JUNE! The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I am ready for June to be over! 

Now you know I normally love June

It's my birth month and I always party all month long...not so this month.

But I had the best of intentions.

June 9th saw me turn 66 and all was good.

 I celebrated with Mom and then another celebration with Sara and kids.

My friend Carter who is owned by my houseguest Mr. Toes came to visit us.

We celebrated by going to the Flea Market near me that I have never been to in the 3 yrs I've lived here?!?!?!WHAT

It was so much fun and I found a few goodies to share in another post.

That afternoon we decided to go eat and I chose Waffle House.  I love (or use too, do you see it coming?) their patty melts.  So we ate and it was good and greasy as those things are meant to be.  We shared a Pecan Waffle as dessert. 

All that greasy food just sat in my stomach and hurt.  It was a long night but the next morning I felt better.  Just too much grease and all I thought.  I have issues with reflux and take meds for it so didn't really worry much.  I was OK on Sunday & Monday but not great.

Then Tue morning after Carter left my stomach was hurting a little bit.  Mom and I were suppose to go to WalMart (and thank goodness we didn't).  My stomach pain continued to get worse and worse, I broke out in a sweat and finally threw up.  I got Mom to take me to the ER....yes the Emergency Room. 

This was no ordinary pain and I knew it!

I was also checked for my heart since there is history of heart disease on both sides, but as I guessed it was my gallbladder.

UGH!  I had acute pancreatitis and gallstones with one large one blocking the duct.  The admitted me to the hospital and planned to remove my gallbladder, but first had to get the pancreatitis under control.

 

It was early evening by the time I was admitted and I was panicking because the next day was my big birthday luncheon celebration with my friends in Atlanta!  I didn't have my phone until Sara brought it to me.  I contacted everyone and they gave me a pass considering I was admitted to the hospital!  :)

Oh but it gets better! 

I was NPO (nothing by mouth) and I do mean NOTHING!  for two days.  IV antibiotics and just wait and wait.

This was on the ceiling above my bed and made me smile.  All the nurses were wonderful and so surprised at my good spirits.  Apparently I was quite sick but the women in my family have a high pain tolerance so I powered through most of it.  I will admit to a couple of pain meds but sleep was needed.  

Carter sent me this gorgeous bouquet of flowers and it cheered me up so much.

I had calls and visits to help pass the time.   Carter came and took Mr Toes so we didn't have to worry about him (he will be coming back later this week). 

They finally got my blood enzyme levels down to normal and did the surgery on Thursday.  It was laparoscopic surgery but you have to have intubation, and that was a first for me.  Of course I don't remember any of it!!

I stayed another night since I was pretty sick.  Usually this surgery is outpatient and you can go right home but I'm glad they kept me another night. 

My first meal in days and it was delicious (well not really but it was food).  Sara got me home and between her and my Mom have been taking care of me.  It was rough couple of days but I'm doing great now! 

Thank you to everyone who prayed for me and sent me messages on Facebook. Emails, cards and gifts.  You are all so special.  I am still limited in lifting things and driving but I'm healing well and feeling so much better then I have in ages!  Who knew all it took was a simple (ha ha) gallbladder surgery! 

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

Black and Blue!

This trayscape is for my daughter Ashleigh! 

A little brunch tray for my girl

I like the solid plates with the paisley place mats

 A black napkin with the blueberry napkin ring picks up another shade of blue in the place mat

Simple but pretty

A few flowers from the yard to brighten up the tray

Why black and blue you may ask?

Because that is the color of my darling daughters face!  She was in Portland, OR for a work conference and stayed for a few days vacation afterwards.  Her first morning bike ride lasted about 10 minutes when her tire caught in a rail track and threw her off.  Ashleigh is a safe rider and thank goodness always wears a helmet but the right side of her face hit the ground! 

Ashleigh doesn't remember any of this, but was told the story as she came to in the ambulance!  Taken to Portland's Oregon Health & Science Hospital (listed as the best in Portland....yes I looked it up) she has had fabulous care.

It could have been much worse, but she did get cuts and bruises on her face and she fractured her cheekbone.  This required surgery and that was done yesterday.  The hospital staff has been awesome about calling me and keeping me informed.  It is so hard to parent all the way across the country.  I was ready to fly there, but Ashleigh has assured me she will be OK and that I don't need to do that.  

I'm not completely convinced, but she does have friends who live one hour away and can come help her if she needs them.  She is scheduled to fly home to San Jose, CA on Monday.  (her bike was taken to the hospital with her and looks fine she says)

I'm wondering if she will change her hair color to 

Black and Blue! 

