Happy, happy, happy!

    I have so many happy things going on right now - not all huge and earth shattering, just the plain and simple joys of life.  Good things to be grateful for.  My brother and I had a wonderful Christmas.  I got so many exciting things - zentangle books, a cutterbug embosssing system, and a wood burning pen.  Like I said - lots of fun.  I am on the mend from a nasty cold (yeah, for that).  I also have another week of vacation. 
     Another thing I am thankful for - the challenges and dares that have enriched my zentangling experience.  They have caused me to stretch to do the tiles, and connected me to so many wonderful new friends.  Erin at the Bright Owl (see side bar) has a great template this week.  I began without a real plan, just doodling along.  Actually it came out alright - even if has these little squid or alien thingies around the outside.  Either way it was fun.

Dare #38

     Another piece of happy this week was the arrival of the Blog Friendship Cup!  Remember I told you I won the cup!  It was made even sweeter because it arrived the day before my birthday.  So, Diana (Wolf Howlings) may have been distressed she didn't send it in the (hopeful) three weeks time frame - but I think her timing was PERFECT!  The cup is gorgeous!  It now is a beautiful pink (thanks to Diana) and was filled packed inside and out with the most awesome of goodies!  I absolutely squealed when I saw "official, true blue" zentangle tiles!  I have been thinking some day I would try them and now that day is here!  I just want to make sure I choose a really good piece to put on them - the blank canvas is scary.  I have new watercolor pencils, a key keeper, tea, sweets, . . .the list is too long to list.  What a wonderful surprise!  Take a peek inside . . .

see those cool pencils and tiles,  ooooo play time for Cathy!

     Now it is my turn to share the fun!  I need to alter the cup in some way - perhaps I will quill something for it. I don't know yet.  Then I have to make a tag to attach to it.  Then (drumroll, please) I get to fill it inside and out with goodies for . . .wait, who is it for?!  That's where you come in.  I need someone special to send this to.  "How can it be me?" you ask.  I will tell you.  Very simply.  Please become a follower of my blog (if you are not already) and leave me a comment with your email address in it.  I will take the comments and number them and then use my random number generator to provide one lucky person with a box of fun! I will draw the name on Monday, Jan. 7th.  Thanks for joining us on this cool journey!
     One more rather silly happy and then I shall close this wordy blog.  My absolute favorite thing dessert wise is store bought birthday cake.  My grandmother used to ask all the grandkids what kind of cake we wanted her to make especially for our birthdays.  I think I was somewhat of a disappointment when I requested a store bought one and not one of her awesome concoctions.    When I became diabetic (about 8 years ago), one of my first thoughts was that I would never taste that horribly sweet cake again.  I know . . . there were way more important thoughts connected with the discovery, but honestly, I was so distraught that was the easiest one to focus on.  I work very hard to keep my blood sugar in check - having brought it from 502 to a daily 90 - 100.  Big difference.  But there at first it meant the grocery store became an instant "Cathy pity party".  Not any more I am happy to say.  I am afterall creative and why shouldn't that apply to cooking?  However there is yearly the matter of the birthday cake.  Well, not really.  It seems our local Wal-Mart carries a very small, sugar free version of my passion - and I can only find it once a year!  Is that not really cool?  I guess they could be doing it just for little ol' me, but I rather doubt it.  Either way, just another happy in my happy title!

two pieces for me, two for Ray and it's all over til next year!

      Now I am truly finished writing.  Don't forget to enter the Blog Friendship Cup giveaway!  I can't wait to see who I get to surprise!  (Don't get your hopes up, I am NOT sharing the cake). 
       Happy New Year to you all!!