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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Look What I Won!

Isn't  Karen's work lovely!
Thank you Zoë (Garden Hopping and The Journey)...This was a total surprise!  It was an honor to support your fund raising efforts on behalf of the MacMillan Cancer Support!  Breast cancer touches us all....Unfortunately, it is a closer than six degrees for many of us.    Our dear  friend Carrie  is a survivor, as our many   co-workers  and acquaintances.  Too many women and their families are impacted by this scourge.   The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older). But the good news is that as of 2007, there are about 2.5 million American women  and about  2 million UK breast cancer survivors!  My Canadian friends, I couldn't find the Canadian stats...just that you have excellent survival  rates!  

Thank you  Zoë for sharing your journey.

and, 

Thank you Karen (An Artist's Garden) for donating your delightful embroidery in handcrafted paper, silk and organza to encourage donations! I didn't need the incentive,  but I won't refuse the prize!  It is lovely and I know exactly where in my office I shall hang it.   Won't it look lovely with a small plaque explaining it's history.

Warmest wishes for a wonderful week of holiday celebration~~ Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

Gail

58 comments:

  1. What a lovely treasure Gail. You will be reminded everytime you look at it of the generosity of others.

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  2. Gail!!!, you are so lucky, what a wonderful prize. Karen is a gifted artist and Zoe a brave woman and inspiration to us all. Many many congrats, I know you will tell all who visit about it too.

    Frances

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  3. That is special Gail. Many years of pleasure looking at that.

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  4. There's so much inspiration from cancer survivors. Their strength amazes me. Your post, and others, reminds us to cherish each moment and do all we can for others and ourselves for awareness, prevention and fund-raising to find cures and treatments.

    You have won a beautiful work of art.

    Cameron

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  5. Gail - I cheered when I found you'd won over Zoe's!

    Very well deserved as you've been most generous at both mine and Zoe's fundraisers :)

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  6. Racquel,

    I feel exactly that way it's a real treasure to support Zoe and have Karen's work! I will think of them both when ever I look at it! gail

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  7. Frances,

    I am really lucky! I thought Karen's art was delightful and I wanted to be able to support Zoe's cause!

    Gail

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  8. Hi Darla,

    I think it's very special! We have purchased pieces of art but this sweet work of Karen's that is connected to a good cause is deeply meaningful.

    Gail

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  9. Cameron,

    I would hope that I could be so brave and forthcoming to share my story...one of my closest fiends credits her survival to surrounding herself with loving supportive folks, lots of good food, working out regularly and good medical treatment! She says her oncology support team meant everything to her.

    Gail

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  10. VP,

    Sometimes we get lucky! I never win drawings so maybe this means I ought to start buying lottery tickets!

    Btw, I was glad to help out!

    Gail

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  11. Gail, Congratulations! I saw this on Zoe's post the other day. She is certainly an inspiration to everyone, and your post reminds us to do what we can to eliminate this dreadful disease.

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  12. Wow Gail, how beautiful! Congratulations and kiddos to you for supporting the cause.

    Love you, Lynn

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  13. Yes, Gail, congrat's to you! I've been eyeing that for some time now...but it couldn't go to a more deserving person, I'm quite sure. I'm a cancer survivor too...5 years come January:) and Zoe has been in my thoughts & prayers since I've 'met' her here at blotanical:) Jan

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  14. Beautiful Gail. Congratulations.
    Zoe is some lady. Praying that someday our support will make a difference.

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  15. Congratulations! Lovely prize for a lovely person.

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  16. Gail, what a lovely work of art! As others have said you will smile whenever you see it. Breast Cancer Awareness is such a good cause. The statistics are amazing when it is caught early. I agree those who are going through treatment and those who are survivors are truly heroic. Congrats on winning and thanks for supporting a great cause.

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  17. Congrats, Gail - it's a beautiful prize and a very worthy cause. Both my mother and my MIL, and my best friend, are breast cancer survivors. My Mom was only 35 when she was diagnosed, and 41 years later, she's still cancer free! As are my MIL and best gal pal. :)

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  18. This is a gorgeous piece of work. Good for you Gail.

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  19. I always think art is the best incentive for worthy donations like this. Great piece!

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  20. EAL,

    It's lovely isn't it...one of my friends, also a cancer survivor donates a very cool mosaic each year for auction. Whatever brings in the donors, sometimes it's dinner and dancing! Gail

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  21. Lisa,

    It is I agree a gorgeous piece! Both women are special and deserve all the praise they can get! I do hope that this spurs others on to giving to breast cancer survivors support services!

    Gail

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  22. Nancy,

    What a wonderful story...41 years! Fantastic! I am glad these important women in your life are healthy!

    Gail

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  23. Beckie,

    You are so very right, all the attention belongs on the courageous women and their families!

    Gail

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  24. Tina,

    It is lovely and so are Zoe and Karen! Thanks! I am excited to have won it!

    Gail

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  25. barbee,

    Why thank you for your very kind words! It is a sweet work of art.

    Gail

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  26. Patsi,

    She really is an incredible woman, brave and generous!

    Gail

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  27. Jan,

    That is marvelous ...I am so glad for you and your family! Me, too Jan...I hope that she is well on her way to a full recovery.

    gail

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  28. Lynn,

    hey there!...thanks! I was just lucky!

    Gail

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  29. Rose,

    Wouldn't it be something if this disease were eradicated...is all cancers were. I'ld like to believe that they will be! I did so little in making a donation, but I was really glad I could help!

    gail

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  30. My dear friends,

    Hi... We try to support causes we believe in and nothing has touched our lives more then cancer....But this was such a small thing I did!