I'm joining these parties

Let's Dish

(trayscape)

and

Thrifty Things Friday

(you know these are all thrifty finds)

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

Gratitude Weekly

I am grateful this week for so many things.

Time with my sweet Grandson Tiger

Hearing my grown daughter tell me she missed me while I was in Texas. 

 I missed her also!

My kitties welcoming me home and not being 'too' angry with me for being gone a month

I'm grateful for Mr ALC who keeps the home fires burning and the cats fed while I'm gone

I'm grateful for Spring and new beginnings!

Please join me at Mary's blog Ms. Redo for 

Gratitude Weekly

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

I've Got A Friend!

I've shared before how much blogging means to me.  Over the years I have come to  realize that what I treasure the most is the friendships I've made.  Most of you I will sadly never meet in person, but occasionally the stars align and I get to meet face to face with a blogging friend!  That happened this week!

I have followed Shelia's blog Note Songs for years. You know how you read someone's blog and KNOW you could be friends...well we are!   She is always upbeat and makes the cutest little vignettes.  He blog always makes me feel good, so I was super excited to meet her in person!  

GUESS WHAT?

She is even more awesome in person!   Cute as a button and twice as sweet!  We had no trouble talking for hours and I enjoyed every minute of it! 

I know I promised lots of photos but I was enjoying the visit so much that these photos Shelia's Mr. Precious took are all I have to share! 

Look at sweet Chloe Dawn, she was adorable too!

The visit started with a tour of her lovely home.  I got to see all these charming decorations in person and yes...her home is as cute as her photos show!  She has little visual surprises everywhere!  A feast for the eyes! 

And speaking of feasts, Shelia made lunch for us and it was so good.  Chicken salad on croissants, fruit, chips and ice tea.   I enjoyed meeting Mr. Precious who ate lunch and left us to our chattering!

Her Easter mantel was so cute.  I must say I just love her style and everything about this fun lady! 

As bloggers do we exchanged some gifts! 

Look at this journal with the Eiffel Tower on it!  For my trip to Paris she said....how thoughtful and I will use it for sure!  She also made me this darling Rooster potholder!  (Roos are a favorite of her's) and of course a chocolate Easter bunny! 

I am so Grateful for the chance to meet Shelia in person and spend time with her.  Since she lives not too far from my Mom, we hope to get together again next time I'm in Texas!  Thank you Shelia for a wonderful day!  

I'm joining Mary's new link party

Gratitude Weekly

I will no longer host Gratitude Sunday so I am very happy that Mary has started this party! I hope you will join us! 

Wishing You JOY,

Linda

Tag Swap & My Word For 2013

I signed up for my first tag swap.  It was a Christmas tag swap and my partner was Myrna at My Enchanted Home.   We both got behind but did get our tags done and sent before Christmas! 

I want to thank Myrna and share the great tag she made me!

I was so happy to receive this adorable tag!

Myrna also sent me some cute gifts!

A very cute Christmas pin, cookie cutters and these wonderful napkins..one says JOY and the other PEACE.  I love them!  Oh and there was candy but somehow it disappeared!  

I made these tags for her and while I enjoyed making them I see I have a long way to go in my creativity!

I bought some glitter and other items so I'm hoping my next tags will be

 much better! 

My sweet friend Deb also sent me a tag...

I love this tag and I am inspired by Deb to make more tags to share with friends!

I also want to thank my sweet friend Shara at Monkeybox!  She posted a thrifty find of cute snowmen and I fell in love.  Next think I knew they arrived at my house!

Shara sent these to me in the midst of a medical emergency concerning her Mom.  What a wonderful friend.  Shara's Mom is doing much better but there is still a long road of physical therapy ahead.  

I have chosen my 'word' for 2013

There were hints throughout December on my blog and even my 'tag' and gifts from Myrna had my word....so fun to get them when no one knew! 

Yes my word for 2013

I have decided to choose JOY!

It is such a positive word and that is how I feel about this coming year!

Definition of JOY

1

a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires :delight

b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety

2

: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss

3

: a source or cause of delight

Often used around Christmas, I think it's a word that work's well all year

To celebrate my year of JOY I am also starting a new party.  

Gratitude Sunday will start this week and I hope you will join in. 

 Any post that shares Gratitude is welcome!  

I am going to have this party the first Sunday of each month.  If it is desired by the participants we can do it weekly but I think monthly to start! 

I welcome your feedback!

So I hope to see you Sunday January 6, 2013

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

A Day Of Support

Some blogs were silent yesterday and some today...

In support of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all those lost in Newton I offer this...

Gratitude!

