Need we say more.

While I agree this video about teen foolishly texting while driving, they need to have one showing foolish adults doing the very same thing. This is very graphic, but powerful.

More Bad News

I have just returned home last night from my brothers burial. We gathered, brothers and sisters afterward to comfort each other and say goodbye once again. We spoke of the shortness of life, the gift of family, the good and the bad, the need to keep in touch and not take life for granted. We have so often put off getting together, we thought we had an endless supply of time. We say we will be better, we will make the time. I know we mean it now, but as time goes by it is so easy to take these precious moments for granted.

When I came home to check my mail and blog I read this. As you know Renee (Circling my head), my blog friend and her family, have been walking through hell. Renee has IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) and her sister has a tumor (cancer) in her brain that has cost her the use of the left side of her body. They did not remove all of it and is undergoing treatment. Jacquie's son, Sheldon, has been in the hospital these last months with cancer too. It is a rare form, and he has had surgeries and was going to start Chemo.

Today though, things have changed. Today I read that Sheldon only has a brief two months left. Today my heart is heavy, and the loss of my brother seems pale in comparison to the pain this family has endured, and continues to endure. I have prayed, hoped, asked for mercy, yet today it is hard. I do not see the light at the end of this tunnel. I cannot fathom all this pain and suffering. So much for one family to bear.

I weep for Renee, Jacquie, my brother, and of course for Sheldon. I read of his strength and bravery and I am in awe that someone so young, a warrior as Renee calls him, can find a way to be brave and strong facing this journey. His courage gives me hope.

In her post linked here ( Three times Three no 8) Renee talks of a dream Sheldon had where he sits with his Grandfather on a bench. In it he knows his Grandfather has passed away, and is told by his Grandfather he has passed too. Perhaps he came to Sheldon to assure him that he is waiting to greet him, that it will be okay? In a way it seems to have given Sheldon a light at the end of his tunnel. His Grandfather is waiting, he will greet him and there he will find peace, free from pain. I do not know, but it has given Sheldon some peace.

I can only feel the pain here, loss compounded by two. Oh Renee I pray for strength, for you, for Jacquie, for me, as for Sheldon? He is my hero, may I be just a fraction as brave.

God Bless Your family.

For those who read this post, please stop by and join me in praying for, and with this family.

Wonderful News, and the Mail

On Saturday August 22, Pat, my daughters boyfriend, took Steph out for a special evening. He had planned a nice dinner for her at a restaurant, and booked a room at the Royal Oak Arms. It was there he proposed to her. I could not be happier for them. About a month or so ago, I had met with Steph to have a turquoise ring we bought her last year sized, and broken locket she had repaired. I also wanted to stop in and visit a couple friends who worked nearby. One of them is Pamela of Pamela's Antiques in downtown Rochester. I love to look at all the beautiful antiques and the lovely vintage jewelry she carries. It was here Steven had bought my ring for our twentieth anniversary. The owner Pamela and I had become acquainted through a mutual friend. Pam is not only an authority on many Antiques, but a certified gemologist. She carries only the best vintage jewelry, and her prices are much more affordable than many jewelers.We spent some time looking at the earrings, pins, and rings. Pam was sweet enough to let us try on a few things. I found some lovely rose gold pieces (I just love this warm pink-gold), and it was there Steph spied a lovely vintage ring she fell in love with. That evening Steph had told Pat we had been poking around downtown and that she had met Pam, etc. Unknown to Stephanie and I he later called Pam and inquired about the jewelry Steph had been looking at. Pam told Pat of the ring that Stephanie had liked. With Pam's help, Pat picked out a ring. It is a 1930's setting and it is perfect. Later that Saturday night my daughter called she was crying, she was not sad but obviously very, very happy. They are planning a March wedding.This was such good news. I am so happy for them. He is a sweet man and they really love each other.

Congratulations Stephanie and Pat

Love Mom and Dad!

