Apologies! Zip link added to part 14

Thank you all for the lovely comments on Larkin's Dream. So glad you have enjoyed it. Don't know how I missed adding link for zip 14 but it's corrected now so go back to that post and pick it up.

* Special note to Bonnie: I am saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. Sending you thoughts, prayers and hugs. And thank you for your sympathy with my grief.

Last of Larkin's Dream freebie

We've sent Larkin back to her bed now, to awaken from her dream. (BTW sorry I switched tenses on last part.) Now here are those extra elements I mentioned:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/y5ohus44l16l9of/ws_LarkinsDream_15.zip?dl=0
And for those of you who like an overall preview:

May I suggest something that will save you a little space on your hard drive? Folders take up space and so do all the info files that come in individual zips. For a kit that is given in separate zips, we'll use Larkin's Dream as an example, do this. First make a folder with the designer name_kit name, so here it would be ws_LarkinsDream. Now dump all those individual zips inside this folder. Next in this main folder make a folder called LarkinsDream_elements (or just elements) and one called LarkinsDream_papers (or just papers). With my kits you can always go to the last zip of the kit, open it and cut the TOU and credits page (It will be the most complete) and dump those into the main file. Now go to each zip folder and delete the TOU and credits for some space saving. With other designers, you might have to check their credits file if seperate or TOU to see if they are all the same. If the designer completed the entire kit before offering it and gave an overall preview, you can be safe in assuming that one copy of the TOU and credits are all you need. Next, open the first zip file and in that open the elements folder. Cut and paste those elements into the elements folder in the main folder. Do the same with each zip folder. You should be left with only an empty elements folder in each zip file. Ignore them for now. Next, we want to do the same thing with papers, cutting them from individual zip folders and dumping into the main papers folder. This should leave you with a bunch of individual zip folders in which are empty folders for elements and papers. So just highlight those useless individual zip folders (with subfolders inside) and delete them. You end up with one main folder for the kit containing a folder full of elements, a folder full of papers, and one copy TOU and credits. Of course, it is easiest to do this as you collect the individual zips but any time you see your hard drive space diminishing, you can often save space by eliminating as many unecessary folders, TOUs and credits as you can.

Larkin's Dream freebie

I'm still going through vintage magazines and wanted to show you some of the elaborate costumes that were offered as sketches. Costume parties must have been all the rage at the end of the 1800's and early 1900's.

Larkin's Dream is drawing to a close. There will be one more zip after today and that will include elements that didn't go into previous zips.

All that walking around, playing with baby unicorns, and sugary snacks was making Larkin drowsy. The fairies led her to a lovely carriage drawn by winged unicorns. It was time for Larkin to go home and back to bed. Waiting for her on the carriage seat was a gift box and inside it was a toy unicorn. "Thank you for visiting us," the fairies said. "We love you and wanted you to have this toy unicorn to keep to remind you of your visit here in Dreamland." "Dreamland?" Larkin asked and yawned. The last thing she would remember about the dream when she awoke clutching her new toy, was the sound of the fairies giggles.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hdtketr91xx6zgb/ws_LarkinsDream_14.zip?dl=0
See you again Saturday with that last zip and next week something totally different.

New week, same freebie series

Oops! I meant to pre-schedule this post for Tuesday since I'm running Tues, Thurs, Sat. now. Oh well, it published so you have your Tuesday early.
I spent a good deal of time this weekend going through vintage women's and fashion magazines on-line. Came across references to collections held on-line by a number of European universities and had to check them out. Time consuming since each collection seems to have a different system. You can think you are seeing mention of a new magazine issue only to find it it was packaged in something you looked at previously. Then there is the matter of figuring out how to copy or download items you might be interested in. My primary interest was in finding vintage embroidery motifs to use in crazy quilting and maybe some unique crochet trims. These things may be found in general women's magazines, some times in fashion magazines too since they often highlight decorative trends of the time. Patterns other than embroidery designs and some clothing tend to be what we might call sketches. The clothing patterns certainly aren't full size so they had to be drawn out using the magazine "patterns" as guides. Projects of all kinds are just shown as finished sketches, maybe with a close up of embroidery motif or other detail. You had to use your own creativity with sketch as a guide. One popular project was elaborate lamp shades like these:

Sorry, that really wasn't one I wanted to show but it will do for now.

