A warm welcome to all my visitors,

Thank you for taking the time to come and look at my blog, I really do appreciate it. I would love you to leave me a comment, even if it’s just to say Hi. It means I can come visit you!

All my designs are original, so copyrighted to me. If I have been inspired by someone elses work, I have named them in the post, and where able, I have provided a link.

Please feel free to use my designs for inspiration, I just ask you to credit me, and provide a link back to my blog.

Thanks, Shaz XX

Wednesday 10 June 2015

WOYWW #314

Hi folks, here we are with yet another Wednesday link up. I know we all keep asking the question, but just WHERE do these weeks go?Time again for everyone to call in at The Stamping Ground, home to our esteemed ruler, Julia (that'll make her laugh). Post pics of your desk/floor/ironing board, link up and let us come have a look-see.The person who turned out to be sending me an ATC in the link list, Sandra de, and I had already arranged to swap privately, and so the lovely Sandra sent me a surprise package, which arrived on Monday.

 Wrapped in gorgeous gold and white tissue paper, and tied with white ribbon, with a lovely hand written message on the tag.The tag also had a stamped tree on the other side.



The first item I found was one of Sandras beautiful watercolours. Not sure if you can tell from the picture, but the speckly nature of the pearskin is picked out in gold leafing.
 Just look at the colours- it is so realistic, so lifelike, I'm truly honoured to have been sent this alone. It will be framed, and go on the wall in my craft room.



And then I unwrapped the parcel!




So many goodies- glitter and velvet ribbon, die cuts and laser shapes, tissue tape, eyelets, charms- and of course one of Sandras signature tea bags, lol.








This is an amazing piece, so intricate.







These two were from Tesco, I spotted them in the magazine racks- Adult colouring books. You are all no doubt well aware of my opinion of my colouring, but as I'll explain in a minute, I'm looking at having rather a lot of time on my hands soon, and these will help pass the hours, and give me some much needed colouring practice.








And finally, they're here! My Tim Holtz Bird Crazy stamps. Just look at those faces- aren't they fabulous? Been waiting a few weeks to get them, and finally on Saturday, Countryview Crafts had them in stock.

Right, so, I've updated my cancer page with all the info we have at the moment,which is quite involved, but for a quick run down, last Thursdays appointment was awful! In hindsight, I rather think the Consultant and his Registrar thought we knew more about the implications of where the tumour was attached than we actually did,as well as the potential complications of the surgery and didn't seem to realise that what they were telling us was one shocker on top of another. Left feeling stressed, worried and upset. Saw my own surgeon Monday, who did help a lot to clarify the things we'd been told. One thing is that I will be in hospital for 10-14 days, as this surgery I'll be having will be much more radical than originally planned.  That would have been a 3-5 day stay. Hence the colouring books to occupy me. It also seems that its very probable my Stoma will now be a permanent thing, rather than reversible. Not something I wanted to hear. But for now, I'm putting the whole issue to the back of my mind, I'll get it out and have a melt down closer to when it's actually going to happen. This weekend, we are going to Derby, for the Download festival- we booked the tickets back last year, expecting all this to be done and finished by now, we've been getting a bit worried that the surgery was going to clash with it. Then, as both Docs have agreed a holiday would be good, we are off to Crete next Friday for 10 days. Pretty certain I will more or less come back to go into hospital, but we should both be a bit less stressed by then.

29 comments:

Helen said...

oh Shaz, what a shocker, and how awful that they just dropped the news on you like that. Hope you both enjoy the holiday and even if you have to go straight into hospital on your return, at least you'll be relaxed and tanned! Love the goody bag from Sandra, and the colouring books too (I saw some in Morrisons too; they're getting everywhere!) Much much love. Helen 3 xxx

Eliza said...

Shaz,

goodness that is not nice to have to hear all of that news on the bright side it sounds like you are in good hands when it comes to your treatment. Do have a good holiday you need to de-stress and have a good break to recharge those batteries. What a great colouring book.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda #5
Happy crafting & Happy WOYWW

Eliza said...

Forgot to add I got one of your ATC's thank you so much.

Hugs Eliza

Nikki said...

What a treat to have Sandra send you all those wonderful treats in the mail. May your surgery go well and glad to hear your surgeon took the time to chat with you and let you know what's going on hugs Nikki 6

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

So sorry to read the news about your upcoming surgery. It was a shock to me, so I KNOW how you must have felt. At least you have a holiday to Crete to look forward to.

Loved the ATC you sent this year, but, as I was putting them away, I noticed yours from year 5 had been left out of the folder. So, so glad I found it.

Hope all goes well in the next few weeks. I'll be thinking about you, that's for sure. Happy WOYWW from #1.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Oh heaven forbid. How could I have forgotten to mention what great gifts you got from Sandra. She's a genuine sweetie, and I've gotten a "care package" from her in the past, as well as some ATCs, too.

Christine said...

What a shocker! Back of your mind is the best place for it - just open the drawer nearer the time.
The break in Crete will be very good ....... if you have room in your suitcase, I fold up very small!!! lol
What a brilliant package to receive, well done to both of you.
Take care
Christine

Bishopsmate #10

MrsC.x said...

o what a horrible way to tell you?! is it me or do some hospital Drs {spesh high up} need a lesson in bedside manner!! I am so sorry that you are facing this stress on top of everything else. i hope you have a great break this weekend and next weekend in the sun, be great if you could convince the pilot to tow the sun back with you ;)
I have some of the Zen colouring books you will find a different lot in Smiths also as it seems they do store exclusives i enjoy colouring them thou good for taking your mind of things when it feels ready to explode!

Happy WOYWW :)
have a great week
Charlie x #15 or find me here
https://craftroomdiary.wordpress.com/2015/06/10/woyww-june-10th-2015/

Lunch Lady Jan said...

That parcel from Sandra arrived just as the right time, eh? What lovely bits and pieces....guaranteed to raise the spirits after a punishing few days. I'm so glad you're getting to Download and Crete....charge the batteries up before the onslaught.
Sending big squishies,
LLJ 17 xxx

Neet said...

Oh bugga bugga bugga Shaz, that is not what any of us wanted to hear.
Sending lots of love.
Those books look like a good idea, something mindless to keep you occupied without any strain on the body. You can always cut out sections from the book when you have done colouring and use them for backgrounds or full cards in their own right.
You go off, get some sunshine and have a beep beep good holiday.
Hugs, Neet 7 xx
ps a envious of the birds 'cos I have just been looking longingly at them myself.

Julia Dunnit said...

God. Despite your generosity of spirit regarding the consultant and registrar, it makes me so cross at the offhand delivery methods. Is it OK to say that the news about the stoma is erm, crap?!! At least Download will deafen you to the point of not being able to hear your own thoughts for a while..then you spin off to Crete, turn your face to the sun and b r e a t h e. Bloody hospitals...that long a stay may necessitate knitting! Xxxxxx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

What a gorgeous parcel of goodies, hope that will cheer you up a little. It seems easy for me to say as I have not personally gone through this but we had all this with my mum about eight years ago. She is 86 now and manages everything really well. Try to stay positive and enjoy your holiday. Have a good woyww and happy crafting, Angela xXx 24

Unknown said...

That docs "bedside manner" definitely needs adjusting! Glad the surgeon straightened things out a bit and gave you a little more peace of mind. Please enjoy your vacation and know you have a wonderful group of people here for you. Diane #27

AnyOldCraft said...

Doctors can be so insensitive at times.
I hope the surgery all goes well for you honey.
Those birds are so cute. May have to put them on my wishlist.
OMG look at all your yummy goodies. What a fabulous surprise.

Download how cool. Last time I went it was called 'Monsters of rock' and was in 1988/89. I am ashamed to say I don't remember an awful lot about it ROFL

My 2 youngest sons went year before last when Slipknot were headlining.
Last year they went to Sonisphere.
They were hoping to go to Download again this year but it clashed with their final A2 exams so are pretty gutted.
Instead they are going to Bloodstock in August. :) #29

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely items. Sorry the news wasn't the best, but a trip away and the great outdoors will be fun for you. I wish you the best. Being positive is always in your favor and hoping you get better treatment and no more delays. I also love those birds...haven't seen them on our shelves as yet and been too busy to order online. Best Wishes to you.

sandra de said...

Ohhh Shaz so sorry to hear how badly the news was delivered. I work with Dr's every day and I have on many occasion given them a nudge/kick under the desk. My signal to "zip it" so that families can have some time to collect their thoughts and ask questions. A holiday sounds well deserved an absolute must before hospital. Pleased the package arrived so quickly and can't wait to see what you create with those cute little birdies. Sandra de xxx

Nannie4 said...

