To Everything There is a Season

I have always processed life events and emotions using music.  I can't imagine life without music.  But for the first time ever, for a while this week, music left me. There was nothing. Just silence, not the good kind either.  

"To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time to every purpose under heaven..."

It's easy to have faith when life is rolling along, just as we think it should.  But what about when the going gets rough, and then harder still?  And how about when, just when you think you are at full capacity, another tragedy, completely unforeseen occurs?  Then faith is tested.

For me, it's been just like that recently.  For months I've been using music, friends, my faith and my career to deal fairly well with an unusual amount of life events.  Sure, there are moments when I permit a little breakdown, get it out of my system.  It's part of the process when working through these situations.

"A time to be born, 

a time to die..."

And then it happened.  Truly one of the most vibrant, brilliant, beautiful, graceful and generous women that God ever created literally dropped dead at the age of 49.  Born and raised in India, Shalini came to the US and received her Master's and PhD here.  Her remarkable son and daughter are in the process of completing their own degrees.  Her husband, Satish is an exceptionally successful executive.  I thank God that He brought them to our church family many years ago.  

"...A time to laugh, a time to weep..."

And then it happened.  While visiting friends and family in Colorado, my dear cousin's wife had a grand mal seizure, lasting an unusually long time.  Fortunately she had just arrived at her destination and was no longer driving.  It took some time to arrange suitable airline transportation to get her back home to California.  Now they begin the rounds of testing and diagnosing all of the whys, hows, and next steps.

"...A time to dance, a time to mourn..."

And then it happened.  Biopsies have confirmed cancer in new locations on my Dad's neck.  For pity's sake, the man is in his 80's.  Can't we just grant him peace during these years?

Now it is Saturday.  One week later, that seems like a year.  Obviously the music is making a comeback, I take that as a healthy sign.  This phase of my life is taking all that I've got, and it's a good thing I've got a lot.  
A lot of faith.
A lot of love.
A lot of friends.
A lot of sorrow.

Sorrow is ok.  It's warranted in all of these occurrences.  A lack of sorrow would be the result of a lack of love, compassion and caring.  But it is sorrow nonetheless.  And sorrow takes time.  And effort.  And music.  

Just for the record, the line "And a time for every purpose under Heaven" has me stymied.  The only purpose I can find in all of this is:

Don't waste your life here.  

If you love people, tell them.  

If you are unhappy with your life or who you are, change it.  

Accept that we can not find all the answers in this life.

Never stop caring for those in need.

Make a difference.

Shalini made a difference.  My Dad continues to make a difference.  Suzy (my cousin's wife) is an inspiration.

Well, if you read all the way to here, I am amazed!  This is mainly about me processing my stuff from the week...not sure it has any meaning beyond that.  Now, the sun is shining (although it's still very cold outside) and my house needs cleaning.  Time to get busy.

"How can I keep from singing?"

God bless you!

Dueling Darlings Feel the Love!

Life is a lesson, and know what I learned this past week?  Multiple rounds of shoveling heavy & wet snow, knocking icicles off of the roof and moving a refrigerator and pantry cupboard should never be jammed into the same 4 day period.  At least not at my age, haha!

So, hanging my head in shame here...I am late getting my Dueling Darlings challenge card done and posted.  Bufferin did its magic and today I was able to coax my fingers and wrists into some paper therapy.  Here is my card:

The Dazzlers' kit was sent to us by our dear Debbie and I am very grateful to have a few extras of that great image - thanks Debbie!!  The flowers, heart brads, both ribbons and the two DP's were also included in her kit.  I added a chocolate brown colored card stock for the base.

Our theme this month is "Feel the Love" and we are honoring the two founders of our group:

Jeanette and Kelly.

These two women are very special, each for many reasons!  But to me, they are special, spiritual friends, who are always compassionate and willing to lend a shoulder or a shout out, which ever a person may need at the time!  I am very thankful that they are my friends, and that they invited me into this wonderful group of women, and they all have blessed me with their friendship and support.

Debbie and Barb, thanks for a heartwarming theme and such a great kit.  I hope that you like my results.

Unidentified Image Swap Reveal!

