A lovely Story

Today I received this today and thought I would share it with you as it really is a lovely story.

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happ y that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven.
That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office.
A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed,
'To Meredith , ' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it.
Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the pictur e of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven
Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog.
Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don 't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God

Luv Chriss x

Recycled ATC Winner

We have a winner of the recycled ATC challenge voted by you on our new voting poll
CONGRATULATIONS to Karen of Scrapz uk, well done.
Thank you to
Number 1 Jaqi
Number 2 Nancy
Number 3 Denise
Number 4 Lizzy
Number 5 Chris
Number 6 Chriss
Number 7 Karen
could you please send your ATC to Karen her address can be found on her web site, just click onto www.scrapz.co.uk and go to contact... Karen, I will also send you your goodie bag, lol :)) its like taking coals to Newcastle. LOL.
We have a very worthy cause 'ATC challenge' on Monday and it is hoped you can all join in.
Luv Chriss x

Once By The Pacific

This is another of those ATC's where I believe 'less is more'
Once By The Pacific
The shattered water made a misty din.
Great waves looked over others coming in,
And thought of doing something to the shore
That water never did to land before.
The clouds were low and hairy in the skies,
Like locks blown forward in the gleam of eyes.
You could not tell, and yet it looked as if
The shore was lucky in being backed by cliff,
The cliff in being backed by continent;
It looked as if a night of dark intent
Was coming, and not only a night, an age.
Someone had better be prepared for rage.
There would be more than ocean-water broken
Before God's last Put out the Light was spoken.
By Robert Frost
http://www.geocities.com/infinitum_poetry/index.html
If you havnt already voted for your fave recycled ATC please scroll down to the post below this one.
Thanx for visiting.
Luv Chriss x

Recycled ATC challenge

Soooo SORRY for the delay in posting your fabulous recycled ATC's, well done to you all and thanx for taking part in the challenge... it does mean alot to me and I know your time is valuable.
As you can see each entry is given a number without a name and all who visit here are asked to vote for their fave ATC... not your own.. lol
On the right hand side of the page you will see we have our very own voting poll and you just click the number you wish to vote for.
Now as its the 1st time using this lets hope it works. lol... if it doesnt work please leave a comment for me... nothing rude please I am still learning this blog thingy...lol.
Good Luck.. the winner will receive all of the ATC's and a little crafting 'goodie bag' from me.

Number 1
Number 2
Number 3

Number 4
Number 5
Number 6
Number 7
the voting will be open for 4days closing at MIDNIGHT.. UK time on the 28th April

GOOD LUCK

Luv Chriss x

I am back

Just wanted to let you all know i am fine and to thank you for your emails which I have received hoping that I am not ill.
Will explain later today when I blog and put the Recycle ATC's on show... i know that they are a day late, sorry about that...be back later today.
very tired and need some shut eye.
chriss x

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

Oh it actually feels like Spring is here this morning and so I thought we could share this lovely ATC, hands up all of you who DIDN'T learn it word 4 word at school.
The great William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in the famous Lake District, The Lakes being one of my fave places to go on holiday.

