Why..??

Sorry I didn't blog last night , I was on the phone to the bootilicious bezzi Kirsty . And yes , you're right , I was all snotty and sniveling on her shoulder. I had some horrendous news yesterday about a good friend , who was in so much despair that he took his own life. It was such a shock and really knocked me sideways. I cant even begin to imagine the inner pain and torment that he must have been in, and just wish he had thought to reach out to some one for help. Keeping fears and worries bottled inside build, like a volcano waiting to explode. This is why I am so passionate about the art journalling and getting those feelings out. I dont for one minute think it is the total answer, but if you know what your worst fears are, then you can take the first step in facing and conquering them. Know thine enemy, as they say. For years I have kept everything bottled up and only let people see what I wanted them to see. Not many people have ever known the real Dy, and I,m not really sure if I have. But now I have taken the steps to open up by talking about my "issues" and although it is really scary it is proving to be extremely cathartic. My fears that people would treat me differently if they really knew me have proved unfounded and it is true that a problem shared is a problem halved (well maybe not halved, but eased slightly,lol). My heart go out to the family and friends that he left behind and my greatest wish for him is that his torment has now ended and he is at peace with himself. God bless babe xx
Unfortunately the news was broken to me at the start of the art journalling workshop, and I apologise to the students for not being my usual loony self. They all still managed to have a fabby time though as you can see from the pics.

L - R Helen, Steph, Janet, Jacqui, Pandora and Sarah.

Sue, Pat, Teresa, Annette and Dawn.

Bezzie Su was also there but had left at this point. On her way she confiscated my pressie from the lovely Steph. It was Thorntons special toffee (sos forgot to take a photo), but it wasn't just a bag, it was a massive box. And the mood I was in yesterday I would have probably opened it up and not stopped till it was all gone, lol. Thanks Steph it will be returned when I can be trusted, ha ha .

The students were completing their inner covers, fabilicious aren't they..??

Su and Sarah were attending their first workshop and were busy making the books structure. I think they must have wondered what on earth was happening, lol. The day was saved by the addition of cake. This was one of the best sniffs for ages. We all use the Asda magazines for images in our journalling , but this time Pat put it to its proper use, by using the recipe for this gorgeous lemon cake.

Mother and daughter Sue and Sarah are mates of bezzie Su, and so she brought along a cake to celebrate Sarah's 24th birthday.

I spent a lot of time yesterday just gluing and sticking, it was about all I was capable off, lol. but I now have tons of new pages to journal on. Its a good job cos I,m sure gonna need them. If ever you have something on your mind, just find a normally mind numbing job to do. You will be amazed how therapeutic it can be in focusing the mind.

Received a lovely email yesterday that I just wanted to share with you.

Dear Dyan and team,

I received my order this morning! Thank you very much for such a prompt service. This is my first postal order (I have always brought from shows in the past). I have been looking forward to the arrival of my CH paints, but the package has been wrapped so beautifully that I am unsure I want to even open it!! My first project planned with the paints has now been bumped to second place, as the tissue paper, raffia and heart have all inspired me to create a completely different canvas first.

Dyan, I am very sorry for the loss of your mum, I still have mine, but suffered badly with the loss of my Gran, 5 years ago now and miss her just as much now as I ever have. It will never be right that your mum has gone and I personally do not believe that time heals and takes away the pain and loss, only that time enables you to learn to breathe through it. Continue to channel all the emotions through your work as I have never seen your work looking more beautiful.Thank you for continuing to inspire!

Kind regards

Lorraine Stone

It is always uplifting to receive praise for what we do, and Emmi (creative manager of pretty parcel wrapping) gets to see all your lovely comments, and we thank you for taking that time.

I also continue to be amazed that people take the time to comment and send words of encouragement on our personal circumstances. I have always said that I have the best students in the world, and I have to add to that. I also have the bestest ever blog followers that could walk the earth.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart xx