This and that...here and there...

I've been blog-absent again. So sorry!

First, take note that I am "going pink" for October. Being a breast cancer survivor for 16 years I think it's the right thing to do. Back then you couldn't even say the word "cancer". it was "the 'c' word". Like it was something dirty. And if you told people you had it, they immediately acted like you were dying. They got uncomfortable and many people just avoided me completely. But we've come so far! Go here to find out more. There's info on how to support a friend with breast cancer; about self-exams, etc. Oh, and .... get your mamogram! It could be the most important thing you do this month!

I was cranking out layouts for my 2 contests before we left for a 4 day camping trip. One was this one for Bad Girls.

Sadly, it's my last one! I was suspended. ((frown)) Of course, truth be told, I was amazed that I made it as far as I did. Just look at this gallery! What phenomenal talent.

Also had to make these cards for Survivor.

And I had to do them in one evening, because the challenge was posted Wednesday and due Saturday midnight. But we left for the land of no cyberspace on Thursday. However, it paid out, as I made the final 10! Woo Hoo!

We had a wonderful time camping at Mohican State Park. (in spite of the fact that I had a headache, followed by a day of much pain, followed by a morning of what I thought was a viral thing!). The weather was perfect, even though my cold bones required a hoodie most of the time. We spent the first day in downtown Loudonville. Not much is left there, unfortunately. But my favorite store, The Creative Outlet is there. It is run by a lady named Vicki. She is, I think, part Native American and has the most wonderful things in her shop. I purchased many great pieces of turquoise there. My Effie ring was missing an eye. Those of you who know the story of this ring, know that it is my most precious material possession. She said she would send it to Zuni for me and have the eye replaced. It was hard for me to part with the ring for what might be 2 months. But I trust her and know that I will get it back in perfect condition. But my poor finger feel naked!

Next day we went to Malabar Farm and Possum Run. Retail therapy ensued. They were having a 50% off sale on all their ribbon and lace. So I got 20 yards of these pretties! (And 2 Christmas ornaments: an Old World Gold finch for us and a bride & groom for Karen & Josh).

Then the last day we went to Prairie Peddler. Bought the usual soap, candles, dip mixes and Ohio honey. And a very nice indoor herb garden. And of course there was the great old-timey music!
So I'm home for a few days. I have 2 more Survivor challenges to complete; lunch with Kelli; dinner and the theatre with Karen. Friday-Sunday another getaway at Sugar Creek. And Sunday Josh's birthday at C. Staples'.

So you'll excuse me if I don't blog much again this week!