Monday, January 5, 2009

Hand-in-Hand Gift Set

Someone I have really enjoyed getting to know through blogging is Lee Murphy, she has left over 200 comments on my blog this past year!! : O A couple months ago, she sent me some beautiful earrings she made with Polyshrink and my "A Year of Flowers" daisy (she punched them out with scalloped Nestabilities, they just turned out fabulous!) ,and altered an Altoid tin with my "What's In your Tin? 1" set to store them. I love wearing them and get compliments on them all the time, thank you again Lee! (Sorry I don't have pics of them on this computer, will have to take some more to show later!) I've been meaning to send her a little something back, so today's project uses the same tin set and "Hand-in-Hand". ..

I thought it would be really cool to stamp the hand image onto a large shell or stone type pendant, they are so popular right now! I found a 2 inch heart that came with three smaller ones at Jo-ann's, I believe they're made from abalone?, the set and shape seemed just perfect for earrings and a necklace. I wanted to make a tin for them too , so I stamped out some of my label images from "What's in Your Tin?1" on this blue Basic Grey Cupcake sheet to make cutoms tin borders and trimmed them out to cover the top , bottom and inside of my tin, these make it SO easy ot alter a tin! (Kind of a surprise to find this vintage looking pattern in this mostly fun and funky pack, but I really liked the shade and thought the brownish gold distessing marks running through the print were a really nice match for the striations (I don't know what else to call them really? LOL!) in the shell!) I added "Treasures" from the tin set to the bottom and her name above with my Just Rite rectangular stamper and Times New Roman Alphabet, thank you, Donna, for gifting me with that!! :D I stamped the word "Friends" from Hand-in Hand" in Staz-On to the front of my pendant ...
and the hands reaching out to each other the back! TIP: I found it was easier to leave the stamp unmounted and press it to my pendant becuase of its curved surface. You can get a couple tries with this, even with a permanent ink if you have Ultra Clean-thank goodness for this stuff, it allows you to try again if you're not completely satisfied! I really like this reversible design because you can wear it either way, whatever suits your mood, and whatever's not showing, is against your heart, like a little secret just for you. :). :) I also love how the lines of the hands seem to echo the marbling swirls through the shell! I also added a little heart charm from Jo-ann's just to bling it up a little and add more interest. All I had to do was add jump rings and inexpensive fishhooks and chain to complete the set! (I'd totally wear this, I think she will, too!) :)

Here is the inside of the tin. Rather than covering the inside of the lid with DP, I decided to add my "Hand-in-Hand" quote "A friend is a hand always holding your, no matter how close or far apart you may be." directly to the metal , I'm glad I covered the portions I did, but I really like the effect, kind of like looking into a mirror at a positive mantra, KWIM?! :) TIP: You'll need a smaller block than the lid to stamp into this recessed area.

I don't know we will ever "meet", but I'm so glad to have met Lee, among countless others through blogging this past year! :) Now please tell ME below about someone who reached out to you in the past year or how you maybe reached out to someone and now have a GREAT friend to show for it! I will draw one name at random tomorrow night, that person will win my new "Hand-in-Hand" set! (Already have it?? You know what to do: pass it on!) I think you're really going to want this set when you read my upcoming post, I have a very special contest planned with it! :) Looking forward to reading your stories!
Today's blog hop, oh my!! We have Barb, Donna, Lee, Theresa, Kim, Jessica, Jessie, Lori, Erika, Emily, Pam, and , Carolina ! let's go see!

128 comments:

  1. I have met so many wonderful friends through the cyber world. I would be hard to choose just one because each one has touched my heart in so many wonderful ways. I will name a few of the many women who have encorged me to try new ways to stamp.

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  2. What a FANTASTIC idea!! I love how you stamped on a pendant, and I just love the stamp set! I've met so many wonderful people this year, crafters and non-crafters alike. To name just one or two would be so difficult! Let's just say that everyone I've met has touched my heart in some way and will always be a special friend to me. Thank you for the tutorial on the Dew-drop flowers. That was an inspirational one for me. I may have to case this one from you...lol! Thanks for all the inspiration!

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  3. I started stamping back in 1998 and had a good time at if for some years. It's been about six years since I picked up a stamp. I started looking online and found this great community of ladies who stamped and blogged. It inspired me so much I started stamping again and I've so greatful and delighted to see such warm and sharing people. Everyone I've reached out to has been so helpful in this journey I've taken to great my own blog. I can't imagine going that long again without stamping and connecting with other stampers and artists!

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  4. ********THUD********

    Okay, after I picked myself up off the floor I'm trying to type thru some very happy tears!!! Just WOW!!!! I'm so incredibly honored Melanie!!! To meet wonderfully gifted and caring friends.....just like you....has truly been a huge blessing in my life!!!! And this will absolutely be worn with much love and pride and treasured always!!! I just know we will meet IRL someday and deepen an already special friendship!!!! Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart!!!!

