Saturday 28 June 2014

A ride in the sunshine, the photo and long overdue update



Time for a new challenge at Allsorts and this week Mervi has chosen the theme of 'Summer Girls', our sponsors are FlonzCraft and Buttons for Brains

I thought the Penny Black image was perfect with the girl our for a ride in the Summer sunshine, I stamped her and the trees then masked a sun and added Pan Pastels and a Penny Black sentiment.


And another card using some of the new DP's from FlonzCraft along with the Vintage 50's Fashion Girl, one of my favorite FlonzCraft stamps which I paper pieced and created a little garden scene.........my elegant lady is all dressed ready for an evening on the town with the man of her dreams.....................you all know I live in a little fantasy world.


As promised, here's a photo of Ruth (Tonic/Passion for Stamps) which we had taken when we had a lovely catch up just outside Cambridge a couple of weeks ago, if only we lived closer and not across the waters I am sure we would do it far more often as we always have so much to talk about.

And a rather long overdue update, as I said some weeks ago I have been struggling coming to terms with everything and more so talking about it. It looks as though I am still going to need another op due to complications discovered in the more recent scans, so what seemed just a little problem initially which was elevated calcium levels, that was in fact a warning sign of the bigger problem.

Plus apart from the Parathyroid Adenoma's there have been knock on affects from the calcium imbalance including a stomach ulcer which after three months now seems under control with meds and the loss of several teeth, probably that is the part I have found hardest to come to terms with.

So I hope you will forgive the intermittent posts and blogging, it's very much a day at a time, some days I feel up for it, others I just want to curl up and hide. We are due to go on holiday late July and it's the anticipation of that which has kept me going, it looked dubious at one stage but a letter from my consultant enabled me to eventually get insurance cover.

Phew, that seems like an awful lot of garble, but so many Peeps have sent messages of kindness and good wishes and I have kept stum so I felt I had to eventually break my silence and it may even do me good to get it out of my system a little.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

55 comments:

Astrid Maclean said...

Brenda, these are stunning cards once more and such a lovely photo! Thanks also for breaking your silence and letting us know how you are doing! It must be so hard, but I know all of us are totally forgiving when it comes to commenting.

Sending big hugs and hoping you will have the most amazing holiday!!!

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Beautiful cards and a lovely photo too. So good to have an update even though the news isn't the best. Thinking of you and hoping you have a lovely holiday and get through all this soon, huge hugs xxx

Janice said...

Both lovely cards Brenda. Like you I've been missing for a bit, lacking computer access as I stayed at my sons flat. Home now and catching up. Lovely photo of you and Ruth, looks like you were having a good catch up! Sorry to read of all your health issues, sounds like you are moving from one problem onto another, poor thing. Do so hope you get things sorted soon, Jx

ellyscard creatief said...

Lovely photo.
Now I have a name withe a face .[Your dog is lovely too]
Mooie foto.Nou heb ik een gezicht bij je naam.
Ik hoop dat alles goed komt met je gezondheid.
Gr Elly

gwen70 said...

Two beautiful cards Brenda, so sorry to hear about your troubles it really must be dreadful, my heart goes out to you. I am sure you are in a lot of peoples hearts who are thinking of you

Kelly Lloyd said...

Lovely photo Brenda...
And two amazing cards as always.
So sorry to hear what you have been going through, wishing you all the best with getting better.
Take care, hugs Kelly

Sue said...

Your cards are stunning Brenda. I love the images and wonderful designs.
A beautiful photo of you and Ruth, I am pleased you had a good time.
Sorry to hear that you may need another operation. I do hope that you will be well enough to go on your holiday.
Take care
Sue xx

Lorraine said...

Two gorgeous cards Brenda. The images are so elegant and I love the colours. You have a fabulous style. Love the photo too.
I hope your health continues to improve and that you have more good days than bad.
Have a lovely weekend
Lorraine x

Wendy L said...

Lovely cards Brenda and great pics of you and Ruth, first pic I have seen of you and you are gorgeous too. xxxx

Unknown said...

Massive hugs to you hun,a little loss for words to be honest.

Lovely cards as always.

Tracey xx

Zoechaos said...

Firstly, thank you for selecting my little page last week. For the last couple of years, pretty much since moving here, I've been a very poor friend to you and so many other crafting world friends. Reading your post today reminds me of just how much we take for granted and reminded to to count my blessings. So glad you are going on holiday, I know how you treasure those. Sincerely hope you get the treatment and support that you need if anyone deserves it you do. XOXO

Bad Kitty said...

very nice cards

Helen said...

Sending you warm wishes and I hope you are being well cared for by the gp/hospital. I am glad you are still going to be able to go away on holiday, it will do you the world of good, I am sure!
Love the cards, they are just gorgeous.

hellerlittle said...