Wall pockets were also a favorite project and were used to store things like brush & comb, pocket watches etc

And yes, that sketch is all you had to go with. Had to be pretty clever, huh?

Larkin's Dream
Of course, Larkin would need something to drink to wash those cupcakes (she ate two) down. Tiny suggested bubble tea. "Well, I do drink tea with Nonna . . . ." "This is chilled, fruity tea with a surprise at the bottom," Tiny explained. "The bubbles are fruit flavored chewies!" She offered Larkin a choice of blueberry, strawberry, kiwi, plum or mango. Mimi suggested Larkin try the mango. She sipped it cautiously at first then decided she liked it.

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o85swgbm7rn430p/ws_LarkinsDream_13.zip?dl=0

They come in 3s & Saturday freebie

My mother used to say that deaths come in 3s. It does seem that way. My Dad in February, Tyler's paternal grandmother last month, and my DIL's mother yesterday. My son and DIL's anniversary is June 11. They had planned a vacation in Florida this year for their anniversary. But they had a very bad day yesterday. Their first flight was leaving from Baltimore so they drove from Pennsylvania around 4:00 a.m. About halfway to Baltimore they stopped to get some coffee and DIL discovered she had left her purse and ID at home, so back to PA they drove. Got to Baltimore, paid extra for valet parking and just missed their flight. Paid for another. Got to Atlanta for last flight and were on the plane when Berkeley got notice her mother had died. She went to pilot with the news and he arranged for them to get off the plane. Back to Baltimore to pick up their car, then on the road to Richmond, VA where they finished the day in the funeral home making arrangements for cremation. Son is being supportive but bummed about loss of much needed vacation and all the lost money. Viewing is tomorrow but I won't be going. Will go up for memorial however, which is expected to be a couple weeks from now. Meanwhile have contacted B's sister and father with sympathies.

Learned yesterday that my labs were good except I'm low in magnesium and that is probably what is causing the plantar fasciities. Started taking supplement again and did my third day of pool for this week. I feel like my posture is improving a little but still pretty tired so stamina lacking. Trying new inhaler but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Oddly enough, you aren't supposed to have to rinse your mouth after taking this one but I sure do. Really need my energy to pick up because so much needs doing around here.

Suddenly Mimi clapped her hands. "Cupcakes!" she exclaimed and looked at Larkin. "Isn't that your favorite treat?" "I love cupcakes!" Larkin agreed. And off they went to search out cupcakes. They found a good variety. It was just a matter of making a choice.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hik1n64s2910ywu/ws_LarkinsDream_12.zip?dl=0
Note: That is a big border, just sized to show hole thing in preview. Also, cupcakes and cake stand included as separate items.

Thursday freebie of Larkins Dream

I missed my pool time yesterday. Went to doctor for regular checkup just before noon. Talked to him about pain in left heel - could barely walk. He says I have plantar fasciites. Gave me some exercises to do and is checking my potasium and magnesium levels. Thought I would take about an hour's nap when I got home but slept until dinnertime! Have to make up for missed pool session today. Last night hubby heard from the real Larkin. Her maternal grandmother (hubby's ex-wife) had called him about a month ago to say Larkin keeps asking about us. Knowing that her daughter has burned bridges with my husband, she decided to act in Larkin's favor and had said she would get Larkin to call and she'd even be happy to transport Larkin to see us. Looks like we might get to see the little girl - she just turned 8 yesterday - after all.