Today is the reveal date for those of us participating in the Unidentified Image Swap on Split Coast Stampers.  Jody, our host for this round selected a Snoopy & Woodstock image.  We all received the images from her, make 4 cards & return them to Jody, who swaps them out, we receive 3 different cards back and the Unidentified Image for the next round.

Here's what I made with image:

Snoopy is too cool with his shades on, lovin on little Woodstock!  So I figured that some bright, summery colors and paper were just the thing.  Hopefully others agree.








Here's a view from an angle, trying to capture some of the shine and glimmer from the bright DP used on the background panel:

I tried to make this a general, all-purpose type of card, it seems like we can always use some of those.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's creations.





Next round has me as the hostess.  I'll be interested to see their reaction to the image and hope that they have fun with it!


Thanks for stopping by, life's been a bit hectic lately.  Hopefully things will settle down some and I can get in more card making time.  Fingers crossed!

January Mystery Image Swap

Did you faint?  Two blog posts by me in one week?  (and I'm not even late for this one...)

Today is the reveal day for our Mystery Image Swap on SCS.  Kate is our host and she chose this adorable little guy from SU:

He's colored with a combination of pencils & gamsol and SU markers.  I went kinda fantasy on his colors, hope that's ok!

The papers are a little glittery and from a pack by DCWV called "Nana's Nursery, Baby Girl". I punched an oversized border punch by Martha Stewart, cut it in half and pieced it along the edge of the green DP to make that edge.

Here's a view from an angle, trying to show the glitter on the DP's.  However I doubt that it shows up well.



Thank you Kate for getting me outside of my usual zone with this fun little dinosaur image!  I hope that you and the other swappers like my card and thanks also for being a great hostess for this round!  Can't wait to get these back and see what the mystery image is for the next round.

Thanks for dropping by and thanks for leaving comments.  Wishing you all a great day!

Dueling Angels in January

Well...so much for my New Year Goal of being on time, LOL.  But I'm "only" one day behind here...

Jan. 15th was the Dueling Darlings post date.  Melina was the hostess for the Dazzlers and Carol (aka Glittah Queen) was the hostess for the Divas.  Our theme: Angels.

Here is my card with the GORGEOUS kit sent by Melina:

Image: C.C.Designs "Peace on Earth"
Polka Dot teal paper by Recollections
Gold-feathered acetate sheet: Crafters Companion
Fabric Flower: Wal-Mart
Teal button: MFT (mounted underneath the flower)

I must say, the gold acetate sheet is spectacular!  I almost wanted to hoard it LOL, but then I though how lovely it would be on top of the right cardstock.

The image is colored with SU markers, Spectrum Noir markers and the gold and clear sparkles on her dress, halo and wings are done with Spica Markers.

We were asked to share any "Angel Unaware" stories about someone we consider an angel. It seems I have many at this time, which is a true blessing!

My cardmaking buddies in Stamper Addicts and the Dueling Darlings are offering me prayers, positive reinforcement and friendships.  Thank you!

In my "other" life I would have to say that my son and neighbors who are helping me deal with snow, ice, and several other challenges that have come my way recently are true angels.  They've helped me time and again without me even having to ask.

I honestly believe in angels all around us, and have a few amazing stories of first hand accounts where the only possible explanation is that angels intervened on my behalf.  Who ever said that miracles only happened 2,000 years ago in the Bible?  Perhaps it's only mankind's arrogance that won't give the credit to angels.

Thank you Melina and Carol for picking such a great theme and sending such a pretty kit to work with.  It was angelic!

A Fond Adieu to Crafters of Faith

Our little online group is disbanding, The Crafters of Faith will finish off 2013 with one final challenge.  Issued by our lovely leader, Kelly.  Here's her challenge for us:

Psalm 113:2 (KJV) "Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore." During this celebratory time of year, we rejoice at the miracle of the birth of the son of God! One of my very favorite Christmas songs is Holy Night, heads bowed before the Redeemer.  The literal translation of the first verse is:

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior. 

With that, I ask you to create a card based on the blessing we receive from knowing how much was given for us! May we all be aware of the beautiful blessings we have and bestow to others.
For your December card, create a card of your choice in color and design with the theme: Sprinkle an abundance of Blessings!

