Janet's Smiles

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 27, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

So I haven’t been exactly following all the prompts in the #JustJoJan series this year. I hope you are understanding. (Thanks Kim).

I am choosing to write about the vision cards I made for this year. My main themes are the same as last year but I’ve used some different wording and the pictures are different.

I really love putting together these cards and going through the magazines and pulling the pictures that speak to me about each area. On the back I have written some of the things I’d like to accomplish this year and by doing so it gives me some direction but also takes the pressure off around the whole “resolutions” thing that happens every January. If I make a list of 5 or 10 things on each card and I get 3 or more done then I consider it a win. When I look at them again in June as I do, if there are some areas that have not gotten as much attention, I know what to focus on for the next six months.

Some folks have more focus areas but I think these about cover most of my everyday life so that’s what I’ve been using. I think I’ve been making these for almost 10 years now and I first got the idea from Jamie Ridler, who is a really great guide for helping you get in touch with yourself and what you want to make with your life. She is also the creator of the Studio Yearbook that I use each season. We are in the Winter one now and it is very helpful for transitioning from one year to the next.

Obviously I am not a great artist, but having the “image” section nudges me to give it a shot. Looking at that, I can clearly remember the night I watched “The Birds” in the studio while I was creating. Similarly, I don’t fill in every box every day, sometimes just choosing a picture like the one of our family Christmas to show what was happening on that day. Still can’t believe that less than a month after that picture was taken mom is gone. Yet I clearly remember that this was the best picture that we took that day because my son said something that made us all smile. Can’t even remember what it was now but we definitely all look happy. Around the circle in the “You” page I wrote a bunch of questions that start with “Tell me why…” like, Tell me why not? Tell me why it’s hard? Tell me why you don’t? Tell me why you feel it.” Etc. I know that kind of stuff is not for everyone but I think it helps me remain grounded and purposeful with the things that I do. We only have one life and I’d like to live the best one I can.

How about you guys? Do you think something like vision cards are easier than making resolutions? Like to collage and play with crayons? Think it’s all a bunch of hokey? Tell me why!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Just Jot January, Studio Yearbook, vision cards 2022 | 17 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 23, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Well folks I’m back in action again. I bit the bullet and paid for the WP upgrade. Now just try and shut me up – LOL.

Linda’s #JusJoJan prompt by way of Wendy is surviving. I’m surviving the loss of my mom as well as can be expected. I am sure that it will still hit me occasionally but having lots of transcription to do and working in the studio has helped a lot. We are also surviving another hit by the covid demon. Thank goodness all of us are vaccinated. Interestingly it hit the one of the four who was not boosted. I don’t know if we will ever figure out the way this thing seems to pick and choose who to hook on to.

So, since I upgraded, I think I can now add videos to my posts! We had a phenomenon yesterday that rarely happens. I live very close to SFO and the planes are always flying overhead OUT of the airport.

Yesterday they were flying IN to SFO. Makes it a little scarier to see them coming down faster and faster.

I mean, that’s the roof of my studio!

Speaking of the studio, I spent some time there yesterday making some new boxes for Valentine’s Day.

I really like the way they turned out and since I didn’t actually say Valentine’s Day in any of the embellishments, they can be used for all kinds of occasions. They are already listed in the Etsy Shop.

I have two more to do today.

Well, I feel better about spending the money to upgrade already. Now we’ll have to see how the videos simulcast on my Blogger site. Hope you all have an excellent rest of your weekend. Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think about the boxes. I’ll be making more for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays. What other occasion can you think of? I’d love ideas.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Just Jot January | 18 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 16, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Well it’s a good news/bad news day for me today. The good news is that our daughter is doing really well after her jaw surgery. I am so impressed by the fact that she is only having to deal with some rubber bands holding her mouth together and she can remove the bands to brush her teeth and they are wide enough to permit her to use the large syringe without the tubing in order to eat. When I had the surgery done my mouth was completely held together by wires for six weeks and I had to use a tubing at the end of the syringe which I slipped down the side of my cheek toward the back of my mouth. Surgical techniques sure have come a long way! She is not in a lot of pain and while she has had some uncomfortable days, it is going along smoothly.

The bad news is that we lost my mom on Friday. I’m still kind of in shock at how quickly she went, but also grateful that she did not suffer and that she was the one directing the action for the most part. When she was offered ventilation, she refused. She knew the potential consequences and chose not to try the antiviral medication either. When she slipped out of touch with us by not opening her eyes or even acknowledging my sister’s presence we knew she was on her way to be with our dad. It is interesting that January 11 would have been their 80th anniversary. The 17th was the day my dad passed away 40 years ago so I think he called her up to have a second honeymoon.