Now here is latest xip:
"I know," Tiny says, "Cookies and milk?" She waves away some mist to reveal a large jar of cookies and a pitcher of milk. The cookies look yummy, but Larkin hesitates. Away to her right, she spots three adolescent unicorns in rapt conversation.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlllr5u6t241nun/ws_LarkinsDream_11.zip?dl=0

More of Larkin's Dream freebie

Wrote this post last night but Google seemed to have devoured it. I was so upset but tired so decided to go on to bed, thinking I'd have to do it all over again today. But when I opened the blog to post, I found yesterday's post got saved as a draft. Anyway, worn out today, a little short of breath too. Saw NP at pulmonologist's office today to recheck after starting trial of new inhaler. I didn't really see any difference. So got samples of another today and have to go back in two weeks. Left heel is killing me. Bone spur? bruised it somehow? don't know as it looks okay but hurts to stand or walk on.

Going to try going to just posting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I got in bad habit of spending too much time on computer while Dad was ailing. I was so exhausted emotionally, mentally and physically, just sitting at computer was about all I felt like doing. Not good. Now I'm working on making some life style changes. 3x/week for pool exercise, trying bullet journaling (which so far has just been using it as an agenda), taking a Sara Wiseman course, "Messages From The Divine," trying to get into a routine with housework, exploring some vintage embroidery designs from the 20s to perhaps use in crazy quilting. I'm after getting my strength and endurance up, improving my lung capacity and oxygen diffusion, nurturing my spirit, nurturing my creativity, getting house clean and in order. (Yes, I did notice the order I put that in. What can I say?) Want to have more contact with friends and family. Want to get back to some dedicated writing time. I also have been thinking about what I might do while sitting with hubby to watch TV in evenings. Too warm now to start another crochet project so I'm thinking about embroidering some patches of fabric to be used in crazy quilt blocks. It's been a long time since I've done that.

[Monday 6/4] Went back to the pool today. Walked in various ways (forward, backward, crab walk, march, etc.) around pool enough times to equal a quarter mile before doing the usual exercises. Up to 15 reps now. Might have overdone it a little as I have discomfort and tightness in left shoulder and upper back. Will apply heat wrap after dinner.

Here is today's Larkin's Dream

Mimi (the pink fairy) joins them. "How about a snow cone or a popsicle?" she asks. "No, thank you. I don't want anything cold." They decide to walk on a little. In the distance, Larkin sees another adult unicorn.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xlhy8y5nhy4vjni/ws_LarkinsDream_10.zip?dl=0

Stormy day with more of Larkin's Dream

Playing with the baby unicorns is great fun but also tiring. When Larkin's energy begins to fail, Tiny leads her away. Larkin smooths her dress while Tiny tidies Larkin's hair and adjusts her tiara. "I will never, ever forget this!" Larkin tells her. "I think you need a rest break and some refreshment." Larkin agrees with Tiny and slowly follows her as she leads away from the meadow. Tiny can tell just how tired Larkin is when she makes no comment about the cake pop path they walk through to reach a pretty little bench.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bbulzei9w0l8pcc/ws_LarkinsDream_9.zip?dl=0

Friday and freebie

Not a clever title, but that's not what's important, right? Right now I'm tired after spending an hour at the pool doing my exercises. 3 days this week! Sky is looking clearer but my headache is threatening to come back. Crazy sinuses.

Following the purple fairy down a path that branches off to the rght, Larkin begins to see flashes of white and rainbow colors. As the mists part in front of them, she sees two adult unicorns standing guard over a meadow full of baby unicorns. "Hi Una and Berry" the fairy says, addressing the unicorns. "Hello Tiny. Who is this little Princess?" the pink unicon asks. "This is my friend, Larkin, and she would love to get a close look at the babies. She's a good girl and won't harm them." Una and Berry circle Tiny and Larkin, sniffing Larkin's scent. Nervously, Larkin says, "I promise I won't get too near. I love unicorns and don't want to hurt any. I won't even try to pet one, unless you say it's okay." Una made a sound that was between a neigh and a giggle and Berry spoke up. "We can tell you are a good little princess but are you ready to be surrounded by a bunch of playful babies?" "Oh yes!" "I warn you," Berry continued, "they will all be running up to you , nudging you, wanting to see if you have any treats for them and wanting to be petted." Larkin frowns and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't think to bring any treats. I don't even know what baby unicorns may have." Una and Berry tell her not to worry because the babies have just been fed a short while ago. And into the meadow they go. Larkin is surprised that all the babies in this group are white with rainbow manes and tails. As the little ones nudge her with their noses and she gets the okay to pet them, Una explains that as the babies grow, they will begin to change their colors, gradually having the colors of their adult lives.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ihc7bf8lxmljna9/ws_LarkinsDream_8.zip?dl=0