Hallo Brenda,
I love your Cards as allways *lol
The 2nd is such "femme fatal" --- great great great !!!

Sending you all my best wish for your health from Germany
CU hellerlittle

Paper Profusion said...

Two beautiful cards Brenda. Glad to know how you are getting on, so sorry it is proving such a challenge to say the least! Thinking of you and wishing much better times in store for you very soon. Nicola x

Sarah said...

Ooh...ladies wot lunch!! A lovely picture of you both and hope you had a good catch up!! Sorry to hear of the forthcoming surgery Brenda, but your holiday is indeed something to look forward to. Two great cards, love the paper piecing! Wishing you well xx

Glennis F said...

Great card Brenda - it's lovely to meet up with friends from afar

KT Fit Kitty said...

Thank you for the update, Brenda, so sorry you are going through this. I have been praying for you. I wish you the best with your upcoming surgery. Your cards are so beautiful - I love the little scenes you created on both. Sending more prayers your way, my friend.

Mummylade said...

I think it's good that you take one day at a time, I wish all people would cause today is much more important than tomorrow!

Jane said...

Bless you Brenda, you really are doing so well....your attitude is so positive and you are entitled to have off days when you just want to retreat. What a lovely photo, it's good to catch up and chat with friends. Your cards are gorgeous I love the girl on the bike one, such pretty colours. Take care and sending you lots of crafty hugs xx

Words and Pictures said...

Love both cards - but I think I'd be happier in the position of the bright, fresh and breezy cyclist - far less pressure than being all glammed up for a night out trying to impress someone!!

Sorry to hear that there are so many ongoing difficulties - but please don't apologise for intermittent blog action - it's always lovely seeing what you've been up to, however often it happens. Take care and good luck with the op if it goes ahead.
Alison x

Sophie said...

Brenda, das sind zwei wunderschöne Karten, jede auf seine Art ganz fantastisch.
Die erste Karte hat was ganz Zartes an sich, eine kleine Radtour im Sommer, ganz süß.
Und die zweite Karte zeigt eine elegante Lady.
Großartig!
Sophie

Sophie said...

Ich melde mich noch einmal, ich hatte vorher nur die Karten gesehen...und war zu schnell... sorry.
Ich wünsche dir von ganzem Herzen alles Liebe und gute Genesung.
Alles wird gut.

Sophie

rachel said...

your cards are amazing as always Brenda - I'm sending you healing hugs and hoping that your holiday is a great tonic to you. You are such a talented lady - I'm happy to see your makes whenever you feel up to posting them! Big Hugs to you! Rachel xx

Rhonda Miller said...

Your cards are beautiful. I just love to see the scenes you create on your cards.

I hope things go well with your op. I'll be praying for you.

McCrafty's Cards said...

Hi Brenda,both cards are really beautiful I love these image, I am sending positive healing thoughts your way with lots of love a big hugs
Kevin xx

Kathleen said...

Two stunning cards as always, love the first card to bits and fabulous colours on the second.
So glad that you have 'opened up' to us as I don't always like to ask, lets hope that everything will be sorted very very soon.
Lovely photo.
So glad that you can go on your holiday, I think from past post you are like me and go cruising, but a pity that we won't be on the same as we go 16th from Venice and we don't do Cannes on this one and you mentioned you did, Ventura this time.
Very best wishes.

Kath x

Karen Petitt said...

As always too fabulous cards - love the lady and the paper pieced dress on that second card - so very chic!
Don't worry about rare visits or not getting back to us. I really hope that now they have discovered what is going on that they can treat you toot sweet, so to speak. Take care of you, craft when you want and just let the world go by as much as possible. Any stress won't do your stomach much good - so please please take care of you Karen xx

aussie aNNie said...

You are a brave and beautiful lady, I do so hope your recovery is fulfilled and prayers go your way...a gorgeous photo and the smiles just put a smile on one's face...stunning cards, love them both, I plan to try the moon one later today, hope I can be as successful as you are...cheers, and love to you ...♥aNNie The Journey is the Start

Jackie said...

Your cards are so beautiful, as always Brenda.
I hope all goes well with the Op, sending hugs and positive thoughts.
Go awy in July and enjoy that holiday :o)
Hugs, Jackie xx

Inkypinkydelights said...

Lovely cards Brenda. Gorgeous designs and detail. Lovely photographs too. I am thinking of you and beaming getwell wishes your way. Big Hugs, Judy x

Kari said...

Wonderful cards,Brenda! Hope you will feel better soon :) Warm wishes to you!
And have a great summer vacation!
Hugs,Kari :)

Desire Fourie said...

Breath taking creations as always Brenda. Such precious photo too. Pleased the two of you could meet up. Take each day as a blessing, just being alive and the rest will fall in place - I know its easier said than done. Your upcoming planned holiday sounds like a wonderful happening to look forward too.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

Gerrina said...

Love the cards; they are both so beautiful matched in colours and stamps! Hope you have a sunnier sunday as we here...summer rains with big drips... Hugs, Gerrina

Jaya Raghuvanshi said...

Lovely cards Brenda! Both the creations are absolutely stunning! beautiful picture of you and Ruth. You both look lovely! So sorry to hear about your health issue. Sending you warm hugs and lots n lots of 'Get well soon' wishes. Cheer up Sweets! Hope you have an awesome holiday!

Mrs.B said...

Stunning cards Brenda, and a great picture of you and Ruth. Sorry to read about the ongoing health problems, sending all my Best Wishes for a speedy positive outcome and no doubt the imminent holiday will give you a real boost.
Hugs, Avril xx

coldwaters2 said...

Oh Brenda you are a very strong person even though you say you would like to hide away, you seem to have conquered so much over the years I hope and pray that everything will get sorted eventually, you are rather special. Brenda these cards are an absolute dream, the image are beautiful so are the colours and designs superb creations.
hugs
lorraine x

Jacee said...

Lovely cards Brenda, very pretty work.
Sorry to hear about your health problems, I'm sending you a big hug.
Hugs Jacee

Craftnut said...

Two gorgeous cards for this weeks challenge Tracy x

susiestacey said...

Two stunning cards Brenda. love the elegant lady stamp. How lovely to see your photo with Ruth too you both look very relaxed and happy to have time shared. Your holiday is long overdue after your health problems Brenda - enjoy x Susan x

Berina RGA said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda... love them!! nice stamping... God'll give you the courage to pass through this... If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it... trust in Him.,
-Berina
Moxie Craftie

Juls said...

Dear Brenda, your cards as always are stunning, I am sorry to hear you are struggling with your health, sending big big hugs xxx

New Creations said...

Fabulous creations Brenda! Sorry to hear about your health problems, Wish you a quick recovery. Beautiful photo!!
Lots of love
Vinita

scrappymo! said...

You and your pal both look great. How fun to meet up. Sorry to hear you are still struggling with this. Healing thoughts across the ocean are heading your way.

Your cards look wonderful! They are both pretty but that second one is stunning. The colours and the design so suit that wonderful stamp.
Take care Brenda...keep looking forward to that holidayw...hear is hoping it is a good tonic!

mags said...

Gorgeous cards Brenda. You are a marvel with stamps and ink. Sorry to hear about your ongoing health problems but as you say, take a day at a time. Keep thinking about the holiday.
Mags
x

Lau W said...

Beautiful cards Brenda ! Oh sure, the pretty woman will find a man, she's so elegant ;-)
Very nice shot with your friend !
And i hope you will be better soon, i think it's good to go to holiday !
I think of you !
xxx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Dear B. Two very dear friends have had surgery for this condition with excellent results. Of course having other pre-existing chronic conditions wont help.. but will be praying much for the blessing of Lord upon you in it and for your hols too. Pleased all is on track for it.
Great cards.. lovely work. Shaz in Oz x

KandA said...

Two gorgous cards Brenda. Love the colours of the first and the elegant lady on the second xx

Debbie said...

Two very pretty scenes which look so serene and elegant.Thank you for the update as we are all thinking of you and wishing you well as you're so special in our world of craft and blogging.What a lovely pic of you both catching up - bet it was lovely for you both.Keep your eye on the prize - your holiday and take it a day at a time.Big hugs x

Annmaree of Oz said...

Hey Brenda, so lovely to actually "See" you! <3

I mean't to email to ask about how your health is. I'm so sorry to hear about you still having more problems and needing an operation! I hope they can get all of this sorted for you very soon! Wishing you hugs and positivity!

Annmaree of Oz said...

Oh also mean't to say I love your cards, the bicycle girl makes me smile, she looks so happy tredlling away there!

Love the Flonz girl, too!

Pat said...

Brenda, so sorry you are still struggling with health problems but glad you have a holiday to look forward to and give you renewed strength. You still manage to make such beautiful cards and these two are no exception, love the paper piecing on the second. Sending you some hugs and healing vibes.

Pat xx

walchowDesign said...

Lovely photo of Ruth and you! Sorry to hear the ongoing health problem and try to take things easy, Brenda! Sending hugs!

Jo Channon said...

Hi Brenda, both of these cards are gorgeous as always but particularly like the glamour lady - the colours are so striking. The photo is fabulous and who would know that you are struggling so much with your health looking at the fabulous smile Jo xx

Merry said...

Although I don't visit often these days you are in my thoughts. Glad to hear where you are up to and totally understandable you having days on no socialising. :-) I saw this photo of you and Ruth on Ruth's blog. You look so well. Take care and big hugs. Love your cards....two brilliant scenes. Really like the paper piecing.