Happy New Year, my lovely friends!!  This month I have the privilege of being a guest over at Once Upon a Sketch!  Thanks, Nadia, for the opportunity!

The theme for this month is "The start of something new".  I decided to create a layout about myself and 'the road to a new me'.  The road to a new me...what exactly does that mean?  For the last three years my health has been declining.  It began with fatigue, and little by little, I started to fall apart.  I went to the doctor countless times and he would come up with vague reasons as to why each symptom was occurring, yet didn't find ways to help me.  I grew more and more frustrated each time he 'brushed off' my symptoms.  Did he think I was making it up?

After nearly three years of complaining about the same problems, I decided to do my own research, and with the help of some dear friends, I managed to diagnose MYSELF.  I made an appointment with the doctor and told him my diagnosis.  I was tested and I was right!  Almost all of my symptoms and illnesses over the past few years have been caused by my self-discovered condition.  (Note to self: FIND A NEW DOCTOR!)

So 'the road to a new me' is my journey as I recover and put myself back together.  I miss being 'ME'... energetic and fun.  I have gained weight in the last few years due to my poor health, and I think most women know how depressing that is in itself.  So I am dedicated and determined to concentrate on myself this year and do my best to recover.  It may take a while, but at least I know it can be done because I now know what is wrong with me.  :o)
(Thank you all for the support and comfort I have received these last few months.  xoxo)

This is the beautiful sketch by Nadia that I used for this layout...

I used a combination of two paper collections by Pion Design: Studio of Memories and Silent Night.
Check out these gorgeous flowers from Green Tara!!  (See product list for names.)  I love how the different styles can be mixed and matched to create lovely clusters.
The vintage metal leaves are from Handmade Halo.  There you can find an amazing variety of beautiful charms.
All of the chipboard used on this layout is made by The Dusty Attic.  You can find these pieces in my store.

My favorite way to complete a floral cluster is by adding pearl or bling flourishes by Zva Creative.  These beautiful embellishments come in many different styles and colors.

Thank you for visiting me today.  See you soon.
**Products can be purchased in my SHOP.**
Paper:
Pion Design: Studio of Memories - Photo Frame
Pion Design: Studio of Memories - Ring of Roses
Pion Design: Studio of Memories - Tags
Pion Design: Silent Night - Guardian Angels
Pion Design: Silent Night - Borders
Pion Design: Silent Night - Nativity Scene
Chipboard:
**The Dusty Attic: Bookman ABC Set DA0666
**The Dusty Attic: Flutterbies #3 DA0766
**The Dusty Attic: Swirly Vines #3 DA0751
Flowers:
Green Tara: 1 cm Roses White (FDR001Wh)
Green Tara: 2cm Rose Ivory (FDR009Iv)
Green Tara: 3cm White Roses (FDR024Wh)
Green Tara: Organza Pearl Flowers 3cm White (XF5034Wh)
Green Tara: Heirloom 4cm Silk and Organza Ivory (XF9317Iv)
Green Tara: Sakura 5cm Silk and Pearl Flowers Ivory (XF9221Iv)
Green Tara: Primula 4.5cm Silk and Organza Flowers Ivory (XF9325Iv)  
Lace:
Green Tara: 3.8cm White (L2868W)
Green Tara: 2cm Off White (L2895OW)      
Pearls:
Zva Creative: Double Flourishes Pearl White [PE-03CA-110]
Zva Creative: Dots Pearl - White (0.3 cm & 0.5 cm) [CRW-04CB-136]
Metal Embellishments:
Handmade Halo: Metal Charms
Ink:
Clearsnap: Mix’d Media Inx - Stormy
Punches:
Martha Stewart Crafts: Flourish Lace
Martha Stewart Crafts: Eyelet Lace
Dies:
Spellbinders: Standard Circles Small
Tools/Machines:
Spellbinders: Grand Calibur
Other:
Paper Doilies
Adhesive:
Art Glitter: Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
Sketch:
Nadia Cannizzo - Once Upon a Sketch