April 18. 2008 06:40

You can still crack me up after all these years! Just happened to pull up your web site cause I miss seeing you and lo and behold I get to see this picture of you looking sooo swell! Still happening huh? We still talk about you and your swelling stories whenever we need a laugh! You take care now and know that we are thinking about you and wishing you swell, (I mean well!)
Mary O

Mary Odette

April 18. 2008 11:09

MARY, SO SORRY...I CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR PANIC AFTER THE SALE ON YOUR WEBSITE BY PLACING A REASONABLY LARGE ORDER....AS I AM THE OWNER OF MY OWN ACCOUNTING & TAX FIRM I WAS IN A PANIC BECAUSE I SAW THE SALE EMAIL AT 10PM ON THE LAST DAY OF THE SALE...I WAS FLYING THROUGH YOUR WEBSITE CLICKING AWAY MY PURCHASES...SO AGAIN SORRY. I WAS CHECKING YOUR BLOG TO SEE IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH SHIPPING, BUT HAVING READ ABOUT YOUR MOTHER, AGAIN I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND, I AM IN THE SAME BOAT WITH 2 PARENTS ON EITHER SIDE...SOO IF IT HELPS, I DO HAVE A UPS ACCOUNT AND WILL BE GLAD TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NUMBER AND ISSUE A PICKUP AT MY EXPENSE...HOPE THINGS SETTLE DOWN FOR YOU SOON. THANKS FOR THE GREAT STAMPS...A FAN IN DAYTONA BEACH

JULIE LAIBLE

April 22. 2008 04:04

Mary: How you suffer for your art! About 6 years ago my German Shepherd put his head directly (and forcefully) under my chin and my front tooth became loosened...eventually it came out....in the dentist's office while they were making an impression for a partial....so I had to wait one week for the partial to be made. Toothless! I was mortified....and I still had to go to work. Fast forward, 6 years last November my tooth broke off the partial. BIG JOB INTERVIEW scheduled on the day tooth was supposed to be fixed..luckily it was. Got job!! About 2 months ago tooth broke again, WITHOUT TOOTH and WITHOUT LEAVE TIME FOR ONE WEEK!!! Mortified again! Tooth fixed, parking garage attendant at Dentist's Office now business client of mine! The End.

Bernita Cauthon

April 22. 2008 21:40

OH, Mary, I feel so badly for you & hope you're better soon. And, I'm not laughing at you; I'm laughing with you. I have missed seeing you so very much on the Carol Duvall Show. I still watch the repeats and hope that you will be there everytime I get to watch her show. However, I hope bigger and better things are coming your way and that you get whatever you wish for; you deserve whatever your heart desires. It's been a while since I placed an order but I was about to when I realized I missed the BIG sale, because I was out of town, I was so mad at myself I just cried like a baby. But you'll see me soon I promise. I'm making my list and checking it twice. Remember all of us here in Tennessee love you dearly. God Bless and say hello to that old dawg of yours.
Kindest Regards,
Linda P. in Tennessee

Linda P in Tennessee

April 24. 2008 05:32

Found your site through Stumble. My dad's lips would do that from hives when I was growing up. His was all stress related. It was so frustrating for him. How frustrating. Now I need to go back to the first site and find out what you're all about. Hope that lip goes down quickly.

Pam

May 4. 2008 09:51

Oh Mary....I just gave a bunch of people your website because they didn't know how to stamp on velvet!

Now I understand your love of the Rolling Stones...I met you once when you were wearing a Stones jacket. It was so cool....

Hope you feel better real soon.

Martha Schroeder

May 6. 2008 18:59

Oh Mary....My husband went thru that "fat lip" problem a couple of years ago. Dr. thought it was stress so hubby retired 2 years early. Found out a year later it was his blood preasure med. Dr. took him off his med.and he hasn't had a fat lip since then. He had it with his upper lip and I called him Homer Simpson!! Makes it damn hard to drink that cup of coffee in the morning!!
Get better...Lynn in Portland Oregon

Lynn

May 7. 2008 02:52

Ouch! Does it hurt? Certainly hope not! This happened to me one time after eating quite a few green apples with salt sprinkled on them over one particular weekend. BOTH lips swelled up! What a sight! Emergency room doctor told me to lay off the salt. Oh. ........My son wakes up like this sometimes....waaaay too much stress in his life lately. I did a bit of web search on this condition, and it all zeroed down to STRESS. Sooooo, what I'm getting to is, if you want to wait 6 months or more getting my order ready, please feel free to do so. I've had to pack a large portion of my stamping supplies away anyway, so I could reclaim my kitchen/dining area for summer use...(the rest are already packed into many banana boxes stacked on top of each other...yes, I could open my own stamp store...but would never part with any of it!)Take care, Mary....no Princess (Potato or otherwise) should have to put up with this nonsense! ...Thanks once again for the great effort and talent you put forth in what you do. You are appreciated!!!!

Sherry, Grand Haven, MI

May 8. 2008 05:11

Hi Mary,
So sorry for you lip problem. I've been there myself. Not for quite some time, thankfully. I never did figure out exactly what it was, some type of hive trigger by allergy season (which we know is terrible in TN), certain lipsticks, MSG? All of these have been potential triggers. Lots of benedryl and it'll all be better soon!

Michelle, Tullahoma, TN

May 18. 2008 06:57

I love Mick Jagger too, so I think you look fine!

Lisa

May 19. 2008 04:35

Ahhh, sorry but I had to laugh. Are you sure you're not falling into that 'let's inject my lips so they'll look like Angelina Jolie' category? lol I know that's not true but had to tease you.
I miss seeing you on the Carol Duvall show and I must say I miss Carol and the show immensely. They haven't really replaced it and wish they would. Heck I was hoping you'd be able to take over the show. *shrugs*
Take care and I hope you have a "swell" day.

JoyceS

May 22. 2008 18:55

Oh Mary,
How I miss you. I have never known a woman that could make me laugh like you....I loved you stories and nobody could tell them like YOU...Still having those darn allergy problems you poor thing...could it be you are allergic to rubber?
Julie Goodwin, Hayden, Idaho

Julie Goodwin

June 1. 2008 21:18

PUTIN QUEK FACE DE PATATE!
MORRTEL!!
VA AU MUSEE DES HORREURE!

Spika

June 19. 2008 18:17

Dear Mary...I wish I lived near you...I would help process the orders!!!

I started using your stamps to make pillows about 6 years ago.

I had purchased velvet from a local craft store about 4 years ago, made the pillow, and now the velvet is turning red and losing the green color. I eventually want to make a velvet quilt using your rubber stamps...does velvet usually lose it's color like this?

Confused,

Renee Hinchy, Holland, NY

Renee Hinchy

June 26. 2008 11:09

Princess Potato,
Ouch, what a lip you have! Hopefully the swelling is gone and you are reining on your new deck.
As for me, my project to finish this summer is organizing my photos from the early 70's to the present as well as my digital photos from 2000 on. I've finished about 50%; hopefully, I'll finish.

Vina Tsarina

June 26. 2008 11:11

One of my favorite projects these days is to set up a tangram design every day and have it on my desk. I have made a set of rubber stamps of a tangram so I can stamp them, too. It's therapeutic, and it's fun!

Kathy Diamond Davis

June 26. 2008 11:13

to bad your top lip is'n the same you could be a movie star

Lynnda

June 26. 2008 11:20

Oh my - I had the same thing - - and my lips looked just like yours - with a slight variation - only one side of the upper and lower lips would swell - - so I looked like an awful sneer - - hate to say it - but it took years for me to get well - and I still get an occasional swell -

Diana B

June 26. 2008 11:21

Mary: I LOVED your commentary about your brains and brawn outdoor project. What a big job it was, that turned out beautifully! What project do I want to finish this summer? Why, putting away my winter clothes and Christmas decorations, of course!!
PS Mary, I would love to see you and your stamps on QVC! Or, better still, I wish HGTV would give you your own craft show.

Bernita in KC

June 26. 2008 11:22

Mary,

At least it will go away eventually.

My project is to learn to operate my digital camera. My grown children think I am an idiot as I find new and exciting things the camera can do.
Soon, I hope, I will be able to take a good picture.

Feel better

Cheryl Reese

June 26. 2008 11:29

I hope to finish my craft room finally after 9 years and get organized.. I would like to strt stmaping on velvet as I have neve done this although I have stamped over 20 years... Must do something new after July 4th!!!

Wanda Kerns

June 26. 2008 11:29

Hi Mary,
I loved the patio project, it turned out great!
But I believe the determination factor is a stiff UPPER lip!
I am sorry, my allergies produced a ton of itchiness in some very tender spots. But the lips only swell when I dare wear any lipstick with dye in it (OK, that would be any lipstick at all.)
I hope you are back to normal soon.
Mine is a landscaping project, we just had a pool installed and we are landscaping around it.

Darby

June 26. 2008 11:30

Love you and your products, miss you on t.v.

Lip action happened(s) to my daughter occasionally.

When in the sun too much during a stressful time.

Hope yours goes away and stays away.

PJ

June 26. 2008 11:35

Ouch! Hope they figure out what is wrong soon!

Rachel Shirk

June 26. 2008 11:35

when i first saw this i thought you had saline injections that might have gone wrong, ala
melanie griffith. but ouch, an allergy. that's really scary. hope it gets better soon.

nancy javier

June 26. 2008 11:41

Mary, You go girl! Wow, the patio project turned out great. Wish I lived closer to you, I'd come and help ya out. I too have a hubby that isn't handy around the house. My Dad is known as "Mr Wonderful" as he can fix anything. Only problem is, he's getting too old to DO anything!

Sorry about your lip. Had that problem once myself many years ago. Found out I was allergic to cranberries (it happened during Thanksgiving dinner...). Hope you find out what you are allergic to. It can be very flustrating!!! Take care and hope to read your blog news again real soon. You are a stitch!!!

Rubber Hugs,
Debbie K.

Debbie K.

June 26. 2008 11:47

Love your blog, Mary! What a great idea! I guess I contributed to your panic during your sale, as I ordered Silver/Burgundy velvet and some heart stamps to make a royal crown for my daughter's fiance, as he wanted to wear one at their reception (since she would be wearing her tiera). Two weeks before the wedding, however, it all fell apart and I was no longer in the mood to make him a crown; then 4 days before the wedding it was all called off. Geeeeezzzz! All the reservations, deposits, invitations, dresses, flowers, food, photographers, limos, had all been put in place. My living room was full of boxes of stuff for the wedding! And, all I could think of was that I was glad my daughter was not marrying him and that I was glad I had not wasted my time and my velvet making a crown for him!

You always make us smile, girl, and we all love you because you are so real and down-to-earth. I still DVR all the Carol Duvall reruns and enjoy them again and again.

P.S. I totally empathize with loving to do the home improvements and having a husband who is just not a home-improvement kind of guy (but mine knows computers and keeps mine running tip-top) -- so I do the plumbing, building, repairs, etc. and he holds the ladder. Gotta love 'em.

Scribble

June 26. 2008 11:54

I can empathize with you. When I was 16 my whole face swelled up after I mowed the yard. The med tech who saw me said " and what seems to be the problem?" Nothing like adding insult to injury! and at that very self-conscious age.
Anyway, I have so many projects I want to work on this summer, that I guess my project is prioritizing them and actually working on one instead of dithering about which one I should do! How about a serios cleanout and organization of my stamping/sewing room?!

Sarah

June 26. 2008 11:58

Wow Mary sorry bout the lip thing. How very odd. Does it itch? a day before an anniversary trip I ate softshell crab which I had no prior allergy to and swelled up like a red tomatoe blow fish. Very attractive. im feelin ya mare. Anyway I am wanting to get cobblestone pavers in and sitting wall done by summers end or at least the end of Sept.

Patti

June 26. 2008 12:02

Bless your heart! Hope you and Mick enjoy swapping lip flapping stories!! LOL

Barbara

June 26. 2008 12:05

Oh Mary, your lip looks like it hurts. I hope you figure it out soon.

Good luck with the blog. I'm loving it already.

jean

June 26. 2008 12:06

Botox? Who needs it when you've found a natural way to get thicker lips...now if only you knew how to un-do it??!!!

Brenda Miller

June 26. 2008 12:10

Mary,

Love your patio! I have many, many projects I want to do this summer but the biggest one is to move. Now, only to a house...and then another would be to get organized...ahh...a girl can dream.

Was happy to see your blog..hope the alergies get better.

Terry

Terry Gerrior

June 26. 2008 12:12

I love your products and I think you are adorable! This summer I'm hoping to make a velvet embossed scarf for myself. I'm thinking the orange shade with the grape leaf.

Pauline Koren

June 26. 2008 12:19

I just had to comment. I have had the same problem for almost 40 years. I can sympathize completely. I also have chronic hives (urticaria) so they tell me. And no idea what brings it on. I try to stay calm and haven't had a problem for a few months. Probably shouldn't say that-now I'll swell for sure. lol A few years ago I bought an embroidery machine and had to take a class. Of course, the day I went my lips were swollen and I'm sure the women there thought I had some kind of disease. I usually stay home when this happens. Anyway I loved your segments on Carol Duval and still watch reruns. Love your stamps too. Good luck in the future.
Pat

Pat Loar

June 26. 2008 12:25

I looked similiar to that when I kissed a bee and he kissed me back. Sorry about your boo-boo.

Your brick patio is incredible..you go girl!!!

My summer accomplishment is to turn my extra bedroom (son is moved out) into my craft and sewing room. I love to do all the projects you have and just enjoy seeing you on TV. You are so much fun and inspire your fans to do more. Thanks for just being you.

