KC Willis: I Have a Guardian Angel....

KC Willis: I Have a Guardian Angel....
Such a fabulous givaway !!! for all the KC Willis fans out there,wouldn't you love to have an item made by said fabulous artist!!!!!!! Those of you who don't know KC Willis..stop by the blog...check out the wonderful classes offered and some awesome art. Follow this link to find out how you can have a wonderful piece of art made by KC Willis.

Tomorrow is a special day................

and not just because it is New Years Eve. It is special and has always been celebrated in my family as "Adoption Day"...the day we celebrated our family..the day my twin sister and I were adopted by my Mom and Dad !!! The day that is far more special than my birthday, this day is what I consider my birthday!! My parents had tried for some time to have children and couldn't. My Mother was scheduled for exploratory surgery to find a reason for her infertility when my father received a call from Childrens Home Society California saying they had a babygirl for them!!!(they called him at work...1954..god forbid they call the wife back then!!). My Dad said"well take her"..they said"just one thing,,she has a twin"..my Dad said "we'll take them!!!"..the agency said"don't you want to talk to your wife?"..Daddy said "NO,WE WANT THEM...WE'LL TAKE THEM!!!". My birth mother named me Annette and my sister Janette...the names my parents gave us were Sherrie Ann and Susan Jan..quite a thank you to our birth mother,their way of thanking the wonderfully unselfish and loving woman who cared enough to give us the best,which she couldn't..to my birth mother,wherever you are ..thank you for loving us that much,your decision gave me the most wonderful parents any child could want! We always came first in their lives,they moved heaven and earth to be sure we had everything life had to offer and more!! I don't remember ever being told I was adopted,I just always new..and I always felt special ! I never thought about not being their blood..we were each other hearts!! Mom and Dad and Jan...I know you are in Heaven and watching over all of us..tomorrow,I know you will be sharing Our Day with me...Mom and Dad I love you and thank you for all you did..your love and support ..I am who I am because of you. The photo I have posted was taken by my Dad the day my parents picked us up at the agency..My paternal Grandmother is on the left,my Mother is center, and the lovely lady on the right is "Finny" as my Mom referred to Miss Finnigan,the worker that handled the entire process..she attended my wedding,as I thought she should be there at the "next important beginning of my life". My grandmother is holding me and my Mom is holding my sister(I think!!!!).

December 31,1954...a very Happy New Years Eve!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to visit my blog,who leave a comment, who have shared the good and difficult times of the past year with me,to those of you who have become such dear friends.....I am Blessed

Ann

ATC "closed in"

here is an ATC I started some time ago and just recently finished. It was one of those that I just had to keep looking at to figure out what I wanted..finally picked the image to go behind the window...I like how it doesn't "match" the style of the house. I wanted an "off" look.

ATC for PID group

theme for the Dec.2009 jackpot is winter cuties..image,of course, is from PaperImageryDesigns. I used the face from one of my favorite collage sheets,added a sweater from a catalog photo and embellished with Stickles glitter glue..also,added pic's from magazines that I cut out and altered. Drop by the PID website to see all the wonderful collage sheets and goodies there.

Some photos to share...

In October we went to my son's best friends (Jonny) wedding. These are photos of my son Cole and me,my husband Stephen and grandson Eddie and Stephen,Eddie and me. It was a beautiful wedding and we had a fabulous time. My son was the best man. The newlyweds have just recently found out that they are going to be parents!!! Jonny is my "2nd" son and I can hardly wait!! Babies are a precious gift !! Congratulations Jonny and Sarah !!!!!!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

I thought I would share this Christmas photo . It was taken in our first home when my children were VERY young. Christmas is a time to share with family,friends and loved ones. A time to share the gift of Our Lord and Saviour's Glorious birth. I wish you all a wonderous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I haven't posted for some time..it seems life gets in my way. Lots of ups and downs..why does it always seem like there are more downs than ups? How does one get out of a "funk" ? How does one stay positive when it seems like there is nothing to be positive about! I am usually a very positive person..what happened? I feel so very tired..nothing seems to be going right..the only good thing around me right now is my husband. I want to find time for me,to create things that make me happy....but family keeps pulling at me,in different directions..this makes me so tired. I worry about things that I can't do anything about right now.It is depressing to realize that certain things are going to happen in my life and I can't make it any better..oh well. Maybe what I need is some good sleep..haven't had good sleep for the longest time. Maybe I should cleanse my home ..seems to be filled with bad karma, which I don't understand why,because I am a believer in karma and have tried to live with the thought that the good I do will come back to me..how long does it take?

