15.7.14

Getting to Know Me Blog Hop

At Malaysia Aviary
Dear friends Thank you so much for the wonderful comments on my Fairy land pop up card and all the congratulatory messages about my blog crossing 3 million views!
Jaya of My Craft World invited me on a "Getting to know me blog Hop". Jaya makes the most stunning creations...she plays with texture and inks and sprays and literally weaves magic in her creations. I love her layouts , her cards , her altered projects...ooh I could go on and on!! Do pay her a visit...I promise you wont be disappointed!
I am supposed to tell a few things about myself....

Why do I craft and blog ?

I had never realised I was a creative person till I started making school projects for my little girl[she was 2 then] and I actually started this blog [in 2010]to chronicle the kiddy cards and school projects we made.
With my daughter in 2010
Our school projects became a hit in her school as well as on this blog and I started getting emails from all over the world asking for guidance on making particular school projects!
Taj Mahal cardboard model
Taj Mahal School Project
And why do I blog.....I guess the euphoria generated by the comments to a blog post[akin to what I felt when this cutie elephant patted me!] and the friendships formed in blogland keeps me blogging!
In Karnataka Elephant Camp
We all have stresses and problems in life and for me crafting seems to be a wonderful distraction.I firmly believe that whether you are a housewife , a computer engineer or a doctor like myself ...everyone needs a hobby , a little bit of special " me time" to unwind!! Dont you agree?

How does my work differ from others?

I like to experiment in all kinds of crafts  using different media like foam, styrofoam, ceramic,corrugated paper, mseal , felt...[give me some new material and I will try to at least make a flower out of it!!] And I like to dabble in lots of stuff like recycling crafts, jewelry making, 3 D paper crafts, etc
Foam Rose Jewelry set
And I guess I love to share how I made something even though I am not an expert! And what makes my projects really special is when they have input from the little one in the picture!
With my daughter in Coorg

How long does it take to create a project ?

Well the question I get the most from my readers is "how do you get time to craft ?"
Yes time is an issue especially since I am a practising doctor + surgeon and a mom to a demanding little 8 year old! I don't have full time maids or cooks or drivers and yes I have to do the shopping too!! Ha Ha yes I am your average busy bee[ handling myriad fluttering birds !].
With my mom, daughter and hubby- Malaysia
On an average I take at least a week to make a single card and that too using flowers and embellies I must have made earlier and with die cuts I must have cut long back! But I do craft a little bit each day  [sometimes just ten minutes!] as it relaxes me ...it may be just punching or die cutting a few leaves or making a single flower!  And I hardly watch TV---- big time saver!
I often can't craft to a deadline due to time constraints [hence I don't accept regular DT posts] and ha ha this post was supposed to go live yesterday so you know I  often do get into serious time crunches !

Lemme pass the baton on to 2 super talented blogger friends

I am sure most of my readers are familiar with Lisa as her presence in our crafty blogland is hard to miss. She makes such beautiful projects using dies , inks and media.
Lisa's tag
Crafty Blogging is all about sharing and supporting each other and Lisa to me is one of the most wonderful friends a crafty blogger could wish for!
Her work is unique and inspiring and her presence in blog land is such a morale boost to her crafty friends and especially to me as never a blog post goes uncommented by her.
Do vist Lisa  and follow her...you  will have made a friend for life!

Radhika of Hobby Crafts

Radhika started her blog only in 2013 but from her very first blog post she had me intrigued. She combines traditional Indian crafts and modern crafting with such enviable ease and shares step by step tutorials to many many projects.
Radhika's antique lock
She can turn an ordinary lock and key into a work of art , convert a coconut shell into a jewelry box , make an aquarium in a phone case, make earrings out of pista shells....oooh this lady's mind is a crafty wonderland !! And she has become such a supportive blogger friend too...Thank you Radhika for inspiring and being a wonderful blogger pal. Do drop by Radhika's blog....this lady has a big cauldron of creativity you wouldn't want to miss!

102 comments:

  1. Wow, your project is PHENOMENAL!!!! Enjoyed reading your post and all the lovely pictures you posted. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you so much Christina do visit Jaya, Lisa and Radhika...they are such super talented ladies

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  2. Great story and great pictures! We all have a lot to juggle day-to-day, but crafting is just one of those few things in life that isn't demanding so it naturally becomes a peaceful outlet.

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    1. Yes I fully agree Eileen..in crafting we can escape into our own creative world!!

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  3. You are super super talented Sonia. I love the precision of your crafts .. Lovely to read more about you. Feel more connected now :)

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    1. Thank you so much ...I love your site too!!

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  4. Hey, This is a cute gesture introducing other crafters in your blog n appreciating their work. Am already connected with Jaya n Lisa. Now, off to visit Radhika's blog land....
    and, not to forget the picss you have posted are so lovely....
    hugs
    Catherine

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    1. Thank you so much Catherine...I am so glad I could introduce you to Radhika...for me she is creativity personified!!

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  5. Hello Sonia:
    what a nice post..wow you have a HUGE follow, you deserve it and congrats. love to see you and your family , and sharing those post with the animals.love them...I have quite a lot of students from India wanting to learn languages. I am a language teacher and where I live there is a LOT of indians!!!
    your projects YES they ALL are spectacular!!! TFS
    hugs from california
    bibiana

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    1. Ha Ha Bibiana I guess there are Indians in every nook and corner and I am a Malayalee from Kerala and we joke that Malayalees are found all over the world!!

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  6. Wow Sonia you've said it all... What gorgeous pictures and written out so perfectly. Love your family picture and those birds, love love them... My birds are wee smaller than the one's you have, I have 6 love birds. Your projects are unique and you are very talented. Glad to know that you are so very inspired by Lisa's craftsmanship. Yes she is also amazing!

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    1. Ha Ha your words make me smile..I usually sit and proof read and edit every single line whenever I write a blog post...this blog post was written in a hurry and cooked like sambar [ we have a dish called sambar here in South India ...made by throwing in all kinds of veggies!!]

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  7. Little prisha looks sooooo cute and so do you! Nice to know more about you and what keeps you ticking!

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    1. Ha Ha yes Rupa she was a chubby cutie for a very short time...now she is a slim beauty despite all my efforts to fatten her up!

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  8. I definitely got to know you..with so many pretty pictures ! Its like meeting you in person :) ! LIke most of your followers do ..I also wondered how you manage all the responsibilities and still find time to create n write detailed tutorials..TIME Managment !! wish I also could..
    You an an Inspiration Dr.Sonia !

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    1. Ha Ha Pooja...I hope one day we can meet in person. And ha ha time management aint too good as evidenced by this particular post being late !!

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  9. Enjoyed the photos a lot. The Malaysia photo with all the birds reminds me of a photo hubby, my daughter & I had taken when we were in Maui, Hawaii and the photographer had trained parrots to photo with us.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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    1. Thank you so much Melissa...I had been to Hawaii when I was a child and I have fond memories of the flowery garlands!!

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  10. I feel like I have known you for years and I have loved every project you have created that I have seen. I am so thankful to be part of this hop. May your life continue to be blessed as you are always blessing us with your incredible projects. ((((Big Hugs)))) Have a blessed day
    DIANA L.
    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com http://dianamlarson.ctmh.com

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    1. Ha Ha yes Diana I feel that way too and you know when a crafty blogger stops posting I do tend to worry about them and wonder what they are doing!!

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  11. I have always been a big fan and it was a pleasure to read more about you.Thanks for sharing a little bit more about you.

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    1. Thank you so much Snehal...you are very special to me too...Especially the way you make your scrapbook albums

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  12. Ps Maybe I should have said ((((BIG ELEPHANT TRUNK HUGS)))))) I feel that same way.

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    1. Ha Ha yes I still smile seeing my face in that elephant hug photo!! It was the experience of a life time!!

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  13. loved reading more about you and all your photos! :D and your school projects. OMG!!! awesome!

    i also want to thank you for your kind comments about my mother and leaving me bloggy love while i was away to be with her. you're the best! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Cely for your kind words

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  14. Wow! It's great to know a little more about you Sonia! Yes, I enjoyed the pictures too :) Especially that picture,with your daughter in Coorg. And your first time project(Taj Mahal) Is literally mind blowing :). No wonder you got so much emails and comments :). I love your perfection and that proves you are doc :). Thanks for being a wonderful inspiration! :).

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    1. Thank you so much Sarah...yes we had a wonderful holiday in Coorg...chikmagalur to be exact...I best thing I remember about it was we stayed in a coffee plantation and there was no phone signal at all!! And the Taj Mahal was not my first school project but I was fairly new to crafting then!

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  15. You are an inspiration doc to a lot of people from around the world. .A pleasure to have acquainted myself with you and so much fun to know more about you!

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    1. Khush...you are making me blush!! I am so glad you are my friend too and fervently hope to meet you in person one day

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  16. I so enjoyed your post! Enjoyed learning more about you and seeing all the wonderful photos of you and your family! Love all the shots with the animals! And your daughter is growing into such a beautiful young lady--just like her mom! :^)
    Hugs, Penny

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    1. Penny I am a big animal lover and we tend to plan holidays in jungle resorts or at least visit a nature camp or zoo during a holiday!

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  17. Thank you also by me, Dr Sonia, for your marvelous blog, full of really beautiful things and ideas.... Your tutorials step by step are gold for learn... and thanks so much to have made me to know this two new bloggers so talented!
    Cheers

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    1. I am so happy you like my tutorials!!

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  18. Good to know more abt u Sonia... you are a true inspiration... thank you so much :)
    -Berina
    Moxie Craftie

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  19. Hello, Sonia! I agree with you when you say that we all need a hobby, something to relax and not to think about problems. I am happy since I started crafting again! Your blog is full of ideas and inspiration. My main interest are flowers. I think they are the best decoration at any time. They are the best gift of nature for us, so we can try to imitate nature. Your 3D projects are amazing and I love 'your' Taj Mahal (I left you a comment about it in another post). The photos you have posted here, with your family, with the elephant, alone wearing your great sari... are really lovely! It is good seeing people smiling!
    Hugs

    Mariangela ;-) (I smile to you too!)

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    1. Thank you so much Mariangela...yes crafting and getting encouraging comments via blogland and connecting with like minded souls is the bane of a mundane stressful life!!

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  20. so good to know about you and your crafting journey.. what i love the most is your smile :)

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    1. Thank you so much Ayesha...all these are holiday photos ...on an average working days its more of harried mom screaming at kiddo to eat fast , get ready fast or whatever else my kiddo has to hurry up and do!!

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  21. What a JOY to learn more about you! You are such a beautiful person, inside and out, which is so beautifully showcased simply by your words. :o) Yes, your projects are outstanding, creative, and inspiring... but truly, what always warms my heart the most is just YOU. Even if you posted a single flower you made when you had 10 minutes, I would still leave your blog a very happy camper. I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. :o) And you tagged such lovely and inspiring people! I was not familiar with Radhika, so I am excited to visit her! I already love Lisa to bits. :o)

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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    1. Oh Karen...that is the sweetest thing!! I think I will come and read this comment whenever I feel down as it is sure to lift up my spirits and help me face the world anew!!

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  22. First of all, Sonia, I can't tell you how honored I am that you passed this to me!! I am such a huge fan of every single thing you create!! You inspire me!! I loved learning more about you and seeing your beautiful family photos!! Prisha is so sweet and adorable!! I love that you two can craft together and create such amazing works of art!! Every time I see that you have a new post up, I know I am going to be amazed and inspired and I am never disappointed!! Thank you again for thinking of me and for the very sweet and kind words!! I appreciate it and you so much!! Hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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    1. Lisa.....what can I say....you literally warm my heart with such sweet words!! I am so happy you accepted the blog hop invitation

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  23. LOL..I love your reply above Sonia to Ayesha...a screaming Mum..perfect..
    Fabulous post and loved all the photos...what a gorgeous family and so wonderful to get to know you better and how you do such outstanding projects..even though they take awhile I always wondered HOW! you ever had time for anything...