Patsy

June 26. 2008 12:25

Who is your doctor? It looks like lip-o-suction gone wrong!

maggie

June 26. 2008 12:33

I loved you birthday party sale! I understand pressure, and brick pavers are a unnique way of avoiding the inevetable. But carrie on....I LOVE YOUR WORK. Where's the Crow?
Donna Busch
Lake Orion, MI

donna busch

June 26. 2008 12:47

OUCH, I feel for you Mary, hope you get better real soon and they figure out what causes it.

Love the patio- nice work. Are you planning on hiring out as a second job? Just kidding!!

You deserve a vacation after all this.

Georgianna, Austin, Texas

June 26. 2008 12:48

Mary,
Just think in Hollywood it's all the rage to pay for lips like that and you got it FREE! Lucky you. Many projects seam daunting but keep your nose to the grind stone and everything will work out. You might want to avoid putting your lips to the grind stone though. Hang in there and get better.

Debora

June 26. 2008 12:52

I went through a phase like that and it came with hives as a bonus. Not much of a bonus but there you have it. I used to swell up not only my lips but my eyes as well. Can you say HOT??? I was on Claritin and Zyrtec for a year and the mystery wildness went away as quickly as it came. I'm still kinda' cautious about eating certain things but knock on wood------ so far so good.

Hope you find out what the cause is!

tina

June 26. 2008 13:16

Hi Mary! I have been having lots of allergy problems this year, too. I have found out the hard way that I have become allergic to penicillin, aspirin and betadine. Hope your swelling goes away soon. Cissy

Cissy Croft

June 26. 2008 13:20

Nice to know that you have another talent in case you lose your "day job" (that of overworked entrepenorial stamp maker-seller). Your brick work is fabulous! Nice to know I'm not the only one that saves stacks of things - much to my tidy husband's dismay - until I find a use for them, which is often years later (and sometimes, unfortunately, never). Did the prednisone work?
Gramma Val

Valorie Joyner

June 26. 2008 13:45

Hi, Sweetie!

Of everyone I know, you have the BEST sense of humor. I heard recently that being able to laugh at yourself is the secret fountain of youth. If that's true, you and I should be back in pre-school again. (I'll send you an email about what I did to my hair last week when I was trying to use an "easy" at-home hair color kit - ack!)

Although stress probably plays a part, your lip has to be allergy-related, right? Unless ... you haven't ticked off a sorcerer lately or anything, have you?

I LOVE your patio project! Be proud, girl. It's quite an accomplishment.

For summer, my goal is to find homes for all my kitties, as my disease has progressed to the point that I can no longer take care of them myself (sniff). I also plan to con my sister into helping me organize my stamps and crafts, in anticipation of the holidays. (Don't tell her!)

Hope you feel better soon, Mary!

Love,

Sami
(that smarty-pants old gimp)

Sami Swan Thompson

June 26. 2008 13:51

Mary, I love the look, wouldn't change a thing. I am referring to both the patio and your kisser. I am planning to make several of the pop up tower cards that are triggered by a rubber band and can celebate any number of happy times. I have given several of them over the years and the recipients always love them. I had trouble finding the box to put them in, however, I finally found some at the dollar store. I miss you terribly! I think of the potatoe princess often and wait impatiently for the new craft show to bring joy to the stampers of the world. Best wishes. Delightful Denise

Denise

June 26. 2008 14:05

Mary,
Such a beautiful job on the patio, love the size and can't wait to see more pictures. My summer craft project is to finish a blanket for my mom which was started in Feburary and has not been touch since. I bought the velvet, having a hard time choosing a stamp, and can never pick the right thread to match the fabric. I must be color blind. Here's to summer projects and stormy Nebraska weather.

K. Boyd

June 26. 2008 14:07

Sigh... You poor swollen girl. Of course if you think about it there are Hollywood stars that PAY for that look. I swell and get hiuves when I combine spinach with anything dairy...weird. I do hope you can figure out what the trigger is! When I commented on your patio I forgot to mention my summer plans... I hope to re-organize my studio (I am always looking for better ways to organize my paper and stamps). I am also planning a lot of books, altered books, journals, and handmade books incorporating lots of the lovely stamps I have added to my collection in the past few months. So glad that you are doing a blog... I'll be sure to visit often!

Deborah Makowski

June 26. 2008 14:10

LOL at your humorous blog entries - I guess with the number of responses you'll continue blogging, right? You look like one pouty girl in your picture. May your lip shrink soon!!

I think you should reconsider and name your blog, "Wives and the Projects they do Without their Husbands". I guess I've been waiting long enough for my husband to take a sudden liking to Projects (30+ years). My project for the summer is to get the front porch lights replaced.

Patricia

June 26. 2008 14:43

Love your blog! Great job on the patio. My forte is quilting. My big summer project is a double wedding ring quilt - it must be completed before the end of the year. I am just a beginning quilter. Love your stuff!

Christina Hall

June 26. 2008 14:47

Hi Mary,
I'm sorry to see you having that trouble with your lip!! It does look painful, but I hope it's not! I added to your stress level too, with my order, but I plan to use your stamps on my project to "go grapey" in my kitchen!! It's like a blank slate, just waiting for improvement. Thank you for your great sales like that, even though it does take a toll on you! I know I greatly appreciated being able to get more stamps that way.
Your patio looked AWESOME!! You're an inspiration for me to finish my half done vinyl floor! Been dreading moving the china cabinet to do it! After graping the kitchen and finishing the floor, I'm hoping to tackle the pecan trees that found my flowerbeds and are choking out my roses! Those are the biggies for this summer.
Thanks for being a wonderfully funny, talented and creative woman that I first got to know on the Carol Duval show. I agree with many comments made about how fun you made her show and would love to someday be on a craft cruise with you!!
You take care and I hope your lip is better soon!!!

Doreen Rogers

June 26. 2008 14:52

Love the idea that you'll be blogging! My intended project for the summer is to shovel the junk out of my basement (I too am a packrat!) so that I can really use my stamp area again. Wish me luck! Who knows what I might find down there!

Yvonne

June 26. 2008 15:06

Hi, Mary,
I first found about you when Carol Duval Show was on HGTV (now I don't see it listed any more). You certainly do "shine". Love your stamping on velvet. I may have the nerve to try it one day- afraid to hurt the rubber stamps. Your patio looks like one fun project. My project for the summer is to be able to move enough of my craft stuff in my garage (I, too am a pack rat) - to be able to get one car in it. Truly, everything in my garage is stacked to the ceiling and on rows of shelves, and everywhere you look- and it's all craft stuff! My other half dotes on his car and drools at the thought of getting his car inside that garage. I just don't know....

Marilyn B.

June 26. 2008 15:08

I feel so badly for you - your lip looks so uncomfortable - but maybe you could market it as a new diet plan? I can't imagine it's too comfy to eat!
You are much braver than I - my 'summer' project is a driveway - but there's NO WAY I'd attempt it! Paying the big bucks to let someone else sweat (hopefully, I'll get hot and hunky workman to watch!)
Miss you on HGTV. I agree with others - you could have your own show! Seems they are moving away from this kind of programming - TOOO bad...

Take care! Diane from CA

Diane T

June 26. 2008 15:32

Have you consulted a Dermatologist? There are some rare, autoimmune conditions that affect the mouth and are treated by Dermatologists rather than dentists.

Carol Nastasi

June 26. 2008 15:40

You go girl!!! Your patio is gorgeous. I enjoyed your blog.

Deb in Tex

Deb Brod

June 26. 2008 16:16

Mary, I am so sorry about your lip. You did a great job on your patio. This summer I hope to begin scrapbooking 18 years worth of pictures of my two children. I need some inspiration, and I love watching my recording of when Carol Duvall visited your home and office on her show. I hope that I can make my space look half as beautiful as yours, and I do intend to emboss some velvet, (just need some deeply etched stamps to do it with) I love you Mary O'Neil and you truly are the Potato Princess.

tina johnson

June 26. 2008 16:38

Your lip probably feels worse then it looks
"Just swollen some"
hope you find a cure soon !

Barb G.

June 26. 2008 16:55

Prednisone has a lot of side-effects go to www.nlm.nih.gov/.../a601102.html
to check them out b/c they can be horrendous.

Now, I've been an Artist ever since I can remember, but pushed it aside to work full-time at a "dependable" job in Computers, but after more than 15 years of doing that I came to my senses and embraced my inner Artist anew!!!

To mark almost a decade of being a full-time Artist, I've taken a small bedroom in my house to turn into my Studio. This is my Summer Project!!! Organization is key since I have many diverse interests. I promise to take plenty of Iced Tea breaks & reward each day's work with a glorious dessert. Should I begin with Mousse or Cake?

C. Cruz

June 26. 2008 17:34

Hi Mary,

So sorry about your lip. It does look quite painful. I miss you on Carol's show, and of course, Carol too; and her show. You've been an inspiration for many of my craft projects... stamping velvet is such fun. One of my projects this summer is to make a bunch of stamped velvet wine bags which are always a great hit when we give wine as gifts. I've given away my current stash so need to stockpile again.

Susie W

June 26. 2008 17:47

All in humor of course ... but how sexy is that lip??!!

