Saturday 14 December 2013

Christmas Gift Swap and More

Hello, hello, are you still there for me my friends? I have been absent without leave for a wee while - been a bit unsettled and out of balance so haven't posted, and only in the past couple of days have I left a few short messages here and there on your lovely blogs. Now that I seem to be getting myself back into synch I'm hoping to gradually catch up with all of you for I've really been missing you and your news and makings!

First of all I really want you to see the lovely gifts I received recently from Leeanne, all the way from South Africa! Leeanne and I were paired up in the Christmas swap so kindly organised by the sweet and lovely Marianne - thank you so much Marianne - and do pop over and have a look at Ladybird Diaries if you are not already familiar with Marianne and her beautiful work and blog!

I would also encourage you to visit Leeanne at her little spot for she crafts lovely little makes, and I admire her even more now that I have her lovely decorations in my possession - and to think that this lovely girl made all of these whilst in the midst of packing up and moving house - I am really thankful  for this huge endeavour with such wonderful results, Leeanne! Thank you m'dear!



Now can you see all the wonderful effort that went into this parcel - even some music to cheer the postie on his/her way. Then the inner parcel containing the lovely card and bow which, coincidentally, is formed from an old map which names places that mean a lot to Hubby and I - stirring up the memories of old haunts - and look at those sweet little stars and pearl buttons which are now strung up in our lounge window. That beautiful origami star in the middle pic is so intricately put together then decorated with gorgeous shiny hearts and the very clever pompoms have lovely blue edging covered with sparkles - adorable! Well done Leeanne, and we will enjoy  these beautiful treasures for years to come!



On my previous post I spoke of how the lovely Meredith inspired me to try my hand at mug cosies and since then I've branched out a bit and experimented with various looks, ideas, and yarns, and have generally been busy making them for gifts, filling orders, and selling, so that has been quite wonderful! Thank you again Meredith - I love you and your blog! 


Do have a little look!



I also have crocheted a few little stars and the like over a period of time and finally put them together; these have been so enjoyable to do and I especially love the first banner with a little variety. What do you think?



One lazy afternoon I came across this little Piggy in a Simply Crochet magazine and couldn't turn the page without first bringing him/her to life  . . . . . I suppose being pink it should be a 'she' . . . .



Just a quick pic of a couple of yachts that were part of the Round the World Race which pulled into Albany (Western Australia) a couple of weeks or so ago before continuing on their journey out into the Southern Ocean - next stop South America. My lovely Hubby took these pics and would have been happy to snap a few more but couldn't get near enough to them. Beautiful beasts aren't they!



I must show you my blushing rose once more - please be patient with me for I am so enamoured with this beauty I can hardly take my eyes off her - just a little bit of cheer if you are suffering nasty cold frosty/snowy weather where you are in our lovely world!



And speaking of our World/Earth: this is where every day we get a fresh start, every baby step makes it easier, and every smile makes you, and those around you, happier!

Keep smiling - be happy - and keep well!

Thank you so much for being here, you're always welcome at my place, and just in case I don't manage to do another post before Christmas - I wish you and your loved ones the most wonderful Festive Season, filled with magic, happy family times, and love, above all else!

Warm hugs and much love,

Joy xoxo


68 comments:

  1. Hello Joy! I am sorry to hear you were feeling poorly and am glad to see you are well enough to post again. The makes are all lovely and so are the handmade ornaments made by your ornament swap buddy in South Africa. How nice to receive a sweet parcel from one end of the world to the other :-) I also love the yacht photos and the beautiful roses. You may already know that I love roses at any time. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Your message is very sweet, thank you so much Joyful! I often think of you when admiring the roses! Lovely week to you too sweetie, hugs, Joy xo

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  2. Joy! I have missed you and am glad to know you are feeling better!! You have been busy creating lovely cup cozies and a pretty pink pig :-) Thanks for sharing your husband's yacht photos...among my favorite subjects for photos. I also like the garlands you have created...another project I hope to complete someday. Thanks for sharing your beautiful roses, lovely swap ornaments and for linking to your blogging friends. I am off to visit their blogs and I wish you blessings in the days ahead. xx

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  3. Thank you Gracie, your messages are always lovely and uplifting and I really appreciate every word! Blessings to you and your lovely family, hugs, Joy xo

