear a book apart. I bought this one especially to reconstruct. It was already missing a few pages, so that is my defense. This was a late nineteenth century (yummy thick and textured paper) novel called "The Old Mam'selle's Secret''.  And I have kept the cover for more projects.  More budget book projects coming right up.

A Sort of Holly Jolly Christmas

Decorating is going up in bits and pieces this year. Finn and Tess came over to help with the tree. As you can see, their idea is very definitely quantity over quality. We have lots of bare spots and lots of places very heavy with holiday. That says a lot about the way I feel, I suppose. This year there are just things I cannot do. I have to make substitutions. Some boxes I'm just not able to open.
We were gifted by an "angel" from Amanda the Panda. This is a local organization that has been active for 30 years helping families to get through the grieving process. They put together a box of little gifts for us to open each day until Christmas. An amaryllis plant, a cookbook, chocolates, just a variety of things to brighten our day and let us know that people are thinking of us. I am very impressed with them and plan to volunteer in some way  in the future. As I've said before, my life has changed forever, and this grief will be part of who I am now. I can still laugh, and enjoy life, and I am looking forward to the time when I don't dissolve into sobs several times a day, but I know this underlying sadness will never go away. And I really think that perhaps I can help other people who have to go through this.
Every post I try to start out positively, and really don't want this to be depressing, but holidays are very difficult. Thank you  for reading. Next time, a happy post. Really!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

It is almost Thanksgiving. My entire sense of perception has been off this year, so I am surprised that it is Turkey Time again. I have to say that this has never been my favorite holiday. Oh, I do love to eat---but I have never cooked a Thanksgiving dinner, or hosted one at my house. And I don't really like to decorate with turkeys, so Thanksgiving has just been part of a slow slide into Christmas. I've always had very definite rules that we didn't start to shop or decorate or listen to Christmas music until after this holiday is over. Usually we go to my oldest daughter's house in Kansas City, but since we will be working on Friday we will stay in town and have dinner with our son and family.
I like this card, which I found at Vintage Holiday Crafts. I am working very hard on being grateful for all the good things in our life. This is difficult, because this was the worst year ever.
We finally got the autopsy report back last week. My thirty year old son died from heart disease. He went to sleep one night and never woke up. Our family is still having a very difficult time. We never suspected and I'm sure he didn't know that his heart was bad either. I worry that it could have been prevented, but I have to believe that when it is time...............  I know it will get easier, but it will never be back to normal. And I will never be fine.
There have been things that have helped. Reading and writing on Facebook has actually been very helpful. I hardly even checked my account until recently. It helps to be in touch with his friends. And I have found a very good book. It was written by Brooke Noel and is called "I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye". I have been trying to read other things too, but my attention span isn't great lately.
I have started thinking about Christmas. Having the young children around will make things better. Finn and Tess will each decorate their own little tree at our house this year, so that will be fun.

Bounteous Beauties

I am finally posting about the goodies I received in the Artsy Mama Sweet and Sinister Swap. I was lucky enough to have two partners and they were both wonderful and extremely talented ladies. Above is a picture which I borrowed from my partner Karen's blog, Recycled Rita . (I did take pictures, but wasn't able to post them.) Lots of goodies, including the great eek banner, which I hung across my window. A vintage purse, which I loooove, and two flower pins. This Halloween plate and spreader will be used tomorrow at my daughter-in-law's party.There is a decorated can filled with yummy chocolates. A sparkled cardboad chandelier, lots of ephemera, and more that I am sure that I forgot.  Thank you Karen.

And next, my partner Natalie of One Hungry Hippie sent me these treasures early, but my posting got delayed. Lots of great items, including this clutch bag decorated with feathers, a black and white Paris scarf, a milk glass goblet, an ostrich feather pen, a giant patchwork pumpkin, a coffee cozy. chocolates, and more. I feel very spoiled by both of these lovely ladies, and lucky to have two new friends. Happy Halloween everybody. I'm afraid it sort of slid by me this year.

Journal for a Friend

Here we have a couple of pictures of a journal I made for a friend's birthday this summer. I do love to put these books together, and am still thinking of having a class.
  I am busy right now putting our lives back together. Grieving is an exhausting process. And for now, going to work everyday and then being with family is about all that I can manage. I have ventured out once or twice for social occasions, but there are still too many tears.


