July Sale!!!

For the month of July, I will be offering a 10 % discount on all Mosaics. Come to Inklings Designs and enjoy one of a kind shopping!

Inka

Show and Tell Monday...Who's Your Hero??

One of my neighbor's just got an award for "Hero of the Year" and he has the t-shirt to prove it! Here is his story:

Inka has asked me to write a little about becoming a stem cell donor. Back in 1992, while stationed in California, I signed up to become a bone marrow donor. Figuring the odds, I never thought I would be called to donate. Boy was I wrong. In 2006 I was contacted by the Department of Defense Marrow Program to see if I was still interested. I said yes and was subjected to further blood work. Was told that I was a match and that they just did not need me yet. Anybody that has been in the military knows the phrase – hurry up and wait. So wait I did. So much so that I had forgotten about it. Received a call in November 2007 saying that they needed me as soon as possible. In December I flew to Baltimore, Maryland for a physical to see if I was still eligible. Due to my situation I was not able to donate until the first of this year. January 3rd I was flow back to Baltimore to begin the donation process. It required that I take shots for 5 days so that my body would produce more stem cells than normal. (Research has found that a stem cell donation can be as effective as the old “drill in the hip” bone marrow donation and less invasive for both the donor and the recipient.) I gave the donation on the 8th and was back in Florida on the 9th in time for my graveyard shift at the Post Office.

During the course of this whole evolution I have found that my recipient, whom I do not know yet (they keep identifications anonymous for 1 year) has been doing well. We can correspond, but only as recipient and donor – no names. The letters are screened through the donation centers involved to maintain the anonymity. I have found out that, due to his illness, his immune system had to literally be destroyed to accept my stem cells. This left him at an in home quarantine until such time that his body can handle it. If all goes as I have heard, he should be able to get back to somewhat of a normal life on July 1st.
Having not seen a friend or family member go through an illness as this, I cannot fathom the pain they have endured or the joy they must be feeling. To me it was just doing the right thing.

I have also been recognized by one of the veteran’s groups that I belong to as their “Hero of the Year” (or HOTY as I say it). The award was from the state level and puts me in the running for the National level.

In closing, all I can say is that anyone who may be slightly interested in becoming a donor to visit the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) website. You can type in NMDP on your browser and it will get you there. Of the people needing donors. Only about 30 % can rely on a family member. Otherwise they need people like us to help. After all, in this thing called life – We’re All In This Together (my personal motto that I live by).

Thank You,
Steve Evers

Yes sir...I am very blessed to live in this neighborhood. Thank you Steve for your wonderful story and all that you do to help others. Your are a good friend and I am proud to know you.

Inka

Beach Party!!!!

Everyone is invited to a Beach Party over at Cottage Violets Blog!!! It is way too much fun. Annette and the gang are all there!!! Be there or be square!

Have fun in the sun, Inka

Pink Friday's Beach Cottage!!!

Well it is time for a day at the beach and we could all use a vacation! Please visit Make Mine Pink and go to Pink Fridays to see everyones Beach Cottage Goodies. I have some good ones myself so check it out. There are plenty more under "Beach Cottage" catagory. These are just a few of my items.

Try not to get the sand between your toes!

Enjoy, Inka

Pink Friday is coming soon!!! Beach, Beach, Beach!!!

Well it's Wednesday and that means Friday is only 2 days away!!! This weeks Pink Friday theme is "Beach Cottage". Please be sure to check out Make Mine Pink for anything you will need or want for your Beach Cottage and then some! I have lots to offer including some new mosaics and Pink Flamingos!!!! Shells, Shells, and more Shells too! I also have some candles that will make you think of the beach. A day at the Beach, Fruits of the Caribbean, Key Lime Pie, and Jamaican Getaway!! You can go on vacation and never leave home.

See you on Friday!
Inka

It's a Beautiful day in the Neighborhood! Show and Tell

I am so blessed to live in this neighborhood. I have meet some of the most wonderful people here. We share common interest and help each other out when needed. We laugh together and pray for each other.

I want to share with you my wonderful neighbor Becky's Garden. Becky lives across the street with her husband Wayne. When I was having knee injections (I had to have 10 of them) there were a couple of times I did not have a ride. She was there for me and even held my hand. Bless that woman. She loves to garden as do I and her favorite is her lillies. I love to visit her garden and sit under the large shade tree in the back yard. She brought me some glads yesterday and I got them planted just before the rain. I know they will be beautiful.

Thank you Becky for being there for me and offering your wonderful garden for me to enjoy.

Inka

It's Pink Friday!!!! "An English Tea"!

Welcome to Pink Friday and it's Tea Time! I love having my tea in the evening. It calms me down so I can settle into a good nights sleep. Please check out all of the shops at Make Mine Pink for a large variety of Tea Pleasures. Here are a few things that I have for Tea Time.

