THINK PINK for Breast Cancer & Please ACT NOW

(Photo courtesy of charmedfavors)

Some of you will know that raising funds for cancer research and patient support has become a passion of mine since my own diagnosis with breast cancer in 2003, at the age of 34 years, when my son was still an infant. It was a tough journey but I'm one of the lucky survivors (I like to say I'm thriving). Some of my fellow patients aren't so fortunate and sadly, new cancer diagnoses are made every hour. It'd be a rare person whose life hasn't been touched by cancer in some way.

In the last six years, I've volunteered with breast cancer support agencies such as the NSW Cancer Council, National Breast Cancer Foundation and The McGrath Foundation (now led by Glenn McGrath and Tracy Bevan, in loving memory of dear Jane) in varying capacities. In this time, the month of October has evolved to become the Pink Month. There are so many rewarding ways to contribute, such as purchasing specially labelled "Pink merchandise", hosting a Girls Night In or buying Pink Ribbon Day merchandise.

I am hosting a Breast Cancer Fundraiser as part of our Get Ready for Christmas Craft Day in Epping on 10 October 2009. If you haven't registered yet, it's not too late but please get your skates on and email or phone 0402 347 010 now. Stampin' Up! has very generously donated LOTS OF GREAT ITEMS and your chances of winning will be large so I reckon that's enough incentive in itself to come along.

In the lead up to Pink Ribbon Day next month, please consider how you can make a difference in the life of a cancer patient. If you're interested, there's a link to my own breast cancer story here

as well as more information on the event.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more.

Love from Crafty KimT

Happy Father's Day

(Card created by Nicky Adamson)

“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished by how much he'd learned in seven years.” Mark Twain.

I love this quote, it pretty much sums up how I was at seventeen years old. I thought I knew it all and I couldn't wait to "fly the coup" (my parent's home). Within weeks (or was it hours?) I knew I'd had it pretty good at home. Amazing how one's perspective changes.

Hope all the Dads out there had a Happy Father's Day. The monochromatic card above was made by Nicky Adamson during our weekend away at the beginning of August. I love the simplicity of the card. Sometimes we get carried away with layering, matting, sponging and other special techniques (all good fun) but really, I love a clean look. Nicky is one of my downline demonstrators and has recently launched her own website. Be sure to check it out here. Thanks Nicky for sharing your creation.

Well I'm happy to be back here posting. A crafty friend told me today she had subscribed to my blog which prompted (shamed) me into coming by for the first time in too long. Thanks everyone for your patience and continued interest.

Love from Crafty Kim