Of course I thought she was invincible when she walked across the Golden Gate Bridge with us at age 90!

So for the last few days I’ve been working in my studio and listening to Dean Martin and the Rat Pack sing the songs I grew up with. I’ve only cried a couple times. I’ve been getting lots of condolences from friends and I realize that almost everyone has lost at least one if not both of their parents by now so I am extremely grateful for the length of time I have had her and the fact that she was here at Christmas and we had such a good time. She told me that she felt like she was wanted and that she belonged, not like we were just having her as an obligation. That is the best memory. RIP mom. Hope you and dad are dancing to all this music!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged jaw surgery, Just Jot January, Mom | 52 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 12, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Just a quick update on the state of affairs in my world. Daughter is recuperating well. We were able to take the head wrap off her face but she still hasn’t eaten anything really since the syringes are too small. Today we go to the doctors and he will release the bands a little bit so maybe she can start getting some soups in her. Can’t live on Gatorade and water for too long. She is not in pain, just discomfort that she has to sleep on her back with her head propped up. It is giving her a sore neck.

Mom is in the hospital and refusing to eat and refusing to let them give her meds. In fact, she is not opening her eyes or talking at all. Sister is going to talk with the people at hospice today. Thanks to the nurse, I was able to FaceTime with my mom and told her that I loved her and that I wished she would get better but that if she wanted to go be with dad now, we would understand. She never opened her eyes or acknowledged that she could hear me but she did move around a bit so I’m going to think that she did. Once again I am SO grateful that we got to spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with her here. This is from Thanksgiving. I can’t upload the one from Christmas. She’s the little lady on the end next to me.

I have some transcription work to do and an Etsy order I’m working on and I’m trying to practice my breathing skills so I don’t get overwhelmed but if I’m not on here for a bit, you’ll know that I reached my max point. Thanks to all who are sending love and good wishes. I feel them.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #JusJoJan, Mom, Rachel's surgery | 25 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 10, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Today’s prompt is Chocolate. Thanks, Ritu! My husband used to work for Guittard Chocolate as a maintenance mechanic. That meant he had to fix the different machines they had to melt, mix and package the chocolate. He would come home smelling absolutely scrumptious! That is the job he held when he hurt his back at work moving one of the big machine parts. We didn’t get too many free samples though.

The Bloganuary prompt is to list 5 things I am grateful for.

I am grateful my daughter is recovering well from her surgery.
I am grateful that I got 2 Etsy orders already this year.
I am grateful that my mom got to come and visit us for Christmas because she is now in the hospital.
I am grateful that we all tested negative for Covid.
I am grateful that I can still post on WP without using photos.

Short and sweet.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Just Jot January | 6 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 8, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

In the best news, our little girl is at home recuperating from her facial surgery. She looks like a chipmunk and her mouth is held shut by tiny rubber bands. She is “drinking” using a syringe with a tiny hose attached. As the time progresses, we’ll be able to swap it our for a bit bigger one. I had wanted to show pictures but until I pay for more space, I can’t upload any more. I did post them on my FB so if you are friends with me, you can see them there. If you are not friends with me on FB, why not? I also have a Blogger account which still has room so when this post synchs with that one, I’ll put the pictures there and link it.

“In the…” is our prompt for the #SoCS and #JusJoJan for today. Guess it’s time to bite the bullet and pay for more space here. Happy Saturday everyone!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #JusJoJan, syringe | 15 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 6, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Today’s prompt in the #JusJoJan is anticipation. Right now I am on pins and needles anticipating the phone call from the hospital regarding my daughter’s surgery. Because of COVID I couldn’t stay with her. Fortunately they will call me when she is out of surgery and transferred to a room and I can go back then. Hopefully they’ll let me spend the night there.

Which leads to the prompt for Bloganuary which is to talk about someone I admire. That would also be my daughter. She is just 25 and having major surgery on her jaw, a procedure which started 2-1/2 years ago with her getting braces and will continue for a while after today’s surgery for sure. She has been at the helm of this procedure for the entire way, including all the financial aspects of it. She has set up a budget system for herself, accounting for this surgery plus all her other expenses like repayment of her student loans and car, etc. She wants to be debt free by 2025. I so applaud that idea.

