WHAT A SURPRISE !!!!

I had a package at the Post Office today so I picked it up and I was so SURPRISED at what was inside. There was an envelope from Vickie of Whispers of Inspiration . The envelope had the cutest girl with a bonnet on her head painted there by Vickie.



Inside the envelope was this beautiful 8 x 10 collage of my Mother!


It was such a surprise that I started crying because I have been missing my Mama realllllly bad the past 2 days. I have been biting my lip and trying not to cry at the drop of a hat so when I open this up I was just so touched. It was just what I needed...a picture of my Mama smiling at me!
Vickie of Whispers of Inspiration
was one of seven swap participants for a Mothers Day ATC swap and I was expecting the swap ATC but not an extra surprise. I am so happy about this and so honored that she did this especially for me.

Vickie was the first blogger I made a collage for and she has been my inspiration every since that day. She has encouraged me and supported me and complimented me when looking back at those first collages... were really not very creative. She supported me with her kind words through the death of my Mother in February and now she is sending kind thoughts with this magnificent collage.

I love it Vickie and I will cherish it always as I do your friendship. I am going to find just the right frame for it. Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

I also had an envelope from a great gal that sent me an email after reading my blog and wanted to know if I wanted to do a ATC blind trade. I thought this was a great idea so I said yes. Unfortunately she does not have a blog but I have been encouraging her to get one. She has been doing collages for about a year and she wanted to trade with ME! This is her envelope with some really creative art and writing on it.

And here are her nine ATC's. Her name is Michelle Reed - Artist for Hire and she lives in Long Beach, CA.
I now have to get to work on making up enough ATC so I can send her nine ATC's. This is going to be fun and interesting to see where it leads.

Thanks Michelle, your work is very creative! I love all nine of them.



When I went to town today to pick up the mail and on my way I remembered that Deb in NC over at
Gittin it outta my header ask me some questions about the area I live in. She was especially interested in my "Lane". Sooo....


This is Davis Slough. It is at the bottom of the road out of my lane and is the end of the Slough.
Salmon fishing is very popular in this spot when in season.




You did know I live in Green Acres right? Here is the sign to prove it! Giggle giggle.


This is the DIAO Barge that comes in from Panama to load up wood chips. They take it back to Panama to make paper products with. Coos Bay's main industry is logging..we have plenty of trees!

DIAO BARGE
WOOD CHIPS PILED UP AT THE MILL



Ok,we are entering my lane. It is actually called Green Valley Lane.


Better view of Green Valley Lane


Rounding the corner of the lane to my house.


Oh look to the left up the hill...there it is...my house. Soon to be painted a cedar color and we are adding a new porch and paver sidewalk as we type.


Ok coming up on my driveway or road to my house. Turn Left!


Ok we make another left turn up the hill and there you are at my house.

Welcome! I will have more pictures when our project with the painting, pavering, porching and new gutters are finished.

I had a great day!

THANKS AGAIN VICIKE and MICHELLE!!!