    The women who get up everyday and take care of their families when they are dog tired or feeling puny are incredible! Puny, that is the word my dear friend used to describe how she felt after chemo! She is amazing! She endured chemo for 5 years and is finally cancer free!

    Thank you Zoe for thinking about others and working to raise awareness and funding during your own remarkable journey. You are our hero.

    Gail

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  31. Hi Gail,
    Good for you, winning this lovely piece of artwork! I can't imagine it going to a better, kinder person than you.... It will make a beautiful addition to your office, no doubt.

    We're gearing up for Christmas as best we can, and I finished up my shopping on Saturday... now just need to get everything wrapped! To be honest, it's going to be a very somber holiday this year without our beloved dogs, but I think they'll be with us in spirit. Last night Fernymoss had a dream where Pepa visited him, and though he said it was brief, it was a beautiful remembrance of how he loved to pet her and give her her favorite belly rubs. I was a bit jealous at first, but glad she's coming back to visit us. When I wake at night, I always look over at her favorite cushy bed, just to make sure.

    Anyway, full ornament blogging is underway at my place, and no matter how bad work is this week (thankfully I only have to survive Monday and Tuesday), I vow to post daily through this week! When are you going to show us your special tree? :-)

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  32. Lucky you, Gail! It's so worth it. It'd remind you of what a great cause it'd served! Three Cheers for Gail, Everyone!

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  33. Happy day! Gail I too am a breast cancer survivor...this my 4th year of standing on SOLID ground! Whoo Hoo!
    The quilt is gorgeous..good for you!
    May the Spirit of Christmas leaves its blessings on the hearts of you and yours! hugs NG

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  34. Hi Gail and congratulations, lucky girl. It's a wonderful piece of art, Karen is so clever.

    I wish you and your family a joyful and Merry Christmas
    / LOL TYRA

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  35. Gail! What a treasure you have! It's beautiful!-Randy

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  36. Congratulations, Gail. Beauty all around.

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  37. Beautiful colours and a real joy to treasure - I can just imagine the day you're able to look at it and say - that given to me for the work I did for a disease that used to take the lives of so many women.

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  38. So glad you won, Gail. Breast cancer does hit too close to us all.

    Merry Christmas.~~Dee

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  39. I love it; just my style.

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  40. IVG,

    (((IVG))) hugs for you! I love that Pepe is visiting...she must have known that Fernymoss needed an extra dog cuddle....she was a Queen.

    I saw your tree, it's lovely! I am still trying to get it together! LOL.

    Have a Happy Christmas.

    Gail

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  41. Helen,

    It's a lovely piece...I think lots of folks love it!

    gail

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  42. Dee,

    I was lucky... But I do love Karen's work and supporting Zoe's fundraising.

    ..have you been blasted with the arctic freeze? Yikes it's cold.

    Have a Happy Christmas.
    Gail

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  43. Barbarapc,

    Aren't Zoe and Karen wonderful...both are doing good works!

    Gail

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  44. Donna, It is a lovely piece and Zoe's work is beautiful, too!


    Randy, I do like it and am glad to share the story with all of you!

    Chandramouli, Thank you but all the cheers go to Zoe and Karen.

    Tyra, Isn't she talented! A lucky draw by Zoe's puller out of the hat! happy Christmas to you and yours.

    Naturegirl, Fantastic news! I am so glad to hear that...firm ground, too! A Joyous Christmas to you and yours!


    Thank you all and a Happy Happy Christmas to you all!

    Gail

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  45. congrats gail, anything handmade is always special. thanks for bringing more awareness to breast cancer. it effects too many.
    blessings to you on christmas!

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  46. Gail how lovely. Wonderful of Karen to donate her work. According to statistics, if you have ten women friends, at least one will suffer from breast cancer. Terrifying!
    Merry Christmas
    Marnie

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  47. Gorgeous prize and definitely worthy cause. Congrats on winning such a lovely momento Gail. The merriest of holidays to you and your family as well. It's been such a pleasure "getting to know" you this year.

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  48. Gail congratulations on the prize.
    I can't help but but say our Canadian stats aren't good enough .. they are never good enough especially when you lose a friend to this. Truthfully it depends where you are treated .. I think you know that too .. and it isn't beyond our reach to tap other resources when you have the money to do so.
    Sorry .. this may not be an uplifting comment .. but Francine's memory is still too fresh. I can only hope fewer women will succumb to this and an answer for a cure will happen quickly.

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  49. Dear Joy,

    I understand completely! Statistics everywhere aren't good enough! It is terribly frustrating to know that resources are near at hand but too costly or unavailable nearby. My dear friend, my heart just aches for your loss. You were a dear to comment and there is no rule here about the need to be uplifting!

    Gail

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  50. Kathleen,

    It has been a joy to get to know you, too. Happiest of holidays to you and your family! Keep warm in that very cold weather.

    gail

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  51. Marnie,

    I have thought that on occasion in a room filled with women! It's a statistic I would love to see lowered!
    Karen's work is lovely and I appreciate her donating it to Zoe.

    Merriest of Christmas to you and your critters!

    Gail

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  52. Marmee,

    Thanks and the happiest of Christmases to you and yours!

    Gail

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  53. It is beautiful! Thanks for reminding us of what we need to always keep in mind as women. And happy holidays to you and yours.
    Brenda

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  54. Brenda,

    Thanks new grandmother! Happiest of holidays to you and your loved ones and a special welcome to the world to your new granddaughter!

    Gail

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  55. What a wonderful surprise! And doubly meaningful. :-)

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  56. Congratulations Gail! What a lovely prize for supporting such a great cause.

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  57. It's a beautiful piece! I am so glad that you won! And glad there were donations to Cancer research from many who made a difference!

    Marie

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"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson