Saturday, February 28, 2015

Cherish Every Moment

I told you about a week ago that Artist Sandra Caldwell has made me my very own stamp in celebration of my 5th anniversary of Seizure Free life.  How awesome is that?? She's been a wonderful friend and she's an amazing artist. I have seen her stamps at several different stores  now and you can find her images at Sweet Pea Stamps.  This adorable Teddy is Celebrating 5 years for me.  I actually made this card and took it to my doctor's office on my 5th anniversary along with some wonderful treats for Doctor Aboumatar and his staff at Austin Epilepsy Care Center.
 
Here's a beautiful close up of the image that Sandra made just for me.  (How cool is that, "made just for me?")

 
 
Let me thank all of you for celebrating this month with me!! I am so incredibly thankful for everything that I now have. It's truly been an unbelievable journey from where I was 5 years ago. I never knew what was in store for me.  I didn't begin to realize the change that was in store for me when I went to the hospital in Feb 2010.  I hope that all of you who suffer through medical problems day to day have hope that you too will find the answers.  Don't give up hope!  Keep searching for the right doctor. I was with a doctor that I THOUGHT was great for so many years, it took me four months with a new doctor to essentially solve my problems.  Hindsight is 20/20.  If your doctor is not helping you, listening to you, making your life better, pushing you to better your life, seek other medical attention.  Huge thanks to all those crafters out there who supported me back then. I have always said, "Crafters are the nicest people"

Later tonight or early tomorrow morning I will be posting a HUGE winner list of a bunch of grand prizes, so please leave a comment here and keep an eye out!!  If you see your name on the current winner list in BLACK, then drop me an email htondre@aol.com with your email or address as needed.
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63 comments:

  1. NatalieFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    super cute card :)
    The image is so beautiful!
    I wish you a lot more healthy years :)

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  2. KarinsArtScrapFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    Hi Holley what a fun and cute image is draw for you.
    You deserved it your such a kind person and glad I know you.

    Your card is very sweet and lovely.

    Gr Karin

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  3. Jean BullockFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    The card is darling. Reading your posts has been very inspiring. I especially like the advice you have given about doctors. I totally agree.

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  4. MarjetaFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    Holly your friend is really something. Good friend is difficult to find. And people who had such friend have nothing to fear. Wish you all the best and thanks for wonderful celebration journey.

    Marjeta

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  5. Audrey R in AustinFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    Holley - I am so glad that stamping brought us together and that we have become good friends. I am so happy that you found the medical help that you needed and are enjoying life to the fullest. With warm regards. Audrey

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  6. LarisaFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    Holley, it is super cute card !!

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  7. HloraFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    Your beautiful card! Your coloring is gorgeous!

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  8. riliskaFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Love the image and your gorgeous colouring.

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  9. loraFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Holley, what a lovely coloring and great details!....have a wonderful weekend!

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  10. UnknownFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    What an awesome gift. Congratulations on your 5 years seizure free may you continue to be siezure free.

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  11. KT Fit KittyFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    This image is soooo adorable! I was looking forward to seeing it. You deserve your own image after what you've survived (and thrived!). Congratulations to you! Thank you for the celebration all month - I enjoyed myself!

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  12. cebelicaFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    it's really something special to have an image drawn just for you. And you totally deserve it! :) This image is adorable and the card you made with it is wonderful. I am sure that the doctor will treasure it forever!
    Thank you for the fun celebration month!
    Hugs! xx

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  13. UnknownFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:28 AM

    Love the teddy bear image and your coloring is perfect. Especially love the green. It has been fun this month, something to look forward to every day. May you have another 75 years or more free of seizures and it's good you found the right doctors to help you thru it.
    Virginia Montagna

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  14. missdarbc@gmail.comFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    wow, Holly so hard to believe that February is over! That is great advice about searching for the right doctor. i suffer from the silent disease of Diabetes. I have my moments. I admittedly struggle with getting it under control on a daily basis to the point where not just myself but my spouse are taking insulin now. It really sucks to be diabetic...I HATE it...and I still have anger issues with it. We go to a specialist once every 3 months and I am thankful that my eyes have not been affected by it nor have my feet. Cheers Holly on your success your path is a great one...and I know you must inspire a LOT of people....big hugs...and thank you for all you do. And thank you to Melody Strahan for telling m about your blog!

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  15. New CreationsFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    Darn cute image, Love the green effect! I enjoyed so much in this whole month celebration! You inspired so much!
    Warm Hugs!

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  16. Melody StrahanFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:14 AM

    What an adorable stamp on a pretty card! Thank you Ms Caldwell for loving and caring! Happy Anniversary Holley!