    Luv CHRISSYxx

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    1. Ha Ha Chrissy...Screaming mom it is many a times even though I know its not cool!!

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  24. Very happy to know you more by this blog hop Dr sonia .. you inspire many of us ..i always say that you make things look easier with your sweet tutorials and flowers i have to say you made unlimited flower tutorials those are very helpful my fav are foam flowers :) you included a pic of my fave foam flower too.. and the photos are soo soo cute :D..you are amazing managing so many thing isnt easy ..
    Thank you so much for tagging me and sweet words of my works.. :)

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    1. Radhika...you are very special indeed and will go places in the crafty world! I am so glad I could introduce you to so many other crafters

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  25. Sonia you are one amazing lady and it was a delight reading all about your wonderful life and it looks like crafting is a therapy for you as well, like its for me.
    Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}

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    1. Thank you so much for dropping in Desire...your work is unique..I am so glad I found you through this hop

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  26. Fantastic post Sonia. It is great to see your family and hear all about them and your crafting.. I don't know how you find the time to make such fabulous projects..Sorry I could not be a part of the blog hop as I find that life gets in the way sometimes...Hugs Loz

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    1. Ha Ha yes time time!! And yeah I would have loved to have you on the hop...I love your work and cherish your friendship!!

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  27. It was nice learning a little bit more about you. It was nice to see more of your family as well.

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    1. Thank you so much Ann...ha ha yes family photos being shared first time!!

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  28. What an accomplishment, Sonia! I've loved reading this post. Thanks for sharing!

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  29. Sonia, I am honored to be among your blog friends. What a gorgeous family you have.
    It is so easy to see why even the animals love you. Thank you for including us in your life.
    Myrna

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    1. Ha Ha you are so sweet Myrna..the elephant and the birds are trained ones but yes my doggies do love me as I love animals and they must realise that in some way!!

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  30. I love the way you put this post together Sonia! I love all the pictures here! You are a super mom, super doc and super artist! :) Congratulations on your thirty million hits too! Truly well deserved!

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    1. Ha Ha super love your comment Sindhu!!

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  31. Lovely pics dear. .and it was great to know you a little more. .I feel blessed to be connected to wonderful people like you
    .Through our common interests and love for blogging. ..congrats for reaching yet another milestone

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    1. I have always felt a profound connection with you too Lavina

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  32. Its great to know some more about you Sonia.............through your blog you have inspired me much before I started blogging. I silently followed you much before I published my first post!

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    1. Thank you so much Tanvi...so good know I had a silent admirer!!

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  33. This was so interesting getting a peak into your personal life, Sonia. At first I thought all of those birds were your pets and I was ready to say, "You have GOT to dedicate a page to these guys." Then I figured out that the pics were taken at a bird aviary.

    You are certainly right that TV watching can chew up a lot of our spare time. I do watch some, but not every day and not usually for long, unless I am sick. Doing something creative is much more fulfilling and relaxing.

    Thanks for sharing your behind-the-scenes story.

    Blessing hugs,
    Teresa

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    1. Thank you so much Teresa.My hubby watches TV to relax and the only time I watch is to give him company!

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  34. Hello!! Visiting after a long time to find this beautiful post & got to know you better. Your fairy land card is super duper. I'm certain it will be cherished for many years.

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    1. Always love to have you drop in Leanne and yes my aunt and niece loved it

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  35. How nice to see the beautiful person that makes the beautiful creations! I enjoyed see the photos of you and your lovely family and learning more about you.
    Pam
    scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

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  36. Hey Sonia, I love reading this post and specially the question How get you time for blog/crafts.. seriously! so good to read all the answers.. you are doing great and keep it up my friend.. I would love to see your creativity .. happy crafting! lots of love ~
    Khadija
    www.creativekhadija.com

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    1. Ha Ha yes Khadija...I get asked that question upteem number of times..in fact even today I got an email asking how I got time to craft!!

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  37. So nice to read a little more about you Sonia. Your Taj Mahal is amazing. I can see why the school loves your projects. Love your family photos especially the one with the parrots.
    Julie x

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  38. wow....great photos....lovely blog...i am so happy to read a great person who balance all her works with good planning ....simply super...