I had two talented and understanding partners for the "Sweet and Sinister" swap and hope to get their lovely items posted tomorrow. Halloween is usually a favorite holiday. This year it isn't quite as much fun.

 









Family

As you may probably guess, we have looked through lots of photos in the past week. This is a few years old but one of my favorites. Meghan, Bridget, Jim, Rich, and Erin. Jim is the oldest and Rich the youngest. They have always been very close, and are holding each other up now. As much as my husband and I  grieve for the loss of our child, they are heartbroken at the emptiness they feel for a brother and friend.
I have hundreds of other pictures, but promise not to post them all. I want this to be a happy, crafty blog, where visitors come for art and inspiration, and funny stories. This past year I seem to have taken a major detour. Thank you for being here for me. Please come again.

Heartfelt Thanks

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole doesn't he?"  Clarence Oddbody, ASC  (Angel, 2nd Class)
If a funeral could ever said to be perfect, this one was. The eulogy, the songs....everything reinforced how we thought of his "Wonderful Life".  More people than we ever imagined, have come to tell us how they loved Rich, and how important he was to them. His funeral was standing room only, and hundreds came to his wake/birthday party. And each of them had a story to tell. We are empty, yet comforted. Thank you all

                                                              Richard Moran 1979-2010
I will never dance at your wedding. I will never hold your future babies in my arms. I love you, my youngest child, and cannot beleive that you are gone from us. I remember before you were born, when strangers would come up to me and wonder aloud why I would have so many children. (In the 1970's big families really weren't considered to be politically correct.) I love all my children, but you were special, because you were the baby.
So many memories are going through my head tonite.  The story times and tea parties we would have when every one else was in school. Pokie and Benjie. The long talks. Watching wrestling (???) on tv. We thought you had a charmed life when you were little. Almost falling out of the car when the door unexpectedly opened. Riding your bicycle into a moving car. Riding the toboggan down the Killer Hills. Having the corner cupboard fall on top of you. And, oh yes, the little accident with the police car. I remember how you skipped school to go to the library and the coffee shop. Of course, you grew up, even though I keep seeing pictures of you in my head as a little boy. And we have always been proud of you and your brother and your sisters. I think you might enjoy hearing how we miss you. And you'd want to be around for the grand old Irish wake we are probably going to have.
So many terrible things have happened this year. And I have never cried. Not once. Not even a little. And now I cannot stop. On Monday it will be your thirtyfirst birthday. And we will say goodbye. May the wind be always at your back.

Back to the Real World

Well, I am back from my little road trip and every single moment was fantastic. Here we all are at Mary's lakefront home, standing on the deck with Lake Minnetonka in the background. Her house has 4 levels, all looking at the lake and dock in her backyard. It was beautiful! We stayed on the top floor, and it looked like a  lodge. There were four beds, all built in, and surrounded by bookshelves. Our whole trip was like a fairy tale. The cottage  that you see here was a little garden shop called Gray Gardens.We feasted on fresh fruits and croissants in the mornings, while we admired the view, and then shopped, shopped, shopped all day. And we all love the thrill of junking, so we hunted for bargains and admired each others treasures. Things like old books and rusted grandpa lunch boxes, vintage luggage, needlework, wooden boxes, jewelry, and anything made from paper makes my heart beat faster, but I like to look at it all. Our trip ended with  a visit to a few clothing stores, and, finally, Anthropologie and Ikea. By the time we stopped at Ikea, we were ready to start the drive back home. Saturday afternoon on Labor Day Weekend was just a little too busy! Our car couldn't hold any more packages, so it was just as well that we were ready to head south to Iowa.

This is the book cover that I am in the process of creating for my journal in ArtsyMama's Sweet and Sinister blog and swap. It should be filled with goodies by Halloween. I am also taking an online class called Collage Coterie, so I am cheating a bit, and using this as my homework for both classes. I have to cheat a little, because I am already lessons behind. Everyone else in the class must be creating all day long. Projects abound in the Flickr group,
Well, I'm going to be gone for a few days. I'm leaving tomorrow for a road trip: of fun, junking, shopping, eating and boating around a lake. Four of us, on a girl's weekend to a lake home somewhere. Not even sure where I'm going or how to get there, but I am planning on having a wonderful time. See you all when I get back. I should have pictures.  Happy Labor Day Weekend. For once, I don't have to work, just play.

