WOYWW432
Hello my friends. I do trust all is well with you. I really need to apologise to you all. Last week, I posted my blog, linked up with Julia, and an hour later had a phone call from my brother to say our Dad had died in the night. Could I go down to the Midlands so we could do all the arranging. I was on the road by 9am! We managed an incredible amount in a couple of days so I returned home – but was so exhausted I simply didn’t visit anyone of you and you were kind enough to visit me and leave comments… I’ll try to visit a few more this week!!
As you can imagine, my desk hasn’t seen a lot of activity in the past seven days – on Monday I managed one card for a 50th wedding anniversary, and on Tuesday made 9 Christmas cards. That’s it! Total sum of it all. I’ve been busy in other directions of course – sorting out the thanksgiving service for Dad, attending a craft show in Manchester with two friends, and receiving lots of encouraging messages from my daughters over the start of a new year at school. Eldest grandie starts A levels, youngest grandie starts Secondary school, and the other three fit in between – so a busy start of the year for both daughters.
So, my desk…
Still the same clutter – just from a slightly different angle! More little memento inks dotted around – I’d just used those tiny Majestix stamps with that mask which is sitting on the cutting mat to produce a Christmas card. The peel-offs are still there, the large stamp at the back, same coloured wax pots, brush, scissors, blade (oops – uncovered!), the bottom of my to-do list, perfect pearls and glitter glues. There’s a lovely Christmas paper pad under the empty stamp packets to the left. Needless to say, out of sight to the left AND the right, the shoved piles are growing; the plastic box of dies is getting fuller by the hour, and the heap of papers pulled out “just in case” is threatening to topple onto the floor. The waste bin is overflowing, there are two drawers of stamps heaped onto the floor instead of in their unit, and two boxes of ribbons await a tidy up session. Oh dear!!
So – what have I achieved? A 50th wedding anniversary card…
I found the Britannia die at the show – and fell in love! It is so beautiful and so dainty. Not huge – the card is 6×4 inches. Still nothing complex, I’m afraid – just a simple card which needed to get in the post rather rapidly.
So that’s me this week, folks. Busy – when am I not?; saddened by the untimely and sudden death of a dear friend which has left the church community here in shock; saddened by the death of my dad, but incredibly grateful to God for hearing our cry to take him home to Himself. Dad had become a Christian in his early teens, and was 96 when he died. He suffered from dementia, but had occasional flashes of recognition – and what a tribute – the death certificate stated he died of Old Age!!; looking forward to,and planning for, the crop in two and a half weeks. YAY!!
Take care my friends. God bless.
Margaret
28 IMPORTED COMMENTS
Sarah
So sorry to hear your news – big hugs. Love the card – simply stunning and perfect – Hugs Sarah x x #34
Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:33:17
Shoshi
Having read your sad and moving post, I completely forgot to thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such a lovely comment! We had a great time on Friday with the resumption of the Bible study group – our numbers are very small and we pray for increase! They do appreciate all my efforts though. I’m glad you like the pages I’ve made for the album. I’m keen to get that project finished as it’s been on the go for ages, but what with kittens (who take up loads of our time!) and other things that have been happening recently, art has taken rather a back seat of late! Thank you for your kind words about my health, too. I’m not too worried really, although it’s a bit frustrating living in this limboland and not knowing when I will end up having further surgery. Shoshi
Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:09:09
Shoshi
Margaret, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your dad. Mine died nearly 4 years ago (he also had dementia) and I know how much you will be missing yours. Also thee death of a friend at church – a double blow indeed! I am glad that your dad was a believer (as mine was) – it really helps to know that, doesn’t it. Mum is now 96 and we lurch from crisis to crisis with her but since she’s been on antidepressants her mood has improved somewhat! Your desk looks so bright and pretty. The sheet you have been working on is a work of art in itself! I love the delicate 50th anniversary card – what an unusual die and what pretty flowers. May the Lord bless you and comfort you at this sad time, but be comforted in the knowledge that your father and your friend are now with the Lord in heaven. Shoshi #35
Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:03:11
Kyla aka Lilpidge
So sorry to hear your doubly sad news, puts many things into perspective. Thanks for visiting my desk already and hope the following weeks are kind to you. Kyla #19
Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:33:08
April S.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. 🙁 Your 50th card looks lovely. I am sure crafting is somewhat therapeutic at times like these. April #24
Fri, 15 Sep 2017 04:24:18
Dorlene
So sorry to hear about your dad and dear friend. At 96, I agree that he died of old age. Wow, what a long life he lived. You seemed to manage to get a lot done this week. The die on the 50th anniversary card is great. Dorlene #32
Fri, 15 Sep 2017 03:04:01
Cardarian
Dear Margaret! I am so sorry for your loss but I guess your father is in a better place now! Although you have had all this trouble you have still managed to make 9 Christmas cards and a wedding anniversary card! I have not managed one Christmas card yet! Will you be able to organise the crop!? I must admit I am really looking forward to it! I have never been to Wales! I am in Slovenia at the moment but I will be there for the crop! Thank you for your visit to my blog! Love and hugs, Cardarian
Thu, 14 Sep 2017 17:07:50
Marit
I’m sorry to hear about your dad but I think ‘die of old age’ is something we all long for… treasure the memories of a long life. I find it admirable that you still were able to create that wonderful card but then again, creating makes us feel whole and at peace isn’t it? And you even visited the ‘deskers, thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. Sending you a big hug from cold, rainy & windy HOlland. Marit #25