Blogcandy................

visit collagevisions.blogspot.com and leave a comment on the blogcandy post to win a chance at 5 free collage sheets!!! Her sheets are wonderful...if you haven't checked them out,do yourself a favor and take a look!!! Also, if you leave a comment about your favorite sheet,your name will be entered twice!! Leave a post on your blog and................

How fun....

Here is a Rubicks Cube of my beloved,departed Otis ! I found this site Dumpr from Aileen's Musings(a great blog!). Lots of fun photo stuff..check it out! Aileen's blog is fabulous..give her a visit!!

The mogs blog, the meanderings of a cat through yarn and life: Samhain giveaway

The mogs blog, the meanderings of a cat through yarn and life: Samhain giveaway
A lovely blog to visit...and a givaway that is beautiful..a handmade shawl! Pop over and visit her blog and enter to win.

ART and CREATIVITY SITE

if you are in need of supplies or a creativity boost...try Artellaland.com
If you find something you like..great!!! If you make a purchase via this link or the Artella link on my sidebar I get a percentage.If you are interested yourself look for the affiliates program on the website. Due to my disability,I am unable to work..I just get a bit if you buy through this link..and we all know how every little bit helps. If you find something that interests you great..if not,no problem! Just putting it out for anyone who is interested.
Hoping everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Wanted to share an email I got(click on the photo to read the email)...

..because of it's beauty;I just thought this photo was important to share.
I am making no political statement regarding war...I am sharing this man's love and caring for another human being.
A friend emailed this to me today and I am forwarding it to all of you.

I found an interesting and fun site a couple of weeks ago. I kept meaning to post it...so here it finally is....www.vintageimagecraft.com
Besides having clip art for sale they also have crafting ideas for different holidays and such. Some craft"receipes" and the like. There are days when my mind kind of blanks out and I need a jump start..some great ideas here. A bit of everything and I hope you enjoy it. Just thought I'd share !

FREEBIES...photos for altered projects

These are some old,personal family photos. Feel free to use in your art..alter to your hearts content.
1st photo..my Dad,Ralph Redmoond,as a very little boy !!!
2nd photo..my Aunt Dicie,my Mom, Sybil Chambers Redmond, my Uncle Austin
3rd photo..my Grandmother, Nora Tuggle Chambers Reynolds, on her wedding day..a BEAUTY !!! don't you think!!!
If you have any trouble downloading,let me know,and I'll email them to you !!
JUST FELT LIKE SHARING !!!!

Just a photo to share !!!

just thought I'd share a picture of my son, Cole, me and my daughter, Savannah !!

Since Halloween is coming up.....

....I just thought I'd share this skull tattoo on my son's back ! It is from an original drawing my husband did. I scanned the drawing and have re-sized it many times to use in my altered projects!!

Some things I've made...

I haven't posted for a while...family issues,hopefully resolved...hope you like them. The first 2,ATC and paperdoll, are for the yahoo ATC-Artdoll group...we were given Halloween elements to use along with our own elements..I really enjoyed this. The last 2 photos are the ATC's for the yahoo PID group using PID images. I hope you like them.

ATC's..My great Grandmother

I used a transfer method for this ATC of my great Grandmother,Ellen Roberts taken in 1888. Altered her hat a bit for fun. Used watercolors and Ranger distress inks and some german scrap for embellishments. The other ATC is for the paperimagerydesigns yahoo group..Grandparents is the theme.I put my grandmothers face in the album.. PID collage sheet #649(one of the sheets I got as the FABULOUSLY lucky winner of the PID blogroll contest..I won the mega prize of all prizes..PID knows how to give a prize!! I couldn't believe how many wonderful things were included..),then, I used PID's Olivia collage sheet..she is just too sweet!...she fit right over my grandmothers face and body(if you look close,you may see my grandmother's skirt peeking out to the right of Olivias feet!)I was really pleased with how this came out. Click on here to visit paperimagery designs.com

Little Witch Girl ATC

ohhhh..love those PID images..www.paperimagerydesigns.com
this one is #270 Molly...she's a cutie,love her face! A perfect little Halloween witch..don't you think?

