The earthly remains of my sister, Barbara have been inside that box since December 30, 2007.  That is 18 years.  So much in the world as we know it has changed.  Her daughter is now grown with children of her own.  Four children two boys two girls.  One of the girls looks exactly like her grandmother.

  Yet, Barbara never met them in the physical world.  Another interesting bit of information is Barbara died not knowing that her “real” middle name was Joyce.  That is very Signiant in my life and would have been in hers.  We had an “aunt” Joyce.  Joyce though not related was the kind of woman who helped to shape us both as young women.  Helped us to stand up, speak up and remember that life isn’t about money, but it is about relationships.  It is about service to others and living a life to which Christ shines through.

  My own children are grown and on their own.  One having made horrible stupid decisions whereas the other is active-duty army stationed near the place he grew up. 

  In the case of my oldest son the only reason I know what he looks like is the mug shot online with the S** Offender registry of Baltimore, MD.  To be frank I wouldn’t recognize him if I passed him on the street.  He looks homeless. I haven’t seen him since 2019.  Please understand my love for him has and will not change. 

  In closing, Thank you Lord for my sister.  Let me be ever mindful of how I represent you.  Please continue to bless Barbara’s daughter and grandchildren.  Be a guiding light of love in their lives.

In Jesus name,

“May the Lord bless and keep you, may he

make his face shine upon you, and give you his peace”

Until next time,

Stamp happy and be a blessing

Life is always surprising me with the twists and turns it makes.
I’ve made these 4 simple yet elegant cards for three ladies whom are precious to me.

I am reminded that when men (or women) aim to deceive, mislead or otherwise be intentionally mean, that God will turn it around for his good and glory.

I made three sets of 4 cards each along with some small journals and packaged them with coordinating paper.

I am hoping that these three precious ladies will realize that they are enough, precious, and most of all loved and appreciated.

Until next time,

  Coas, yes that is a great description of my craft room.

  Wait a minute, Loretta, isn’t it true that this seems to be a constant struggle?  Honestly, the answer is yes.

   I can give you many excuses.  However, the voice of my own husband echos in my head “The maximum range of an excuse is zero meters”.

    I can be honest, there is a hindrance to “progress”.  I had an open Gastroscopy with Rue N Y reconstruction, para-esophageal hernia and diaphragmatic hernia repairs. Four surgeons and nearly 6 hours in the OR.  Not to mention the 6 day inpatient stay.  If that wasn’t enough I developed a fistula (opening at the surgical sight) that landed me in the Critical care unit at #Vanderbilt for an additional 8 days. 

  I am still in recovery mode and have a home-health nurse who monitors my progress weekly.

 I’m unable to lift anything heavy.  Meaning I spend a lot of time on my butt on the floor sorting crap, putting away items and taking out the trash. 

  I am trying to be mindful of where the craft items will live.  To purposely assign like items a home while striving to have a space that I’d be proud to “show off”. I did a major purge of scrapbook paper, donating approximately 120 pounds. 

  One of my biggest changes in the last year or so is the overhead camera sled built for me by my husband with 3/4″ black iron pipes and fittings.  Easy enough to assemble. I re-used a light fixture that is meant for kitchen track lighting and also use a ring light for overhead video production.

  Here are some before, during and after pictures of the space.  One day I’ll actually learn to put these in a more cohesive order. 

  Until next time, stamp happy and be a blessing!