Hi, Shaz. I left a comment on your cancer page. That is quite a wonderful gift that you received. The pear painting looks so lifelike --- love the gold on it. Those bird stamps are adorable!! I look forward to seeing a creation with those. enjoy both times away. You and Doug deserve it. Rest up and enjoy. I'm sure that you will put those colouring books to good use. Happy WOYWW. ;)
Nann4 #36

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you will have a nice getaway to destress before hospital. That way when you are in for surgery, you can let your mind wander back to your beautiful vacation. Hugs! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #43

CraftygasheadZo said...

Aw Shaz not what you wanted to here but glad you are going away first. Time for you and Doug to chill. Great idea getting the colouring books, I have some too and find them so relaxing and the hours will fly by once you are in the colouring zone! Thinking of you both. Take care Zo xx 39

Debbie Rock said...

Just absolutely love that pear ... very much to my taste (ha! no pun intended!!!!) And can only agree with your comments on my blog about Mermaid Lagoon & Salty Ocean ... need to pop to TH's blog to find out the difference! Love to you from Debbie xXx

Sue Jones said...

(((hugs)) not nice news and you need time to takre it in no doubt xx So glad it didnt clash with your trip though . You will LOVE playing with those cute stamps - i Love mine. Take care and have a great weekend xx
Soojay 39#

Virginia said...

Some fabulous goodies here and i love those Tim Holtz stamps - sooooooooooo cute

Unknown said...

Praying for you. Such news. Hope you have a fabulous vacation and enjoy all your goodies!
Carol N #51

Princess Judy Palmer said...

That pear looks like it needs a bite taken out of it... let me help you with that! I'm not sure where is more superb--all those lovely goodies from Sandra or her pear artwork. Both are wonderful! Such good people here on WOYWW. Yippe on the new birdies. They are so much fun! As for the coloring books. I think those particular ones look really cool. I've seen some adult coloring books that have adult themed (no not X rated stuff) like paying mortgages and going to the mechanics. Where is the fun in that?!?!?!! Speaking of fun, have a great time on your holiday. Judy #56

Tertia said...

Oh Shaz, so sorry to hear it was bad news for you. Sending big hugs and prayers across the pond. Enjoy every minute of your holiday
Those water colour pears are incredible, I have been looking at them since last week. You are lucky to have one.
Happy WOYWW and thank you for your kind words last week.
Tertia #55

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Goodness Shaz, what a lot to take in. Sandra's care package was very well timed. Have a fantastic time at the festival. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts as always xx

Fiona #38

Ohhh Snap said...

That really must have been shocking to hear everything in that way. I'm glad you are able to go on vacation and de-stress a bit. You might want to stamp up some card fronts in a light ink to color in either with watercolors or markers if you think you might go through the books.

Lovely goodies you've received!Happy WOYWW! #44

Shoshi said...

It's truly awful what you have been put through recently, Shaz... You are so strong and have subsequently dealt with this so well - I admire you greatly. Thanks for keeping me posted via email - you know how much I have been thinking of you!

Nothing to boost the morale quite like receiving a lovely gift of crafty stash from a friend! What a gorgeous collection, and so beautifully packaged! I have received 2 such packages from a friend recently and really need to photograph them and share what she sent. Getting new stamps is a great boost too - you are a great temptress and I couldn't resist the ones you told me about lol!!

I hope you 2 have a really lovely lovely holiday and come back refreshed and strengthened in time for your surgery. It's a long stay in hospital - I know, I had 11 days of it with my surgery and was more than ready to come home once the Easter bank holiday weekend was over. Not that I felt like doing a thing, and couldn't even cope with the computer! Love the idea of the adult colouring books and hope you feel up to managing those.

Thanks for your lovely visit to my blog, and I'm glad you felt right at home in my ARTHaven lol! I don't usually share so much of it but it was such a glorious mess that I just had to show it to all the WOYWW-ers because they, above all, would appreciate MESS!! Thanks for your good wishes for tomorrow as well - the oncologist said I could expect to be much worse affected this time so I'm not looking forward to it. Had bloods yesterday through the port - not too much fun!! I'll be updating my Cancer Diary page today.

Have a great week full of creativity and fun! Enjoy the Download festival. I haven't a clue what that's all about so look forward to hearing about it!

Hugs, and happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshi #61

Monica said...

let us hope his inability to express some warmth and understanding is a sign of a great surgeon. maybe he is more comfortable fixin and stitchin than explanin

Many hugs for a great vacation.....try making a journal of the trip like glue and stick and words about it. Nice to look back on.
Monica As usual not ready for WOYWW this week.

An End of an era

An end of an era

I write this with a broken heart, that only time can heal My beautiful, wonderful wifelet Shaz (Silverwolf) passed away peacefully in the ea...