One Loooong week

Last Monday I went to the doctor with a few concerns and for a routine check-up. She found a lump in my right breast and ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. I went in for those on Thursday. They did find a lump or small cluster and did a biopsy right then. Since it was so close to the week-end, I was told not to expect to hear anything until Monday or Tuesday. That seems pretty quick but let me tell you, it was not. One good thing about having your days stretched out so long is you find plenty of time to pray! :)  My husband and I prayed a lot and we both always felt calm and reassured after praying. I knew it would be okay, but I didn't know what that meant exactly.
I didn't want to tell anyone, not even our children because I didn't want them to worry for 4-5 days. I did want them to know though because I wanted their prayers. I decided we'd tell them on Sunday. It was good to tell them even though I hated to worry them. There's strength in numbers, and I felt strengthened. I got a call yesterday afternoon letting me know all was well. The tissue was benign. Whew! Thank you Heavenly Father. I am so grateful!
This morning when I woke up the first thing my husband said was "Hi, pretty girl!" Then he snuggled me up in his arms and said "Thanks for not having cancer." Man, I love that guy!
Your welcome, Honey. I'm sorry to have worried you, but I'm so thankful I had you to lean on all that long week!

Twice Around The Block

My parents live in Missouri. My Dad has numerous health challenges and requires constant care. My dear mother is the one who provides that care. Last spring Mom was standing on Dad's wheelchair ramp that had a thin layer of dew on it. Her feet flew out from underneath her and she fell HARD! She was taken to the ER where she was told she just had some severe bruising. "Go home and rest". After a few days she was really hurting and not able to take care of Dad. I flew over to help out. Mom was not doing well at all. She couldn't even get out of bed, the slightest movement caused her terrible pain. I called an ambulance to take her to a different hospital and have her checked out. She had FIVE broken ribs! Poor lady. I've since learned that it is almost impossible to see rib fractures on an x-ray until they start to heal, then the calcification shows up. But come on, with that knowledge and her age you'd think they would at least follow-up. Jeez.

Mom spent five days in the hospital and I spent that time learning just what a big job she has in caring for my Dad. Once I got the routine down and chores caught up, I was looking for something creative to do. I'd been wanting to learn to make some of the cute fabric flowers I'd seen on several blogs but, the little town they live in has no fabric stores. None. Nothing. I finally had the idea to go to a thrift shop to buy something lovely to make into something lovelier. It was so much fun. I was feeling pretty happy about that and finally had something to do while Dad slept.

I was cutting a men's wool sport coat apart when I got the idea that it would make a pretty cool bag. Especially if I incorporated the pockets into the design. I had a blast with it. They were a big hit with friends and family back home. I decided to try to sell them at our local Farmer's market. Since I make most of my items from previously loved clothing, I named my business 'Twice Around the Block'.

I also make custom orders. A bag and/or flower pin made from the clothes of a loved one who has passed on makes a lovely memento for a daughter or grand-daughter.

As with any other craft I've ever loved, I'm VERY good at step one; Gathering Materials. I have an unhealthy inventory of thrift store finds in my sewing room. With Farmer's market closed for the winter the pile thins ever so slowly. Maybe it's time for me to get them on Etsy...

Here We Go.......

I've been thinking about starting a blog for sometime now. I love to wander around in blog land, drop in and see what talented ladies are making out of worn out treasures they find, or learn interesting ways they've developed to make everyday life more fun, efficient or fullfilling. I've learned, laughed, cried and been inspired countless times. I've wanted to start but worried that I wouldn't have anything interesting enough to read more than just once or twice a year, plus I had no idea how to get started. I was talking to one of my daughters today and the blog subject came up. She said "Just do it Mom, I'll help you." So (from another state) she walked me through it (held my hand). I'm excited to learn more about blogging. If nothing else it might just encourage me to be a more interesting person so I'll have something to blog! Thanks A.J.