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    1. Thank you so much Anuradha ...you are so sweet

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  39. My frequently asked question is answered ........... Im really thankful to you for unveiling all your secrets ...............mystery unfolded...........its hard to believe u did not know about your creativity for so long .....but it gives me hope for my daughters that they might discover creativity someday.
    keep inspiring

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    1. Ghazala...I was a very studious girl and a proper bookworm.. I spent most of the time studying and reading as I was obsessed with becoming a doctor inspired by my doctor mom. Creativity and arts and crafts were not much encouraged during my childhood and the focus was solely on academics!

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  40. Hi Dr Sonia.......I really enjoyed reading your post and getting to know you.. I love all the photos! You are so busy......it is wonderful you still have time to craft.

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    1. Tracey...being busy is all the more reason to find some time to relax!!

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  41. Nice to read this post :) :) Love your little daughter's smile :)

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  42. Oh this was so much fun to read! I love the picture of the elephant giving you a hug! I feel so blessed to have you in my life (even from a distance).

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    1. Ha Ha yeah Chriss...I was all smiles and so happy when I met the cutie Jumbo

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  43. Oh wonderful post about you. The pictures are great as I am sure the memories of taking them are great. Love Lisa's work as well as yours.

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    1. Oh yes Jani...all these are holiday photos and we have so much fun during our holidays!

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  44. Hi Dear Doc, am late getting to this post but you are a very lovely lady and your family is beautiful. I had a lovely experience with the elephants in Thailand like this and gosh your story of you is lovely....thanks I feel like I know you more. Sorry I could not participate...cheers and love,
    aNNie

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    1. Oh yes Annie...I have read so much about the elephants in Thailand...you should see our Indian elephants too..they are such charming gentle giants!!

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  45. what a great story, you are inspirational to all us. love your beautiful work. hugs

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    1. Thank you so much Rhonda- I Love your creations too

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  46. YOU are absolutely gorgeous and for so long I've been a fan of your work and amazed at how you can create anything on your schedule. You're not only an inspiration to crafters but to women everywhere. You have a beautiful family and your daughter is so adorable. So glad to know more about you.
    Big hugs to you Sonia,
    Lisa x

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    1. Lisa I am a big fan of yours too..and I am someone who needs a hobby to stay sane--nowadays reading as a hobby is difficult as I dont get enough time to finish a book in one go and if I read a book I love to not " put it down" till I finish it!!

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  47. gorgeous family lovely photo's and as always a lovely post
    enjoy your Sunday
    Hugs Kate xx

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  48. Thank you for sharing your wonderful crafting journey! Your projects are always a joy to see and your pictures of you and your wonderful family are beautiful!
    Hugs,
    Marie

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  49. How delightful to see the pictures of you and your daughter and the family. The picture of the elephant are great! I find it hard to believe you did not craft until 6 or so years ago- you have some amazing talent! Your tutorials are always awesome to see and I am always amazed with the different ideas you come up with - the different supplies you use to make things- like flowers from foam for one! It is truly a blessing to know you in Blogland!

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  50. Great to know more about you Sonia..Enjoyed all the snaps...You always inspire me...

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  51. I really thought I had already commented on this. I enjoyed reading this post and finding out a little more about you Dr Sonia. Great photos you have shared too.

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  52. Sorry for dropping in too late, I was away from home and couldn't find time to visit most of my blogger friends. Anyway, it was great knowing so much more about you Sonia. And all those beautiful pictures add such a personal touch to it. Even though we may have very different crafting styles, our reason for indulging in this hobby is the same. Love your detailed and easy to understand tutorials. You are truly an inspiration.

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  53. Hi Sonia , Just read your blog. Its really nice to know you more. I may not have said it before but I really like your style and how well you describe the tutorials in your blog. Happy Crafting.:)

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  54. It is always good to read about a successful women and how she balances being a busy mom and a professional, an in addition find time to craft. Ur blog always gives me the feel good factor. thanks for all the inspiration u give Doc.

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