I am so close.......

edit - all systems go - the tissue they extracted was benign but abnormal and could have changed or grown back had we dealt with it differently. I have been released from the ability to use the pj's and I just had surgery excuses to be lazy. Full activity can resume. Apparently the doctor is not a MaggieGrace reader or he would know that I pretty much resumed full activity level about two weeks ago. Thank you everyone for prayer and positive thoughts. have a wonderful night. - teresa



To finishing what I need to make before Christmas. This pink and black beanie - then one more from the grey/black in the picture (fyi - bag from Vallen), a little bit of cross stitch for a pillow cover, finishing that same pillow cover, and I can call it done. There were others that I would like to have done - go over to the very first post on CIP. - but that is okay, there will be next year.

I will be keeping the CIP blog open next year and I'll still be posting over there as I have things Christmas related. I have so enjoyed the ladies who jumped in there and played along. I have to say, 2007 has been one of my most creative years. I have tried new things. I have stretched myself. My skills have improved. And - OMG - the inspiration that this community brings to us all.

Generosity - inspiration - encouragement - support - laughter - understanding - beauty. I have found all this and so much more at your blog homes. Of course - as in life - I have formed lasting realationships with some - I have simply visited with others. I love the leads to others links that you all have and as I have grown in this - I have become even more inspired for 2008. I also spend hours reading somedays. I do not want to lose track of any of you as you add to the posts in your worlds. All this is leading into a full blown endorsement for one of the handiest internet tools I have found. If you have not tried google reader - www.google.com/reader - you absolutely must. Easy to set up - easy to use - shows the pictures (a huge problem for the last blogroll I used and abandoned) and allows you to link out to either the post or the blog itself. A wonderful tool to use - of course it would be - powered by google and all. It even will point you to more blogs that fit your setup scheme. Amazing. Adding new blogs to you list is almost effortless as well - just copy and paste the address in the box.

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season - mine will be busy and fun filled - family gatherings - a few friends. Lot's of rest - maybe a few margaritas - then next week afterwards, I look forward to reflecting on the positives of 2007, forgiving myself and others for the negatives of 2007, and setting a few goals for 2008. One thing I have already decided is that there will be no body image resolutions for me at all - my goals will be about sharing blessings with others and the enjoying the journey along that path. I will ask for others support if I need it - without fear that they will think I am too needy- because helping someone and seeing results can give them the opportunity to receive some blessing as well.

My first blessing is for each of you - you are beautiful, just as you are. My first request - I go back - hopefully for my last followup check from my surgery this afternoon - the preliminary results from the tumour are fine - but I get the final results today and that old fear - WHAT IF - is hanging around - will you all help me send that fear away with positive thoughts and prayers?

Have a wonderful day - Merry Christmas.