These Things I've Learned

1. Writing helps, but I don't want cute. Journaling the angry helpless moments is good. Scrapbooking this journey is something I can do without. The pink ribbon section in my scrapbook store stopped and stunned me. The last thing I want to see is a pink calendar counting off the days of radiation. 
2. And speaking of radiation, it is not like a very bad sunburn. It is like a very, very bad radiation burn.
3. Never start a new job that involves lots of lifting, and turning, and reaching, and bending, when you are enduring the effects of Rule No. 2. A new job during this time was probably a bad idea anyway, but I'm glad I wasn't afraid to try.
4. I'm not as confident as I used to be. I think that comes from the whole body betrayal thing.
5. Sometimes the most help comes when you least expect it. My immediate family and friends have been wonderful, but I knew thay would be, and I treasure them all the more for it. Other family members, not so much. And this was a sad surprise.  But people I hardly know, people I've met through the internet, strangers, yet friends, who have offered words of comfort, have been a tremendous support. The world is full of giving, caring people. And I am grateful. And I am going to take care to pass some of that along.
And that's all I'm going to say about that.

GypsyWoman

Here is the Gypsy that my friend created just for me. She is actually quite tame compared to the rest of Cindee's art dolls, but after all, she is a Victorian Gypsy!

Gypsy Vagabond Caravan

I know that I am late posting this birthday gift, but my camera has been doing baby duty the past several weeks. All the family cameras broke at once except mine, so I happily sacrificed it to the cause. Baby Cass changes every day, and his parents don't want to miss it.

And now, on to my very own GypsyWagon Birdhouse. I just love this. It was made especially for me by a dear friend who knows my quirkly obsession with all things Gypsy. The Gypsywoman on the front is wearing real earrings, and there are lots of bits and bobbles on it. Visit Cindee and see what a talented doll artist she is. Her work has appeared in several ArtDoll issues and other books and magazines. She also teaches at Joggles and at workshops all over the country. And yes, I do have a Gypsy doll that she made for me. I'll get a photo now that my camera is back, at least for a little while.

A Belated Birthday

Yes, I recently celebrated another year, and as the card says "May many birthdays yet be mine to know, and countless blessings future years bestow." That is certainly my Wish. In the past two months I've certainly spent more time thinking about my future than ever before. I know that although I am very happy with my life, and have many blessings, there is more that I want to do, and see, and have, and be. I think that being faced with the possibility of one's demise probably has that effect on a person!!! And there are things that I want less of . I promise myself that this year and every year coming up is going to be the best year of the rest of my life. Hoping you will join me as we live our adventures.

Special thanks to The GraphicsFairy for this postcard.

Life is Just a Bowl of Baby

Here he is--Cass Patrick. Brother of Finn and Tess, and the newest grandbaby in our family. I've been a little late getting this posted, with everything so crazy in my life right now, but he's a cutie and we sure are happy with him.

Things are still pretty hectic. I am halfway (I hope) through my radiation treatments, and right now I am starting to feel them. I slept for ten and a half hours last nite! The job is definitely getting easier, and I really enjoy working at a pediatrics office. The financial issues that have been haunting my last couple of years are finally being resolved, and my blood pressure was on it's way back to normal at the last check.

Oh, in case you are wondering why he's in a bowl.... My husband has been in the restaurant business most of his life, and this is one of the big mixing bowls he used.

A Few More Pictures

Not Exactly The Tour I Envisioned

Hi there,
Finally got my computer fixed, but now I can't seem to upload pictures. This is one corner of my basement workshop, alias studio. Hopefully more pictures will happen! I have a thing for cupboards and drawers. Unfortunately, I am not inspired to work unless everything is out where I can see it, so I do spend a lot of time looking through cupboards and drawers to see what I have forgotten. My studio space is one half of a long room. The other half has a small kitchenette area and the laundry. The only thing I would have changed was to have it all behind doors, so I could shut off projects in progress. My husband thought that this way would keep me from being so messy, ha ha.
My other two walls have a cupboard that we cut in half. It was originally about 15 feet long with about 120 drawers! It wouldn't fit into the space before, but after altering it and adding bookshelves to the cut ends, it is perfect! I also have a counter space for my sewing machine, and a large table in the middle of the room. And, yes, all the drawers are appropriately labeled!

