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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 19 August 2015

WOYWW #324

It seems truly horrible to be starting a second post this year, paying my respects to one of our lovely WOYWWers who has passed on. As many of you will have seen from Julias Tuesday post, we have lost the lovely Janet, Fairythoughts. I only actually met her in reality once, at the 5th year crop,  but she was so friendly to one and all. Then, this time last year, when I'd had my stoma surgery, and mentioned that I had been told that eating plain chocolate was a good cure for if it stopped producing, a few days later I got a gorgeous card, with a lovely supportive message, and an enormous block of plain chocolate from Janet. Thats the pic I posted at the time, and it's way thick, honestly. So much so, believe it or not, I still have a quarter left.I will think fondly of her, as I slowly finish it. Then, earlier this year, a magazine had had a freebie set of feather stamps, and the following month, a die set to match. I mentioned on Janets blog, that I hadn't been able to find it around here, and the lovely lady went out and bought me one and sent to me.  Two examples of her kindness and generosity of spirit, and to someone she only knew through the blog hop. Those who knew her personally must have many, many wonderful memories of her. Goodbye Janet, you will be sorely missed. To her family and friends, much love from us, and our deepest condolences.
 So, on to the reason for our weekly gathering around the world, what's on our desks! I'm actually going to start with Whats On The Fishtank? Answer- Birthday cards.


Two stunning cards from Shoshi, for me and Beloved Hubby. Mine also incorporates an ATC.










Two awesome tags from Debbie- Tattered Rocks.













Two very dimensional, gorgeous cards from Marg, Silvercrafter.







Two from Margaret,Glitterandglue,and her Husband John. Possibly not easy to make out in this pic, but the one on the right uses the Sheena Douglas 'Arches' embossing folder, and it is incredibly detailed.






A lovely gift from LLJ, and will be put to good use with all my bits and bobs for going into hospital.

Very me, isn't it? Has a fantastic black with white spots lining too.








Finally, the card my Mother in law gave me, and on the right, the one she actually wanted to give me. She said she had to get one with 60 on, as Doug told her she had to! But she thought the other one I would appreciate.
 Which brings me to a funny! I need to go into Tesco, and shake the hand of whoever orders balloons, and thank them from the bottom of my heart for being out of stock of balloons with 60 on them last Friday. Doug had planned to get as many packets as they had, inflate them and fill the dining room for me to find when I got up.






This was my card to Beloved Hubby- those Birds get everywhere. Good use was also made of the Poppy Stamps die I was enabled into!


Speaking of gifts, as I was a moment ago, Eldest son Ant, and DIL Becky made us these-







Dragon Eggs! All the scales were hand cut, and painted with nail varnish to get the shimmer on them. But can anyone guess what they are layered on? Answer next week, as long as I remember, lol. The 'nests' are made from slate chippings.

 These were two gifts from Beloved Hubby- the penguin is a pencil sharpener. The crow is now sitting on my PC desk, keeping Spike the hedgehog company.












Returning to Shoshi,and gifts! A parcel had arrived from Shoshi, and when it was opened on Friday revealed an amazing Box of Delights- ( anyone else remember that programme?). It's full of papers, card and embellishments to get me crafting after I've had my surgery.






There is so much gorgeousness here, I am totally overwhelmed by Shoshi's kindness. If anyone wants to see all the goodies, and how much work she has put into the things in this box, she has been posting 'making of' posts on her blog this week.


We had thought about having a weekend away, but the weather seemed a bit indifferent to be honest, and we do have some fencing needing replacing in the garden. Normally, Doug and I would do it, but as I can't lift the sort of weight that the panels are any longer, his brother Rob is helping him do it, and he was free this weekend, so came over to make a start.

 It's the hardest part of the garden to fence too, as it involves three steps down in level. Amounts to about 50 foot of fencing, and also needs some retaining walls built.

