Dawson

My little hero, Dawson Lowe went Home to be with his Lord and Savior shortly after 11 last Tuesday morning.  We said our final goodbyes for now to him in the Florien High School Gym Thursday afternoon.  His services were held there for several reasons but, the main reason was it was the only place big enough to hold the crowd who came.  It was estimated between 2 and 3 hundred people were there to pay their final respects.  Dawson may have only been on this earth for 10 years, but he touched more people from more walks of life than most people who live 10X as long.  There were medical people, kids, elderly, coaches, teachers, business people and bikers filing by to pay respect for the little boy who loved life and to make people laugh.  Tears were shed and some laughs as the coaches shared stories of coaching the little boy who loved baseball.  I heard more than one person say that Dawson taught them so much about life.
I know he taught me faith and courage and hope, even when the odds are against you.  He taught me to play hard and laugh often.  He taught me to hug whenever given the chance and never miss telling someone you love them.  He taught me that is ok to get tired and need to rest.  But, after the rest, get up and play even harder.  I will try to remember all that he taught me.  I know when I get to Heaven he will be there to meet me with all of my other loved ones.  And I won't be surprised if he has a baseball bat on one shoulder and a glove on the other hand.

Name Place Cards/Gift Tags For Sell In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=640220&action=status&status=active

New Earrings In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=639333&action=status&status=active
These go great with the lampwork bracelet and if you buy both right now I am offering a $5.00 refund plus FREE shipping on one item.

New Bracelet in My Zibbet Shop.

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=637559&action=status&status=active

New Earrings In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=634329&action=status&status=active

Heartsy

I took the plunge and submitted my zibbet shop to be featured on Heartsy.  I need your help.  Please go to:  http://heartsy.me/shops/6695/like and vote for me.  It costs you nothing and will really help me out.  Thanks.

New Items In Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=616381&action=status&status=active

New Item on Zibbet!!!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=614439&action=status&status=active

Yea! It's Raining!!!

Thank you Lord for the rain  Please all of us who need it get some.

I found out this morning that Dawson's MRI showed the cancer has spread all over his brain.  From what I understand, the doctors offer no hope.  But!  I serve a God Who still performs miracles every day and can in Dawson's if it is His Will to do so.  In the meantime, I will continue to pray without ceasing!

How To Pray When Your Heart Is Breaking

My little hero Dawson is in Dallas Children's Hospital.  He was admitted this morning.  He is not doing very well.  He can't use his arm and is in pain.  I am afraid that he is losing his fight.  I see him slipping more and more each time I see him.  I wish I understood why God is allowing this to happen to such a sweet child who loves Him.  I asked Bro. Wayne one time if the Bible tells us we aren't to ask God "Why" as so many people think.  He told me that God does not mind us asking Him why.  We are just not to question His authority to do what he does.  I was glad to hear that and find comfort in it.  I have asked God "Why" about a lot of things lately.  Like; why did Evelyn have to die?  Why are Annette and Dawson having to suffer so much?  Why is there a disease like cancer in the first place?  Why can I not catch a break and start making some big sales in my shops?  How can I improve my business and still keep it God focused?  What does He want me to do to serve Him this church year?  I felt Him leading me to give the card ministry to Mrs. D.  So, what does He want me to do now?  I will try to keep my heart open to hear Him when He speaks.  In the meantime I will continue to pray for Dawson and Annette.

New Mini Cards in my Zibbet Shop!!!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=600681&action=status&status=active

!!!SALE!!! YELLOW ROSE POSTER!!! SALE!!!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=589299&action=status&status=active

SALE!!! POSTER!!! SALE!!!

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SALE!!! POSTER!!! SALE!!!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=589244&action=status&status=active

Ulcers

I was diagnosed with ulcers years ago and have been on medication for them ever since.  My irritated/red/ulcered stomach comes from the meds I have had to take to control my severe asthma.  It is a vicious cycle which most of the time I can control.  Well, right now my stomach is hacked off at me big time.  I have been without my Nexium for a while now because of insurance not wanting to pay for it without an override from Doc.  Well, I got that or it was sent to Robby.  That was Monday and this is Thursday and I haven't seen it yet.  I really hate when government offices can decide what a patient needs and will receive.
And there are people out there who think Obama's health reform is a good thing.  Uh, excuse me!  But, do you really want Socialized Health Care?  Think about it before you answer.  Ever been in a "Government' run hospital either as a visitor or patient?  Did you see people, some critically ill or disabled, waiting literally all day to be seen by a doctor?  If we end up with Socialized Health Care that is what you will be doing yourself.  Have an existing health condition?  Are you over 65?  Then you better get ready to not receive the care you need when you need it.
I thank God that I have the doctor I have who isn't afraid to do what it is necessary to keep me as healthy as possible.  But, even he gets tired of the red tape it takes just to get a Rx filled when a patient needs it.  And so do I.