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  5. Their is not one person I can name that stands out about the others.
    The crafting people are all people who will share their ideas and never thing twice about it.
    Thank you for sharing your ideas because of you I do try new ideas and I know my card making is getting better.
    Just wish I had more money to invest in some of the new things.
    MaryS

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  6. I know Lee and what a fantastic girl she is. Girl you are way lucky.

    Mel hon love this idea, who knew you could stamp on shells, wow.

    Well I have to say I've "meet" some fabulous generous people this year through SCS. They've all touched my heart and will remain good friends always.

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  7. I've been fortunate to meet a special friend, Clavell, in our local stamping store and later in our Ink'll Do Club. We have shared many fun times around stamping.
    Jan

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  8. This is just fabulous!!! Wow! I'm not much of a jewelry person but this is something I'd definitely wear.

    I met my soul mate/best friend thru blogging. We come from opposite sides of the world but we are so close ... and so similar ... that it's almost unbelievable. We finish each other sentences ... we know what each other is thinking ... and we do all of this via telephone! We talk every single day ... for hours sometimes ... and never run out of things to say and amazing coincidences to laugh about.

    And that's just one person ... I've made sooo many more wonderful forever friends through blogging ... what a blessing!

    ~Hugs & thanks, Deb

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  9. I discovered the land of stamping/crafting blogs this summer after shattering a wrist and being one-handed for months. During that time, I landed on Barb's blog when she was using your Just So Hippy and Just So Hoppy sets for decorations. She gave me so much encouragement in my efforts to complete the decor for my granddaughter's graduation party that I had already started on before the accident. Through her blog, I learned about others and you have all been great inspiration to me.
    Gail S.

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  10. My bff has been wonderful to me. She helped me by staying with me while my baby was in the hospital.

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  11. I made a very good friend at work - we connected because I used to work in her department. Then she joined mine, and ended up sitting across from me! We have so much in common, and I enjoy work that much more now.

    Thanks for the chance to win your awesome new set!

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  12. I met my wonderful friend Mel online and even though she is half way across the country from me we are as close as the phone line and MSN. I love her like my sister and though we may never meet in real life it is like we have always known each other. She has been a big blessing in my life. Thanks for the chance to share.

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  13. This is a gorgeous and thoughtful set, Melanie!! So creative too!! Love it!!!

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  14. There have been many helpful people out there at SCS, etc., but one in particular has become a wonderful "cyberfriend". She lives in the north, I in the south & while we may never meet in person, we email almost every day, have exchanged photos, etc. She is a very special lady who encourages me in all I do.

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  15. This past year was my first year blogging, so I "met" a ton of new friends! But the one person this year that told me they truly appreciated me and all the "mommy" advice I've given her is someone I met through my mom! Her name is Jem, and she is one of those people that was in my life a short time, but will be in my heart forever. I know we'll keep in contact even though we are both moving to opposite sides of the globe (literally) and if she needs any more advice about being a mom, I'm here for her and she knows it! Great project btw, Melanie. I love seeing other things that you make besides your fabulous cards. I CASED your name frame today! Hopefully I can post it soon.

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  16. I met this wonderful man in a coffee shop last year. We started talking and I thought 'What the heck--I'm never going to see yu again' so I was amazingly honest, in a way that I am not usually and it was so liberating! Now we exchange emails all the time. What a blessing....i hope each of you have someone like this in each of your lives

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  17. My friend, Tina, has been there for me even though we live a few states apart. I know I can count on her to pray for me. She and her husband even took time off work when my dad died to come to the visitation and funeral. I am blessed to have her for a friend.

    Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day.

    pscole3467 at gmail dot com

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  18. I have developed many new friendships in the last year and treasure each one equally.
    My greatest relationship triumph is having my oldest daughter with us once again after 2.5 years of absence... Praise the Lord! Marilyn

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  19. I admire all these women who share their ideas, card creations and family life with the stamping blog world. It's like reading a letter from a friend every day. I have a friend who seemed to have everything...money, beautiful home, rich husband, great kids, good looking (w/plastic surgery help), fab. cars...but never seemed to be really happy. I had her spend the day with me..lunch, talking and 'helping' me make some birthday cards. Several days later, she asked if she could come over again and try making her own cards. Needless to say, she's now up and running with her new found hobby. She's excited about being creative and sending these cards to friends and family. It's great to see her excited and happy creating something with her hands and not store bought. MarilynY (yum@hawaii.rr.com)

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  20. I am lucky with my friends. When my youngest son was born preemie and was in the NICU 8 months ago my Moms club was there to offer support and cook dinners for us when needed (we do this for anyone who's just had a baby in our group) I'm blessed with such special women in my life

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  22. I love this set! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

    I have met so many fabulous people through this hobby!! In particular I had a group of friends from my refular forum hangout get together to RAK me some product to cheer me up when having a tought ime. That was incredibly special and touching for me!! Love those Turtle ladies!!

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  23. I read somewhere that every new person u meet will teach u atleast one new thing. So its really in your own favour to meet new people!

    I found this great online group of cardmakers and all of them are constantly teching me somthing new. Its nice to meet so many ppl and do things that we all like and show it to each other. I think in that way I could add u to my "friend list" too because u inspire me everyday. I actually come to this blog every single day and am always filled with new ideas every time I leave. Thank U.

