My Personality

I've been accused of dwelling on things...and being obsessed with itty bitty details...I've actually been told some very hurtful things by close family who I think were trying to give me some constructive criticism. (my husband...I guess you could call it constructive criticism...I'm being nice here...I didn't call it that...by you could.) Anyhow, point being...

I'm going batty here...I have a ??? Something that has bothered me for awhile.

For bloggers out there who use blogger....

How do I e-mail people who leave comments on my blog? Is there something I can add? I'm a self-taught computer user...I tend to get a little frustrated. (Maybe this is why I haven't take the digi plunge yet....I just don't like computers...I have to deal with computer communication ALL DAY...yep...I can't avoid the 21st century...the scribbles on the side of a box day and a good ole fashioned handshake days ARE GONE...)

Back to my ??? IF anybody knows...I'd LUV to know!

So...a picture for you...these were done WRONG today...(breathe deep, breathe slow...not a big deal...even after I met with my team...I'm SURE...I failed somehow to communicate...) That being said...I have 250 of these now to sell...and no home...I've been contacting my closest retailers and "nudging" them a bit....these may be donated to my class reunion...I have to say, they look nice! And taste good...but, for a custom chocolate company...I don't get this requested often...and 250 to sell...we'll see how good I am at my job!

Trudi

Peep Peep

Or tweet tweet...chirp chirp...whatever a little chickie would say...although the little beak and web feet sort of look like a duck...not sure if this is a baby chickie duck or what. All the same....this was my intended "bit off more than I could chew" Easter card...(I could have done it, if I hadn't decided to make 16 of these...if I had kept it to 7 or 8...I could have done it...so, when I didn't...I lost interest)...These became a "spring card" which soon became a summer thing...grrrrr....

note to self....don't cut it close and do too much...if I'm gonna do too much...only do a couple...not a couple of dozen....because I'm "hard" on myself if I can't complete the mission...and the project then will sit UNDONE...this is the year for finishing UNDONE projects...and...I will be getting back to my Christmas Monday....took a little detour...note to self....(leave an "out" on my resolutions...just in case an emergency pops up!)

Anyhow...this funky little duckie chick...went out to my RAK friends. I *think* they are already delivered...so...I'm sharing!

Deets on this: Simply Charmed Cricut Cartridge...this is the one that my 11 year old daughter just had to have...not sure why since she doesn't make cards or scrapbook...she's consumed in volleyball....I reluctantly bought this...and then decided before I used the carts that I had to have...I'd make something with hers...I was trying to PROVE to myself that I didn't want this....well....this cartridge is absolutely adorable...the little faces on the different cuts are precious....I'm already planning another project...and this one fairly soon...since it's in my mind already...I need to be impulsive and JUST DO IT! (sort of borrowed that slogan there)...oh...and this time...I'll stick to just a few....they will then have a better chance of getting finished timely!

Bye now!

Trudi

Creative Therapy

So...what an overload of emotions I've had this last 2-3 weeks. Still have that "perspective" word going through my mind....you know, the reminder...that when you get right down to it...there are very few things in life that are important. My children...my husband...my parents...my sisters...my friends...the air we breathe...our freedom...you know...sometimes the people and things we take for granted....until we are "reminded" that in an instant ... we could lose any and all of the above....

Petty little things become unimportant and you want to hold tight and close to you the things that do....

So...during scary hours with my son...I sort of overlooked my faith. I admit this openly and I'm ashamed of it. I have struggled with this...and it occurred to me...that it wasn't just my son who needed prayers and who received them...but me too...and for this...I am thankful. Sort of like the "Footprints in the Sand" message....I too, was carried through a tough situation. (The prayers were heard...my son is recovering very fast...and the tumor was benign, no spinal cord damage...I could go on and on and on...)

The overflow of cards/e-mails/phone calls/and the knowledge of prayers has been very comforting ... and without hesitation I created a few cards yesterday...cards I want to mail to a few ladies who brought us dinner when we came home from the hospital. (Therapy...this was the FIRST time I created w/o a block in a LONG LONG LONG time...like over 2 years...everything up to this point...I've had creative blocks....)

I purchased the stamp I used...probably 12 years ago...a "sale" item at Michaels...and never ever have used it....it just seemed like a nice message...one of comfort and a "reminder" of "the bigger picture". I have to admit, when I saw the challenge on the BBTB2 board...I purposely made it to fit the criteria....to use a STARFISH on the LIFE'S A BEACH cartridge. All four of my cards are spoken for...and I have only completed ONE. The one I'm showing is my "test" card....I'm 100% positive I will TWEAK it a bit...in fact, already have....(my next 3 have my very favorite background stamp....LINEN (SU) stamped on it...this one is NAKED. Not that you can really tell...since the margin is only 1/8"....I will probably change my "mat" on the actual ocean scene...I'm not diggin it 100%....we'll see...the shells, though WILL REMAIN. They are ready to use on whatever I come up with. (the added shells are covering up a stamped image on the stamp that I was too lazy to cover up with tape...)