Exciting News

A friend has hooked me up with a shop in Texas who has agreed to take some of my items to sell.  I have a good feeling about this and think this may open doors to other places.  I have been going through my items and those that aren't listed in either online shop I am taking to her.  I really don't know how much she wants so I am going with a lot and what she doesn't want I will bring home and list in my zibbet shop.  I am taking some of my business cards as well.  I figure it won't hurt and maybe someone who likes my stuff will place a custom order.
I just finished signing and laminating some photos that I am going to take too.  I need to decide how much to charge for them.  Hard to say really.  I know what it costs me and the time to a certain extent but, not sure I should use that formula to price them.  I will figure it out before Friday.
Plan on taking some of my cards.  I need to make some Fall cards.  Lots to do and think about before Friday.

More Rambling Thoughts

I am still working on my shop inventory.  I have discovered I have some items I have not put in either of my shops.  So, tomorrow will be spent shooting, tagging and listing them.  Some of them will look great with your new Fall wardrobe.  So check http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed tomorrow to see what goodies I have listed.
As hot as it is here, it is hard to think about Fall being around the corner.  With temps of 113 and higher, all I want to wear are shorts and tees.  Of course in Louisiana, that could also be the case in the middle of Winter.  Well, maybe not the 113 temps, but definitely shorts and tees.  I have photos of my niece and nephews riding bikes Christmas day in shorts and tees.
I am hoping for a mild Winter.  It costs a small fortune to heat my house even with me keeping the thermostat at around 67.  I am hot nature so that is really not an issue.  I turn it even lower at night when I am sleeping.  I can't sleep if I am hot.
Heading to bed to read some.  I am reading How To Pray When You Don't Know What To Pray .  I think that is the title, if not I will correct it tomorrow.  It has some good thoughts but there are a few that has made me go "huh?".  I wish I could ask Bro. Wayne what he thinks about some of the ideas.  I love Bro. Bill, but I am not as comfortable asking him questions.  The couple of times I have asked, he really didn't have an answer.  I don't know if he didn't really understand my question or if I didn't understand his answer.

Just In Time For Fall!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=582957

Charm Bracelet

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=582849&action=status&status=active

Pretty In Pink Bracelet In My Shop

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=582846&action=status&status=active

Inventory Oh Joy Joy!

I am slowly but surely going through each item I have made and listing  it on my inventory document and attaching a tag with item # and price to each item to correspond with info on the document.  I should have been doing this all along.  Then it wouldn't be such a pain.  I am doing this now because I am in hopes of putting some items in a shop in Texas (I live in Louisiana).  I also am still hoping my friend will come out and take some to sell when his group (The Southern Plainsmen) is on the road.  I know he is super busy trying to find 2 new singers. I need to nudge him again so he won't forget me.
It is still super hot and dry here even after the rain we had earlier in the week.  It could rain day and night for several days before the ground and lake would get enough.
I am working on the mini cards for Sampler's Market.  I want to finish them soon so I can concentrate on making some for my shop.
It's hard to believe this year is almost over.  This has been a stressful year for me in so many ways.  My nephew moved out and in with his girlfriend.  They had a baby boy on May 12th.  Layton Jordan weighed 10 #'s 8 oz.  And ofcourse I think he is beautiful.  I haven't got to see him lately and that saddens me.  I love babies.
Having my closest friend die has really been hard on me.  It still seems so unreal.  I keep expecting her to send me a funny e mail.  You know the kind that makes you laugh out loud even after you have send it on to someone else when you think about it.  Or have her call and say "Pay Attention!" which she would do when she was about to deliver some news or ask a question that she really needed me to answer.  We had so much fun as teenagers going to a movie or just running over to Natchitoches to eat at our favorite restaurant.  Back when we were both able to get around without any problem we would got to Chinese restaurant that this great waitress.  She knew us and even though she never wrote our orders down she always got them right.  Not many like her anymore.  That place is no longer a restaurant.  But, we found another one that we frequented a lot.  Mama, Effie, Evelyn and I went often until Mama could no longer get around.  After she died, the three of us went a few times.  I haven't been in a while.  John and I would go sometimes when we needed to get out of the house before he and Angie met.
The last few years have dealt me some pretty hard blows but God has been with me through it all.  I know that nothing that has happened is a surprise to Him  even though I scratch my head and try to make sense of some of it.  Guess when I get to Heaven it will all make sense and if not it won't matter anymore.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

More Ear Candy

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=581216&action=status&status=active

More Ear Candy

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=581210&action=status&status=active

More treats for your earlobes!