    The work u do with the hand in hand set always amazes me. Would love to win it and thanks for letting me participate.

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  24. What a beautiful set! I would Love to win it..

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  25. What aa neat idea. I loved the verse. TFS Have a great day, Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne

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  26. I have been eyeing all the cards that you have made from this set. It truely is a great set as it has so many uses. thankyou for the opportunity to win!!
    There is one person who I met online a few years ago...she reached out to help me manage a group and I accepted. Now I consider her a great friend and we have discovered we have a lot in common. Our goal is to one day really meet in person and really seal the frienship!

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  27. My horse friends have made life at the barn such an encouragement as I have struggled with pain folling 5 surgeries after breaking a leg 3 years ago. Anyone will retrieve my horse from the pasture, help with saddling, and whatever else needs to get done. In return, my new card hobby has enabled me to give away many "horsey creations" to these special friends. Love giving away bouquets of card flowers using Melanie's stamps when any friend needs a lift. Hand in Hand describes Life!

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  28. Everyone is so wonderful in the stamping world! Everyone is encouraging and sweet. Although I haven't made real close friends online I have to say it feels awesome when I get a comment on my blog from one of the stamping superstars ;) (you know who you are). It feels like I'm doing something right and really encourages me. And you have always been so sweet!

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  29. Oh, this is simply beauuuuuuuutiful!, love your art work, thanks for sharing.....even if I said I would like to try it out, will never happen... may be in another life LOL

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  30. What a wonderful idea with the jewelry! Meeting new friends by way of the computer has been exciting. I was in search of a specific stamp set. The kind lady that sold me the stamp set has become my new friend. I have even visited her and stayed at her home.Thanks for the chance to win one of your fabulous "Hand stamps"! Hugs Kay M.

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  31. Love it! I have really drawn closer to a few of my bible study girls over the past few months. They are wonderful and light up my days.

    It's a good life!
    Terri E.

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  32. I just got into doing a lot of blogging in the past year. I mostly read other peoples posts right now, but I post a lot too. I really love Paper Craft Planet. The folks I've "met" over there are warm and welcoming.

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  33. What a lovely gift set, I know Lee will love it! I am lucky enough to have found 2 very special blogging friends who not only inspire me creatively but were also there for me through some very tough personal times this past year. I am thankful everyday to have found them.

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  34. What a beautiful gift- and so clever! I love to see ideas that combine my love for jewelry making with my love of stamping! I have met so many wonderful people in blogland- everyone seems so helpful and caring- what a wonderful community. A special shout out to Lauren (...all the good blog names are taken) who has encouraged me to be more creative in both my art and my words! Kudos to all the helpful people who give so much of themselves! debb

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  35. How pretty! I love the tin too.
    Someone that I've become friends with recently is Rhonda from bumblcreate.blogspot.com
    She has helped my daughters spread the word about squigglefly.com by making so many cute cards with their images and posting them on her blog.

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  36. wow - what a way to get you thinking - one reach out sticks out in my mind. A friend from Church had seen me a bit on the down side - teenage kids can do that to you - A few days letter I got a card from her - although we talked we had never really socialized together - she had older teens too - she could relate to the pain only a mom can feel as they watch their kids grow up and know they have no power over their actions - The card reminded me that I am not alone, others go through the same, and we can surrive - it also reminded me that we have to let go at some point - and hope that the morals and values we shared with our kids will prevail. I think about that card a lot and try to do the same when I see others with that look.
    Sandra

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  37. You are so right...Lee is just one of the most caring and wonderful people I have had the pleasure to meet through papercrafting and cyberspace!
    This year I have a renewed and deeper friendship with a woman at our church. She has given up driving at night and in questionable weather so I began picking her up for classes and such. She says this has been blessing to her. I say she has been an even bigger blessing to me in so many ways. Truly a win win situation.

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  38. Just like so many others, we are on the unemployment rolls now and we have a special camping married couple who have blessed us by uplifting us with positive advice and unconditional love. They have made us realize that this is not the end of the road (as I have been thinking) and that there are really worse things to endure (the husband has had a stroke). I love these dear friends.
    Thanks Melanie. This is a terrific project.
    Cheryl Sims

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  39. M wonderful friend who has reached out to me is Jennifer (JenMarie on scs). She has encouraged me through tough times, sent me cards of encouragement given me heads up on things and just being a great friend! I hope that someday I get the chance to meet all of my cyber friends in person!

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  40. What a neat gift idea!
    I just began stamping this past april and met Carole on SCS shortly after. Turns out she lives only a few miles from me and we now meet once a week to stamp and make cards.

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  41. Beautiful gift, Melanie!

    Of course YOU are one person who reached out to me and my family this past year with my nephew battling his cancer and passing away - and also my daughter's ongoing illness which will be terminal. You posted on your blog about us and Marcus and asked others to do the same. You also sent Jess and me lovely gifts (which I need to post to my blog!) and have shown me friendship and support. I know that you don't ask for credit for reaching out to us but you deserve it. You are such a sweet, kind and caring person. I hope to continue with our friendship for many years to come.

    ((hugs))
    Nancy

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  42. I think I am just getting started meeting people who are card crafters. But someone that I met recently is Lorie Ames. I won blog candy from her site (my first win ever!)and we've conversred back and forth since then. She's a wonderful crafter and I'm pleased to call her a friend!

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  43. I met a treasured friend of mine when our paths crossed at the infertility clinic a couple of years ago. My experiences and disappointments in this department have helped me to help her through a tough year. Sometimes you just need someone who knows exactly what you're going through...

    Beautiful hearty gifts!
    Betty-Ann
    wilhelmbar@sympatico.ca

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  44. Actually, Karolyn (garkarlon on SCS) reached out to me during VSN two VSN's ago, and now we are good online buddies!

    Even though I haven't been commenting, I am really enjoying your Blogaversary! And every time I see A Year In Flowers, I get closer and closer to purchasing it! Thanks for the enabling!!! ;)
    Keep up the great work, Melanie!

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  45. Melanie, what a great gift idea!!! I've always thought about doing it, but never actually did. You've inspired me to give it a whirl.

    Getting back into stamping this past year hasn't gained me a new friend, but it's brought me and my sister and mom alot closer than we have been in years. And I'm very grateful that they are not only my family, but my friends now as well.

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  46. Gorgeous gift set Mel!!! I met one of my dearest, dearest friends through one of the on-line weightloss sites. We went on to being Scrabble buddies in cyber space and she saw me through a very bad divorce, move, and now job search. She's the BEST!

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  47. I love how you have stamped on the pendant!! It looks incredible! There is one special lady that I met online thru stamping blogs. Her name is Sheila Oliver, from the UK. We started leaving posts on each others blogs, and then started mailing each other cards or little gifts. Whenever I am not posting for a bit, I get an email asking me if everything is alright! Sheila always brightens my days, and I am ever thankful for her friendship! This was a great question Melanie! Thank you, and thank you for the chance to win your awesome new set!!

    :)
    Kim

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  48. What a super idea! Love those!! Funny thing is I keep meeting the most wonderful people through blogging . . . one in particular I contacted about doing a vendor fair with me since I knew she lived close. Turns out that we have SOOO much in common and have become wonderful friends!

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  49. I recently completed the Soulology Scrapbooking course online conducted by Erika Martin and met a woman from Australia. I've never corresponded online or otherwise with someone outside the USA. But I really enjoy her messages, her kindness, and her friendship.

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  50. Good morning! My husband had been rushed to the ER at the end of September last year. My daughter and I were with him when the security came in to say some other people would like to see him and one of us had to leave. A new friend had come from church to remind us that the speaker last week had prayed over my husband and that he would be well! She reached to her arm and removed a bracelet she wore which said a quote from Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times" She said it is time for you to wear this and gave it to me! It is a constant reminder of the greatest friend, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for me and my new friend, Karen!

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  51. What a wonderful gift and special holder. I have met some awesome friends through the web. We are a very small stamping group from all over the US and we meet every summer. This was our 4th year and I could not go due to the death of my sister. The group made me the most wonderful photo album==A star book, so I didn't feel so left out. They all called me as well both days--they are such a special group of friends. Darlene

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  52. Lee is going to love her treasure you are sending. She is an amazing woman and such a positive influence in my life. I have enjoyed getting to know her this year along with another new friend who reached out, garkalon (Karolyn Loncon!) on SCS. Blessings on these two fabulous ladies. Along with the commenter below--knightrone who is another amazing crafter and person!
    Jean/naturecoastcrafter

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  53. What a great project. This "hobby" has allowed me to "meet" so many people and learn so many new things. thanks for continuing to inspire me.

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  54. this is soooooo cool, and I love, love Lee too!

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  55. I have also gotten to know Lee over the past few months and she's going to love that. The one that I've gotten to really know is Taylor U. She's such an amazing talent and friend. I could go on but I don't think there's enough room.

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  56. I love how you stamped on jewelery! This past year I've had a friend come over once a week to stamp & play, we actually named our stamp time! We've shared ideas on stamping and recently jewelery making. She will just flip when she sees this. I can't wait to share it with her. Thank you so much for your great ideas and creativity!

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  57. The person that jumps straight into my mind is my best friend's hubby. He used his flight points to buy me a trip to Italy to visit their family this past year - my first "big" trip ever! I was thrilled, and appreciate it so very much!!

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  58. Melanie, I am touched by the friendship you and Lee have started and by the little gifts you send to each other. I too, have several long-distant girlfriends and this is a great idea to send to them. It's so neat to see what you come up with - thanks for always sharing your ideas and creations, you are an inspiration!

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  59. I met my friend at a stamp camp. We had our own stamp camps and it was so much fun! When we did a project that was cool, she would announce,"Fabulous!" She has since moved away but everytime I finish a project I would like to think Rachel would say "Fabulous", in her Boston accent!