I don't want to be unfashionably late mailing my "thanks" out...(like I usually am)....perspective....how blessed I feel to have family and friends...and I want to let them know...I could not have gotten through the last 3 weeks without support. Life lessons...what we already know...just get "reminded". How humbling.

That's all for now...nuff said....thanks friends....I know many of you sent cyber hugs ... and I appreciate that ... (((hugs back)))...oh and some cyberchocolate foiled shells.... :)

Trudi

My Life

Where do I begin...a few of you may already know, but for those of you who don't...I'll fill you in. A couple of months ago, my son started complaining of mild neck pain. It bothered him, but not so much to not play sports. As parents, we don't always know how to "make the call", when is it time to have things checked out?

My son plays catcher and looking up with that helmet on, we all figured it was neck strain. As the season progressed, I decided to call the doctor, it seemed to be bothering him more and more. She wanted us to do a heavy dose of Motrin, 2x a day for a week...and if it didn't get better, she wanted to take a look. He made all-stars, was so excited...but after the first tournament...the pain seemed to be a little sharper...and I wasn't going to let him go on without our doctor taking a look. We all "knew" it was a minor muscle strain....even she, our doctor was thinking this...we followed what we thought was perfect protocol.

24 hours after the x-ray...I got a call...she was in the process of scheduling a CT scan for the next day. She was making all the arrangements...my role was to get him there...they found an "incidental finding"...that was the term....my world went numb...we did the CT scan...but was unable to leave...we turned around and did CT #2 with contrast. I've had this done before, and I know what they are looking for.

How does a parent stay strong during this? My child was so vulnerable and if I could have swapped places with him...I would have in a heartbeat. 2 hours later, I had a phone call from the doctor...she had an appointment lined up the following day at Children's Hospital in Seattle.

Last Friday, a team of specialists....Tumor/Spine/Neuro/surgeons....met with us for a 4 hour consult...and surgery was quickly performed this last Monday.

Aneurysmal bone cyst

This is what it turned out being. Benign, but locates in senstive and dangerously close proximity to the spinal cord...My son's tumor did not cause damage to the spinal cord nor his main artery...the surgery from prep to finish was 5 hours. What it did do, was corrode the 3 vertabra, which is now replaced with 2 pins and donor bone. We had a very good outcome.

One of the very first posts I ever made was about my use of certain words. One was LOVE the other was GOD. I am one of those that does not throw either of those 2 words around lightly. I don't pray to win games, I don't love craft supplies....I really really like (LUV) craft supplies. I have always thought..."Say what you mean" and "Mean what you say".... I have to admit...sometimes, I have a hard time with both of those...I'm not the most articulate, and the analogies that I come up with at time...confuse people...but, that's me...it's that creative side of my brain...

I bring this up, because after all was said and done...I know God listened to all the prayers that were coming in my son's direction...

My son is home and mending quickly. He will be wearing a neck brace for 8 weeks, and doing some heavy duty TLC for about 6 months. There will be limitations in his future activity...no wrestling and most likely football...I'm not sure he knows that yet. I'll take it. This is the least of my concerns. We have 2 years of follow up, and we will get to know the trip to Seattle pretty well, especially for the next 6 months. (I already do, since we *typically* do a trade show there once a year).....all of that...is a non-issue...just me babbling...

Now...to LOVE....My love for my kids is so deep, as any and every Mom knows. My world stopped...without a doubt...my hardest hours in my life were spent in that waiting room Monday night. I know I'm not alone in this...there were "Moms" and "Dads" all over the hospital...and the outreach from friends (Laura, your support meant a lot to me) was huge. If not for my family too, especially my sister...

So...that was my week(s). It's been a very difficult Spring on so many levels...but, once again..."those" issues seem trivial....and that dang "perspective" surfaced. I've learned "perspective" before....(not necessarily "learned"...probably more "reminded" is a better term)...and I've been "reminded" perspective again. When it comes right down to it....there are only a couple of things in life that really matter. Perspective...ahhh

Today, this mom is thanking the brilliance and skill of the surgeons, the support of family and friends and thanking God for saving my son, who I love with all my heart.

Happy Birthday, my Dear Son...Double Digits!

Trudi

It's All About Baseball

Couple of things...I finally broke down and now have a new digital camera to use in the factory. I am learning the new thing...keep in mind...I like reading manuals about as much as I like doing computer stuff. I don't...so, a little frustration here and there, but at least I won't break my thumb trying to hold the battery holder down, since the little spring on my last camera broke. My old camera I think was a 3 mega pixel, if that tells you anything...it's been awhile.

Now, on to baseball....my family is consumed with the sport right now...my son earned a spot on the All-Star "B" team...and once he did, my husband offered to coach post season as well. (We just finished his 2nd season of coaching minor league, Cal Ripkin program...I know way too much) It wasn't until a few years ago did I learn really how baseball talented my husband is. I knew he ate, slept and drank baseball his entire life...from young until about 4 years before he met me...you see, during a 96 mph pitch, he threw his elbow out on the mound...walked off and never looked back...I did not know that at 18, he was drafted to play major league baseball (the Dodgers)...he is not one to brag...so I will for him. I did not know him in that life...we met as young adults, after college...and after his career took a screeching halt.

So, now, as a coach, I see his knowledge being poured onto our sweet 10 year old son...I guess it's a little about reliving his boyhood...yet, the approach he is taking with our son...is definitely not the route he went. We do not LIVE at the baseball field. We don't have a career that lends that way of life for us...(sometimes I think it would be much simpler if we did have 9 to 5 jobs...)...(I still wouldn't change a thing)...that being said...the growth that we have seen our son take...is like leaps and bounds...and how proud we, as parents, are to see him blossom ... it should be all about having "fun"...yet, any baseball parent will tell you ... the politics is way more than that...I guess any sport...the politics gets dicey.

Fate ended my husbands career in baseball, but if not for fate...he and I would never have met...and our 2 beautiful children would never have come to be...

The pictures I have posted for you...are 2 of the very first creations I ever did with stamping. I'm almost 100% positive that I semi-cased the first card a long long time ago off of SplitCoast Stampers. (The saying) In the beginning, I perused SS for hours (when I learned about it)...until I got brave enough to start stamping w/o a plan! Creating is one of those things for me...that I just have "DO IT"...kwim?

The other card..literally is the first card I ever watercolored, and probably the first card I ever made. I've been in gift / chocolate design now for 25 years...and scrapbooking for about 12-13...but stamping probably only 7 or so (my style has really changed in the last 7)...which makes these precious little signatures on here from my daughter about 4 years old and her baby brother 2-1/2. This was one of the first SU sets I bought, and I have cherished it. The "thank you" card...was one that I made for my nephew to give to his sponsers.......wow...for a girl (me) who grew up on the farm, never ever watched a game of baseball in her life until I met my husband...I sure have it all around me now!

Tonight: Game ONE for dear son...of his post season...

I (heart) Baseball!

Trudi

Bah Humbug!

So, I flaked on last month's Christmas card...I wonder if it is even possible that I get one done before Monday. We'll see....I do have my RAKS almost ready to mail...first things first! (baby steps)

I'm having to get tunnel visioned with our holiday stuff...we are in a show in Las Vegas this September, targeted towards resort gift shops and touristy places. We have been planning for a couple of months now, and while business is slow...I need to work on it...just don't have that motivation, and every thing I do, seems to require a computer...something I really am not that savvy with...(baby steps again)....this show will be 100% new to us...for the last 25 years, we have attended tradeshows targeted towards Gift Basket Businesses and Gift Shops....we needed to be a bit proactive, however...the world is changing...all we need is one large customer and it will be worth it. If we don't manage that...then, at least we are in a fun place trying!

Hang in there, I tell myself...now, back to work!

Trudi

MIA

Hope sis doesn't mind...I did not crop this either, so her fingers are in the picture...this is one that she designed for our nephew's graduation. She has one up on me...I'm such a sheepdog...I haven't had the energy to even make a card for my nephew who just graduated from WSU and is on his way to Disney University!!!!! Not sure what has happened to me in the last month...my adrenilen dissapated (not sure of spelling on either of those 2 words...sunburnt, tired and sick...I'm not going to check it out either! so there!)...anyhow...

I have flaked on my resolution to make an XMAS card for May...I could have ventured into my studio today...but...here has been the way my life has been:

1. Volleyball Tournament: THIS WAS HUGE...180 TEAMS IN THE HUSKYDOME, SEATTLE...wow is all I can say

2. BASEBALL
3. BASEBALL
4. BASEBALL
5. BASEBALL

6. Ear infection: (out in the cold during baseball and on the way to Seattle for volleyball)

7. BASEBALL

8. Oh, a little work too...had some fun shipping experiences exporting into Canada this last week NOT...my shipment is still waiting to get cleared through customs

So...I OWE...I owe my people their RAKS...I owe my dear friend Nance an e-mail at a minimum (dear Nance...I have a little something more than that for you!)...I owe my dear friend Laura P a "how's it going e-mail...I think if you look up the definition in the dictionary for friend...Laura should be one of the meanings....)

and I owe my people who read my blog...my MAY CARD....I am not DOWN...just a little overwhelmed...I will feel MUCH BETTER WHEN MY PACKAGE MAKES IT TO MONTREAL....and we are still in the city tournament...so BASEBALL is still part of my LIFE...RAK peeps...I have THREE cards waiting to be bundled up and mailed....

life life life life

Now...off to bed with pain meds and antibiotics for this EAR thing...in my almost half century life...I have never had such a bad ear infection...this made my FACE swell...and landed in my THROAT, JAW, TONGUE, etc...ick

Trudi