*** Waving at Kristy - How is your Mother doing? She is in my prayers

A turn around day and freebie

Had yesterday all planned, I thought. Post was pre-scheduled (although I forgot to include fairy_2). I got up, had breakfast and showered and shampooed. Found I was running a few minutes late. Dressed, dryed hair, gathered up book for Shirley and item to be returned to Target. Knew where my swim bag was in the back room, just had to get past obstacles to reach it. Nearly ready to go and something made me check the swim bag. Everything there except - swimsuit! Looked where I thought it might be but I'd since re-arranged some of the dresser contents and couldn't spot it. Decided I'd head on out to lunch and just stop by house on way to workout center. Then I couldn't find my purse! Frantic last minute search and I thought I had it. That's right, thought I had what I needed. Only the purse fell over on it's side on the way and since the top was unzipped, I checked contents before going into restaurant in case anything important had fallen out. Good thing I did because I discovered that I had transferred the important contents, that is licsense, money, credit cards, etc. back into the small cross-body bag I've been favoring. I was so upset. Here I was late and no way to pay for lunch. Didn't want to ask anyone to loan me money so went in, handed Shirley book, said hello to all and hugged LaVerne for her loss, apologized for lateness and said I couldn't stay. A couple of friends offered to loan me money when they heard what happened but I hate to borrow from people, especially people I don't see often. Madelyn got up and hugged me saying she was sorry I was having a bad day. This from the woman recovering from breast cancer! Then Deb's husband, David, told me to sit down and stay that he'd pay for my lunch. (David usually drives Deb to meetings since she has Parkinson's.) He wouldn't take no for an answer, so I'll buy him lunch next month. Anyway, did me good to chatter with the ladies and give Deb some quilting pointers. We even decided on where we will meet the next two months.

Left Reginello's in better, calmer mind state. Stopped in Target and did fastest return ever. Popped into the house, found swimsuit amd went up to workout. Had the pool all to myself and exercised for an hour. It was so peaceful and I didn't overdo it.

As Larkin finishes her ice cream, she catches a glimpse of something white through the whisps of mist. "Is that . . . Oh! I think I saw a unicorn!" The purple fairy looks off in the direction Larkin points to. "Yes, there is one there. And lots more around too. Just wait 'til you see all the babies. They are so cute!"

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/czetmzvxwenaam3/ws_LarkinsDream_7.zip?dl=0

Holiday weekend now over and more of Larkin's Dream freebie

Hope you all had a nice holiday weekend? And while picnicing, visiting the beach, or whatever family fun you had, I'm sure you remembered to take a moment to remember and give thanks for our military men and women, who sacrifice to keep us and the values we hold dear safe. For my part, I can't honestly say I know where the weekend disappeared to. We had a visit from Tyler, I got a few chores done and poof! It was Monday already. I'm writing this Monday afternoon and scheduling post for Tuesday which is likely to be a long day away from home. My Ladies Who Lunch group will be meeting at an Italian restaurant for lunch and chat. They choose places that will let us sit and chatter for hours so we can get caught up on all the happenings or lack thereof. I've got books to take to Shirley and Madelyn. Think Steph will be back from vacation in Hawaii and hope she has lots of photos. Deb said she was going to start her first quilting project and would have someting to show me this time. Connie will have photos of new grandbaby. And we will all need to console LaVerne over the death of her dog. Afterwards, I need to stop by Target to return a sports bra I bought - one of those athletic racer back things. What was I thinking? With the constant fibro pain in my neck and shoulders it doesn't make sense to fight with having to pull that thing over my head and down into place. Nope, for yoga I do have a pair of yoga pants and will just wear a comfortable cotton bra covered with a loose tee shirt. Would like to try to stop into Womens Workout before coming home and maybe walk around the pool a few laps. All depends on how late I leave the ladies. I've been wheezing a lot last couple days and trying to remember to use new inhaler. Going to have to take it slow with workouts until I can bring my oxygen diffusion up some.