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  17. KathyFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    Great card. I love the image & the color combo you chose. Best wishes for many more years of good health!

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  18. barbara macaskillFebruary 28, 2015 at 11:39 AM

    LOVE this adorable image!!! What a wonderful thing for Sandra to do for you!! Friends truly are the best blessing on Earth! I am so glad that you have made it to 5 years! I am also thankful that I have gotten to meet and get to know you this last month or so. You are a strong and beautiful woman who deserves nothing but the best that life can offer! You have a kind and giving heart and are extremely talented!!! So glad you stuck around to be with us!! HUGS and Happy 5 Year Survivor Anniversary!

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    That stamp is beautiful, Holley!

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:03 PM

    That stamp is beautiful, Holley!

    Pat Ridings

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  21. Glennis FFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:32 PM

    The stamp is adorable - lucky you!

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  22. Consuella JacksonFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:41 PM

    Holley, my hope for you is many, many, many more trips around the sun. There are tons of people who are in need of your inspiration. Keep on inspiring!

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  23. paulajFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    That is so awesome to have a stamp made just for you! I have enjoyed the comments others have made during this month of celebration. Your advice to keep looking is so important; IU sure hope people take it to heart (and brain) :) Hugs.

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  24. Lucie HFebruary 28, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    How wonderful to have a stamp creeated just for you. I love the coloring.

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  25. AndreeFebruary 28, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    How adorable Holley, your teddy is awesomely cute and I love how you've coloured it. The Springtime flowers and sentiment are wonderful too.
    I must admit I did wonder if the image Sandra created for you was of a luscious beauty with long flowing locks, but I think the teddy is so much better. Everyone needs a teddy to hug and bring comfort.
    I guess the timing needed to be right for everything to fall into place for you to have your procedure and for it to be a success. No one should give up hope of a better life. You are proof of that x

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  26. Lyn CFebruary 28, 2015 at 2:15 PM

    Happy #5! Crafters are the nicest people and hopefully they will always be there for each other. We need to stick together. Start the day with a smile...or STAMP one!

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  27. Mary K.February 28, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    Another card from a VERY talented person!!! Love it.

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  28. Cindy H.February 28, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    Holley you give that doctor and staff a Huge Hug from me for making your life so much better for you and for your hubby too. He was so supportive then and now also. You keep going with your daily blog, I for one enjoy the time I spend here, especially learning about all the different companies and just seeing the way things are in another persons creative eyes, their feelings and talented fingers and most especially their hearts! You Rocked it this whole month for me Thank you for sharing your special time with me.

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  29. Brawny xFebruary 28, 2015 at 2:49 PM

    What a wonderful gift Holley. The stamp is so you lol. Can you believe February has gone already? Loads of love to you. X

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  30. Linda SimpsonFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:12 PM

    Aw bless this is so cute!
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

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  31. KarenladdFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:14 PM

    What an adorable card and what an inspiring and uplifting story you are able to tell! A reminder to us all not to give up and to appreciate every day!! Thanks so much for the month of giveaway and fabulous card shares Holley!

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  32. Jackie TFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    Hi Holley this is a gorgeous card I love the bear he is so cute. I feel that is a privilege to know you. Thank for sharing your story you are an inspiration. Hugs Jackie

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  33. ShersL84bedFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    Very sweet of her to make you the stamp. Its darling. :) Congrats again Holley on your 5 years. :)

    Smiles Sher

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  34. CherylFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    Holley, Very nice card. How very special! Congrats on hitting your very important 5 year mark. You did a wonderful job celebrating this month.

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  35. Gail BehrleFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    What a wonderful stamp Sandra made for you. And what a great event to be honoring with it - your 5 year Anniversary! I agree with your advice about doctors, keep on going until you get all the answers you are looking for. So very happy you are healthy these days and sharing your crafting love with us! Your card is just perfect. Beautiful coloring, great sentiment and wonderful color combinations, die cuts and embellishments. Thank you Holley for a fun celebration month!

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  36. Vickie KertzFebruary 28, 2015 at 3:47 PM

    What a super adorable image. Love the colors you used.

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  37. jackie prevalFebruary 28, 2015 at 4:39 PM

    awww how cute is he is she same person made your other stamp other year?
    jackiep

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  38. L. KentFebruary 28, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    That's pretty awesome! To have a stamp made especially for you AND the 5 years.

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  39. Amy MartinFebruary 28, 2015 at 4:58 PM

    The day I've been waiting for. To see this adorable image. I love the teddy bear stamp she made just for you. That is just awesome. And he is just too cute. You definitely deserve it. I am sad to see this month go. But I am so happy and glad that I got to so end it with you with all these crafty friends. You have come so far. And it's a wonderful and amazing accomplishment. Happy 5 years Holley.
    I agree that everyone's medical needs can be taken care of if finding the right doctor. Sometimes they are hard to find. But you can't give up hope that the right one and the answers are out there. Hugs to you Holley. And many more years to come.