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils,
Beside the lake, beneath the trees
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced,
but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company
I gazed -and gazed -but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought.
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude
And then my heart with pleasure fills
And dances with the daffodils.
http://www.online-literature.com/wordsworth/
We already have our recycled ATC challenges coming in :))) well done keep them coming girls... and if you look on the right hand side of the page you will notice we have a voting poll..well aren't we posh lol, so we don't even have to let it be known which ATC we voted for.
Today my postman brought me some lovely goodies... boy do I love him, not to mention He's quite cute... but young enough to be my son. May try to get a picci of him one day... and share him with you, mind you I am always in my PJ's when he sees me, he thinks i don't have anything to wear...lol lol well he wouldn't be far wrong ..us girls never have a thing to wear do we
The goodies were from Martine thank you Martine that was a lovely suprise along with your fab ATC's for our April challenge.
A fab swap ATC from Jaqi, thanx she's gorgeous and makes my set of 3 from you.. I hope to get yours made for you this weekend.
3 RAK ATC's from Dubia thanx Denise they are just stunning and I know that making them for me keeps you away from the poooool or could it the other way around :)) luv ya and miss u. x
We have a new member, another Denise living in South Africa this time, something about the name, I wonder...may have to change mine.
I also want to say a thank you for the very generous box of gorgeous goodies you sent me, I will treasure your altered cigar box, EVEN down to the fabulous postage stamps will be getting used...oh I feel a challenge coming on with them as I have 8 of them to share ;)).
This weekend I will be putting together our 1st blog news letter which i will try to post every month.. thanx Denise in DB for your suggestion.
Well I must tell you what I was up to Last night... I joined Nikki and Freddie from Fat Freddies online party we had drinks and buffet even http://www.fatfreddie.co.uk/ for our LIVE chat ...it was a lafff a second ... although it was difficult to type and keep up because we lafffed sooo much. Why not join them tonight at 8, details on their front page.. thanx, to Nikki and her online friends for making me lafff sooo much.. but next time the Tenalady ( if anyone from Tenalady is reading this can you please pay me for the advertising) will be in place!!!
Gosh, I've had a lot to say today so if you are still with me, thanx. Think it's the Spring weather.
I also have some news to share with you all BUT will save that for another day. lol.
More about another 2 new club members tomorrow.
enough for 1 day I hear you cry.
Luv Chriss x

See ATC Recycle Challenge below also Daniel George appeal.

Recycle challenge

OK, who is up for a blog challenge it is open to everyone.... this is how it goes...

.... the ATC posted here was made by my lovely friend Denise... she made it using bits from magazines because at the time all her stash was stashed in crates on its way to Dubai. She just kept enough crafting materials to make herself a little travel pack to stop her from having withdrawl symptoms at not being able to make ATC's before she arrived in Dubai. I think she did a great job. I can only show you one of them at the moment as my camera is playing up and I know Denise will be quietly relieved it is. lol.

So what I would like you to do is create 1 ATC by using magazines, junk mail etc, you may only use 1 rubber stamp (the choice is yours) you must include 1 franked postage stamp on your finished ATC.

When you have completed it I will need you to send me a copy by jpeg in an email... I will then put them on my blog without your name, just giving them a number.

We will then all vote for our favourite (NOT OUR OWN) in the comments box... the one with the most votes wins... what do they win???... well, they win all the ATC's that we enter for the challenge PLUS a little goody bag of crafty bits provided by me from my stash.

So who is up for this challenge...I am, who will join me? say aye!

All ATC's to be with me by Wednesday 23rd April at 10am so they can be posted to view that day.

Luv Chriss x

Please scroll down for Daniels greeting card appeal x

Sea-Fever by John Masefield

Sea-Fever
I must go down to the seas again
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship
And a star to steer her by
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song
And the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face
And a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again
for the call of the running tide,
Is a wild call and a clear call
that may not be denied
And all I ask is a windy day
with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume
And the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again
to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way,
where the wind's like a whetted knife
And all I ask is a merry yarn
from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream
when the long trick's over.

By John Masefield

This fantastic ATC is so touchy feely and made up from fibres and papers you would need to see it in the flesh it is so different from the photo..it really is stunning... thankyou linda another of your Poetry swaps.
Luv Chriss x

Please scroll down for The Daniel George appeal x

Birthday Girl Chris Rowe

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Chris,
Happy Birthday to you.
http://craftsbychrissy.blogspot.com/

Luv Chriss and your blogging pals x

Daniel Appeal scroll down x
Blog candy #3 winner scroll down

Recognise this picture

If this brilliant crafting area belongs to you then you are the winner of our fabulous blog candy..... 60+ charms ... donated by Karen of www.scrapz.co.uk
Cris who is from West Jordan, Utah.. CONGRATULATIONS you are 1 very lucky lady.
Please email me at chrissylamata@live.co.uk with your home address and we will get your prize on its way to you.
Thankyou to everyone who took part in our fun blog candy#3 and good luck when you join in with our next one... you are just going to love what we have lined up for you in the way of blog candy.
Luv Chriss x
Dont forget Daniels appeal, please scroll down

Daniel George

We interupt the 'Poetry ATC's' to ask if you have a handmade card/s that you would be willing to donate to the 'Daniel George' Fund Raising Event that will be taking place on the 8th May '08...family and friends will be selling handmade cards at an 'open house tea/coffee day and the cards have been donated for the event.

Now if like me you have a stash of cards you have made and not used yet and have them in a box under the bed gathering dust.. lol.. and you would like to put 1 or more of them to good use then here is the address to send them to ....

The Daniel George Fund Raising

23 Hedworth Lane

Boldon

Tyne & Wear

NE35 9HZ

Daniel is a 15 year old who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and he knows only too well that an assistance dog can make a huge difference to the lives of disabled youngsters and when Daniels assistance dog Yogi won the 'Crufts - Friends for Life' competition he was over the moon and so proud of Yogi.

Raising funds for the dogs for the disabled has played a big part in the lives of Daniel and his family ... through fund raising for others he has met Alan Shearer, McFly and Matt Baker, Daniel also has a guest book on Jaqi's blog which he would love for you to sign.

Why not take a little time out to read more about Daniel and what HE actually does to raise money for other sufferers of DMD... by clicking on.. Jaqi's Blog and Daniel George in my fave places to visit.

Neither one of them know that I am asking for your help to raise a total of 100 cards for his friends to be able sell to help raise money to send Daniel on a special holiday to thank him for all the hard work HE has done fund raising.

Come on girls dig those cards out, we can do it. :)))

If you have a spare handmade card looking for a good home we would love you to send it for Daniel... i dont know Daniel but if sending a card or 2 will help.. count me in.

Thanx for reading.

Luv Chriss x

For Johnny

For Johnny
Do not despair For Johnny-head-in-air
He sleeps as sound As Johnny underground
Fetch out no shroud For Johnny-in-the-cloud
And keep your tears For him in after years.
Better by far For Johnny-the-bright-star, To keep your head,
And see his children fed.
John Pudney (Served in the RAF - this poem was written during an air raid in 1941
http://www.uk-memorials.co.uk/poems.php
ATC created by Sue, known as 'Desperate housewife' on the 'Tandastamp forum' she made it for our Poetry challenge...love how the ration card has been used not that i remember them lol. The poem has been aged making it look like it could be the original.
Thanx Sue.
Luv Chriss x
DONT FORGET THE BLOG CANDY BELOW

Blog Candy #3 (now closed)

WOW... we have some charm-ing blog candy give away which is up for grabs and if you would like to be in with a chance to own this fantastic prize all you have to do is take a good look at the Treasure Island. ATC created by Karen which is further down the page. You will see 2 charms that she has used as embellishments, click onto www.scrapz.co.uk and find the price of the... skull and crossbones when you have found it leave me a comment on my blog saying you wish to be entered into the blog candy draw, then email me the correct price at chrissylamata@live.co.uk
the lucky winner will be picked at random on Sunday the 13th April. GOOD LUCK to you all. Thanx to Karen for her very generous gift :))
Luv Chriss x

Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894 wrote the book 'Treasure Island' in 1881 for his stepson, it is set in the days of sail ships and pirates ...'Treasure Island' tells of the adventures of Jim Hawkins and his search for the buried treasure of the notorious pirate Captain Flint. How many characters do you remember... Long John Silver... Blind Pew... Captain Smollett... Billy Bones... Jim Hawkins... Doctor Livesey... Squire Trelawney... Ben Gunn and... Captain Flint himself... 'Treasure Island' still remains one of literature's best loved adventure stories.
This fantastic ATC was created by Karen Lawrence sadly (boo hoo) none of our members are lucky enough to own it as it remains in her own collection. TFS. http://www.sc.edu/library/spcoll/britlit/rls/rls1.html If you would like to find out more on Robert Louis Stevenson click on the above link..
Luv Chriss x