Walking a little further on, another fairy pops into view. "Maybe Larkin would like something cold and refreshing?" She waves her hand and through the mist and Larkin sees a display of ice cream. "Oh yes," she says, "I'd love some ice cream!" "Oh course! Ice cream solves everything!" It was difficult to make a decision, but Larkin finally chooses a strawberry cone that has a curious sparkle to it. The fairy explains the sparkle is edible wish sprinkles and tells Larkin to make a wish before taking the first bite.

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dporxl0u0z73thl/ws_LarkinsDream_6.zip?dl=0

Yummy freebie

"This rug feels really soft," Larkin comments to the fairy. The fairy giggles and replies, "That's 'cause you're walking on a cloud carpet." Alarmed, Larkin looks down and realizes she can't see her feet in the mist. "Am I going to fall through?" "Oh no, silly." Larkin begins to notice patches in the mist. "Look up," the fairy tells her and she sees that they are passing under an arch that looks like the candy dots on paper she sometimes gets. Then, through the mist, Larkin sees fluffy pink and blue clouds on paper cones! "Is that cotton candy?" "Sure is. Want to stop and have a bite?"

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kyjbkzouz3bug6n/ws_LarkinsDream_5.zip?dl=0

Friday freebie - Larkins Dream

Our grandson, Tyler, is home for awhile. After college let out, he had been staying in North Carolina with his Grandma Pat, who was dying. He came for dinnner: Papa's barbeque spare ribs, fresh corn on the cob, and Nonna's potato salad. He thinks he is going to be working this summer for the environmental company his father works for. Might be going to Guam.

Larkin admires her outfit in a lovely hand mirror that was lying under the dress. She turns to go out the bedroom door and finds it closed. It's also different, with a fancy decorative stripe down the middle and a sparkling door knob. If she was familiar with Alice In Wonderland, Larkin would probably think, "Curiouser and curiouser!" When she opens the door, the area beyond is hazy, everything indistinct. It feels a little scary but then a fairy appears before her trilling her name softly, "Larkin! Come out and play." Who can resist such a lovely creature?

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/jsfbes8j3bfadbt/ws_LarkinsDream_4.zip?dl=0

More of Larkin's Dream freebie

Sorry I wasn't able to post yesterday. We had an afternoon appointment to pre-plan and pre-pay for our cremations. Both the man we met with and my husband are talkers. There was a lot of conversation before we got into the planning. I had gone to the website and downloaded an information sheet about what they would ask and filled in my info. Printed a copy for my husband, but he didn't see any point in filling it out since the man would be asking us questions. Eventually we got it all set up and it will be one thing my son and grandson won't have to deal with when something happens to us. Had a few other errands and next thing I knew it was time to make dinner. I fixed up some chicken breasts to roast, made four-cheese rissoto, and snap beans. By the time dinner was over and everything cleared away, I was worn out so I never got back to finish up the zip for yesterday.