Michele Mize

June 26. 2008 17:50

I think you were cleaning up the "HOT" shop (getting ready for your sale) with the shop vacuum and decided to cool off by putting the vacuum hose on your hair, remember those days as a kid? And then you tripped and that wild hose flipped around like the old Water Wiggle, grabbed onto your lip! Gosh, I am aging myself...but I'll bet you remember those days! You're so funny~!
I hope you're all well now~
Suzanne

Suzanne

June 26. 2008 17:51

think you were cleaning up the "HOT" shop (getting ready for your sale) with the shop vacuum and decided to cool off by putting the vacuum hose on your hair, remember those days as a kid? And then you tripped and that wild hose flipped around like the old Water Wiggle, grabbed onto your lip! Gosh, I am aging myself...but I'll bet you remember those days! You're so funny~!
I hope you're all well now~
Suzanne

Suzanne

June 26. 2008 17:51

Wow! You kinda remind me of Goldie Hawn in First Wives Club. LOL Why pay for it when you come by it naturally ;)

Viki Banaszak

June 26. 2008 17:59

Mary my daughter used to wake up with a lip like that when she had a fever. We dubbed it the "duck lip", she didn't think it was funny.

Love your patio, looks like it has always been there. My project for this summer is a chicken coop and tractor for my growing hens. We are looking forward to our back yard flock providing us with organic, free range eggs. They are great little pets too, they love to sit on our hands and peck at our rings and freckles. Silly chicks!

I hope you find an answer to your lip quandary.

Kris Speed

June 26. 2008 18:53

I am sorry to read about, and see, your allergy dilemma. I hope a cause and/or a simple cure is found soon.
I have a project for this summer and I am partially blaming you for the need to accomplish this project. I have a catch all room that HAS TO BE CLEANED OUT AND ORGANIZED!! You can barely walk into this room let alone through it. There are things in this room to which I cannot get! I am blaming you because most of the "stuff" in this room is stamping stuff and you keep having sales of things I "really need" and the "stuff" just keeps increasing to the point that there is now no place for me to create!!

Sue Labadie

June 26. 2008 21:51

Hi Mary,
Sorry about your lip trouble. I had that problem intermittently for a couple years about 30 years ago. Nobody ever did figure out what caused it, but the good news is, it doesn't happen any more. I hadn't thought about that for years - then I saw the picture of you and your lip, and it all came rushing back. I recall it always seemed to happen when I was getting ready to go out. Don't assume it's stress related - I've had way more stressful times in my life than when I had the unpredictable lip thing going on. Actually, it was the lip thing that was causing the stress! So just wait it out and it'll go away. Don't waste your money on a bunch of doctors and medical tests. All you'll find out is that they're all very expensive and nobody knows what the problem is. Hang in there - you'll "outgrow" it.

Jeri Lynn

June 27. 2008 00:53

Angelina Joile pays big buck for those lips ! Seriously, I hope you can sort out the medical mystery. My big project for the summer is to finish my rubber stamp African theme quilt. Take care and be well!

Merrill

June 27. 2008 02:02

Oops! I sent my comment before I was finished writing! Just like me! Anyway, at my house my husband is the worker bee & I just find projects for him to do! Two summers ago he & my son bricked the area under our deck outside the walkout basement door. It turned out great. I know you are loving your brick patio. Your blog is great. Love to hear what's going on in TN as I now live in OH where it's mostly cold & when it's not all the people here do is whine because it's too hot at 80 degrees!!! Take care of yourself & hope your lip is better by now!!

Kelly

June 27. 2008 02:28

Just got your newsletter and went to your blog. Hope the lip isn't too painful. Enjoy your newsletter, stamps and now your blog. Miss you and Carol Duvall - thank God for reruns!

En

June 27. 2008 02:30

You poor thing. Good thing is you got lots and lots of order, helps keep the business going.

Bet it makes kissing a little bit difficult

Colleen

June 27. 2008 02:53

Mary: Love the brick work on your new patio....but don't forget about the "Potatoe Factory." We all love your stamps and projects....and look forward to new inspiration!!

Mary Anne

June 27. 2008 02:58

Poor Mary! I think I know how you feel with the swelled lips because years ago I gave myself a home perm (do they still make those?). I must have gotten some of the solution on my lips because the next morning they looked like those balloons that can be twisted into characters! I could make all kinds of new noises, but I digress.
Had to call in sick at work and then called my doctor for help. He recommended Benadryl and I popped those babies all day until the swelling went down. Hopefully they will find out what's causing yours and get it taken care of once and for all.

Your patio looks great! My summer plan isn't that ambitious. I'm just going to try some new stamping techniques and new products in my local stamp store. Take care of YOU!

Carol

June 27. 2008 03:11

Mary:

Your patio looks great!