Thu, 14 Sep 2017 11:53:00
BJ
Oh Margaret so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing – the reason on the certificate ought to be the way for us all really. Hugs. Lovely card, super diecuts. Thanks for the visit. BJ#8
Thu, 14 Sep 2017 11:16:00
Neet
What a wonderful age your dad had reached,, now safe in God’s hands and, as you say, what a wonderful tribute his death certificate shows. My sincere condolences on both his and the untimely death of a church member. You should have shouted that you were in Manchester – I had tickets and it is only a stone’s throw from us. Next time!! Take care and shout if you want anything. Blessings, Neet x
Thu, 14 Sep 2017 01:51:17
Angela
Hi Margaret, sorry to hear your sad news. Hardly surprising your desk hasn’t seen much action. Wishing you a happy woyww. Thanks for the visit to mine too, Angela x16x
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 23:02:50
Heather Marshall
So sorry for your sad loss Margaret. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your desk is how I see mine will be in time (I hope) full of interesting goodies. I love the little memento inks! Have a lovely week, Heather #30
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 20:49:23
May
So very sorry to hear about your Dad, But he will be so cared for where he has gone… quite a traumatic week for you to deal with… Love your card… Take care… May #15
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 20:16:35
Sue
(((Mary))) So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Sending heaps of hugs. The anniversary card is so pretty. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy WOYWW Sue #21
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 18:46:37
Carol N
My heart just breaks for you about your dad. May God comfort you and your family through this time and to come. Love the die and the card. God bless! Carol N #27
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:58:00
Stacy
Oh Margaret, I am so very sorry to read about your loss. (( HUGS )) and don’t worry about commenting, you know this is such an understanding group of people who get together and visit each other on Wednesdays I am sure no one is upset about the lack or whatnot. I think that is the goal that all of us have, old age. That card is just gorgeous too! ~Stacy #33
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:13:28
Lindart
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. When my Dad died I was a zombie for weeks, so kudos to you for even posting today. Beautiful card, thanks for sharing, Lindart #31
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 15:38:13
Kim
Oh Margaret, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad and friend. I love the card, simple always works. And oddly, I find your desk scrap paper would be an awesome start of a journal page! I hope you have a great rest of the week. -K #28
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 14:13:31
Sarah Brennan
Oh Margaret, as if anyone expects a visit under such circumstances. So sorry for your losses, but Old Age is certainly the way I’d like to go. The anniversary card is lovely; so classy. Just to let you know that my crafty friend (Eva) and I will make it to the crop! No special dietary requirements for either of us. We are so looking forward to meeting everyone. Sarah #26
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 12:39:54
Jo
Sad news for you Margaret but what a wonderful age and how lovely that you have support to make arrangements and share the sorrow of losing him. I am glad you managed a bit of craty work when you returned – the card is beautiful. xx Jo
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 11:57:18
Shaz in Oz.x
Hi dear Margaret, sorry for your dad’s passing, but what a comfort it is to know and be sure of it by simple by faith in Jesus, “absent from the body is present with the Lord”. Sending hugs and prayers for a blessed time at that thanksgiving service too. God bless you in the week, enjoy your crop too won’t be blogging except if scheduled as busy with family. Happy WOYWW! Shaz in Oz.x
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 10:54:29
LLJ
Oh Margaret, I am really sorry to hear of the death of your dad – a good long life indeed but I can sympathise with the last few years being blighted by dementia, that’s what I hated seeing my dad decline. Sending big hugs to you. I’m glad you’re managing to do some other stuff too however. Really looking forward to seeing you in a fortnight or so!! Hugs LLJ 4 xxx
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 10:38:31
Julia
Ah dear Margaret, after our conversation about our respective parents….it’s just too hard and I am sorry for your loss of course, but sadly pleased that your Dad’s struggle is over. And your church friend too, what a horrid shock for you all. Try not to be so busy that you can;t absorb reflect and process. All of my blades are uncovered, all the time. I have no idea where the lids go, but go they do!
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 10:14:07
shaz
Hello Margaret, and my deepest condolences on your loss. What a wonderful age, and how rare I expect these days to have ‘old age’ as a cause of death. So sad. You will meet yourself coming back one of these days, you are always so busy, dear lady!Lovely card, simple & elegant. Take care of yourself,we’ll be seeing you in a couple of weeks. Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #6 XxX
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 10:03:38
Christine
What a week you have had ….may God strengthen you and yours, may you find comfort in His arms when the going gets tough. Blessings for a peaceful week Christine #20
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 10:01:49
Helen
Oh I am so sorry to hear this news – my sincere condolences to you and your family. Well done for making the golden anniversary card. Helen #1
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 07:19:03
Ali Wade
Happy WOYWW. Thank God that we have crafting to keep us busy and distracted when times are hard. That anniversary card is beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. My 93 year old cousin died last week – and, yes, ‘old age’ was put on the certificate. Something that we all hope for. Ali x #7
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 06:53:06
Ann Marshall
So sorry to hear about your Dad, but rest assured he is in safe hands. In my prayers. Ann xx
Wed, 13 Sep 2017 06:43:54