Today I met a couple friends and we went to see The Book Club. Fun movie for those of us over fourty. Actually, think 60 somethings. I won't tell you much but will say I liked Dianne Keeton's story line best. For that matter, I liked her guy, Andy Garcia, best while Madelyn preferred Don Johnson. Shirley thought all the guys looked good lol. We followed the movie up with any early dinner at Slotzsky's Deli and sat around and talked a long time. Since I knew hubby would be at Inara's softball game and had arranged to make/buy his own dinner, I dropped into Target to find a pair of yoga pants and a sports bra. Most of the athletic pants they carry are marked "Tight," which is not for me. Finally found a nice cotton blend pair that are more relaxed. Think those will be fine but the athletic bra probably isn't going to work out. One of those racer back pull over the head type; I think it is going to be too tight. While in Target I started to get overheated, sweaty, weak in legs. Couldn't be low blood sugar so not sure what was happening. Maybe oxygen diffusion too low? Got out of there and sat in car with A/C running, sipping cold drink for a few minutes before driving off. All seems fine now, just tired. Anyway, here is part 3.

Returning to her room to dress for the day, Larkin finds clothes already laid out on the bed. But they are not her ordinary play clothes and she knows her mother and grandmother are still asleep. Who left these things? Is there going to be a costume party Larkin didn't know about? She wonders because, you see, what she has found waiting for her are clothes for a princess! Now Papa does call her Lil' Princess and she did dress up as a princess on Halloween but this isn't her costume, and that isn't the tiara Nonna bought her. Still, there must be a reason these things are here, so she gets dressed.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/go8zxwj578h8mlf/ws_LarkinsDream_3.zip?dl=0

Isn't it sad and freebie

My brother called yesterday while I was at the doctor and when he didn't reach me, sent me an e-mail today telling me he knew when the tax refund had been mailed to me and wanted to know if he could expect to get a check from me by the end of the month. Isn't it sad that he is so intent on getting every penny he can from Dad's estate? He will never have enough because he doesn't understand that all the money in the world and material things are not going to fill that hole inside him. I sent a return e-mail that was calm and matter-of-fact. I outlined how all the previous agreements he made have not been fulfilled and I have no expectation he will pay half the final bills like he says, so I set out conditions (fair ones) under which he will get a check from me for his portion of the refund. I also let him know that while I don't understand his problem with me, his talk of "You're my sister and I love you. I would never do anything to hurt you" is just talk. I'm not feeling any love and once this last transaction is done, I said I doubt he will have any use for me and if it's his wish to cut off all ties with me, so be it. It was a little easier by e-mail than talking on the phone. Just want an end to the tension he creates for me.

) When Larkin woke up, it was barely light out and since it was the weekend, she decided not to wake her mother or grandmother. She went into the kitchen intending to make herself a bowl of cereal. She was surprised to see a big box of doughnuts on the table. They were iced in chocolate, vanilla, and pink frosting and smelled so good! Best of all, they had cute little faces like those on her Shopkins, only these faces were made with frosting and candy so completely edible. It was going to be hard deciding which to eat. She went to the refrigerator to get some milk and chocolate syrup for chocolate milk. Sitting down at the table with her milk and a plate, Larkin lifted the box top, closed her eyes and waved her fingers around over the doughnuts , then stopped when she had pointed to one. It had pink frosting and a strawberry gel swirl. On her plate it went. She thought it would be okay to eat two so she repeated choosing with closed eyes and got a vanilla frosted one with sprinkles. Putting it on her plate, she closed the box neatly and made her thumbs up sign to Ducky. This was going to be a yummy breakfast!

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u63t4x9nhhtkqi8/ws_LarkinsDream_2.zip?dl=0