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  60. Oh, what a great idea!! It looks fabulous! I want to make that, when I see the hands I think of my children holding my hand.
    I gained a wonderful friend through the Fiskateers message board (I've gained many), but this one just so happened to live just a few minutes away from me! I pursued her and so happy I did. We have shared some wonderful times crafting, and she has just been so helpful to me and mentored me. I'm so grateful for her!

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  61. What a beautiful & thoughtful gift! Love your Hand in Hand set & hope to get it soon. It was a perfect set for your jewelry project.
    I've met sooo many wonderful gals through paper crafting sites & blogs this past year & they have all been terrific. The one person that touched by heart this past year would be my granddaughter who helped me to complete all my paper projects while I was recovering from eye surgery.

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  62. I don't always know the out come of my reaching out to help people. I am a SHINE (serving the insurance needs of elders)volunteer. I am retired from the medical financial field and dediced to put my knowledge to work. Senior that have problems with, or understanding their Medicare or insurance come to us for assistance, this is a 20 hour or better job a week. Sometime they do call back and say thank you.

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  63. This set is just gorgeous! Wow - blew me away. I love this set of yours and its on my wish list.

    And YEAH!! I was so surprised to see I won the paper blog candy!! Can't wait to try it out!

    I have met a great group of ladies through SCS and have gotten the chance to meet a few of them. We are spread out all over the US and Canada and are looking to meet up in April. These ladies are there for me for everything. There is nothing I cannot talk to them about and they are very special to me.

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  64. I have a good friend, Tanjia, who I will likely never meet (she's in Vancouver, I'm in Virginia), but she always makes me smile. I love the internet, because it makes meeting people who love the same things you do so much easier.

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  65. love the versatility that you are showing with your sets. BTW, Jen Tapler from Maui has quickly become such an inspiration and encouragement to me...... She and I seem to have so much in common, we are both original Oklahoma gals that call Hawaii home.... Thanks for all of your wonderful inspiration too.
    Hugs,

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  66. I have met some wonderful friends through reaching out. :) One of them is a particular joy - she's a fellow paper crafter who lives in TX. We have lots in common, though we've never met in person. :)

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  67. just gorgeous items you are sharing today! I love the idea of making the treasure box to hold the earrings in too!

    As for someone reaching out to me I have to say my friend Anna. She has been the person who kept me moving forward and standing on 2 feet more often than she probably knows. I have had the pleasure of meeting her and even spending girls weekends with her thanks to some inexpensive travel we found. I look forward to seeing her and having time to play and stamp and just hang out - things I don't often get a chance to do when I am home! She is my bestest friends and I love her!

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  68. My friend, Lissette, and I have always been close but now that we scrap together and have travelled to two CKCs that bond is even closer. How many people would drop everything and come by just because you think a layout is missing something. She's that kind of friend!

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  69. Wow That is a hard question Ive meet so many people this year .When I got robbed so many people said prayer for me asked me how my family was doing just made me feel better .This has been a great year online Ive meet some great women .And you have some great ideas I love to see what you are going to do next I would love that set hope I win !

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  70. Oh wow these are just beautiful. Kim

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  71. I just started stamping this year & joined SCS... through SCS, I reached out & met so many wonderful new messageboard & blogging friends... everyone is so nice & has such amazing hearts & of course lots of talent to be inspired from. So glad to have found this great network of online friends.

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  72. I was blessed to live close to FOUR stores that carried stamping materials. Every time I went in someone would chat. Crafters are so helpful and willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Those that share via SCS have also enriched my life. Now I am trying to complete a huge craft room so I can have people over to enable them in various addictions.

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  73. It's hard to pick just one person who has touched my heart, but my SIL (who also happens to be my best friend)is the one who got me into stamping and we have encouraged each other over the years to go outside of the box, try new techniques and share our love of stamping. Reading all the blogs is so inspiring and helpful and I've learned so much this past year in particular. Thanks to all the wonderful bloggers who share their talent and ideas with all of us. Thanks Melanie for the wonderful stamps that you create and the encouragement you give to us all.

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  74. This jewerly is just out of this world. What a creative and super inspiring gift. I've met so many stamping friends in blogland. So many of them have inspired me to go outside the box with my creative side. It's hard to do that, but it makes me try different things and I'm lovin it. Thanks for a chance at your awesome stamp set.

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  75. I met two special ladies on our stampin' cruise that have become friends of the heart. They are the kind of friends you can talk about anything with. I was amazed at how much they make me smile and what sparklers they are in my life.

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  76. I love your Hand-in-Hand set and the creative & touching ways that it's being used. It brings to mind my stamping friend, Lynn. We were good friends several years ago but had lost touch. When she found out I was ill, she immediately contacted me. Best of all, she shared with me her love for papercrafts. She got me hooked & we constantly are getting together now to enjoy this hobby together.

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  77. I have met so many great ladies since I started stamping, but one that stands out is JoAnn Williams. Her talent never ceases to amaze me! JoAnn's cards are always beautiful! Her eye for color is a true art in itself. The layouts she uses are just begging to be CASED! JoAnn is such a wonderful caring person, too. She is truly concerned with others, and I guess that makes her an even better person! We have actually talked on the phone, (and her voice is as sweet as she is!) and someday I hope to meet her in person. We have come to think of her as a part of OUR family! And yes, she does call me "Granny"! All I can say is "Thank you JoAnn for coming into my life"!

    Granny

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  78. I always love your ideas - so clever! I have met so many wonderful people through my work place. I am a speech language pathologist in a school setting. Not only do I get to work with kids, and the other staff, I have the opportunity to work with parents - who could ask for more? Some great relationships have evolved over the years!

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  79. Fabulous project Mel...i LOVE it and am sure Lee will too!!

    The person who helped me out was Julie Masse...she is the one who got me interested in Paper Pretties, and helped me get on my first design team...which was good timing since I'd given up my dreams of GinaK's guest design team by then...altho I did hear from her within 2 weeks! Julie's such a wonderfully kind person, and we connected early since she lives in Maine and that's where I'm from.

    Thanks for all the fun here!!

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  80. Wow, that necklace is gorgeous! Lee's going to love it!
    I have met so many wonderful people online (including Lee! and we got to meet in person!). I talk more to people online than I do IRL!
    This past year I also met a woman in the baby aisle at Target and we have gotten together a few times!

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  81. I think my friend and I both reached out to each other at the same time and came up with the idea of starting a card ministry at church. It has strengthened our friendship and we are very supportive and encouraging to each other.

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  82. Wow...how beautiful, your cyber friendship, as well as the gift you created! I have a lovely friend that introduced me to scrapping and stamping IRL that has been diagnosed with lupus...She has been a great support to me battling my own illness that has kept me at home for 3 months now...bringing supplies and stamping here with me and helping look after my kids when I wasn't able, I am inspired to create something, hopefully this beautiful for her :)

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  83. I've only just discovered blogging (talk about behind the times)! I have to say that everyone I have communicated with have been really nice. You almost feel as if you've know them for a while.

    Elaine Allen
    veallen6@optonline.net

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  84. I cannot name just one person. The thanks go out to all the beautiful creative women that share their creations and their lives through their blogs. I recently retired and this winter has been a major adjustment with so much time on my hand and nowhere to go. These terrific ladies brighten my world every day THANKS FOR SHARING Ann Lind

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  85. It is hard to find one thing that stands out above the rest. But since I am supposed to here's the best I can do. My mom... she is always there when I need her and I am always there when she needs me. Even sometimes when we don't. HA! She is the best friend I could ever have.

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  86. look at you!! what a pretty set of jewelry. can't just name one, you know all the special people who have touched my life last year - you're one of 'em!

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  87. I LOVE this set!

    We had a terrible flood here this year that engulfed 10 square miles of our city. I did what I could to help out people who were affected by the flood (luckily I was not) and along the way met the most wonderful positive, resilient woman who, even though she lost everything, taught me how to stay strong and optimistic.

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  88. What a lovely incredibly thoughtful gift! Oh yes, I would wear this! She will love it -- and sometime soon I will try to make a set for someone I know... I met my newest stamping friend through the internet... and she and I have reached out to one another. She has helped me out of quite a few stamping "jams" when I tried to do too much... what a dear she is! I'm so grateful...

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  89. Love this that created for Lee, she is just the sweetest thing! She will just love it I am sure! All of your guest designers have been fabulous and Lee is so generous with her comments.

    As to someone who reached out to me (so many have been a blessing to me, but in the craft realm)...I immediately thought of Jody Morrow who reached out to me this past year when she was my Big Sis on SCS, she is so kind and encouraging. She really gave me some wonderful advice on design teams and just encouraged me in stamping. She really went above and beyond and was the best Big Sis on SCS I have ever had. I am just tickled that I can say she is a cyber friend!

    Thanks for letting us share and LOVE your blog!

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  90. I have three "close" friends across the country that I have not met. I know them through their blogs. I read them and email and chat. I have sent teapots and goodies just to say thanks for all the love they share. I am very lucky to have blog friends as they fill me with laughter and creativity and love. I always enjoy your blog!

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  91. Hi, this is a tremendous gift idea! I can't say I have one person that really stands out but I love my friends and love making gifts for them so I would love to win your set.

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  92. What a marvelous gift set! I feel blessed to have so many good friends. I have made many acquaintances through blogging and feel connected to a woman named Jennifer. I live very far from her and don't know that I will ever meet her in person. She is very kind, encouraging and personable. I am grateful for the opportunity to know her through our blogs and SCS.

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  93. Beautiful projects!

    I have met so many nice people on the internet. One who stands out is my friend, Marianne. She lives across the country from me but I feel we are in touch on a daily basis through blogging. She was sweet enough to send me some thing like Shimmerz as a surprise.

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  94. My comment didn't get posted due to my error. Soooo, I get to revise and shorten.

    An aquaintnace saw me and shared his story of his son, sick with meningitus. Because of my special needs child, I was able to listen and offer comfort and suggestions about specialists to see. And unbeknownst to him, I talked with a hospital staff manager to have a problem he had, solved.
    On the flip side, the hospital personnel have become more like friends, they stop and visit in the hallways when my son and I are there for appointments. And a group of us are trying to find a time to go out and listen to a favorite doctor, who plays in a jazz band.

