My Wonderful Great Aunt Phyllis

A few weeks ago my fabulous Great Aunt Phyllis passed away do to complications of lung cancer.  She was a great lady and had a wonderful family.  When I moved out here to the Philadelphia, PA region she and my Great Uncle Bob were my one connection to my family and grandmother back home in Washington State.  Aunt Phyllis was just like my grandma, extremely funny, quick witted, caring, loving and doted on her grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.

I wasn't going to mention my great aunt's passing on here, but a request I received today really struck me, it was a conversation on my Etsy shop that I received.  A woman was asking for a donation of one of my items for a fundraiser they were having.  I followed the link that she provided to her organizations website.  As it turned out, she was part of a Relay for Life team that was raising money the American Cancer Society.  I was completely shocked that she had come across my shop and immediately felt that my great aunt had something to do with it.  I was also reminded what a small world it is and that everything is connected and happens for a reason.

I was more then happy to donate the trinket chest that Lisa was interested in.  I mentioned my great aunt to Lisa, and that I would be donating it in her name.  Lisa let me know that along with the trinket chest will be a note stating that it was donated in honor of my great aunt.   This was just one small thing I could do to honor my Great Aunt Phyllis.

I have included a link to Lisa's Relay for Life team page.
Relay for Life- Moose-kateers

A New Year and New Projects

I can hardly believe that it's 2011!  What happened to 2010?  It went by so quickly!  When you are younger a year seems so long and from January to December seems to take forever.  As I get older though, I wish the years seemed to last forever, because now they go by so quickly that I can hardly believe that it's been 12 months.

With the end of the year though came my week long Christmas vacation back home in Shelton, WA with my family and my boyfriend, John, came with me this year also.  It was a fabulous and relaxing time home.  Spending time with my family, whom I only get to see twice a year, is my favorite thing and very precious to me.  Plus, I got to see my adorable 10month old niece, Madeline.  She has grown so much!  I just wish I got to see her more.

I spent most of November and December working on a couple of custom orders and gifts for my sisters and on Madeline's Christmas gift, an adorable set of ABC blocks with an Alice in Wonderland theme and a chest to keep them in.  The blocks took FOREVER!  So much painting and sanding and gluing and more sanding and more sealer applying.  I loved the end product though.  My sister was surprised by the blocks, they were much more then she was expecting and I think that's a good thing! :)

With the new year I have have started on new projects for my website and Etsy store.  I have also started making something completely new for my collection.  This something are hanging jewelry organizers.  I had several frames where the glass inserts had broken and I didn't know what I was going to do with the frames.  So I came up with the idea to put loose burlap in the picture insert area for earrings and then add knobs or hooks to the frame to hang necklaces or bracelets from.  I am so happy with how they turned out and am also happy they frames didn't go to waste.  I can't stand it when something goes to waste.

I hope that your holidays and new year have been wonderful and that nothing but the best comes your way.  I, myself, am expecting several huge changes in the coming year that will change my life as I know it.  When they happen, I will be sure to share them you!  With that, I leave you and wish you nothing but the best in the new year!  Also, here's a pic of my niece because I just can't get enough of her... hahaha :)