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  4. How busy you've been! I can't keep up with all your wonderful creations!!
    I love the gift wrappings and paper craft and all your crochet embellishments! I have the same Christmas tree pattern! It's really cute, isn't it? I made a garland out of pine green and red trees with a few white to add the snow!
    You've certainly made a lot of mug cosies! Do they really work or is it just a decoration? They do look fun!
    Have a great weekend! Sandra

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    1. Very happy to have your message Sandra, thank you! Your garland sounds lovely - will we be seeing it on your blog? Re the mug cosies: I think it's just a nice thing to be able to cradle the warm mug - a comfort thing maybe, and I think they do keep the drinks warmer for longer. Joy x

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  5. Hello Joy - I have missed you and had begun to wonder if you were ok? Well I hope you are feeling better and I'm glad to read your post this morning. I'm loving your banners and piggy is so cute! Your blushing rose reminds me of summer and that seems a long time off!! Have a good one today and take care my love, Sam xx

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    1. How nice of you to miss me Sam, thank you! Thank you also for your sweet message, I am feeling a whole lot better thank you - now just need to keep on an even keel!
      Love and hugs, Joy xo

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  6. I hope you are feeling better and finding good balance in life? Beautiful makes, the stars are very pretty xx

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    1. Hello Grace, and a big thank you to you - I'm now pacing myself! Have a lovely weekend, Hugs, Joy xo

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  7. lovely post as always, and so nice to read . . especially adore the garland and the stars are my favourites! I must attempt to make one too but it would have to be for next year! I wish you and yours a fabulous christmas, enjoy it all with family and friends alike, and see you on the side of christmas now!

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    1. Hiya Krissie and thanks so much for your sweet message and good wishes - and to you and yours I wish the very best! Hugs, Joy xo

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  8. Hello lovely Joy, I am sorry you were feeling a little unsettle, but very glad that you are now feeling much better. Thank you so very much for the kind words about my blog, so very sweet of you. I am so glad that you enjoyed taking part in the Christmas swap and the things you received from Leanne are just lovely. My you have been busy! I adore your little garlands! Especially the one in the first photo, I just adore it. Little piggy is very cute too. Thank you for another lovely post. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and very very happy new year!
    Marianne xxx

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    1. You're such a sweetheart Marianne - thank you so much! Always wishing the best for you and yours! Warm Christmas hugs, Joy xoxo

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  9. My goodness you have been busy. I love the crocheted Christmas Trees. Have a lovely Christmas!xx

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    1. Thank you, they are pretty little things aren't they - pattern and tutorial from Royal Sisters blog! A lovely Christmas to you and yours also, hugs, Joy x

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  10. Helo lovely Joy. So lovely to see you in blogland again and I'm very pleased to hear that your feeling a bit more in sync. This certainly is silly season and is likely to throw the best of us off kilter, I'm counting myself in here. I have been admiring the gorgeous gifts you've received and boy they are incredible!! I have popped over to craftycat 's blog to leave a comment and then also saw your beautiful makes, you both did a wonderful job, how very lovely!! You have even busy making some lovely things, love the sweet Christmas garland and the cute little piggy, I'm sure she has brought quite a few smiles, just what we all need. I am jot at all surprised that you can't take your eyes off this gorgeous rose bush I know I would be the same. Enjoy the last week and a half before Christmas and wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas lovely Joy. Much love xxxx

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    1. I'm so happy you could make time to pop in Hannapat - you're super busy yourself - and also so glad to know you visited Leeannes' place too! Thank you so much for your beautiful message, it means so much to me! The very best of everything wonderful to you and your loved ones also, lovely Hannapat, and if we don't see or hear from each other before, we will be in contact in the New Year. Much love and Christmas hugs, Joy xoxo

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  11. Dear Joy
    More gorgeous makes - I love your crocheted bunting! The rose is so lovely - makes me look forward to next June when my roses should be in bloom. Thank you for such a colourful and cheery post. Have a wonderful Christmas too!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. So lovely to hear from you again Ellie and I'm happy to know you enjoyed my post, thanks so much! Christmas cheer and hugs, Joy xo

