Shinning Light on Cancer

I was browsing through my husbands Flickr site (Denis Smith) and came across this entry about a book (Shinning Light on Cancer) designed to support cancer sufferers.  What Denis wrote really touched me, so I wanted to share it with you. A wonderful insight and interpretation from the outside looking in, and linking the experience to his photography.

I often feel, and it is regularly commented that the reflection from the Ball of Light is more wondrous and strong than the actual Ball of Light itself. When I sit and look at images such as this one, I always find the reflection off the water more fascinating and more interesting.

I have been unlucky, and lucky enough to have cancer touch people I love far too much. When I have been closest to them the experience has been like this image. They often are just a reflection of who they were, but so often that person is more rich, more beautiful and more interesting when faced with their predicament. You will see things in them that you didn't know existed. Sometimes these experiences can be a wonderful insight into them as human beings.

[http://www.flickr.com/groups/1545026@N24/] Shinning Light on Cancer is a group set up here on flickr to gather light painting images for a book to help fight cancer, and help cancer sufferers.

Light painting brings wonder and strength to many. If we can help as a community to bring an ounce of joy and wonder to someone in need and going through Cancer, get involved.

If that person is you, BE STRONG and GO HARD! - Denis Smith

Dinky-Dye Softies - Sneak Preview

Look at what my talented friend Helen Hedding has created! It's my platypus from the new Messagemark Dinky-Dye range! We are working together to bring you a range of cute Aussie characters. Helen makes the most amazing softies so I thought she would be the perfect person to bring some of my Dinky-Dye characters to life!

This Platypus is a one off at this stage, but I'm sure there is more to come very soon! I'm excited!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi! Oi! Oi!

Happy New Year! This is our first blog entry for 2011 so I hope this greeting finds you all relaxed and enjoying our Aussie Summer!

After living away from Australia for 10 years, I now have a great appreciation for all things Aussie. We really do have the best quirky animals in the world, so to celebrate this fact I'm introducing a new range from Messagemark called Dinky-Dye Designs!

Personally I am over the whole owl, moose, and rabbit imagery that we are seeing EVERYWHERE, so I'm starting a new trend today, and Aussie animals are now the thing!

Have a fun Australia Day on the 26th January.

Toodle-pip,

Sending Christmas Cheer

Well the silly season is upon us...so sending you some Christmas cheer for a wonderful festive season full of fun and laughter.

I am proud to say that over the past two months we have raised a total donation of $340 for Cure4CF.  When products are purchased from our online store, Messagemark makes a 20% donation to Cure4CF Foundation.

It is exciting to see this donation grow from small beginnings in 2009. Every little bit helps, so I thank everyone who bought our paper products from our online shop - you contributed to a great cause!

During the Chrissy and New Year period, the Messagemark online shop will still be open, however there may be a slight delay in delivery due to running on a skeleton staff member (me!) from 24th December to 10th Jan 2011. I will do what I can to deliver your cards within 7 working days, but do apologise in advance if there are any delays.

Wherever you are, however you celebrate your Christmas, I wish you peace, joy and happiness!

Substitute Tree

This is my substitute Christmas Tree. My real tree is currently sitting in the window at the Messagemark Studio, so I had to come up with an alternative for home. I had this mannequin standing in the corner of the lounge so thought I might as well decorate it! So one Christmas wreath, a few decorations and lights, and there you have it - our place now looks a bit more festive!