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  95. I love your gift set. Your friend is lucky to have a friend like and that you are such a talented lady.
    Hugs - Angi

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  96. Very cool Melanie! I'm sure Lee will love it. <3
    She is a special person, no doubt about that!

    The person I met though the crafty blogs that has touched me the most (I consider her my mentor) is Lauren Meader. She has such a positive outlook on life, and since she has a daughter with special needs too it's easy for me to relate to some of the things she shares...

    But that's to only name one!! ;-)...

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  97. Fun project Melanie! Well, my sharing is actually how a friend and I reached out to each other this past year. An old high school friend and I had a sort of falling out many, many years ago. I thought we had just drifted apart as can naturally happen over time! lol She contacted me this past Summer and we seem to be right where we left off over a decade ago. It's nice to have my friend back! When I responded to her initial emails, I shared how dh & I have been involved in Worldwide Marriage Encounter (www.wwme.org) for quite awhile now and the positive impact it has had on our marriage and family (so much so that we now help present Weekends!)My friend clicked on the web address in my signature lines, and she and her dh attended a Weekend we were presenting! The Weekend changed their marriage! Woohoo! So you see - we both reached out to each other - Kim to contact me after all these years (we talk/email regularly now) and me to share about WWME. Thanks for the chance to win one of your awesome sets! Kim will be the first one to receive a card using your set should I be the super lucky winner! Thanks for asking us to share our stories! I always love inspirational pick me ups!

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  98. I love the wording you used on your tin. Life's treasures; there are so many things that we treasure and one of those are our friends. I have a person who has become such a treasured friend to me this past year. We do not get to see each other much but when we do I leave her totally refreshed and ready for another day! My son passed away 1year 5months ago and my life totally changed. I met Mindy Hollingshead at a crop in Gainesville TX and we clicked instantly. She had been there for another friend who had lost her child also, so she had such insight to the pain I was going through. Spending time with Mindy is like when you were a little kid and you went running outside on a rainy day to play in the rain and everything was fresh and just happy, that is what it feels like when we are together. She makes me laugh and not feel quilty for doing it. I can tell her my deepest pain and she never judges or runs. So in my heart Mindy Hollingshead is a treasure.

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  99. Wonderful! I think sending just because gifts in the mail is great. It totally makes someone's day. Well this year I tracked down the addresses to send cards to Canadian Soldiers over seas. I am Canadian and have seen so many people sending cards to Americans I wanted to do something for our soldiers too. My brother is in the Air force (thankfully he has not been shipped out...yet) and he helped me get the info I needed. I sent several get well, thinking of you and thank you cards. I never expect to hear back from them but I have to think they at least brought a smile to a few faces, "tear".
    That was my reaching out this year and I am gearing up to make some more. I think I could make some great ones with this set if I win.
    God Bless
    Catherine

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  100. Lee is such a sweet girl!!!I would love to have that set!!!!!!

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  101. I have met lots of great persons through my blogging and SCS, but I guess the most amazing bond I had was with Bev from http://savorthejourney.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
    I don't know if I'll ever meet her in person but we did hear each other on phone, exchanged gifts and cards even though there is a big ocean that separates us. Than there is Manna from http://outoftheeast.blogspot.com/.

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  102. Hello,
    what a lovely set.
    I suffer from mental illness and I found a little community to share my crafting. (Hope this sounds right in English). There, somebody reached outto me, a person who suffers from the same illness. That really got to my heart. And as we communicated, we found out, that years ago we have already met on another place of the www. World is small... and big in heart.

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  103. Really cute - love the abalone look!! I'm really lucky to have met lots of neat people over the last year that I've been blogging; I'd have to say that all the gals on the 2 design teams I'm on are blessings to me and quickly becoming my "cyber friends".
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  104. I don't have just ONE person who helped me out, but several. I started a new job this past Fall and several people were so helpful to me. I felt right at home because of them and their willingness to help me learn the ropes. Thanks for the chance to win an awesome stamp set, too!

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  105. Well, I have a great friend I work with at school that has really been there for me. I have been out a lot this school year with my dad who is really sick. My friend Janice has made sure I had lesson plans and activities while I was out. She has really been there for me.

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  106. I think I have to say that my husband has been the person who has reached out to me this year as financially we've had a really tough year. It would have been easy for the stress to pull us apart, but he has made a special effort to be there for me and to encourage me when I get worried. I'm blessed!

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  107. I have met so many many wonderful friends through stamping but I would have to say the friend I have reached out to this year who has a disability is the one who has blessed me the most. This friend is unable to do many of those "two handed" crafts that so many do, but I had a part in introducing her to card making with stamping which even a person with only one hand can do! And she has taken off with cardmaking like you wouldn't believe!!! In fact, she has FINALLY listened to me and started her own BLOG this week!! I am so excited for her!! We talk on the phone weekly now and she is always SO excited to share her latest venture into a new card design! I would love to win the Hand in hand set and share it with her!! :) Stamping friends are really the best in the world!!
    Kim Marie

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  108. I have really gotten to know quite a few people through all the lovely crafting and stamping blogs. It would be hard to say only one because every time I run into a problem or need a question answered a new person will pop into my life and give me some of their wisdom and knowledge.