And now for something completely different........ In the mail today I received a small package. In it was this lovely tassle put together by Lori Anderson (Pretty Things). Lori does lovely beadwork, you have to check out her site. So imagine how flattered I was when she asked about my charms I made for a swap (previous post). I had one extra so I sent it to her. She graciously thanked me and asked about sending me something in exchange. Her work is so beautiful I could not imagine my small charm was worthy. I am still looking at it and just cannot believe she sent this beautiful piece. I love it! I feel so honored to have received such a beautiful piece of work. Thank You Lori, you were too kind.

Today I went to Flint with my dear friend Terri (TerrisBloomingIdeas). When my brother passed she immediately asked what she could do to help. So Monday night I called her and asked, "would you go with me to pick up Russell's remains?" Without hesitation she said yes. So we made the trip. She helped me find the funeral home, and on the way back we stopped to rest and have lunch. I have to tell you here how grateful I am for her today because it was hard keeping my thoughts straight. Too much going on here, burial, wedding plans, swaps I have to get done I am having a hard time keeping on task. After leaving Terri's I headed to Rochester to meet Stephanie. She was having her ring sized and we had a chance to look at wedding bands. When I finally arrived home Steven was there, and he handed me the mail. Along with Lori's lovely package I received a card. It is from someone who has just touched my heart. It has been rough these last days. You may have read below in an earlier post about my brother Russell passing away last week. I mentioned that he left no insurance, will, or no real money. We have had to pull together as a family to help give him a proper service and burial. What I did not share with you is that when Russ was admitted, and they mixed up my sisters phone number, it seemed no one told him that they had the wrong number and could not reach her. What hurts the most beside losing him this suddenly, was that I kept wondering if he thought we were not coming? He was in the hospital for three days perhaps thinking that no one cared enough to come. How would he know that when Kim got the call at 5:00 we had all jumped in our cars and raced to get to him? I had to drive 80 miles to get to the hospital, my sisters 55. It just breaks my heart that he was alone. It bothers me to think that he may have given up, stopped fighting, because he might have thought that no one cared. Then today I received this in my mail. Someone who did not know him thought of him, did this wonderful thing that has touched my heart. I sit here now thinking of him, and know that if this lovely person, whom I have not met has heard my heart and reached out to say a prayer for Russ then maybe he too had heard and knows we were there for him. I cannot express how much your kindness and generosity has meant to me today Stef (Glitterbabe). Thank you for this precious gift.

Great Giveaway!!!!!

Melissa at "Creating From the Heart" is hosting a fantastic giveaway!!! She is giving several wonderful items away just "because". Stop in for a chance, her blog is too sweet!

Today this lovely lady arrived. She has stunning red hair and pretty earrings and a heart charm dangling from her wrist. She has a sheer red shawl and the the longest lashes (I'm jealous). My swap partner "Kristen Cameron" in Nancye's Art Doll Group made her for me.

Her lavender eyes and pursed lips give her a slightly thoughtful look. Like she is remembering something and lost in the memory.

As sophisticated as she looks she hides a secret. Just look at these playful tights? Perhaps she is anticipating Halloween? I love it.As if receiving this doll wasn't enough look at this little guy. A sweet robins' egg blue fella to keep me company in my studio and guard my buttons. He looks a bit mischievous though doesn't he with that wink he is making. I will enjoy their company here with me. They are well made and it looks like Kristen might have a career making this little gems! They are so special!

Thank You again Kristen! You made this a great swap for me!

My Brother Russell

I come from a large family. Three brothers and three sisters. The oldest is Russell. I was born a year after. Russ could be a real bear at times, he could be stubborn and loved to argue, but mostly he was good natured. He loved a good joke, being with good friends and loved his job. Although he never was one to admit it openly, he was very sentimental, he loved family gatherings, being at our homes, and took it very hard when our parents passed.

He would do anything for anyone, and as long as I have known him was a hard worker who loved to work and be busy. He was married twice, and had been separated from his last wife since last year. He had three children, was stepfather to two, and Grandfather of six. He loved children.