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Your earlobes will love these earrings!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=579151&action=status&status=active

Fun Read

I just (last night) finished reading The Penny Tree by Holly Kennedy.  It is a fun read about Annie Hillman, a mom with 2 boys who is separated from her husband.  Someone takes out an ad in the local paper asking if anyone has seen this woman.  The story goes on telling how for 5 weeks there is a new ad every Monday.  The ad is placed on the front page and news reporters and other papers get involved.  Read the book to see who the mysterious ad placer is.

Thank You Lord For The Rain!

It finally came a good rain after over a month of no rain.  It came too late to save my rose bush but, I am still thankful for every drop I got today.  The wind got pretty strong which always makes me nervous since the tornado back in April.

Liz's patio umbrella ended up in the pool and my neighbor's swing landed in her pool.  Nothing that serious for me.  I was afraid the trees that are leaning would come crashing down.  So far they are hanging on. 

New Earrings In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=576898&action=status&status=active

Check Out This Fun Shop

http://www.zibbet.com/artiste26

More Fun Earrings In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=575497&action=status&status=active

New Item In My Zibbet Shop!

Check out these fun new earrings.  Just in time for Labor Day!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=575441&action=status&status=active

Good Intentions

I went to bed last night planning on getting up running this morning.  That is I was going to completely clean and organize my office.  Let me just say it didn't go like I planned.  I guess my AD was working over time because I kept getting distracted.  I have managed to throw somethings away and move some items into the spare bedroom.  I am glad I went in there because I found my grabber that I had been looking for since I don't know when.  I also have found evidence of mice.  Ugh!  Guess the dry weather is bringing everything in looking for water.
I can't remember the last time we had a good soaking rain.  My yard is dead and my beautiful yellow rose bush is fried.
Makes me want to cry.  I can't afford to replace it anytime soon.
Guess I will check a couple of things out then go work on my mini cards for the Swap Market.

New Item In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=573402&action=status&status=active

New Give Away

http://apps.facebook.com/hooplasoft_giveaways/data?o=Qrr%2BbIi6fvVxajgbiHOnj2B9I%2F38dWTwC9l1QhMEOxA%3D%0A

Never too early to win Christmas tags!  Good Luck!

Moving Slow

I have cut the paper for the mini cards.  Now, I need to fold them and decide what stamps or die cuts I want to use.  But, that will have to wait until later.  It is late and church in the morning.

New Item In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=570323&action=status&status=active

Spoke Too Soon!!!

The background is still not right.  The sound you hear is me banging my head on the desk!

Still Learning

My motto is "Learn something new everyday because when you stop learning you stop growing.  Well, learning how to put my own background has taken me several days and hours of trial and error.  I am still not 100% happy with it, but that will come in time I guess.  I just hope when I get ready to change the background I will remember a little of what I did.

I need to get busy on making the mini cards for sampler market. It shouldn't take me too long.  It is just a matter of sitting down and doing them.

It is so hot today.  My weather thing says it is 104.  That is not just hot but, HOT!!!   It acted like it was going to really come a good rain yesterday evening.  It rained hard for a few minutes then stopped.  Now, it is muggy.  Ugh!

Finally!

After not having a sale since July 2nd I got a sale for 2 items.  The buyer is a friend from my childhood.  I think we met in 3rd or 4th grade.  Anyway, I am just so happy to see that my shop is still getting sales.
I have been doing Climb to Fame and other events to get more likes.  But, I am stopping for now because FB has decided they don't like it and if they catch you, they will shut you down and in essence kill your business page.  So, I am back to working on getting fans other ways.
I have joined SamplerVillage and have agreed to send 25 mini Thanksgiving/Christmas themed mini cards for the give away.  I am not real sure how this works but, I will give it a go this time.  If it gets me sales good, if not, lesson learned and I will move on.
The weather is here is unbearably hot.  We went through a brief shower on the way to church last night.  Got to the church and there was no rain and when I got home there was no rain.  Everything has died and the yard crunches when you walk on it.
Praying for rain to refresh the land.  The lake level is dangerously low and considering it is the main source of drinking water in this area that is scary.  They are telling people not to waste water by washing vehicles or watering their yards.
Pray for rain.