I'm trying to organize my office so I'm more efficient. I'm also working on my scrapbook pictures... too many to count!

Wish you were on TV still... love to watch reruns of the Carol Duvall show. Wish it was still on!

Ginger E

June 27. 2008 03:39

Love the patio! I made walkways in my garden with old bricks......it really is quite a job, but really worth the effort. My project this summer will be creating three new flower gardens. Hope my knees and back hold out!

Mikki

June 27. 2008 04:40

Hi Mary:
I have no lips. I think you're swollen lip is gorgeous, but I'm guessing it might get in the way a bit. Anyway, good luck with that. I am so excited to get my first sets of stamps from you. I am stuck in a creative block and just know that these will get me out of my rut and fear of producing something without a pattern. EEEEkk. Thank you for your inspiration (and the sale prices).

Heidi Hoback

June 27. 2008 04:54

Hi Mary,
Oh my, what a way to start the summer! I just went thru an allergic reaction to my puppy's tick collar - except my it was my nose. Good luck!!

My project for the summer is to make matching winter "coats" for my two dogs. One is a 5 month old puppy (pom / american eskimo mix) the other is a chihuahua that was dropped off in my neighborhood and needed to be rescued. I would love them to be dressed up for my Christmas card this year and think stamped velvet is just the thing.

Thanks for all you do - love seeing you on carol's show!!!

Kathi

June 27. 2008 04:58

Hi Mary, Seeing your lips reminded me of when we lived in a FEMA trailer for all of 20006. Thanks to dear Hurricane Katrina, our lives changed to a bad time that we are still trying to forget. The FEMA trailer had weird steps that were so steep that I fell down them on a regular basis. More than one time did my lips look like I had been hit with a baseball bat!! However, that part of our lives are just about over and we are now back in our Acadian cottage. My lips are back to their normal size, and I know you will be back to your own adorable self very soon.

Linda Alvarez

Linda Alvarez

June 27. 2008 05:47

Hi Mary,
I agree totally with those who think you should be the replacement for Carol Duvall. Your sense of humor is just perfect for a craft show!! My goal for this summer in the north woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is to use stamps on polymer clay. No specific projects yet but would love to have suggestions from your audience. I will be a regular reader of your blog from now on.
Good luck with the lip!
Jo Cook

Jo Cook

June 27. 2008 06:10

Hi,Mary:
Your patio is fabulous!!! You are my new hero! If I can keep the weeds out of my garden this summer I will be thrilled, and you went and built yourself a patio! Best of luck with the blog. I know it will be a huge success and I plan to visit often.

Lynn Albright

June 27. 2008 06:18

Mary..... I have always loved your wit and candidness. The way you and Carol Duvall interact (quips and snips) is as entertaining as the segments are informative and instructional. You make all of us feel that there is nothing we can't do. Keep up the good attitude - you inspire us all to try new things and to enjoy ourselves above all. I love how you have always stayed true to who you are - including sharing the allergy...... you help all of us 'live with our own little quirts' ---- purposeful, accidental or unavoidable... ha ha. Thanks again - I look forward to reading your blogs. One last question.... are you and the 'neighbor of the month' taking any freelance jobs for patios? I need an extension and an overhang to blog ((oops, BLOCK ))the evening setting sun........ could use your helpful knowledge, wit and a pitcher of that ice tea!!! Thanks again for sharing with us....... we can't wait!!!

Connie Welty

June 27. 2008 09:07

Mary,
My summer goal is to organize the craft and quilting supplies in my house so that I can actually find something when I need it. I can't tell you how many duplicates/triplicates I have of things because I couldn't find the original. I do all kinds of crafts, but quilting is my favorite. I can't fit my car in the garage anymore because I have so much fabric stored out there!

My mother had swelling problems around her face at one time (it affected her tongue) and after multiple rounds of testing, they discovered that she was allergic to the chemicals in pet flea collars. No one would have figured it out unless my uncle had suggested it.

I will be a regular reader of your blog--your humor is wonderful.

Judy Singleton

June 27. 2008 09:48

Oh, Mary, I am sorry, but that just looks so painful. How brave of you to post, not just the good, but the bad and the- nope the 'Princess' could never be ugly in my eyes.
And ladies and gents, we can still see reruns of Carol, Mon.,Wed. and Fri. at, I believe 6:30 am, (cst) on HGTV, and in the afternoon on DYI, I make sure I have my recorder going those mornings. Just never know when Mary might appear!
As for this summer, I have found a great pinafore type apron pattern, and have been sewing up a storm, as one project for the winter craft shows. Once I have enough or run out of material, will start on holiday card sets.
Must say Mary, many of your stamps have worked well for me, for the pinafore is double sided and if I don't find a perfect coordinating fabric, I buy a solid color and use many of my stamps with fabric paint.
Gee, hope I don't get arrested for not printing Hot Potatoes, or dare I say Dee's (P.I.) under each stamp. I only list the stamp makers on the tag attached to the apron.
Now I have done it, wanted to write and will probably end up in jail, for my confession. Well, while incarcerated, I will work on the fat lip research and offer my lips for testing.
Now I am going back to search your site for an Angel Policy, I may have overlooked.
Keep up the blog, this is fun,

Barbara

June 27. 2008 11:13

I know it wouldn't help, but I could send a picture of my black-eyes after my eyelid surgery. I surely hope your doctor finds the source of your problem soon!!!!

