Oh what a week

My internet friend CJ has a weekly Friday Five: five things that have happened to her that week.  I thought it sounded like a good way to share a few things that happened in my world this week, while I still try to figure out why I can't link to any Mr. Linky links.

The first thing was my friend Marlynn, who some of you will remember from a swap we were in several years ago, sent me this incredible gift.  There's a lovely card, lots of great napkins, but most of all,

this book of illustrated quotes by Lesley Riley who chose all the art for the book.  There were paintings, photography, sculptures, bead work, sewing, collage, mixed media, and other art, all of which was accompanied by a quote. 

This was Marlynn's entry.  Look at that beauty.  It is pure Marlynn with the vintage pillow ticking, the lace, fabric, sewing, small embellishments, and paper.  Don't you just LOVE it?  I know I do.

I forgot to ask Marlynn if she chose the quote or Lesley did.  I know some people incorporated their quotes in their artwork.

The book is personalized, too.  Isn't it fabulous? 

She told me she has her entry hanging on a wall in her living room.  I think it's absolutely incredible.   I can't say it loud and long enough, but thank you so much, dear Marlynn.  You have no idea how this has touched me.

Next, I finally have two deckles, my wooden frames for my papermaking.  These are the first two sheets I created. 

You can tell I'm out of practice, but I'm sure I'll improve after I've done it a day or so.   This is paper pulp, and although it doesn't look it in the photo, these two sheets are orange.  Just in time to make a few Halloween inspired cards.  I use recycled paper I get in the mail, or people give me.  I sort it by color and add a few inclusions to the blender.  I'm just thrilled to be making paper again after nearly four years.

During the week I was at JoAnn's, but didn't find what I was looking for, even though I had a 40% off coupon.  As I was walking through one of the aisles, I saw this.  I have one of these containers, but it doesn't have all those beads and it certainly didn't cost $29.99 (USD).

I also got a huge surprise from my dear friend Cindy.  Look at all those incredible Canadian stamps and my postal carrier didn't mark through the stamps this time, either!  I simply adore the card she sent, with her signature bingo card and a heart like the 365 somethings she is making this year.  I adore it, Cindy.  Thank you.  Your gifts always mean so much to me.


Finally, Sally took me to Sam's, the wholesale members-only WalMart equvalent.  I needed litter for the boys, but was taken back

when I saw Halloween decorations and costumes on one side of the aisle

and Christmas decorations

on the other side of the aisle.

But that wasn't all, because there were lots of lit Christmas decorations trying to vie for the buyer's lack of willpower.

This sweet lady, a Sam's employee, not only lifted my two containers of litter into my cart, she also loaded it in Sally's car.  The least I could do was take her photo.

That's my week.  Bleubeard, Squiggles, and I are grateful you stopped by.  What was your week like?