Praying When You Don't Know What To Ask For

I have a dear friend who is dealing with breast cancer and chemo.  That is enough to test your faith and endurance.  But, even before the diagnosis of her cancer, her 8 year old little boy was diagnosed with brain cancer.  He had surgery, radiation and chemo.  After a long stretch of trips to Dallas Children Hospital he was pronounce "cancer free".  We gave him a huge "No Mo' Chemo Partaaaaaaayyyy".  Then at a routine MRI a new tumor was found.  He under went another surgery.  This time the tumor was too large for them to get it all.  He went back later for a gamma knife procedure which went well.  He was put in case study that DCH was working on.  His mom gave him the chemo by mouth every day.  He went back for an MRI.  The results were devastating.  The MRI showed 3 new tumors.  The chemo is not working and the doctors told her to stop giving it to him.  They told her they didn't know what more they could do for him.  But, they put in a call to St. Jude's.
St. Jude's as a study they are doing.  They have no documents or anything to go by.  They can't tell the family what the drug might do to him good or bad.  The family had earlier decided to try some "Natural Remedies".  Now, they are back to second guessing what they should do.  People can say "Well, if it was me or my kid, I would. . ."  But, bottom line is NO YOU DON'T KNOW!  Until it is your child, you can't answer that question!  And I pray you never have to answer that question.
We had special prayer for them at church this morning.  What can you pray in a situation like this?  I pray for peace in their hearts what ever decision they make.  I know they are seeking God's guidance in this and I pray they will let people who love them support them whatever decision they make.
This morning was the first time I witnessed the little boy actually break down and sob.  I grabbed him and held him tight.  I didn't want to let go and I am not related to him other than through Jesus' shed blood.  I have told his mom to call me 1 or 1 meaning AM or PM.  Until today I had never said that to him.  I hope they know I mean it.

Confused and Frustrated!!!

I have been trying for days to "customize" my blog with my own background.  I am doing what the video says and get an "error" code every time.  So frustrating!  But, what is weird is that while in chat last night, two different people came and looked at my blog and told me it has a blue background with raindrops.  What makes it weird is all I see is a plain white background.  If you read this, please leave me a comment as to what YOU see!  Thanks.

Love this choker!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=498647

New Bracelet!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=560368&action=status&status=active

Check out this fun new bracelet!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=558134&action=status&status=active

New Item In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=554846

Gaing FB Fans

I have been playing Toot your own Horn and Climb to Fame on FB to gain more fans.  I have gotten over 100 i just 3 days, 3 hours in total.  All you have to do is sign in on your personal account and post your FB fan pages name.  Mine is @LilPenny's Jewelry & Art Box.
Then you like everyone who posts their fan page name.  It is a great way to get noticed by a lot of new people.  Check it out.  If we get enough new people we will play again tonight.

Back To School Coupon

Use Back2School50 to get a whopping 50% off everything in my etsy shop!  Hurry before your favorite items are gone.  Many OOAK items.

Busy Busy Busy!

I am busy as a bee listing items in my new shop on zibbet!
Take a look at what I just listed!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=523862&action=status&status=active

 Some items are from my etsy shop.  Most prices from my etsy shop have been lowered when listed here in an effort to sell them to make room for new items in both shops.
Take a look at my shop @ http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed

Strawberry Bracelet

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=522654&action=status&status=active

Love strawberries?  Then this bracelet was made with you in mind!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=522631&action=status&status=active

Check it out at http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed.  It is only $3 + S/H.  I have many other fun items.  Check it out.

New Item In My Zibbet Shop!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=522573

Visit http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed to see many more fun items.

New Necklace Just Listed!

http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed/artwork?artworkId=513571&action=status&status=active

Just listed!  Check out this fun necklace made of 3 different silver chains.  I loved making this and bet you would love to wear it.

New Giveaway!

http://apps.facebook.com/hooplasoft_giveaway

Heart Broken

Friday evening I got word that Evelyn had passed away.  Evelyn and I had been close friend for 38 years.  We would often go out to eat.  Before Mama died it was Evelyn and her aunt and myself and Mama.  Now, both Mama and Evelyn are gone.  I still can't believe she is really gone.  I keep expecting her to call and "Pay attention! "  Then she would either fill me in on something that was going on or ask me a question.  I miss her, but take comfort in knowing one day I will see her again.  In the meantime, she is filling Daddy and Mama in on how I am doing and walking with Jesus.
I have opened a new shop to try and reach more potential buyers!
http://www.zibbet.com/2xblessed is the link.  Check it out!

O Rain Rain Where Are You?