Pink Friday is Tomorrow!

Welcome to An English Tea! Tomorrow for Pink Friday, be sure to check out Make Mine Pink Shops for all new goodies for your tea time!

Enjoy shopping, Inka

Show and Tell Monday! The truth about the birds and the bees!

Well in case you haven't noticed...I love my garden and all things of nature! I have been sharing with you some of my flowers but today I just wanted to share with you the beasties that you will find in my garden. The bees are busy gathering pollen from my sunflowers and the finch and cardinal are enjoying the sunflower seeds....oh my so is the squirrel. He is completely inside the feeder. Of course there is my beautiful Poppy, enjoying a walk along the edge of the fish pond. He sure does bring me pleasure with his beautiful feathers and loving nature. I hope these will brighten your day also.

Blessings, Inka

Arte y Pico Award!!!

I had the honor and privilege of receiving the Arte Y Pico, award from Marie of SavonMarie. The Arte y Pico Award is “given to those who are creative and have a penchant for art.” Thank you Marie; I feel very fortunate to be in such creative company.
Here are the rules:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity,design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3.Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award (I know it says this is a rule , but I know not everyone likes to do this, so I won't be upset if you don't.)

4. The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. To show these rules.Now for the fun yet very hard part... to choose 5 other people for this award...drum roll please....

1. Theresa of Cottage Violets

2. Shell of The Raspberry Rabbits

3. Diane of Mamas Pocketbook

4. Susan of The Dutch Rose

5. Georgia of Grandma G's

I am so happy to present this award to all of you lovely ladies. I think you are extremely talented and so deserving of this award!

It's Pink Friday!!!! "Kitschy Kitchen Ideas"

I have added these to my website for this weeks Pink Friday!!! Lots of colorful art work. Hope you enjoy them.

Please check out Pink Fridays at Make Mine Pink for some awesome Kitchen Goodies from everyone.

Thanks, Inka

Tomorrow is "PINK FRIDAY!!!"

Just a reminder that tomorrow is Make Mine Pinks..."Pink Friday"! This weeks theme is "Kitschy Kitchen Ideas"! I have lots of goodies and some new mosaic pieces. Please check back tomorrow to see whats new!!!
Inka

It's Show and Tell Monday!!

Spring Time Mirror

One of my friends from our small group has a son that has been very ill these past few months. He is a police officer with a wife and small children. All the other officers got together and had an auction to help out the family since he will be unable to work for sometime. This is what I donated to the auction. God gave me my talent and I am so glad I was able to use it to help someone who needs it. I do hope I will be able to do a lot more to help others with my gift. Everyone should really try to reach out to someone today and show a little kindness. I have to tell you that this past week was really hard one me and I was feeling sorry for myself about it too. Well I had to go to the hospital for a routine test and when I was getting in the elevator I started talking to a young woman with an empty stroller. Of course I asked her where her little one was and she replied that he was having surgery. He was 6 weeks old and her first. He was born with Downs Syndrome and they did not know it before. That would be the first of many surgeries he was to have. I realized that God was telling me not to feel sorry for myself...there are many others with real problems and we all need to try to bring a smile to someones face to help ease our troubles along our journey.
Please have a peace filled day!
Inka

It's Pink Friday!!!! Father Favorites

I have been busy with my mosaics again this week!

You can see more pictures of My Poker, Card and Tee Time Wall Hanging on my website. Also check out the Antique Automobile Plates, Outdoor Coaster set and Poker gift set.

Enjoy this weeks "Pink Friday", Inka

Pink Friday is almost here again!!!

Just 3 more days until "Pink Friday"!!!

This weeks theme is "Father Favorites". With Father's Day right around the corner you don't want to miss this one!!!

It's Show and Tell Monday!!

I have been working on this shabby mirror and I finally got it finished. It will be on my website shortly. Happy Monday!
Inka

Theresa of Cottage Violets is the winner of the Pink Challenge!

Congrats to Theresa! Her name was drawn this morning for the shell basket. Thank everyone who sent in their Pictures so we could see what was Pink in their world.

Inka

Theresa of Cottage Violets has some Pink in her world...Check it out!!

Here are three from my office, because that is where I spend most of my time these days, lol. The first one is the cup I keep my post-it notes in with a picture of my husband, Mike, and my favorite drink. The second one is “pink checks” the carbon of our checks. The third one is a love mug I gave all the office staffers on Valentines day filled with candy, the picture is of my nephew, Andon (my ex-sister-in-law works for me, she is the sister I never had and I love her dearly). Theresa.

Lilli's friend Karen and another Pink Cutie in her life!

Hi! can you believe that when we were at dinner my girl friend and I met this puppy! Love, Lilli ( My friend Karen is the lady holding the puppy)