Halloween Girl ATC

Love Halloween !!

Halloween Baby ATC

This Halloween themed ATC was made with a PID image.sheet #395..click on here to go to the PID website!! www.paperimagerydesigns.com
I used a variety of images from other sources for rest of ATC.

Pumpkin Girl !!

Again,I love Halloween stuff. Pumpkin girl was made using a PaperWhimsy image..I love her because she can look so sweet or a bit demented,depending on how you alter her.(PaperWhimsy.com digiiWhimsy Sheet Spec01)
www.PaperWhimsy.com

Creepy Halloween Paperdoll

ok, I'm weird....I like bizarre things...I was in one of those moods and did this..parts came from numerous sources. Halloween comes early to my house.......

I Altered My Son...................

I used the anatomy sheet from piddix.com visit her...LOTS of fabulous collage sheets) to alter my son, Cole. He really liked it,but,at the same time just shook his head and told me I was weird!! Front and back of my altered Cole paperdoll is shown.

Altered domino

both sides of an altered domino I made for my husband. I used images from piddix digital collage sheet no.510..go to www.piddix.com to see all the great downloadable collage sheets.

Free Annie Doll Pattern and Givaway !!!!!!!

Visit De's blog and get a free pattern to make a darling Annie for yourself or someone special. Also..sign up to win her givaway...ANNIE PATTERNS!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!
http://SeeDeSew.com

Good news.................

Cole's chest xray today showed NO PNEUMOTHORAX !!!!!! It has completely resolved itself!! We are all thrilled. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR WELL-WISHES,THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.........I KNOW THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE IN A LARGE PART FOR HIS RECOVERY..THANK-,THANK-YOU,THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update ...................

I first want to thank all of you again for taking the time to sent words of comfort to me. I miss my Otis so very much..it is so different not hearing his tags hitting the floor as he ran through the house(his little legs were so short that when he ran the tags would swing and actually hit the floor..he couldn't sneak up on anyone!). My son came home from the hosp. early Friday evening. His rt. lung is still 10% collapsed,but it didn't get worse,so that's a good thing! He has whats called "blebs" on his right lung,and that is what cuses the spontaneous pneumothorax...if it happens again,and according to the pulmonary specialist the chances are high. he will require surgery to rmove them from his lung. Needless to say,I am watching him like a hawk!! If I visit you blogs,and don't leave a note, please forgive me. I am trying to catch up on all I've missed but I don't always have the chance to tell you how much I've enjoyed my visits with you. So, if you see "HI" on your blog form me,just know I've been there and loved it!!
Ann

it never ends.....

I am writing this from my son's hospital room...he was admitted yesterday for a partially collapsed lung. he is on a heart monitor and oxygen. So far,it hasn't gotten worse,he hasn't had to have a chest tube placed yet,xrays are unchanged and the lung CAT scan shows blebs in the right lung. If nothing gets worse,he may be able to go home tomorrow. I haven't figured out how to get to emails from his computer..but I wanted to thank everyone for their kind and comforting comments that were left on my blog. When I get home and get him settled, I'll get to each of you to thank you. I've said before,God doesn't give us more than we can handle.....

Our hearts are heavy...........goodbye,sweet Otis.

This morning,our beloved Otis began having labored breathing. We took him to our vet,only to find out that he was in severe heart failure.We had to love him enough to end his suffering..a very painful decision. Otis,and his brother Oswald are 12 years ols and have been our babies since they were about 8 weeks old. Otis was a typical runt..pushy,grumpy..you know the story! It was his world and we only existed in it for his pleasure! He was my baby and my heart is broken..he has brought me so much joy ,laughter and love.The nights I have spent awake in severe pain from my Thoracic Outlet Syndrome,he has been by my side,actually on my lap wanting tummy rubs! His brother, Oswald, is now laying forlornly by the door,with Otis's squeeky toy,waiting for his not to happen return.I,at least,understand..but Oswald does not. Otis was not a morning dog..had to be carried out to go to the bathroom,then came right back in,to slleep until noon! Yes, we spoil our dogs!!My husband won't even move a dog or cat to sit on the couch..he'll sit on the edge instead!
I know,with all the aweful things that are going on in this world,that this may sound silly,but all you animal lovers know what I'm talking about..a member of my family is gone..and it hurts.
I share this because I need to..thank you for letting me pour my heart out to you.
GOODBYE,MY DARLING OTIS,MY FRIEND ...........

