creative bebe

Dad's 1 Year Stroke Survival Anniversary

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know that 1 year ago today, Dad had a massive stroke that paralyzed his right side.

He was not given a good prognosis. It was thought at the time, by his doctors, that he would quite possibly not survive the 72 hour "wait and see" period. But he did and to the surprise of his doctors, without his brain swelling.

The next prognosis was that there was so much damage to his brain on the left side and some on the right, that he would not be able to eat, talk, or walk again. Today, Dad eats whatever is put in front of him (except veggies, unless they're fried in oil or butter, preferably with bacon!).

Dad now walks around the house and takes himself to the restroom. Dad also talks to us and responds in kind with his witticisms.

I'd say that Dad is proof that the "reality" of his situation was influenced by faith. Faith in a Creator that still has plans for Dad. He still has a purpose to fulfill and God is daily healing not only his body, but his heart and mind. There are moments when a tv show, or conversation or observation will prompt a conversation on an emotional level and the discussion will lead to a memory that has not been resolved for him. We talk it through and pray. After awhile, sometimes a few minutes and sometimes a couple of days, and there is an inner healing of that memory. The next day, Dad will be walking straighter, holding his right leg up on his own, talking more and recalling more words, or using his right arm more. It's amazing the mind, heart and body connection. God never heals just the immediate crisis, He always goes to the root of the crisis so there is a complete healing that lasts, not a sub-standard healing that will potentially bring back the crisis again or an even bigger crisis than the first.

So remember this, If your reality looks grim, Faith can influence it to change. Faith in God, a Creator that loves you; and that you are not tied to the reality you can see, but that there are limitless opportunities in the unseen for change to happen so long as there is Faith in Christ to make it possible.

Here's to the second year being filled with more miracles; for Dad and for each of you.

Be blessed! -Michele

Got Rice?

NO! I can't believe how the media hype on the rice shortage has created such a frenzy that even Costco ran out of rice! I mean....NOTHING...NADA....there was not a grain of brown, basmati, jasmine, short, fancy or sweet rice to be found. When my 2 other asian roommates asked a passing employee, "What aisle is your rice in?", the reply was, "We ran out. Once the shipment is put out, it is gone in about 2 hours". 2 hours and Costco volumes of rice are out of stock until the next shipment...even with rationing! Are we going to have to start dusting off those ration stamps from wartime days of yore? I hope not! If you are 1 of the many people who does not run a restaurant and are buying the 4 package minimum to send in a LBC or Forex box to your fellow country...PLEASE....stop and let some of us here in California buy our stock! Whew! I needed to vent that out....I may look caucasian on the outside, but my asian side is internal and rice is my preferred staple! That is one carb that is very difficult for me to give up....so please, for the sake of my sanity....give me some rice!!!! Thanks for letting me vent. *she says as she curtsies with a shy smile*

Swapping...what a new and fun adventure!

Last week while I was on vacation, I signed up for a website called "swap-bot". Here, you can find people all over the world to swap fun things with. Crafting items, ATC's (artist trading cards), decorated matchboxes, cute dolls called "Dotees", fabrics, paper, crafting supplies, jewelry, beads, Blythe theme items, and so much more! I've already completed two swaps and am signed up for 3 more. This is going to be so much fun! I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the swap packages I sent out, but I will definitely take a picture of the items I received and post them here. So until next time, ciao Bellas....and any handsome hunks out there!

Hello...my name is Michele

Hello world! I am kind of new to this blog thing, I've just not made time to actually do my own. I've just been reading other people's blogs....crafty ones...funny ones....cool ones...! :)