Monday, January 25, 2016

X's and O's








How was your weekend? We had several visitors over the weekend. Dad was very happy to see his three nieces who came to visit from the Greater Toronto Area. We hadn't seen them in a very long time and it was lovely that they made the visit down. I had a little time to make this clean and simple Valentine Card. It came together quite quickly and I was inspired by the Splitcoaststamper Clean and Simple Challenge. I used the following products.


Both from Impression Obsession Stamps 


Embossing Folder and Designer Paper from Stampin' UP!

For those of you that left lovely comments with regard to my last post about my Father; your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. I also noticed I lost a few followers after that post. 
Perhaps they only wish to see my cards, however my blog is about my life. Creations, trials, tribulations, successes. For a very long time I got away from the more personal aspect of my blog, but my musings are as much a part of me as my cards and paper crafts. For those of you that appreciate that, I appreciate you. 

Have a wonderful week and i'll be back soon

--Vicki~~


Saturday, January 23, 2016

Facing Mortality


It's been a really rough few days. We got the news that Dad's cancer is an aggressive one and is not curable. Although it didn't come as a total shock, the news still bit like a cold north wind on my exposed cheeks. It's very difficult to watch someone be told that they are on borrowed time. Granted, as my Father says, he's had 80 good years. Nevertheless I wonder whether it's easier to pass suddenly. oblivious to the fact that you are living your last minutes or to have some time, but to have to deal with the deterioration of your body and the pain that accompanies that.

We are blessed to have so many people that care for us. The sidewalk leads a steady stream of visitors to the door, the ring of the phone a constant. Offers of help, support and kind words make us feel so very loved. 

It's funny the degree to which memories surface when you are spending time together. As we sat in the den last night I recalled our father daughter trip to Florida. At that time we lived in Brighton in a Victorian Home that we rented from a nice elderly lady. My Father, being the kind fellow that he was used to drive her to Florida in the Fall and Fly down to drive her back to Dresden in the Spring. I was lucky to accompany him on one of those trips, spending a week in West Palm Beach. Of course he took me to Disney World. It was a small park then in comparison to now, but I remember it being a pretty great day. I was disappointed that "it's a small world" was closed down, but really enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean. Fast forward to the teacup ride. I was spinning the cup so fast that Dad started to look a little green and insisted that I slow it down a bit-party pooper! (grin) On to the haunted house, which gave him a little reprieve from the fast lane. 

I took Jonathon to Disney when he was around eight years old. Things had changed immensely since I was ten. It was strange, but "it's a small world" was again closed down for renovations, but the teacups and the haunted house were just as they were 3o years earlier. 

I guess through this whole process, many memories and emotions will surface. My musings bring me comfort. In that comfort I shall find the strength that I need to remain as positive as possible and bring comfort to those around me. My biggest comfort is  my belief that when he leaves this earth, his life is not over, but rather his next journey begins. Is it a better place as everyone says, or is it just another place, another journey? My wish is that his last days are good days and filled with the love of family and good friends



Dad and his "bestest" buddy



                     Vicki


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Flower Power! Impression Obsession Designer Challenge


Good Morning! Sorry I was running a little late this morning as I've had a few busy days. I also intended to take a very short walk this morning, however although it was a frosty -14, the sun was shining so beautifully we walked a little further.





 Although I'm a fan of all the Artists at IO stamps, I love love love the images of one of the newer artists, Lindsay Ostrom! This image is called Pretty l'il flowers. isn't it the sweetest???

I completed the panel with the sentiment from 

Make sure you share your flower power and enter your card for a chance to win some goodies from Impression Obsession~

 Be sure to check out the designer blogs for some inspiration


Happy Stamping~


--Vicki~~

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

A Little Bandage makes a difference!



I was really excited when I got my TSOL stamps for this month! It's the cutest little bandage set ever~ I created this fun card for my class this week! I wanted to make more cards in this colour combo 'cause it's SO retro~ 

The stamp set is Bandages2stamp

Cardstock is from Stampin' Up!

Stay tuned for a fun announcement!!!

Hugs and Love,

Vicki

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Two Hearts-One Love


Things have settle down a bit here at home. Dad had been in the Hospital since the 29th of December and gladly, we got him home on Friday. He looks much better since he has been eating and resting a little more than he had been in the hospital. He's been blessed to have many caring friends; a day hasn't went by without at least a visit or two and several phone calls. It's a huge relief to have him here, which will allow us to get back into our regular routines.

I created this card for this weeks stamping class. I'll have a few to share with you over the next little while, but this one's the prettiest I think

I wanted to use some of the many hearts stamps from the Impression Obsession Spring Release. I love hearts in all shapes and sizes and managed to use a few on my card~




Designer Paper and Cardstock is from Stampin' Up~


Friday, January 8, 2016

And last, but not least-Day 5 Impression Obsession Spring Release Hop



Good Morning!

Today will conclude the Impression Obsession Spring Release Hop.
This has been an awesome week and I am overwhelmed by all the wonderful comments on my blog

Today I have a very clean and simple card for you. It's funny because when I'm asked to define my style, I pretty much respond with " I have none". Well I suppose it's not that I don't have any style, but rather my style flucuates all the time. I just tend to create from my heart and am guided by looking at the stamp and going with the idea that strikes me at the time. 