My friend and fellow blogger..........

Amyjo Dayton had to lovingly send her beloved dog Bailey to heaven this morning. He was a beautiful and loving dog..you may have seen this sweetheart on her blog! Would you send your loving thoughts to her through whatever means ,to help ease her grief . My heart is sad for her,as I know how I would be feeling right now! www.artistamyjo.com
AMY...MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND I HOPE YOUR MEMORIES OF BAILEY BRING YOU COMFORT...I CARE.
Ann

Trying to get back into the swing of things....

I have decided it's time to try to get back to my normal routine as much as possible.....I want to thank all of you who have sent me messages of concern,comfort and hope. I also want to thank all of you who kept me in your thought and prayers. I find I am rich in what matters most..the love of my family and friends. I am going to try to get back to visiting all your blogs....thanks for understanding!

I have not been creating anything until recently...here are the pictures. These ATC's were made for this months swaps for the PID group .Images used are from PaperImageryDesigns.com

The Bette Davis stamp curtesy of my friend Kim..yep,I recycle everything that I can..and I love Bette,she looks

like the star she was (and still is!!)

http://paperimagerdesigns.com

JUST TO LET YOU ALL KNOW..........

DUE TO SOME OVERWHELMING PERSONAL ISSUES MY BLOG POSTS ARE GOING TO BE SPORADIC FOR THE TIME BEING.I JUST DIDN'T WANT ANYONE TO THINK I HAVE STOPPED BLOG VISITING BECAUSE I DON'T CARE,,FOR NOW, THINGS ARE IN A PLACE,FOR ME,WHERE I WILL BE DOING WHAT I CAN ,WHEN I CAN. I LOVE VISITING ALL YOUR BLOGS.

you may want to visit......

candle and bath products..visit amy's blog ..if she is posting about these products,they must be great! See Amy's Sunday,June 28,2009 post!
http://www.artistamyjo.com/

Would you like me to link to your blog.........

if you would like a link to your blog,on my blog,just let me know.send me an email and I'll add a link!!

More of my creations........

just thought I'd upload some of the things I've done since my last photo uploads..some are for various swaps for groups I'm in. Hope you enjoy them!! Some of the scans aren't as clear as I'd like,hard to get clear scan with 3-D elements..probably should have taken a picture,then uploaded picture!I don't think I've posted these..if I have..oops!!(it's been topsey-turvy at my house for the past couple of week....).All images,EXCEPT FOR "BUTTON PAPERDOLL" are from PaperImageryDesigns.com. Thanks for taking the time to visit!!!!

FABULOUS CHANCE TO WIN AMAZING ART....

Paper Imagery Designs Blog Roll Contest ...fabulous pieces of art to win from the designers!!

Visit http://paperimagerydesigns.blogspot.com/ to enter to win these wonderful art prizes offered!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

THESE ARE PHOTO'S OF MY FATHER ..ONE IN HIS NAVY UNIFORM AT THE BEGINNING OF WWII AND ONE OF HIM AND MY MOTHER WITH MY TWIN SISTER,JAN,AND ME. MY FATHER WAS THE MAN WHO ALL MY BOYFRIENDS WERE MEASURED AGAINST..MY FATHER WAS A MAN OF GREAT WISDOM,HUMOR AND HUMILITY.HE WAS VERY EASY GOING AND THE ULTIMATE FAMILY MAN.MY MOM USED TO SAY THAT IF MY SISTER OR I WOULD HAVE POINTED TO A STAR IN THE SKY AND SAID "DADDY,COULD I HAVE THAT ONE?" HE WOULD HAVE HUNTED DOWN THE TALLEST LADDER HE COULD FIND! NO MATTER WHATEVER HAPPENED IN MY LIFE,I KNEW HE WOULD BE THERE FOR ME. HIS GREATEST JOY WAS HIS FAMILY. HE ALWAYS WORE OLD SPICE AFTERSHAVE....I CAN SMELL IT NOW!! I MOVED IN WITH HIM FOR THE LAST 5 MOS. OF HIS LIFE TO CARE FOR HIM IN HIS HOME SO HE COULD DIE HIS WAY..HE MET MY MOTHER IN HEAVEN ON DEC.26,2004. HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY...I KNOW THAT YOU, MOM AND JAN WILL HAVE A GOOD DAY IN HEAVEN..STOP IN AND VISIT ME!!