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  12. Joy, I love you right back! I am so impressed with your cup cozies, you have far outdone me in creativity. Your Granny ones are soooooo cute! I might have to give those a go. Love your swap presents, my your friend is so talented with paper. Love your bunting but most of all I sure hope you are feeling better. This time of year zaps the strength from all of us.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. How sweet you are Meredith! I have been so enjoying the cup cosies and even relish the challenge of working out the size for each type of cup - for the Grannies I worked three pieces and joined with DC (English terms) on the right side and then the usual DC for the border. You are having lots of lovely energies coming your way while I'm crocheting these - many thanks again lovely!
      A wonder-filled Christmas to you and yours - and warm hugs! Joy xo

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  13. Hello Joy. Hope your feeling much better now, sorry to hear that you've been feeling out of sorts. It's sounds as if we've been AWL together the last week or so!
    The Christmas swap looked fun, wow love leeanne's paper crafts are lovely and such a personal touch using old maps with special places to you and your hubby.
    Will be popping over shortly to look at her blog.
    It's great to hear your cup cosies are sort after if my lovely Joy-makes are anything to go by then the people who have put in there orders will be in for a treat! :)
    I love your Christmassy garland so much I think I might have to make myself one for somewhere in the house.
    Oh miss piggy is so cute! what a lovely characterful face and a sweet snout hehe.
    So nice you got to see the yachts the little flags blowing in the wind are lovely.
    I don't have to bear with you to see the lovely blushing rose! so nice to see some lovely colours what a beautiful rose.
    I will try and keep smiling and well Joy lovely words. If I don't speak to you before have a lovely Christmas xxx

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    1. Hello FB - another lovely message covering every point and I sooooo love hearing from you, and appreciate every kind thoughtful word you send, thank you!
      I hope you find time to make yourself a lovely garland FB, they are so sweet and cheerful and if you're lucky you might even get away with leaving it up all year round, haha! I'm hopeful!!
      I wish you and your loved ones a beautiful Christmas and we'll talk soon.
      Warm hugs, Joy xoxo

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    2. A wonderful Christmas to you too Joy and a happy new year. Did you have a pattern for your lovely garland? Xxx

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    3. Hey FB, yes, the little stars, snowflakes and such like came from a combination of Simply Crochet issue 12 (which I had downloaded to my iPad) and The Royal Sisters blog site - I posted a link recently and the address is: theroyalsisters.blogspot.com
      I hope you find them okay and enjoy making! xxx

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    4. Thank you. Will have a looksee. I think it will be the perfect Christmas project. Xxx

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  14. Lovely Joy I was going to message you as I was getting worried about you - hope that you are ok and feeling happy again. What a fabulous Christmas decoration, absolutely stunning - will certainly be having a look at Leanne's lovely blog. I adore the crochet mug cosies and the garland, so pretty and so you Joy. Your husband's photographs are just lovely to look at and give us all a glimpse of your lovely homeland. I have missed you Joy and send you lots and lots of big hugs and kisses.
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you so much Dorothy, I've missed you too! I am feeling much brighter again and will try to pace myself a bit better now hopefully! I'm so glad you like all the goodies and yes, doesn't Leeanne do a marvellous job with her paper crafting - I hope you can find time to have a quick browse through a few of her lovely posts.
      You will be looking forward to a nice 'restful'? break coming up - it's been such a busy year for you - take care of your self and your darling - we'll talk soon!
      Love and warm hugs, Joy xoxo

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  15. Hello lovely Joy! I'd been missing your posts! I hope you're feeling much better now. You have been very busy. The mug cosies are all so lovely and the flower buttons are such a lovely touch. Your christmas swap gifts are lovely too. I'm going to go and visit Leeanne now :) Have a lovely weekend xx

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    1. Ah Elisabeth, thank you so much for your sweet message, and for missing me! The Christmas swap was such a nice thing to do and so thoughtful of Marianne for arranging it all - there have been some lovely gifts coming and going, keeping all the posties busy! I'm looking forward to catching up with you and your lovely makes - I'll be over soon!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  16. Hello Joy, lovely post. I really do love those mug cosies.I have been trying to make one for my friend because I bought her a new Cath Kidston mug for use at work but it didnt quite turn out big enough! I will have to have another bash at it!