It is  ridiculously hot and dry here.  It feels like my creative juices are just as dry.  I sit and stare at the beads and nothing sparks an idea.  The same goes for paper, it looks so blank.  I guess this is an artist version of "writer's block", though I don't call myself an artist.  Not sure what I would be called.  I love to dabble in different forms of art from writing to jewelry making.  I need to get busy on photo challenges for the month.  Great minis this month and have ideas.  I just haven't set them up to shoot.
I am off to see what I can do with a sketch I have done.  My first attempt at a lighthouse.  I am hoping that it will look better once I chalk it.  We will see or at least I will.  Not sure whether I will share it or not.

Frustrated

I get so tired of people who only think they know me feel like it gives them the right to give unwanted or solicited advice.  People do not understand how I feel about moving to town or into a nursing home.  First of all why would I want to go back to paying rent when I don't have to?  And why should I take up space in a nursing home when there are so many people who actually don't have a choice and need to be there.  And yes, I know my health isn't great but, not many people I know can say theirs is any better.  I have seen people go in there with their right mind and within a few weeks they barely know their own name.  For me it would not even be that long.  I know I would literally go crazy in one of those places.  I like being able to sleep when I want to and eat when and what I want to even if that means ice cream for supper ever once in awhile.  It isn't going to kill me.  I like being able to snuggle up with Pearl and watch TV or just sit and stare into space.  I like sitting outside when the weather is nice and listening to birds and other animal noises.
Bottom line is I am happy where I am at.  People don't have to agree with my choices, but they need to respect them.

Still feel cruddy.

Ok, so I see my favorite doc on Tuesday for a follow up.  Glad I already had an appointment because I had a super sore throat.  He gave me a round of Amoxil.  I am still popping them and while my throat is somewhat better, I am still sick and running fever.  Coughing and chest hurting, I suspect bronchitis.  Either way, I feel really rough.  I have already called and let Matt know I won't be going to church tomorrow.  The thought of even getting dressed makes me tired!
I have so much I need to do and want to do.  I don't have time to be sick!  Ugh!

Check them out!

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Check them out!

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Faerieladyclothing.etsy.com ***
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A Fun New Giveaway!

http://apps.facebook.com/hooplasoft_giveaways/go/143570979020737/1501

A New Giveaway!

http://apps.facebook.com/hooplasoft_giveaways/go/143570979020737/1501

This giveaway will begin July 1st.  I will post reminders.  But, you don't want to miss this one!

Pearl's Manicure and Pedicure

I finally cornered Pearl in the bedroom and worked on her claws.  Poor baby, she acted like I was cutting her leg off but never even whimpered.  I got a little cut off of each I think.  I am afraid of cutting them too short and hurting her.  I desperately need to make some sales so I can afford to take her to the vet.  And I can afford to get my hair cut.  It is so long and hot!
I am so pleased with the way my first canvas drawing turned out.  Now, I need some unscented hairspray to set it so it won't smudge.  Haven't decided whether to put up for sell or not.  Just because I like it doesn't mean it is really any good.  I know it isn't as good as a lot of people on etsy.  But, I haven't really been trying my hand at drawing for very long.  I would love to take some art classes just for fun.  Nothing too demanding, just to get ideas and suggestions on ways to improve my attempts.  No nude people, though!  Afraid they might ask me to take a turn at posing and that would be a disaster!  I would just like to learn to sketch faces and hands.  I would love to also take a photography class and a jewelry class.  I just love learning new things.  That is kind of my "bucket list".  I just want to learn something new every day as long as my brain is working.
Daddy's only living sister called this evening.  She is the baby out of 9 children.  Aunt Mary has Alzheimer and sometimes forgets who she is talking to almost immediately.  Tonight was bad.  Made me so sad because I miss Daddy and Mama so much.  I have no one to talk to about Daddy when he was younger.
That is why I want to try and record as many memories of Mama as everyone can tell me.  I am still waiting on some people to tell me their memories.
Guess I need to remind them.
Someone on Etsy sent me some beautiful blue beads for free because she is closing that shop.  I am trying to decide what I want to make with them.
I was looking at what is "Hot" this season and it is the big holed beads on the chain.  I love the look and want to order some.  I made a wish list that totaled about $200.  Better get busy and do some huge sales. 
So, if you have read this far Thanks and hurry over to my shop and buy something!  :D!

Doodler's Challenge

Ok, since I flaked out and didn't do the first challenge I was determined to do the next.  The challenge was "Midnight in the garden of good and evil".  Here is my interpretation of that!