Felicity's 5

These great ATC's were all made by Felicity Sullivan for our 'Poetry' theme swap, thanx Felicity all 5 are unusual poems... I was lucky enough to receive the mermaid one in the swap.. the poem goes like this...
Wish
A mermaid only has one wish,
so should she give up her life of bliss,
within that deep wide ocean space,
where she swims within her heirs and grace,
For a life she does not know,
with a man she met on her shore,
she never thought this day would come,
to use her wish for her loved one.
by Jannet Corneto.
If anyone has heard this poem before please let me know.. the poem and the ATC mermaid really compliment each other and i am sorry i do not have a close up picture to show you as it really is lovely.
thanx Felicity.
Luv Chriss x

The chosen 5 for this award

I am pleased to receive this award and must say I could not have created the blog WITHOUT all of the lovely crafty people who send me their little works of art.. thankyou to you all. The rules regarding this fabulous award..Here they are:
1. You pick five blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3.Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and the link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4.Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. tagged back with this! Susan http://cardmakingsaga.blogspot.com/ thank you so much for the award and I am thrilled to accept it on behalf of the club and its members, BIG smile. I check out your blog daily as your smile alone lights up my whole computer not to mention I love your work which you share. I'm going to tag the 5 I'm supposed to...........Firstly my new crafting and blogging FRIEND Chris http://craftsbychrissy.blogspot.com/ not only does her blog inspire me and others she has a wonderful SOH that i know from reading the comments people leave for her she actually makes their day as she goes visiting and leaving comments for other bloggers. Her work is brilliant and original and she is so talented in so many areas. I met Chris only a few months ago and without her help I may never have started this blog... Huge ((HUGS)).
2nd.. Linda a new and talented blogger http://lindavincent.blogspot.com/ she has me dashing to her blog with my breakfast bowl to see what she has been up to and what she will be sharing with us.. she is talented in several crafts and her ATC's are to die for there is soooo much work and detail in each one I just adore them.. RESPECT. Linda I also want to mention you have a way with tutorials..sharing all your secrets... thanx. :)) CRAFTY SECRETS THAT IS...LOL
3rd.. Nicola.. http://enjayscraftpages.blogspot.com/ I am thrilled to add you to the 5 which i have chosen.. I have been through your blog and I am amazed at just how many crafts you can turn your hand to.. you have shared them with other bloggers over the very short time you have been up and running... it would seem from other blogs which I have visited you always make the time to leave lovely comments for others.. thank you as those few words really can make a difference to someones day. x P.S. that song on your blog is so catchy.. who is it?
4th.. Hermine.. http://herminesplace.wordpress.com/ this lady is so talented with mixed media, paper, rubberstamps and old pictures. I originaly found Hermaine's blog about 2 mths ago when i first started blogging but couldnt remember where I saw it ..it was during a session of blog hopping ..we all know where that takes us.. lol... I was completely lost never seeing her again until yesterday ...BIG SMILE.... and I was so pleased to see all her lovely work.. if you have never visited her blog do get yourself a long drink and settle down as you could be some time.. her art work is gorgeous.. ATC's, Skinnies, Gothic arches, Moos and soo much more. I didnt have time to look at it all today so expect me some time soon i will let you know when I am on my way you can put the kettle on...lol. If I could spend just 1 day crafting and learning from Hermines I would be DELIGHTED..thanx for sharing.
5th... Last but not least Lauren... http://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/ .. Lauren has so much energy... her cards are Fabulous and every day I visit she amazes me with her designs.. she is a leader of fashion in the card making world.. her blog is always interesting to read and how she keeps up with it all I do not know... and boy can she can talk for England.. the amount of comments she receives each day shows just what an amazing following she has, she always reads every single comment that is left for her and we are talking by the 100's most days...well done Lauren keep up the good work. TFS. x
Luv Chriss x

Thrilled to bits

You could have 'knocked me down with a feather' today when I read in my comments I had been awarded the above award. I am told it is given to bloggers who share their art and creativity whilst making their contribution to the blogging world. I am of course delighted if not a little shocked at the same time, as this blog is sooo new to the world of blogging.
I am also told that I must pass it on to 5 other bloggers who I believe do share their art and creativity at the same time contributing to the blogging world. Well as I didn't have a speech ready (LOL) I am going to have to sleep on it and tell you tomorrow (Wednesday) who I have chosen to receive it. :))