That’s not to say our other two children are slouches by any means. Our oldest has been out and living on her own or with friends almost since she graduated high school, with just a brief stint of coming back home for a year or two. She even moved to a different state for a few years, something that I don’t know if I could have done. Our son has also been working since high school and while he is living at home, he was out on his own for a while as well. We just happen to be in an area where it is very expensive to live, especially on your own. No one bedroom apartments for $450 a month like there were when I started out.

Short and to the point today. Can’t keep a focus on much until I know my little girl is going to be okay.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged anticipation, Just Jot January | 21 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 5, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Missed yesterday’s prompt of generosity. We just had Christmas and I was touched by the generosity of the kids and my husband. I got so many fun presents including a new wind chime, sun catcher, a book, new slippers and a bracelet. Gift cards to Michaels and Barnes and Noble too!

Today is One Liner Wednesday. In keeping with my word of the year and my search for the perfect quote for my necklace…

“The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts.” Marianne Williamson

And the Bloganuary prompt is “What is something you wish you knew how to do?” Wish I knew how to make money grow on trees – LOL.

No pictures because I am officially at 100% capacity on WP! Positive thoughts please for my daughter who will undergo jaw surgery tomorrow. I’ll be with her as much as they will allow so may not be on the blogosphere much.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged abundance, generosity, Just Jot January | 16 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 3, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Well, Lovely Linda accepted my word for today which is ABUNDANCE. Thanks Linda and welcome to any newcomers to my blog from the challenge.

Each year I pick a word of the year. I’ve been doing it for quite some time now and some of the words I have chosen (or have chosen me) are: Create, Courage, Change and Focus. Last year was Flow. The one that was the biggest emotional experience for me was the year I chose Believe.

This year as I was getting dressed one morning the word Abundance just popped in my head. I was going to meet a friend for coffee and I knew she was planning a trip to Italy so I also thought Abbondanza sounded kinda cool. I am Italian after all. I can just see a huge family sitting around a table and the father standing up to give a toast. ABBONDANZA!

I don’t mean abundance in material things either. Of course lots of money would be really nice, but I’d settle for just enough so that I don’t have to worry about it anymore. Goodness knows I have an abundance of craft supplies . I needed to build another house to hold them all! We have plenty of material possessions. The kind of abundance I’m looking for is joy, peace, friendship, love. I’d like to make an abundance of memories to scrapbook.

One of the things I like to do with my word of the year is find a quote that really speaks to me and then I write it on a tiny slip of paper and wear it in a locket. I’m still searching for my quote for this year. Any ideas?

And yesterday I went to Barnes and Noble because I got a gift card for Christmas which of course I had to spend immediately – LOL. I have a ton of books but you can never have an over abundance of those IMO. I found these:

Don’t they look scrumptious? There are 52 cards in the deck so I’m going to shuffle them and then pull one card a day, trusting the Universe to put them in the right order for me. I’ll blog each Monday about the card I pick. Today’s is Detachment.

I have to say I almost put this one back and tried again but I said I was going to trust the Universe to put them in the right order for me so even though I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be detaching from yet, I’m sure it will come to me over the week.

As for the Bloganuary prompt, the last time I really left my comfort zone was when I started working for Michaels. I had never worked in retail before and it had been MANY years since I had had to go on an interview. The experience was fun for a while but then I realized that retail and working for someone else is not really my thing anymore. I’m old and spoiled by being able to work from home for 22 years. So now I wish for an abundance of typing work to keep me employed until I’m able to make enough money with my crafting to keep us comfortable.

Your turn. Do you pick a word for the year? Do you know any quotes about abundance that would be good for my locket? Leave your comfort zone often? Do you know what Detachment is trying to tell me?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #JusJoJan, abundance | 26 Comments

Just Jot January – 2022

Posted on January 2, 2022 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

The word for the day in #JusJoJan thanks to Dan is gobbledygook. It made me think of all the medical transcription that I do. A lot of the terminology is gobbledygook to many and the handwriting of the doctors could be considered chicken scratch. Fortunately I can usually understand it all, though if the doctor who is dictating has an accent, it sounds pretty gobbley (is that a word?) to me too.

In the #Bloganuary Challenge, the question is about a road trip we’d like to do. When we were younger, the hubby and I had a retirement vision to get a motor home and see a baseball game in every major league stadium. He’d play a round of golf in all those areas too. However, he had a back injury at work and although he is okay now, it is very difficult for him to sit for long periods of time in confined spaces so we’ve had to put that dream away, at least in that form. Now we’re thinking about doing a train trip across the country. We figure there would be more leg room on a train and he could get up and stretch if he needed to. I did see this map though: