Monthly Archives: December 2016

As 2016 ends

As 2016 draws to a close, it’s time to think back on the year that was. As is often the case for Tony and I, it’s been a mixed bag. He had surgery at the beginning of the year, and is likely to have surgery early in 2017, and I had surgery in September then got very sick. He and Ailsa nursed me, which I am grateful for. It took ages for the fence to be repaired after a drunk driver crashed into it, and the roof leaked again!

On the plus side though, we have our own home, I have a job I love, we have a few wonderful friends and two pets we love dearly. I’m grateful we live in New Zealand where we can feel safe, despite being worried about what is happening in the world. I’ve lost over 35kg so far and am finally starting to feel well again. More importantly, after 24 years together, we remain as much in love as ever and are each other’s biggest supporters.

Here’s to 2017; I’m looking forward to a year of loving work, loving Tony and loving our life.

new years eve 2017

Making cards

I wanted a couple of basic cards to send off this week. The ‘awesome’card uses the ‘you = kind’ stamp and die set from WPLUS9, Copic markers and clear Wink of Stella for a little shimmer. The cat card uses Dyan Reaveley stamps, Tim Holtz distress inks, StencilGirl stencils and Gloss Accents from Ranger for some gloss on the cat’s eyes.

One little word – prepared

Every year I choose a word that is my keystone. In previous years I have had – mapping, balance, determined, calm and, in 2016, intention. Each has served its purpose, constantly bringing me back to what I want for myself for the year, both at work and at home.

This year I mentioned ‘one little word’ on Twitter and people suggested hope, courage, and strength. They’re all good words, but the one I keep coming back to is “prepared”. It just feels right. So, in 2017, I will be PREPARED

  • to spend quality time with Tony
  • to devote time to my art
  • to ensure I eat properly
  • to use the tool of my weight loss surgery wisely
  • to make my lunches even when I don’t feel like it
  • to drink enough each day despite the nausea
  • to use the exercycle despite the pain
  • to put enough time into my own professional development
  • to say no to things that I don’t want in my life

So often what we want is just out of reach, and what’s required is more effort or a deliberate action. In 2017 I believe being prepared will help me achieve more of my goals.I think it’s a good word for my professional life as well, and will write about that at on my KiwiLibrarian blog.

one-little-word

 

Gelli print cards

I keep a stack of cards ready for sending out, and my stock had got a bit low. Yesterday I made some gelli prints just for the fun of it, mainly using Golden Open Acrylics and a variety of stencils. Today I decided to turn them into 10 fairly all-purpose greeting cards. I used my latest stamp and die set from Simon Says Stamp for some of them – love it.

cards

Progress update Dec ’16

Last time I blogged about my weight loss surgery I had been in Base Hospital, and was feeling better. Hmm. This last week I have been back in Base after developing a blockage, partly due to dehydration. It was two days of drama but all good again now. I have new meds and a determination to drink despite the nausea. The nurses and surgeons I saw were fantastic; patient and prepared to really explain things to me. I’ll say this though – it took 24 hours to go through two Emergency Departments to a ward and, oh my god, I was exhausted!

I’m on leave for the next two weeks and am hoping to rest and spend some quality time with Tony. He’s done a great job of caring for me, yet again, and it’s past time we had some fun. I hope the sun shines…

face-dec-16