Still here

Yes, I am still here, but my computer isn't! First my laptop died and then now I can't turn my other one on. So aggravating. Everything is plugged in, but the on switch is totally dead. I don't know what is going on. Any ideas or advice? So I try to use everybody else's, wherever I go. Right now, we are having a family barbeque, but I am stealing away for my electronic fix.
Things are going really well for me. I start six weeks of radiation next week, and then start my new job the week after that. I am never very good with timing!
As for the computer thing, family members are starting to make excuses to keep me away from theirs. I am really very careful, but everyone agrees that I have strange ways with electrical equipment. I have a long history. Who knows what radiation will do to me!!!!!

And Now....For Something Completely Different!!

Here are just a few photos of the JUNK JOURNAL that I made after working at the Legislature this spring. I saved all the daily calendars, lots of ephemera, and put it all together. I love doing this. I am working on several using papers I've printed about all sorts of things that I don't need to keep but don't want to throw away. I've added envelopes, pockets, other origami bits, glued right over the scrap papers with scrapbook papers and wallpaper, etc. This helps me with my packrat tendencies--if I ever want to read these things again, I could! I'm always saving little pieces of information and flyers from everywhere I go, so this is a good way to use them

The book measures about 6" by 10". I folded the pages and put the folded side out. I also added lots of postcards, flyers and brochures. It was really a lot of fun to do. I'm going to use this as a class this summer at my house or at Adult Ed classes in the fall. I really want to start teaching classes again.

Today's Health

Good news for me! The surgery is over. Everything tested well and that little bit of cancer is gone. Now I have lots of reading to do before I meet with radiologist because I want to know all the choices. Input is welcome. Life is good.

Just A Little Update

Thanks to everyone who left a message or sent a personal email. It's amazing how they help! I am resolving to do better. I would love to get some regular readers again. I know, I know. Writing is the key, isn't it?

I'll be having a lumpectomy in the morning. Hopefully, that and radiation will be the extent of it, I hope. I have been reading and absorbing, and scaring myself all week. I have learned a lot, but I am still at the beginning.

WISH FOR TODAY: "Yesterday is gone but today can always get better--and tomorrow is full of promise" YES!!! Yes!!! YES!!!

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Rest Of My Life

Well, once again, it has certainly been a while for me, and as you may guess, some things have changed in my life. I've actually been very busy, finishing my delightful job at the Legislature, interviewing for a new career, and starting back at my seasonal museum job. Yes, indeedy, I was getting things in control. And then suddenly, I bumped right into the cancer whammy. So that's where I am right now, diagnosed and waiting for the next step. Talk about shock and awe. I still can't believe it. I am finding that writing is very helpful to me, so I may actually become a better blogger. As you can see, I am looking for that silver lining. This blog may take a crazy turn for a little while, but I am hoping that some of you will stay with me, as I learn from this journey I must take, and come out a better person for it.

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away." ~ George Eliott

And the Winner Is

Using my trusty gypsy cards, I picked Marie as the winner. Her blog is called Art from the Heart. I hope she likes the Vagabond Bag. I'll post photos of the goodies inside in a few days, so I don't spoil the surprise!!

Today's Wish:
This time, like all times, is a very good one if we know what to do with it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tick Tock Tick Tock

The countdown to the day of fabulous prizes is almost over. Here in VictorianGypsyLand, the drawing will be held tomorrow evening. You can still enter until 8 pm Central time on Monday, February 15. Then I will draw and let you know.
Lisa ended up with over 1,000 generous gifters. I didn't get to visit nearly that many blogs, but I have been trying. There are so many wonderful writers and artists, I am overwhelmed.

By the way, Happy Valentine's Day. I sort of skipped it. One good thing about my life right now....there is so much room for improvement.
And so, on to the bottle of Wishes:
Your only treasures are those you carry within your heart. Demophilus
Well, now, that's a pretty good one for February 14! I'm spending a lot of energy lately trying not to focus on material things. Paring down my treasures and concentrating on what is really meaningful to me, so this one made a lot of sense. Even though I love material things. Sigh.