Linda

 You're Gonna Love It

Gratitude~Day 30

November 30th!

I made it!

Today I'm grateful that I posted for 30 days in a row...

something I've never done before!  

I love blogging, but everyday is more then I normally post!  Still this has been a wonderful experience and made me think and look around at all the things in my life to be grateful for! 

Some were silly (not cooking Thanksgiving because my oven wasn't working...oh and the Mr fixed it...yay) and some were serious (grateful for my Mom's improved health), but all of them were from my heart! 

So thank you all for taking this journey with me!

I hope it inspired you to think about and be grateful for the big and little things in your life also!

So today I'm grateful that I took this challenge and learned so much from it! 

Now!!

Let the Christmas fun begin!

A very Grateful,

Linda

Gratitude~Day 29

Today I'm grateful for all of YOU!

Those of you who read my blog! 

The one's who leave comments

 (and also those who don't :)

  I am so grateful for my readers!

Your encouragement means so very much to me! 

I have learned so much from all of you about life, crafting, thrifting,

 blogging and friendship!

You have helped me spread my wings and fly!

Thank you all for being in my life!

And a special 'Merci' to Mary at Ms. Redo for letting me join her on this 

30 days of Gratitude journey! 

Hugs,

Linda

Gratitude~Day 28

Today I re-arranged the living room and made many trips up and down the basement stairs!

So today I'm grateful for

The Hot Tub!!

When I met Mr ALC he had a hot tub.  I had been in one from time to time but never on a regular basis.  During the summer it is just too hot for me but during the winter it is awesome! 

Tonight the heat and the bubbles felt so good on my sore muscles!  

I do appreciate the hot tub so much.  

Once we sat in the tub with coffee while it snowed...it was pretty darn awesome! 

Hugs,

Linda

Gratitude~Day 27

I am continuing my gratitude for music today!

I love listening to music in the car!

I drive almost 2 hours one-way to visit daughter and family several times a month.  I don't like the radio, too much talk and commercials, not enough music.  I mostly listen to CD's!

Some of my favorite artists

James Taylor

Dixie Chicks

Michael Buble

Adele

Josh Groban

Trish Yearwood

and so many many more!

I think my favorite singer is Kathy Mattea

I've shared that her Christmas CD "Good News" is one of my all time favorites.  Her voice moves me like no one else.  I have been blessed to see her once in concert and I was moved to tears.  

Her rendition of  'Mary Did You Know' is my Christmas favorite

If you have never heard it please enjoy this YouTube video

I treat myself to a new Christmas CD every year!

This year's is Blake Shelton's new release

'Cheers, it's Christmas'

I love this guy on 'The Voice' and know I will enjoy his new Christmas CD! 

What is your favorite Christmas Song?

Linda

Gratitude-Day 26

I am grateful for music!

If it's fun and silly songs with Tiger

or beautiful hymns at church...

I love it! 

This time of year I especially enjoy the wonderful musical offerings in my community!

A few years ago we all went to a performance by the Atlanta Ballet and saw the Nutcracker! 

Gorgeous dancing of course, but the music was amazing!  

If you ever get a chance to see this you should! 

A thrilling experience!

I also love concerts given at churches! 

I love Handel's Messiah of course.  It's soaring notes and blend of voices just gives me goosebumps!  I can't sing a note but my youngest daughter was in choir in high school and sang the Messiah with a community choir.  Such a wonderful experience for all of us!

Have you heard of the 

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols?  It is a Christmas service that brings the real meaning of Christmas into your heart.  Performed each year by the Kings College, Cambridge it is one of my favorite events of the season.  Mr ALC took me to a performance one year at Agnes Scott College and I hope we will be able to go again sometime!  Truly memorable!

Music makes me smile, laugh, cry and fills me with joy! 

Wishing you all of that this holiday season!

Linda 

Joining You're Gonna Love It

Gratitude~Day 25

Only a month until Christmas! 

I've taken down all the Fall decorations 

and I'm starting to bring up the Christmas bins!

Today I'm grateful that my Mom kept some of our old ornaments!  I thought she had gotten rid of all of the old Christmas things but recently when helping her downsize she mentioned some boxes of Christmas in the garage! 

I opened some boxes to find ornaments...but not just any ornaments...Shiny Brites! 

Look at the graphics on these original boxes!

Look at all this gorgeousness! 

I remember some of these from many years ago.  Mom gave me a 'few' when I moved out but to have her still have these boxes full has made me so happy! 

Even the faded colors are beautiful to me!

Thank you Mom for still having these reminders of my childhood! 

Sharing at 

Sunny Simple Sunday

and 

Seasonal Sunday

Linda