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    1. Hello again Anne, and thank you so much for being here! It can be a bit tricky getting the size correct for the mugs but improvisation is a good thing - an extra round of border can work wonders if it turns out a wee bit on the small size and on a couple of them I did extra border only on the ends and in different colours to add a bit of pizazz! Anything goes, haha! All the best with it - enjoy! Hugs, Joy x

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  17. What a lovely post. I am in love with that paper crafting, I did the swap and immediately went for crochet, I didn't think about paper crafting. You have been pretty busy with those mug cosies and as for the little pig - Awww! Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo and thanks for popping in again and being so kind. hugs, Joy xo

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  18. Sorry to hear that you have not been yourself Joy, I hope that you are a little better now. It is a funny time of year isn't it. Cherish yourself a little. All of your things are so lovely - as always! - the swap gifts that both you and Leanne made are beautiful, your embroidery is so pretty and I am sure will be cherished for many years to come, and how thoughtful of the things that Leanne made for you to include places that are special just to you. Your mug cozy project is progressing well I can see, they are all looking great and never a bunch of cozier cups could there be. I hope that you have a good week this week and that you are able to take some time for yourself and look after you. Love Amy xx

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    1. Ah you are so sweet Amy, thank you so much for your lovely kind message and thoughtfulness - I really do appreciate your concern and care - you have given me a real lift!
      Love and hugs, Joy xo

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  19. It's nice to see you, Joy. I hope you're feeling well. Your creations are beautiful as always, I really love the mug cozies you've made. They look adorable. I just saw some for sale in one of the big-box retailers the other day and thought to myself that we're very lucky to know the secret...we can make these ourselves, for less money and with all the satisfaction of creating things ourselves! I hope you have a good week. :)

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    1. Thank you my friend, always lovely to hear from you. I agree - we are so fortunate to be of the mind where we are keen to learn these lovely crafts and know that family and friends appreciate hand crafted gifts made with love. Do enjoy the run-up to Christmas - happy days to you and your loved ones. Hugs, Joy xo

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  20. Hello Joy, so sorry you have been feeling under the weather I hope that it has passed and you are on top form now. What lovely thoughtful gifts from Leanne, I love your mug cosies so many variations they will make lovely gifts. It's fun to make those little tree's and stars i have been making some too and have them hanging on my tree. The little piggy is so sweet and your roses are beautiful as always Joy. Have a great week. :)

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    1. Linda, thank you so much for your kind caring thoughts! I am feeling more settled again so am pacing myself more carefully as we approach all the exciting times. Do enjoy your little Christmassy makes - they are so quick and satisfying aren't they - such pretty additions to the tree and surrounds. Hugs, Joy xo

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  21. It's nice to see you back with another lovely post Joy! Glad to hear you are feeling better. You have certainly received some beautiful Christmas decorations from Leeanne! Love all the origami pieces she put together. Your crocheted garlands & miss piggy are very sweet! All the best to you this Christmas Joy ... and we had some beautiful snow fall yesterday, and I really couldn't think of a prettier way to bring in the season ;) Wendy xox

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    1. It's lovely to be back too, thanks so much Wendy, and for all your lovely comments. How gorgeous to have a beautiful fall and I hope it lasts so you can have a much envied 'white Christmas' - I wish you and your loved ones the very best also for the Christmas Season Wendy - with warm hugs, Joy xoxo

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  22. Hi Joy what a treat to catch up with my blog reading after a few days away and see your lovely post. Such fun to see my goodies on another blog! Thanks so much for your lovely comments and I have had a lovely flux of visitors to my blog too as a result so it lifted my day too! Sorry to hear you were a bit out of kilter -do hope the last week before Christmas remains calm and peaceful. Love all your other goodies too -but the garlands are just too beautiful. Have a lovely week and see you soon in blogland. Leeanne xx

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    1. Thank you Leeanne, I am so thrilled with your decos and was very happy to post about them! I hope you are settled after the move and am wishing you the very best - and thank you also for your good wishes - calm and peaceful is a wonderful state to aim for!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  23. So much Christmas loveliness, stunning decorations. Good you're feeling better, hope you can enjoy your lovely crochet :) xx

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    1. HI Cheryl, and thank you so much, always lovely to see you've popped in for a visit!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  24. Sorry to hear you've been under the weather I hope you're feeling better now and thanks for sharing more pictures of your Rose it's so stunning, You've been busy with your lovely mug cosies and I just love the Christmas garland. Plus so lovely to get parcels in the post espcailly blog swap ones, the decorations you recieved are gorgeous, have a wondeful Christmas time.
    Clare xx