I'm back & new freebie begins

Sorry to have disappeared like that. We decided to go see Berkeley and Jeremy Mother's day weekend. My father had refinished a 19c barrel topped steamer trunk which was to go to Jeremy but he couldn't fit it in his Dodge Charger when he was here for the funeral; so we carried it up to him. Long ride to Mechanicsburg PA but we found a route that did not include the headaches of I-95. Much more peaceful. Jeremy took us out to dinner Saturday night (to avoid Mother's Day crowds) and then we took them to dinner Sunday. Nice visit but too short. Monday we headed across to New Jersey to visit with hubby's favorite cousin, Joann. She's about five years his senior and has been having health problems. Lost most of her hearing a couple years back and won't wear her hearing aids because she says they give her vertigo. Then a couple months ago, her vision which had been declineing suddenly went out totally. She had some surgery and we had hoped things had improved. No, all she can see are vague shapes and some colors. Since she lives alone this is very troubling. We helped her with some things while there: hubby took her grocery shopping and I read her mail to her and updated her checkbook. We talked to her about going into assisted living and she is against it. Then hubby spoke with her youngest son who looks out for her as best he can and learned that he had moved her into a very nice assisted living place after the surgery. A month later the administrator called and told him to come get her. She wouldn't participate in any activities, complained about everything, wouldn't eat and cursed staff. All except the last sounded familiar. When we took Joann out to dinner, we also discovered that she has no patience with anything and complained loudly about the restaurants (places she's gone to in the past and liked). It's a bad situation. I sure hope that when or if I'm in that position God gives me grace to accept the help I need gratefully and not be obnoxious.

I'm now trying to catch up on all the appointments and so on that I had to put off when Dad was ill. I have this whole week booked, except one of my scheduled days is to meet with my lunch friends to go see the movie, The Book Club. Today it was my pulmonologist and I sort of dreaded it. Last year I had improved my lung capacity by 2% (I have C.O.P.D.) but I haven't been using my inhaler and I'm out of condition due to all the other things I had going on. Went through testing and learned that I'd lost 2% lung capacity but worse, my oxygen diffusion was down from 70 something to 56% Guess that is part of why I've been feeling so tired. Got a new inhaler, this one with small amount of a steroid, and have to go back in two weeks to see if I'm improving.

So I decided it was time to do something for me. I had to stop at the little Walmart grocery store on the way home and it is in the shopping center with the Women's Workout Center I used to be a member of. I marched myself right over and re-newed my membership. I figure it will take me a couple weeks of just walking around the pool and gradually adding in my aqua therapy exercises before I can do anything more. With the fibro, the pool exercises are about all I can comfortably manage. However, the Center now has yoga lessons and I'm going to try joining that class in a couple weeks. A little over a month ago, I happened upon a sale of GNC's prenatal vitamins. It made me remember how my baby fine hair had grown stronger and thicker when I was pregnant. I've been struggling with hair fall from age and stress and nails breaking in the quick, so I decided it couldn't hurt me to try the prenatal vitamins. Maybe they contain something or a different amount of something that other vitamins lack. The bottle says to take one of these big capsules 3x day with meals. Not being pregnant, I decided to try taking just one a day and see if it made any difference. I'm happy to report it has. More so with my nails which are now long and healthy, somewhat with my hair

I wanted to do something different and some free resources I received gave me the idea for this new kit, Larkin's Dream. It's fantasy of the sort a little girl like my grand-daughter, Larkin, would have. But I think it might be fun for a lot of us big girls who still enjoy sweets, treats, pretty things and things that sparkle. If not for scrapbook pages, big girls could make themselves some cute journal or planner pages.

It's bedtime. Fresh from a sweet smelling bubble bath, Larkin dries off and puts on her soft flannel pajamas and slippers. While she brushes her teeth, she thinks about some of her favorite things: tea parties with Nonna, cupcakes, pink lemonaide, Papa's Italian dinners, fuzzy puppies and kittens, and sparkly stuff. In the bedroom, Larkin takes the clips out of her long hair and picks up her bedtime buddy, Ducky. Ducky is a soft plush animal half the size of his owner; he sits patiently as Larkin says her prayers. The two snuggle down under the bed covers. Larkin rubs her cheek against Ducky's fuzzzy head and whispers: "I hope I dream of unicorns." It had been a busy day so it doesn't take long for the little girl to fall asleep. The dream begins.

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p4qoewmsg4f99yc/ws_LarkinsDream_1.zip?dl=0