Most of the fence posts are in now,they've been braced together just to keep them true whilst the concrete around them sets,and the footings for the walls. There is a lot of concrete involved, as we are an end house, and slightly higher than the houses to our left, and all the gardens are very exposed- we have the only trees in the car park to our right.Which means that when it's windy, it blows straight across with some force, and we don't want any of it blowing over. It also turned out that some of the top level of decking needs replacing, as a couple of the support joists were showing signs of rot. So the job just got bigger!



Sorry, Julia, I know this one got a bit picture heavy!
 One quick update, then I'll let you all go, lol.I added an update to my post last week, that I'd had a phone call from the secretary of the Orthopaedic surgeon who was going to do my op, with an appointment to see him last Friday.Early visitors probably didn't get that bit. I've put full details on my Cancer page, but in short, he was a lovely, friendly, funny man who I took to straight away. He said he likes to meet the patient first, so he can put a face and personality to the name, and decide if he likes them. Heaven knows what happens if he doesn't. I didn't ask. Just in case! I've also had my letter of admission, and next Thursday, 27th, is my pre-op assessment. How fast this is coming round is scary.




44 comments:

Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel said...

Hi Shaz. So sad about Janet. She would have been someone I would have enjoyed meeting. You have certainly had a full week. I haven't posted yet. Not sure if I will. It's been a busy week. Wishing you all the best. Peg R.

Lunch Lady Jan said...

A lovely tribute to Janet, Shaz...she was such a generous person but didn't shout it from the rooftops. Goodness, she'll be missed.
Look at all those beautiful cards and gifts, you deserve them. Your MiL's card had me in stitches though!! And I share your relief at Tesco's lack of ballloons!!!
Hugs, LLJ 10 xx

Helen said...

What an action packed post, albeit starting with your memories of the lovely Janet.. she was a truly wonderful lady and yes, we will really miss her.
Glad you both enjoyed your birthdays, what a wonderful display of cards and gifts. The dragon eggs are gorgeous!! I am glad you didn't have to help Doug with all that fencing, what a task that looks! Have a good week; and all the best for the next couple!! Helen 3 xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Shaz I know I'm a bit late but a very Happy belated Birthday to you both. You had some lovely gifts and cards. I didn't know Janet but I enjoyed reading her blog each week. I know she will be greatly missed. Good luck to Doug with the fencing! It looks like a huge job. Will be thinking of you when you go into hospital, your Doctor sounds lovely! Nice for you to meet him too I suspect.
Have a happy week
Lynda B 19

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I agree with you about Janet, Shaz. The WOYWW ATCs I make each year include a rocking horse rubber stamp that Janet sent me. I never knew her in person, but she was a wonderful and thoughtful person who I corresponded with over the internet. Your tribute to her was wonderful.

I guess I missed your birthday. Happy belated. I had NO idea your age. I would have guessed you were at least 20 years younger from your pictures. Seriously. Happy WOYWW from #2.

Annie said...

What a beautiful post Shaz. So many lovely things to see. I'm glad to hear you both had lovely birthdays with special cards and gifts and am thrilled to hear how fast your op is approaching....the sooner it comes the sooner you start to heal and recover :-)
Hugs,
Annie x # 17

Tertia said...

What a lovely post. I am so sad about Janet, she will be missed by all the WOYWWers.
Hope the surgery goes well. Will be thinking of you and praying a lot!
Love all the presents and those dragon eggs look a lot like ostrich eggs.
Happy WOYWW!
Tertia #25

Mrs.D said...

Shaz, what a lovely tribute to Janet, she was clearly a very special person.
And I'm sorry I am late with the Birthday wishes, but it sounds as if you have been blessed by lots of people who were more on the ball than I was.
That box of delights from Shoshi looks wonderful, I bet you are going to have to be firm with yourself resisting playing with it all now.
Chris #31

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

I really appreciated your post details about Janet, Shaz, as had only met Janet by visiting her blog and her comments on mine, but her kindness and thoughtfulness evident is such a blessing and glad of some more happy thoughts..
Love all your cards how very wonderful the treasures all are .. and well done on hubby and BiL in the remake!! Love hubby's card ..superb bids do love them!
Thanks so much for sharing, and praying much for you, as the time draws closer, for details to be smoothed out for you in all things.

Happy WOYWW! Shaz in Oz.x #29

{Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

BTW meant to say "Many belated happy returns of the day" for you and dear hubby too :D
hugs, Shaz.x

Glenda said...

Out of all these lovely pictures the thing that really caught my attention was the card with those silly birds. I'm beginning to love those little guys!
Glenda #37

sandra de said...

Looks like you got amazing gifts and cards. I am in awe over those dragon eggs.Thinking of you and wishing you all the best for upcoming admission.
sandra de @38

Anonymous said...

So many lovely comments about Janet all over WOYWW this week. She is already sorely missed.

Love all the cards, such an abundance of crafty goodness. Hope it was a good one for you both!

Now, about that raven/crow - tell hubby I really need to know where he got it. I found a snowglobe with a raven in it for DS to give to his GF but the place was sold out and no more to be found. Looking for some sort of alternative and this might be a possibility.

As a totally random side note, when my BIL and his GF came for a visit we went for a meander in the south. One of the places we had to go to (GF's request) was the recently installed blue plaque for Gerald Gardner. :)


glad to be back ... finally!
Mary Anne (4)

Hettie said...

Nice tribute to Janet, Shaz. She was so kind and I really enjoyed having a beading lesson from her at the first Crop.
Lovely cards and gifts you received.
That Crow looks great. Great to keep your spiders down in your room!!
Hugs
xx

Robyn said...

Yet another thing we have in common- lots of August birthdays!
You've been a busy girl and i'm inspired! now to go eat more chocolate!!!
robyn 1

Neet said...

It is coming round fast and it is scary Shaz but you have just to focus on how long it will be before you are wakening up and it is all over. That's the date to have firmly in your head.
Great cards and lovely gifts - I especially like the skull from hubby and the bag from LLJ. I saw a t-shirt last week with butterflies on and was dithering whether I was going to buy it then Chas said "it's a skull" so it became a definite buy - love it - just washed and ironed it, now I need sunshine to wear it.
Take care - you will be fine
Loadsa Love
Neet xx

Lisca said...

That was a lovely tribute to a lovely lady. I didn't know her but she must have been really nice.
Thank you for the photo heavy post today. Julia might not like long ones but I do and I sit down with a drink and read all about what you are up to.
The box with goodies is fantastic. I have been reading about it in Shoshi's blog. She is so kind.
I love you raven/crow type bird. A beauty! You're a bit of a Goth aren't you.
Those dragon eggs are so beautiful. What a great present for both of you. I can't wait to know what's on the inside. I hope it's not a choc egg. It would be such a waste to break it.
Garden fences necessary I'm afraid so have to be done. So if the weather is not brilliant, it's the ideal weekend to do it.
Thank you for visiting already,
Have a great week,
Lisca#14

Kristiina said...

Looks like you've had a fun birthday, that crow looks awesome! And about my mess... My younger son complained it looked like blood, whereas my daughter sincerely asked if I had waved the kettle around in the air to get the stuff everywhere (would she really believe I'd do something like that? I guess 15-year olds aren't supposed to think very highly about their parents intelligence...) happy woyww, thanks for your visit earlier.
Kristiina #12

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness I love this post and all the photos and goodies! Such beautiful things. Hugs to you and praying and hoping for the very best! Hugs. Sandy Leigh #40

Twiglet said...

Such a lovely post from start to finish Shaz - what a roller coaster life is. Thanks for sharing all your happy post too. x Jo

Stacy Sheldon said...

Oooh ((( Hugs ))) I did not know about Janet I have been mostly sticking close to scs this last week when on line. I hope you had a beautiful birthday the cards and gifts are so fun, love the dragon eggs esp. :) ~Stacy #53

Sue Jones said...

So very sorry that you have lost another member of this wonderful group of deskers. I did not know her but she sound like she was really lovely.
What a wonderful week you have had - I think Shoshi is such a fab friend - Bless her. I love those gragon eggs. Take care and I hope this week is a good week too x Soojay 23

Sue said...

You got loads of lovely things.

Hope all goes ok with the op.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Happy WOYWW
Sue #35

Julia Dunnit said...

Lovely words for Janet and hey - our memories will match! Fencing, decking..one job leads to another. While we were working on the frame and windows for my cousins houseboat, we left it all supported and in fact roped to keep it true overnight...only to find the movement of the tide had caused it all to ping out again. We had to make some rapid recalculations for allowances! The Dragon eggs are truly awesome, and what a fab idea about the nail polish... I can see that working in a card actually, I have a couple that would give that wonderful multi colour sheen. As for the enabling...well, you started it.

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I'm thinking this means it was your birthday recently. Well you certainly have done it up in great card style, keeping the postman busy. What wonderful and fun cards you have received. Your garden is very lovely so lush and green (and not full of things with stickers like here!). I'll bet it is a nice place to sit back and relax in. Judy #51

Shoshi said...

Shaz, what an awesome post! So full of wonderful stuff. What a lovely tribute to Janet, who I didn't know personally, but she sounds very kind. You show remarkable restraint not having finished that choccie yet though lol!! Thank you so much for what you said about my gift and cards, and it's funny seeing them photographed by you on your blog after having had them here lol! I am very glad that the cards were ON the fishtank and not IN it though! The fish might have eaten my seahorses.

I know we are all thinking of you for the 2nd. I certainly am. You are constantly in my thoughts, both of you. I know what you mean about it suddenly getting scary as the time rushes forward. I wish I could be there with you!

Thank you so much for your lovely comment (another one!) about my box of goodies for you - your delight in it has completely made my day and I soooo enjoyed making it all for you and thinking of you as I did it!

The time spent enduring chemo is going incredibly fast, which as you say does seem surprising, but we are getting there! Only 3 more to go now. I so value your continuing support through this - we've become such allies haven't we! I'm feeling really rough today but that's to be expected mid-week after a treatment, but I know I'll feel better next week and can get back to things again. I am not frustrated and am going with the flow and grateful for all the help I am getting. My hubby is like yours, and they look after us so well, don't they!

Hang in there, and don't forget to have some more spoilies before 2nd Sept.!!

Hugs,
Shoshi xxx

Lindart said...

Janet sounds like one of those people we wish we could be! So sad when someone like that goes.
Happy Birthday - those dragon eggs are awesome!!
Good luck with your surgery, you obviously have a wonderful support system!
Thanks for visiting my page! Lindart #50

Shoshi said...

Shaz, thanks for your other comment which I've just spotted! I found the acetate gauge I had, which will be permanent, so please don't worry about sending me another! I'm glad I put the idea in your head though - it is rather a giggle isn't it, using a stoma gauge as a stencil - we ostomates have to keep thinking outside the bag, don't we lol!! I found my little round stickers in the drawer this a.m. and they will end up in the studio too. That was a great idea of yours, to stick them on paint pots etc. Nothing wasted!

Shoshi x

Anne said...

Hi Shaz - such amazing things to look at on your blog this week - love them all. I didn't know Janet - though she did leave a comment on my blog - such sad news and a lovely tribute from you. So that was what Shoshi was up to :-) x

Judys Lace Creations said...

Shaz, what a lovely post. Beautiful tribute to Janet. What woulkd we do without all those generous souls who help to make our lives richer in every sense.
Thank you for your fab suggestion of Prunella Eliza.In fact I woke up thinking the same, so I would like you to send me your address so that I can send you a little something. I am going to call her Prunella Elizabeth Pontifex! Don't you love it!This lady is going to keep me on the straight and narrow with her imperious stare!!
I have had 2 knee replacements, and you will go into a sort of space where you just concentrate on each day.Yes it is scary, but being able to walk pain free is such a blessing. Someone once told me this"In 6 weeks(months etc), this will all be a memory.I kept telling myself this and it helped me focus and not worry. I will be having you in my thoughts on the 2nd. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Fancy having that chocolate still!! My mum uses dark chocolate for the same reason(although no stoma). My dad had a stoma for a while as he had a twisted bowel.
Thanks again. I have a contact form on my blog.
Judy #21

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Looks like you've been very busy and so much to see today. People are very kind and I am so pleased to be part of this gorgeous group.
Many thanks for the visit to mine, quick visits today as I have been helping my mum all day today so late getting started. Have a great woyww and happy crafting, Angela x23

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Shaz, a fabulous post this week...and so we have been rocked twice recently with the loss of such wonderful giving people...lovely to read her influence in your life. Now for you - firstly a big happy birthday for you 60th - what a super array of cards and gifts. and secondly you'll be in our thoughts as the next two weeks pass, you've been through heaps so you'll be on the recovery road before you know it and playing with that fantastic box of goodies from Shoshi. Keep positive, take care and know we're all sending good vibes from across the world. Hope the birthday love continues all week Cheers RobynO#18

Nan G said...

Sad news indeed to hear of Janet's passing. She's sounds a lovely person who will be greatly missed by all.
Wow love all of your b-day cards and gifts! A belated Happy Birthday to you and hubby!! And I hope all goes with your surgery. Big hugs. Nan G 46

April said...

My goodness! You are one busy lady! Such lovely memories of such a lovely lady. Thank you for sharing them.
April #40

RosA said...

A very happy belated birthday! I rather like the card with the Glamour Puss on it!
You mentioned that you like the Stampington magazines, as do I :) They are having a very good sale at the moment (although the postage could be rather costly, I imagine, and the Aust. dollar is so low at the moment, I won't be tempted).
Very sad news about Janet. I did wonder when her last post clearly showed a hospital bed table. She sent me a very lovely card with last year's ATC.
Hoping all goes very well with your upcoming treatment.
RosA

Marit said...

Days fly by, lives fly by... and it is good to have known people even if it is through blogging... I cherish my blogfriends and they became as important and real as the 'real live' friends. This woyww-bunch of friendly and creative beings is so wonderful... thanks for being part of it too and thanks for stopping at my blog earlier. Happy woyww and a hug from sunny Holland, Marit #35

Scrapthology said...

Such sad news, but it has been lovely to see so many beautiful tributes being paid to someone who touched so many lives.

Elizabeth said...

Fabulous post, Shaz, such a lovely tribute to a beautiful lady, Janet will be much missed I'm sure. I so enjoyed reading all about your birthday. Sixty is not known as a good birthday to get to, I remember mine well, but being showered with so much good will and love has just got to make it a whole lot better :) Hope the pre-op assessment goes well. Your surgeon sounds like a very nice man who will take very good care of you. Meow from The Boss, and hugs from me. Elizabeth x #44

Beverley Baird said...

What a lovely tribute to Janet. Happy birthday wishes as well. Lovely cards for sure. All the best with your surgery. Take care.

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

I was so shocked to read of Janet's passing. I honestly thought she was slowly recovering after being poorly earlier this year. So very sad. You had some fabulous cards and gifts, those dragon eggs are just amazing. Not crafting at the moment, but wanted to stop by anyway.

Kim said...

Happy Belated Birthday! And as I'm so hit or miss; Best wishes for next week! I love all those beautiful cards; and the eggs are stunning! My first thought was the eggs from Harry Potters Goblet of Fire...LOL!
Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting!
-K #57

Annie Claxton said...

Hey Shaz, sorry to be so late, it's been one of those weeks again! What a fabulous post, so much to look at and so many lovely things. Glad you had a brilliant birthdya and I'll be sending good vibes for your pre-op and your surgery :o) Annie C #48

Kyla said...

It was sad indeed to hear about Janet :0(

Love the cards, pressies and tags-how fabulous.
Fingers crossed for the end of the week xx

Kyla

Unknown said...

So many beautiful cards and tags this week! I am truly in love with those Dragon Eggs. Look like a lot of love went into making them. Fencing always seems to be a lot of work, your especially so because of your lot's location. Glad your hubby had help in getting it done. The Dr. sounds like a rather funny fellow, a sense of humor is always a good sign. You have all of us praying for you! Diane

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...