Tuesday, March 26, 2013

12 Tags of 2013 - March

I want to first apologize to all of my followers, and blogging friends, for not paying visits and leaving comments regularly.  I've not been entirely engaged in crafting and blogging outside of my DT responsibilities.  It was confirmed, just after the beginning of the new year, that one of my dogs has nasal cancer.  Over the past several months I have learned more about canine nasal cancer than I thought was possible.  Surgery isn't an option.  Chemotherapy isn't effective.  That only leaves radiation which is expensive and can be painful.  And radiation will only add months to the survival time...it won't cure the cancer.  Average survival time without treatment is short, 2-6 months.  Willie, my dachshund, is being treated holistically in an attempt to slow down the growth of the tumor.  Only time will tell if it's working.  Infections are recurrent so every few weeks I have to give him antibiotics to clear that up.  Otherwise, aside from a little snorting he seems happy and is not in any pain right now.

I'm not very good at "one day at a time".  I've been wondering how long I have with him, and worrying about how my other dog will handle the loss.  She's just three years old, has separation anxiety, and I actually got her so they could keep each other company while I'm at work!  I left her alone once, when I took him to the vet for a day-long test, and had to come home from my work because my neighbor could hear her crying and barking frantically because she was alone.  This whole experience has been emotionally draining and I'm pretty sure that I won't be getting another dog once he's gone.

So I've been trying to adjust to this development and I'm starting to get back to doing what makes me happy.  I'm on vacation this week so I'll have time to catch up on things at home and in blogland!  To start, I decided to make my March tag for Tim's 12 Tags of 2013.

I love Tim's tag but I was in the mood for something a little more funky and colorful.  So here is my version...


The photo doesn't reflect how bright the colors are.  I tried to do better but finally gave up!

The harlequin patterned background paper was black and white.  I distressed the edges with Spiced Marmalade, Picked Raspberry, Mowed Lawn and Peacock Feathers.  Then I went around again with Brushed Corduroy.  I distressed the label/bunny die cut with Peacock Feathers and then sprayed it with Biscotti Perfect Pearls mist.  The crinkle ribbon around the bunny was dyed with Squeezed Lemonade and Spiced Marmalade distress stain.  The crinkle ribbon at the top was dyed with Peacock Feathers and Mowed Lawn distress stain.  The rest of the tag was done like Tim's.  I love the little flower stick pins!!  Aren't they so cool?!  What a great idea!  

I made two while I was at it...one I'll give to a friend and the other that says "Life is Good" is for myself.


So thank you for stopping by and for listening to me pour out my problems!  I hope you have time to make your own March tag for Tim's challenge!


8 comments:

  1. Hi Donna, so sorry to hear of your little dog's problems, it must be a very worrying time for you indeed and distressing for him at times too. Hope the holistic approach works.

    Your tag is very funky, but also very beautiful, I really like your take on Tims' tag.

    Hugs, Anne x

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  2. Both of your tags are wonderful, great spring feeling.

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  3. so sorry to hear about your troubles, no wonder you are feeling worried and I cannot imagine how hard it has been for you. I hope that the avenues you are trying help.

    your tag is great and love the contrast to the background hugs trace x

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  4. So sorry about your dog. I would be so shattered, too. I completely see why you wanted to make a beautiful bright tag and wowie wow wow are they beautiful! So striking. Lovely, lovely work, Donna!

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  5. Tags are wonderful Donna. I'm sorry about your little dog and hope all works out as best as can be. Nicola x

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  6. (((Donna))) I'm so sorry to hear about your little guy's cancer. We always hurt so bad when our fur-kids hurt. I hope the holistic treatments bring him (and you) some relief.

    Life IS good. And your tag reflects that.

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  7. Gorgeous take...love that colorful harlequin background!

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  8. Love the harlequin pattern in the background and your colors are spectacular!

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