The Rainbow in the Clouds

Thursday one of my greatest fears came true: I pulled my back out helping Forrest. Fortunately I had just purchased a chair with electric lift for him earlier that same day, and a friend helped me recover the raised seat from the attic to put above the toilet. So basically Forrest was able to stand without my assistance while I was forced to lay on the coach on the heating pad and take relaxers, which left much time for catching up on my Cedar Cover books. Reading is a hobby I have not enjoyed since Junior High School but retirement has given me time to read again. BTW the back is much better.

Today I was to return to retina specialist to have my eye checked. Had an injection in it a month ago, which I do believe has helped my vision problem I've had since the retina surgery 1 1/2 years ago. Yeah!! That, too, has enabled me to read again.

Being able to read again has also brought Forrest's vision problems closer to my heart. He has been blind in his right eye about 10 years; his left eye's vision is quickly getting worse. We have appointment with retina specialist next week to look at optic nerve which is "not as bright as normal optic nerves" to quote the eye doctor. Forrest has always enjoyed reading but it is impossible for him to enjoy anymore.

And that brings me to today. I have postponed my eye appointment because Forrest is having a (typical) sick day. He won't be able to ride the van to dialysis, so I'll take him myself. No problem. Just reshifting some chores and appointments I planned to do today while he was dialyzing.

My prayers have always been simply to receive strength and wisdom from One more wise than me; my prayers have been abundantly answered throughout the years. I am blessed to have been able to retire early and remain comfortable during a time when many persons are worried about the economy. Retirement allows me to rearrange my schedule and care for Forrest. Yes, caring for Forrest is a cloud over my life, but there are so many rainbows coming out of that cloud.

Here we go again

Hmmm. So much for loyal blogging. Well, I did make my banner tonight on Photoshop Elements 4.0. Even downloaded some new brushes to use. When I retired I thought I would have time to really delve into Photoshop and move toward more hybrid scapbooking. Didn't do it. Not that I didn't have time. I just didn't do it. But it's not too late. My banner is my start. Good start, girl! I'm going to put excelling at Photoshop on my Bucket List.

My inspiration for this Valentine tag comes from Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas series on his blog. I'm hoping to do my own 12 Tags of 2008 using ideas from Tim's Tag series.

(Don't know why the second pic isn't transparent...I'll work on that some more.)

These are two cards I made at a Stampin' Up party today. Love the Embrace Life card; will think seriously about purchasing that set this year. And the elephant is so cute!

I'm going to be posting the cards I make this year, particularly the ones I create myself. My goal is to think outside the box more, so I want to track my progress through the year; blogging may keep me accountable.

Christmas Card 2007

Inside: Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time. -Laura Ingalls Wilder

I created this card using two photos from my Baby Album.

The top picture (1953) is of my brother, my dad, and I by my dad's Lionel train display he put up every year. I'm holding my new Tiny Tears and my brother is holding his new remote-control helicopter.

The bottom picture is my mother, my brother, and me trimming the life Christmas tree (1952).

January Card Shark card

Inside: Friends are life's fringe benefits.

This was an easy card to make, and I felt it welcomed in the New Year in a festive mood.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! now let's get blogging.

OK, now it's time to blog. I've looked around and been inspired by others, I've set up my blog on QMB2 (although it appears somewhat different than what I am hoping to do here; we shall see).

My first inspiration for today is to finish what I started last week, and that is making my cards for my Card Shark exchange. I'll be back in a few with a picture of my creation. Chou for now!