PLEASE HELP THIS ARTIST AND FELLOW BLOGGER

KATE HAD SOME OF HER PAINTINGS STOLEN AT AN OUTDOOR ART SHOW IN NEW YORK....please look/scan these photos and keep an eye out..for those of you who do art shows you will want to read the description of the thieves....hopefully her paintings will be found and no one else will have this happen to them!! THANKS.
HERE IS THE LINK TO GO TO..http://kategabrielle.blogspot.com/2009/06/stolen.html

HOLLYWOOD HEYDAY: AMERICAN WOMEN AFRAID TO BE ORIGINAL, SAYS CAROLE LOMBARD

HOLLYWOOD HEYDAY: AMERICAN WOMEN AFRAID TO BE ORIGINAL, SAYS CAROLE LOMBARD
GREAT BLOG FOR THOSE OF YOU HOW LOVE OLD hOLLYWOOD LIKE I DO!!

mermaid from Kim

this fabulous mermaid was sent to me by my friend Kim...I love the addition of the mica.kim also sent me some mica to play with!!

allerina paperdoll for group swap

this is the paperdoll i made for one of my group swaps. hard to see,but pink tulle is attached to stamped and watercolored ballerina tutu..added some glitter glue and post-performance flowers.

Collage from Amy

As promised..here is the beautiful collage that AmyJoDayton made for me as a gift..just sorry i couldn't get the wonderful frame in the photo..scanner not big enough!! She said my comment on my Mom and adoption inspired this piece. Thank you Amy for this gift that I will always hold close to my heart.

new goodies in mail !!!!!!!!!

these are from PID swap group and fantastic flat paperdolls.he top atc was made by Angie Hall Haviland,bottom atc made by Nancy Bemis,the flapper was made by Brenda Moss. I love them all.They are beautifully done..wish my scan could have shown them better.Thank you so much Ladies for the wonderful art.

Where is Teista Swain Burwell? Petition

Where is Teista Swain Burwell? Petition

please sign this petition,put it on your blog and send to all your friends.One of ours needs our help!!!!!!!!

creative glitch...and THANK YOU'S !!!!!!!!

well, maybe not a glitch....have been under the weather,so to speak,and haven't done anything creative for days...just haven't had the energy. feeling a bit better and have started 2 projects. my dear friend Lila sent some fabulous paperdoll dresses for me to use and another dear friend Amy sent me a beautiful collage. when i feel up to dragging down my scanner i will post them. i have made some wonderful friends here and i just want to thank you all for that friendship.to all of you who stop by to visit,thank you so much for taking the time..i hope what you see brings a smile to your face or maybe a giggle or hearty laugh...

Altered Amy

Here are 2 altered paperdolls I made of my friend Amy..I've enjoyed her blog for some time and I asked her to send me a photo so I could alter her...I think she is a fabulous flower fairy and wouldn't it be fun to be Cleopatra for a day!!

Magic Lantern Show: Chambord#links#links

Magic Lantern Show: Chambord#links#links
fellow blogger, Owen, has asked that posts without comments be "adopted"..I have adopted this one..it is a fabulous photograph. If you haven't been to his blog,give it a visit....amazing photography.I may never get a chance to visit other places/countries,but,by visiting his blog, I get to travel through his eyes!

sent from Emily

This wonderful ATC was sent to me by Emily,a member of the PID group I belong to..this was her stripes ATC that she posted for all of us to see. I left a message on the group email that I just loved it and hoped I was partnered with her for the mingle. Well, I didn't know that she wasn't planning on being part of the mingle.She just up and mailed it to me..how sweet was that! I just loved the face and flower with the saying. Thanks so much Emily!