I hardly know what to write tonight.  I guess I'm going to write the truth so that if anyone reading my blog wants to send prayers or good thoughts my way, they can do it.

I went to have a mammogram and ultra sound today (it seems like days ago) because I found a lump in my breast.  It appears that I have a tumor but whether it's cancerous or not, we don't know.  I have an appointment with a surgeon on Tuesday. 

I'm tired tonight.  I have gone through so many emotions today that my mind is exhausted.  I'm going to hold on to the quote that I posted on my Christmas card.  Yes, miracles.  Whatever those look like.  I guess great love is a miracle in itself!  

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This is a vessel that I made for my parents for Christmas.  It's polymer clay over a glass vase. I really enjoyed making it.

 

  
Wishing you joy and blessings this holiday!

This was the Christmas Card that Robin made for me this year.

Things are busy...and relatively good.  My website is really taking off.  I hired a web designer and had hoped to have my new site online by January 1st but unfortunately, the webbies live in Seattle and have been without power so thy're running behind.

My new site is going to be called, Creativity College Online to accomodate the expanding media that I'm adding.  Some big names coming: Priscilla Hauser, Christi Friesen, Dayle Doroshow, possibly Maureen Carlson (we're in negotiations right now). 

I'm looking to add a basketry and a felting department.  Also Some jewelry and beading.  It's turned out to be much bigger than I had imagined!

And yes, I am going to Hawaii in March!!  Here are a couple of pics from one of Marilyn's last retreats.  I'm going to sit in my pareau, visit turtles, and make stuff!

We're leaving for my mom's house tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it.  I didn't decorate for Christmas this year for the first time in my life!  Just too busy and Jim has come down with Pneumonia.  He's recovering, though, so we're still leaving town.  He can sleep just as well at Mom's house. 

Christmas is lean, lean, lean for us this year.  Jim's disability benefits were cut off a month ago so basically we have no income except what I'm bringing in.  He wants to get back to work but between pain, pneumonia, and needing another blood transfusion for anemia, it's not looking promising any time soon. 

Gourd College Online (creativity college online) will get us through by the end of January.  I had been thinking about starting this for almost two years and something....something just told me that it was the right time.  So I listened. 

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.  I will visit soon.

Lisa

  

Busy Busy!

I have 2 weeks till my Litho class finishes and I'm rushing to get my finals done next week. 

Gourd College is going well...I'm going to be expanding in January to include some other mediums.  I have an incredible dollmaker who likes gourds that will be teaching for me in January....Marilyn Radzat.  She makes OUTRAGEOUS things!  I'm considering going to her creativity retreat in March...at her house on the beach in Hawaii!!  I want my mom to go with me because I think that she really needs something wonderful in her life right now.  Neither of us have been to Hawaii.

http://www.marilynradzat.com/

Another Doll and Gourd Artist who will be teaching in January is Sherry Goshon: She does incredible things with many different materials.  She is the one who inspired me to start Gourd College Online.

http://www.picturetrail.com/innerchildslg

And Polymer Artist Christi Friesen:

I'm excited!

Robin, Chase and I are going to Boise after Christmas.  Then Spring semester starts for me on the 15th of January.  I guess it's all better than being bored!

Blessings.