Stamp: "Chickadees on Pine", Sentiment: "Tree-Mendous" by Technique Tuesday
Cardstock: SU Cranberry Crisp & Brilliant Blue
Background Stamp: "Snowflake Sky" by Brother Sister Design Studio (2001), embossed with Stardust Embossing Powder by Stampendous
Colored with Prismacolor and Derwent pencils
Embellishments: Stickles for snow & frost on branches, ribbon from local craft store, corner punch by EK Success

Here's a closer look at the image, showing some of the glittery pine branches.





Chickadees are one of my favorite wild birds.  While other breeds are jockeying for position at the feeders, and arguing over who gets to eat & when, these little guys swoop in and out, eating their fill, ignoring all the silly bickering of the others!


I am reminded of Matthew 6:25:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink...
Look at the birds of the air;  they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?"

2013 has been a rough year for me, and for many friends and family members as well.  Through it all, it helped me to remember just how much was NOT going wrong in my life!

Kelly: I count knowing you as a blessing.  Thank you for starting our group and keeping it alive!  Because of you & your efforts I have enlarged my circle of online friends and that is also a blessing to me.

This is a fitting close to our monthly challenges - encouraging us to remember our blessings and how abundantly God loves us.  Peace to all of you in 2014!

Dueling Darlings and Treasures from Grandma!

Hello my friends!  My original post "poofed" into another realm...I have no idea what became of it, so here's round two:
The Dueling Darlings December kit for the Dazzlers came from our beloved Jeanette.  Here's what I came up with:

Image: Kraftin Kimmie O Holy Night
Papers: Paper Studio Hay and Wood Fences
Embellishments: Hobby Lobby Plywood Star Stickers, Hobby Lobby Gold Glitter Organza

The adorable image is colored with Spectrum Noir markers, cut out and mounted onto the Hay DP, which was die cut with Nestabilities "Labels 18".  This was mounted onto black CS die cut with Nestabilities rectangular scallop.

The front of the card features that wonderful Wood Fences DP topped with black cs covered with the Gold Glitter Organza.  Of course they need the star, so there it is, shining in the night!





Here's a side view, at an angle to show how gorgeous that Organza is.  It really sparkles!

Thank you, Jeanette for sending such a fun image and creative kit this month!  I truly enjoyed working up this card.

Here's the other part of the challenge: "Include in your post a Christmas story of your own. Perhaps a special Christmas decoration you own, a childhood memory, Christmas tradition, etc."

I knew immediately that I would share some of my treasures from Grandma.  She made incredible art from beads: wedding bells for my wedding cake, a mobile for over the crib of clowns and birds, miniature coffee & tea service, and many, many other items that defy description.

I have a box of Christmas ornaments that she made.  They are over 30 years old now and are truly loved by me.  My pictures fail to capture how brightly they sparkle in the sun or with the lights on the tree, but here are a few for you to look at.

A few angels and a southern belle.

Two of my favorite Christmas bells.

A closer look at the red bell with the overlay of clear and gold beading.

An assortment of various other ornaments.  The candy cane is amazing!











Some in blues with clear or mirrored accents.

Some are very dimensional.  These baubles are unique.  The green & clear one almost has a shape of a dreidel.

Holding it up, trying to give a better idea of it's shape.

A sampling of snowflakes and crystal shapes.  These look like glass when in a window or on the tree.

What's Christmas without wreaths?  Here are two.

And two more wreaths.

This star is wide in the center.  Below is a side view.
























Perhaps you can imagine how special these are.  My pictures really don't do them justice.  As I said, she made beautiful wedding bells for our wedding cake.  She crocheted teeny tiny clear beads into a beautiful necklace and gave that to me when I was a teenager.

She was a creative genius, making art out of rocks, (some of her collections won awards), soup bones, sunflower seeds, and many other common items.  Her work is now owned by her six daughters and over 20 of us grandchildren!  And now we begin to share them with her great grandchildren.  A very special legacy.

I think this is the longest blog post I've ever done, and if you stuck with me throughout, thank you!

Wishing all of you a very blessed Christmas and a safe and healthy new year!