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  109. This year my friend Jana in AK has really reached out to me. We moved from one island to another on totally opposite ends of the US. I have been put into a culture that I will probably never understand and heat that my body is still getting used to after 6 months. Through it all, Jana is there for me every day - phone calls, emails and happy mail when I usually need it most! I'm so happy to call her my friend - even though we may never live close to each other again, I know she is always there for me!

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  110. The people who have touched my life the most are on SCS and have left my treasured comments on my cards. These people have encouraged me to continue stamping which has been a great blessing in my life the past year. Thanks to you all!!

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  111. I have friends who volunteered to come to my workshop so I could receive accelerated learning certification. They honored me by their presence.

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  112. How cute that set is!!!! Who would not want to be given a set for themseves. Thanks for giving us all a chance to be in the drawing.

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  113. When my mother was very sick a neighbor Terri just started helping me with my children, driving them to school, shopping and etc. Now we have become very good friends and hope I can do the same for her if needed. (She loves to stamp also.)

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  114. Beautiful set!!!!
    I have met many people blogging or through Technique Junkies yahoo group and have gotten together with a couple at conventions. I have become fast friends with someone whom after putting alot of 2 plus 2's together while exploring her blog turned out to be from my hometown which was alot of fun!!!

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  115. When my mom had heart surgery, my friend (paula)-who lives 3 states away from me...comforted me so much. She constantly sent me emails, cards, called me etc.
    I could not have got through that time without her!

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  116. Oh, I would so love this set. I have always collected hearts, as did my grandmother.
    You have done a wonderful job with this creation.
    Anne

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  117. This is someone that I have known for about 9 years. We just recently got very close (we both started scrapbooking). This has just got us closer. Now I feel like I can talk to her about anything. It is great....
    Love how you stamped on the heart, that is a great idea and I hope to case that idea, maybe fro Christmas next year. Thanks!

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  118. OH WOW! This is just so fabulous on soooo many levels---I love it. I want one (whine)--LOL! I've reached out to alot of people this year, but I'd have to say my friend Susana who has become a great friend and we are very supportive of each other.

    hugz,
    Suzanne

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  119. Mel what a gorgeous set you have made! I have met so many wonderful people since I started blogging in April, but the one person who has touched my heart is my friend Loreen from NY! Her and I hit it off right away and now we email each other daily numerous times a day! She is my long lost twin...I am convinced! I can tell her anything...and we are planning to meet this summer! I am looking very forward to it! Thanks for the chance to win such a wonderful stamp set!
    Hugs~ Kim

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  120. Beautiful projects! I've established some very close friendships with some of my brother's classmates since his death. We've helped each other through other deaths & personal traumas. You never know who or why someone may come into your life, but you have to be open to letting them in.

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  121. Beautiful jewelry and tin, Melanie. I'd have never thought of doing something like that. You're so creative! My friend is someone I met in my stamping workshops. She helped me through a depression this fall. My closest friends are people I've met stamping. :-)

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  122. What a wonderful gift. I've gotten to know Lee this last year and she is a real sweetheart and a very talented artist and stamper.

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  123. Several years ago, after suffering for many years with Crohn's disease, I had surgery. There were complications, I almost died, and spent 2 months in the hospital. A year later I returned for further surgery. Just before Christmas, while volunteering at my Daughter's school, a Mom approached me to ask me about my experience. She also has Crohn's, and had had a very similar experience. She was hesitating about the next surgery and needed someone to talk to.

    She reached out to me. I was so happy she did. It made me feel like I had something to offer, and that my experience had a purpose. It's not a subject that's easily brought up, and I'm so glad she had the courage to ask, and it's a compliment in a way, because she obviously found me approachable! lol Anyway I know that everytime our paths cross now, we will have a connection. She has been in my thoughts ever since, because I know her next surgery is going to be scheduled soon.

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  124. A few years ago, a friend from my childhood found out that I lived only 45 miles from where she had just moved. We arranged for her to come by my house since I had to stay home to care for my sick DH. It ended up being the day that my DH passed away. She got here about 20 minutes before he passed away. She comforted me while my brother, sister and their spouses were taking care of my DH.
    I have not seen her since but I will never forget how she was there when I really needed her.

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  125. I came to Ohio 5 years ago and had no friends. I lived in California all my life. I came with my husband and my 2 kids. I really missed my family and friends back in California so much. I remember crying all the time the first couple of months. I started to work at a nursing home and met my first friend, April. Now 5 years later I have several friends here and if I ever moved back to California I would really miss them.

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  126. I have moved near my sister, and aside from the sisterly love we feel for each other, we have really become good friends who are able to support each other on a day-to-day basis. She is also the one who got me hooked on stamping, so I have a stamping buddy close by who can appreciate both the results and effort that go into designing a great card!

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Your generous feedback helps make my work and this blog better! Thanks for inspiring and motivating me! :)