Russell was also an alcoholic. He tried to quit several times, and was doing okay for a while. He had his ups and downs and at times life just seemed to hard for him. He was always was sober when we got together. It was like he felt strong enough to say no when he was among his family and friends. He was the kind of guy everyone liked. His employers liked him so much in fact they drove him to rehab, got him odd jobs, included him in their family events. Russ was never afraid to help out, he never put on airs or pretended to be anything he wasn't. I posted this picture given to me today by his former employers wife, Gail. You see they had invited him to their daughters wedding. Gail even took him to get a haircut and suit to wear. When the bartender had not shown up in time, he took a tray and started serving. No one had to ask. He was just happy to be there, always happy to help. That was Russ.

I think it broke their heart to have to lay him off when the economy tanked. They kept in touch, and promised to take him back if things got better. They never got the chance. He stayed with us for Thanksgiving, and then for a time he stayed with our sister, Kim, and her family. He did not live far, but was difficult to reach him as his cell phone service was poor. He loved to cook and would often make dinner to take to the people where he used to work.

On Wednesday my brother Russell passed away. He was only 53, he was not drunk, there was no alcohol, or drugs in his system. What started with a cold, became pneumonia. Russ had COPD from years of smoking. and he had no insurance. He tried to take care of himself, and did not tell us. On Monday he could not breathe, and thought he was having a heart attack. he must have been delirious when he walked to the middle of the road and passed out. Someone called for help. When he became conscious they asked him who to contact. He gave them Kim's number, but he made a mistake on the last digit.

When they could not reach her they never thought to cross check the name for the correct number. When someone finally thought to do this, Wednesday afternoon, it was too late. They finally reached Kim later that evening. She called and we all raced to get to him. We were too late, my brother left us at 6:30pm.

It has been a difficult three days. Russ left no will, only a request on a statement indicating that my sister Kim was to be his beneficiary. My sisters and I have been running, filing papers, cleaning his apartment, making arrangements. His funeral was today, the service was lovely, his friends and family gathered and shared fond memories of Russ. It has been a long hard three days, with more ahead. He will be laid to rest Friday, we have to gather once again to say good-bye. I miss him, I love him, good, bad, all of it.

Good-bye Russell

Russell Ernest Glentz

September 29, 1955 - August 19, 2009

Sunday Share New Finds

Time to share a few items I have found. Not all of them today, but I have finally had a moment to take the photos and load them here. First I will share these two "metal" boxes. They are not large, but very detailed and are weighty for their size. Here is what the side of the green box looks like. I has a definite Asian feel. Maybe they were going for a "jade" effect? They are really quite pretty in person. The inside of the green one is wood and the off-white one is lined with brown velvet on the bottom. Inside the green box was this. Okay I was really happy to find all these crosses and the rosaries in the box. I cleaned them all up. Then I noticed something "odd" about this large crucifix. Did you see it? Have you ever seen this on a cross before? I haven't. I thought at first it might be a cross from a Priests rosary or one a nun might wear. It is a bit larger than the rosary crosses, but that little skull and cross bones under the feet freaked me out a bit. An old Ration Coupon folder and a little photo feature booklet called the Pilgrims Photo's. Here is what was inside the ration book folder (black). The coupons and purchase records for two people. I better hold on to these, with our economy I may need them. A glimpse at some of the images in the Pilgrim book. It is actually just a series of photos I think that were featured in a paper. Perhaps the book is sort of a way of highlighting a photographers work? I found this neat old ledger. Hardly used but has a nice aged looked to the paper. A nice "chippy" piece I found. I have a couple of these chippy faces taken from either furniture or a mantle? Not sure but they were too cool to pass up. I found these a couple weeks ago. I thought they might make nice Cloches? but now not so sure. Pieces of fabric and such I have collected. Trying to straighten up before I start again. I need to get busy on my Halloween trades. I found another suitcase to store more of my "stuff" in (the green one). Steve is convinced I am moving out. (I had to stop the celebration and tell him "no" I was moving more stuff in). One more thing, a site I found: Someone beat me to this.... You have to check out this site. I had a good time reading and now know I am not the only one out there who is left wondering about some of the things that people make. I have often run across some odd items that make me ask "What were they thinking?" or "Seriously, is there a market for this?" Check it out, "Craftastrophe", and have some fun. Who knows you may find that one-of-a-kind item for that special person, a birthday, anniversary, wedding?