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    1. Many thanks for your lovely message Clare and do take good care of yourself! Hugs, Joy x

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  25. Thank you for your visit Julia, and your message. Joy x

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  26. I hope you are feeling fine again these days, Joy. Thank you so much for your sweet wishes at my place! It seems to be getting a little busier here now as I prepare a nice orderly house and clear all my crafting away to celebrate Christmas tomorrow!
    Have a wonderful Christmas celebration with your family! Sandra

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  27. Thank you so much Sandra for your good wishes and I do hope all your celebrations have gone well for you and yours! Joy x

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  28. Sweet Joy, I'm saddened to learn you've been under the weather. I so hope you're feeling better by now. I've been away from Blogland myself for a while and have lots of catching up to do as well...I hope you had a happy Christmas. :) I love your perfect pink roses. Your garden pics are always so beautiful. They really are enough to put a smile on anyone's face!...Your mug cozies are so adorable. I like ALL the pretty styles you've created, and your garlands are precious as well. You've been such a busy little elf! :) Such wonderful goodies you received from Leeanne! Again, I hope you're feeling much better. Sending a hug your way. xoxo Paulette

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    1. Lovely to have your sweet message Paulette, many thanks for always being so sweet and kind! Yes, I am a bit more in synch again now thank you but not quite where I'd like to be - but is it any wonder with all the busy-ness and flurry of the Season - I'm a girl who likes routine!!! I have been missing you and hope everything is well with you and yours and that Christmas was wonderful for you! Am now sending you a nice warm hug too lovely Paulette!
      Joy xoxo

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  29. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy 2014!

    Jen

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    1. Thank you so much Jen, and since Christmas is now past I wish you the very best for the year ahead! Joy x

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  30. Hello JOY, I have missed you while I have been gone.. Such a very lovely posting with all your most gorgeous flowers and Sailing Crafts. They are certainly awesome. Your crafty creations are also very beautiful.. You are a very talented lady indeed. I would like to Thank you for your kindness and friendship since getting to know you..I would also like to wish you and your DH a Very Happy and healthy New Year. Hugs Judy

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  31. So lovely to see you back Judy - I do hope all is well with your Mum again! Thank you so much for such a sweet and kind message - I am thankful for your friendship and kindness also and look forward to sharing lots more together in 2014. Wishing you and yours the very best of the best! Hugs, Joy xo

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  32. Hello Joy, happy new year! are you okay? see you in the new year i hope, take care, Heather x

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  33. A big hello to you Heather and I wish you the very best for 2014 too, and we'll certainly be seeing more of each other! Yes I am okay and thanks very much for asking - I will be back in the swing of things soon. Hugs, Joy x

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  34. What a wonderful package to receive ... I love all those paper crafts. And your mug cosies are great - I think you and Mere used some of the same buttons! :)

    A very Happy New Year to you and your family.

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    1. Lovely to have your message, thank you - I must make a double check on the buttons - amazing, and funny, that Mere and I would use the same buttons and we're oceans apart.
      I'm wishing you and yours the very best for 2014 also! x

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  35. Wishing you only good things in 2014 Joy, and that your equilibrium is now totally restored x

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    1. Thank you so much Annie for your kind thoughts and good wishes. I wish you the very best for the New Year also! x

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  36. I found you! I have always enjoyed the comments you have left on my blog. I dont know if you are aware but you come up as a noreplyblogger, so I try and reply on my blog. I know what you mean about equilibrium and hope you continue to find yours. We must all respect our boundaries and energy and appreciate what we can give without expecting so much we burn out. I have liked meeting people such as your good self through this bloggy world and hope to continue to chat whenever you feel you can. All the best for your year ahead and may your garden continue to bring you beauty and calm.

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    1. Thank you so much Susan, email reply on its way to you! x

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  37. Hello to you, Joy!
    How are you feeling these days? Is the new year treating you kindly? I certainly hope so.
    Sending a sunny day your way!
    Sandra

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  38. Aw, dear Joy, I am so sorry to hear you have been under the weather. I am glad to hear that you are on the mend. Please just take good care of yourself. Sometimes that takes time as I too am discovering.

    I do like all your makes and you are amazing with how much you accomplish and all the places you get inspiration. I love all your mug cosies. Some day I will have to try my hand at those too.

    Take my dear and I'll see you again whenever you post. Big hugs from Canada! xx

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