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2015 at 5:05 PM

    Here's to many more years! Lovely card and image x

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  41. ionabunnyFebruary 28, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    What a super duper fun bear. Love it. It made me laugh. Thanks for sharing your joy with us. Wishing you many more healthy years. Hugz

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  42. Teresa Godines #6857February 28, 2015 at 5:18 PM

    OMG... he is so cute. I love your color combinations.
    Thank you for sharing so much with us this month. And providing us with great inspiration. On your way to Year #6.

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  43. the PaperTemptressFebruary 28, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    Oh how special was that, designing a stamp just for you.....just as special as you are Holley....What an incredible journey you have been on and thankfully with an amazing outcome....I am so happy that I was able to be your friend through out! I hope you know how much you mean to me!

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  44. grandmaleeFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:18 PM

    I love Sandra's images, but now I think the world of her for designing this image for you. I love how you colored this image. The sentiment is so fitting especially after what you've been through. Too bad most people don't think about this until it's too late.

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  45. UTs Hobby TimeFebruary 28, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Adorable card Holley. I like the way you designed the card with the die cut and buttons. Image looks very fresh and cute with the beautiful coloring.

    Wishing you many more years of happy and healthy life.

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  46. UnknownFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:23 PM

    What an honor Holley, a lovely gesture.'
    lovely card too.

    kaye G

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  47. the Purple OneFebruary 28, 2015 at 9:35 PM

    Congrats to you Holley. I am so happy for you. And your personalized stamp is so cute!

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  48. Susan T.February 28, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    What a cute card! Congratulations on your amazing recovery!

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  49. SHartlFebruary 28, 2015 at 10:07 PM

    How sweet to make you this special stamp and for you to thank the staff at the hospital 5 years later! Loved hearing about your success story and sharing in your celebration!

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  50. LChippy76March 1, 2015 at 1:50 AM

    Sandra did an Awesome Job on your Card made just for YOU!! It's A D O R A B L E !!! Happy 5 Yrs!! So glad that you found the Correct Dr. to help YOU!!! You are Amazing, Caring, Talented, & Loving Person - just to name a few!!! <3 You are an Inspiration to Us all!!! May You have continued Good Health & Many More Wonderful Years!!! THANKS for All You do for US!!! ((( H U G S ))) <3 <3 <3 God Bless You!!! ;)

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  51. UnknownMarch 1, 2015 at 1:57 AM

    How marvellous to have a stamp made just for you and such an adorable one at that. Your design is gorgeous and here is to many many more years of good health. Hugs Jennifer xx

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  52. ShelleyMarch 1, 2015 at 3:08 AM

    Wonderful image!!

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  53. Berina RGAMarch 1, 2015 at 3:22 AM

    lovely card Holley!! the spl image is soo adorable!!!

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  54. jane stillmanMarch 1, 2015 at 3:52 AM

    What a wonderful friend you have. It's a great card too x

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  55. Tracy WelhamMarch 1, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    Gorgeous little image, and card. Creative Blessings, Tracy x

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  56. AlyxMarch 1, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    This is beautiful. such a cute image and gorgeous colouring.
    xx

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  57. UnknownMarch 1, 2015 at 11:56 AM

    I sent a comment twice but didn't realize my computer settings were blocking them. I just changed it back so I wanted to tell you that I love the stamp and that I remember we all wrote a message to your Dr. I don't remember what year that was but you brought them all when you went to see him. It is simply amazing 5 years! What will be more amazing is when we are sitting here celebrating your 6th, 7th, 8th....

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  58. ClaireMarch 1, 2015 at 12:53 PM

    What a gorgeous card, and such a lovely gift for you too, wishing you many more seizure free years :)
    Claire
    xx

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  59. ChrisMarch 1, 2015 at 12:58 PM

    Fabulous card and the image is adorable, Chris xx

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  60. BethWMarch 1, 2015 at 1:06 PM

    Thanking the heavens for miracles like yours! Blessings and joy always.

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  61. Jan March 1, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    This is lovely Holley xx Jan

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  62. LaineMarch 1, 2015 at 4:24 PM

    Such a wonderful image Holley. Many congratulations and best wishes to you, for your continued health.
    Laine
    xx

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  63. Stacy H-WMarch 2, 2015 at 8:10 PM

    So fantastic of Sandra to design this for you! Your card is perfect! Congrats again on another blessed year. hugs, Stacy H-W

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