Amy Gill

June 28. 2008 04:16

I love the blog. Lots of interesting comments. I've done some of your velvet embossing and it turns out nicely. I embossed a square of the velvet, cut it into smaller, uniform pieces and Made quilted ornaments with it. It turned out beautifully. Hope you identify the source of your allergy and all goes back to normal for you.

Bebe

June 28. 2008 05:03

I love your blog...Mary I too join in with all the others in saying that you are one of the most fun crafters to watch..you & Carol make a great team,sure miss those good craft shows..not sure WHAT HGTV means by not having them anymore..the reruns are great, but we need more..
I am so sorry about your lip..looks so painful..my grandson was just bitten by a brown recluse spider and thanks to a homeopathic dr. here in Nashville and his treatment, my grandson has suffered no ill effects from it.. you may want to check this out as this dr. is excellent!! my dgtr has used him for different health issues that she has had.. do hope you can get some help and relief soon..if you would like the name & # of this dr. I will be most happy to email it to you, I would highly recommend him..
Take care... by the way, your patio is awesome!!! My project for this summer is to get our little cottage rennovated and get moved into.. we just sold our house and now we are undertaking this project here in Franklin..(TN)..
You're the neatest gal, funny, real and so fun to watch...
Take care of yourself...

Phyllis

June 28. 2008 05:11

Mary, I love your stamps and have for years. I think I love your patio just as much as your stamps! Hope you feel better and my project is trying to finish the drywall in my computer/craft room. My husband is great at tearing things down, but not great at putting them back together again. Thanks for the great projects!
Martha Sayles

Martha Sayles

June 28. 2008 14:08

Oh, Mary! Bless your heart - no I mean swell lips!
Two years my tongue got to doing that every time I ate salt....salt was causing reaction to blood pressure meds I was taking! Dr changed meds, now i can have some salt! Its really scary. Well, I'll bless you again - miss you & Carol Duvall and all the shenannigans you two did on TV (cracked me up). Now, pick my name out of the barrell for the $50 gift certificate and I'll be forever grateful! My one main objective this summer is to get my stamping supplies organized!

Nelda in Jackson TN

June 29. 2008 15:07

Mary, thanks for sharing your unusal allergy. With all the responses maybe some of them will give you a key or at the least assure you for many that have had the situation it seems to pass. For me it has always been good to keep a notebook of what happened and what I ate etc for a couple of days leading up to an allergy problem to see if there is any pattern that can be covered with your doctors. Its good to include everything even the weather.
At the moment I am painting a set of ceramic dishes. Since we have moved recently the house needs some new things. I need to visit your stamp site and see if there is anything that would be good for the new house.
Take care, please let us know what new and really great projects you tackle next.
We all really miss the Carol Duvall, latest projects and ideas show. I think she really helped build the foundation for HGTV and helped many careers.
God Bless! and happy July 4th to all!
Barbara Woods

Barbara Woods

June 30. 2008 04:22

Hey Mary,
You look FAB!!! I am so glad you put up a blog. It's fun to know where I can find you.The patio is a stellar achievement. It inspires me to get up and get after it!!!
Liz Lee

Elizabeth Lee

June 30. 2008 04:58

Hi Mary,
I love your patio. It is so quaint and you did it yourself. You have a wonderful eye for design. I loved you on the Carol Duvall Show and I love your velvet stamp designs. I purchased your "skeeter" stamp which is perfect for the mid-west, mosquito capitol of the world! Your lip looks so painful. Stress can do strange things. Keep the ideas coming. I hope to see you on TV again. Good luck.
Jane

Jane Rigdon

July 1. 2008 16:30

Hi Mary,
This is great. I think of you as a friend since you're in my home often(via tv, of coarse)and now I can hear what's going on in your life (via the computer.) It's just like a child's make-believe friend only better.
Keep the kit ideas comming. I need it ready to put together or I never get anything FINISHED. That is one reason I love yourstamp kits. Nearly foolproof. Good wishes for you.
da

d.a. taylor