For this card, I wanted to create a background that was bold, but still allowed for the sentiment to dominate. I love the sentiment. Finding power within ourselves is not easy, but like the characters in the Wizard of Oz who were looking for Courage, Intelligence and Compassion we really don't have to look far. The Butterfly image designed by Dina K.  is so striking. I can see myself using it over and over and I added the parsley stem for interest and a contrasting colour. 



I hope you've enjoyed the hop this week and I wish you the best of luck in the draw. Don't forget that TWO lucky people will win a $25.00 Gift Certificate. One will be drawn from the list of today's comments and one more for comments throughout the week!


Here's who is hopping today:




--Vicki~~

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Day 4 Impression Obsession Spring Release Blog Hop



Good Morning! It sounds like you are all enjoying the spring release blog hop! Wow! I've seen some gorgeous creations this week for sure!!!!!

Today I bring you Baxter Bun Bun!!!! He is one funny bunny~~~ Looks like perhaps he's imbibed on a little too much easter chocolate if you ask me! Either that or those hopping bunnies at the bottom of the card have him all confused~ They seem to enjoy frockling through the grass. Although you can't really see it, I used the Mod Floral Background on the card base. Additionally I used the all in one circle frame to add just a touch more dimension!!!

Be sure to leave your comment for the chance of the gift certificate prize


--Vicki~~

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Day 3 Impression Obsession Spring Release Blog Hop



Good Morning! We're now on day 3 of the hop and well, you probs know the drill by now! If you don't scroll down a spell to see all the deets of how you can leave a comment for a chance to win some sweet gift certificates from Impression Obsession!

I pulled out all stops to use all kinds of fun products on my Be Happy Card~ I love everything about it~ I know, probably sounds a little conceited, but I don't too my horn too often unless I  make something that really makes me smile!

Soooo what did I use?







I really enjoyed making this card because I haven't done layered stamping in a long time! It's so easy with this delicious new Clear Set called  Sunflower Set, which also includes the great sentiment

I added the fun little border by cutting the Rectangle Die in about half. A quick, clean and simple card to contrast the layout buzzy bee card! lol

Here's who's hoppin today! Pop on by and see what they have in store for you!!! (Although you may have already been as I'm often the last stop on the hop! Ah well, better late than never!)


Happy Stamping!

--Vicki~~

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Impression Obsession Spring Release Blog Hop Day 2

It's day two of the Impression Obsession Spring Release Blog Hop!
 
We have some beautiful new stamps to share AND a Gift Certificates to give away!

The hop will run for 5 days (1/4/16 - 1/8/16 with a list of participants on the Impression Obsession Blog each day at 6am EST. Visit our fabulous IO Design Team’s blogs (only one comment per blog please) for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate! The more blogs you visit … the better chance you will have to win!!!

I am so blessed to have some of those four leaf clovers in my life. Some are near and some of my dearest are far away, but we still continue to be a strong system of support for one another. You all know who you are and I love you much!

Shamrock Die- to make the four leaf clover, I just cut an extra Shamrock and added a fourth leaf on each bunch!

on the last day of the hop TWO winners will be chosen. One for Friday and one random winner from sometime during the week. So if you miss a day make sure and go back and comment! 


This was a quick and simple card that I made, but I quite like the clean feel
For this card, I used:

D9996 Striped Hello Mug



Comment entries will be open until 9pm CT on Sunday January 10th and all winners will be announced Monday January 11th. Good luck!

Be sure to visit the super talented DT and leave some love on their blogs:



If you have any questions please email Jeanne.

All of the new stamps you'll be seeing on the hop are available NOW!



Good Luck!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Impression Obsession Spring Release Blog Hop



Welcome to the Impression Obsession Spring Release Blog Hop!
 
We have some beautiful new stamps to share AND a Gift Certificates to give away!

The hop will run for 5 days (1/4/16 - 1/8/16 with a list of participants on the Impression Obsession Blog each day at 6am EST. Visit our fabulous IO Design Team’s blogs (only one comment per blog please) for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate! The more blogs you visit … the better chance you will have to win!!!


And we have a bonus... on the last day of the hop TWO winners will be chosen. One for Friday and one random winner from sometime during the week. So if you miss a day make sure and go back and comment! 


 For my first card, I used the following items

C19103 Fly
C19128 Spring Birdie
CC240 Mode Floral






For this card, I used

CC232 Nature Cover a Card
F19104 Circle Vines
Die 059-N Fancy Butterfly
B13431 Friendship is Love with Wings


Comment entries will be open until 9pm CT on Sunday January 10th and all winners will be announced Monday January 11th. Good luck!

Be sure to visit the super talented DT and leave some love on their blogs:



If you have any questions please email Jeanne.

All of the new stamps you'll be seeing on the hop are available NOW!




Good Luck!

Friday, January 1, 2016

Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant- kind of sums up 2015-on with 2016



Ain't that the truth~ I was reading through my New Year's Eve post from last year, which indicated what a challenging year 2014 was, with hope for a more promising 2015. I would say although there were many ups and downs, overall 2015 was significantly better than 2014. In 2015 I got stronger and although I still have quite a way to go, I'm getting there. 

In 2015 my "old self" began to emerge. I smiled and laughed more and although things were stressful at times, I took a huge leap off the crazy roller coaster ride i'd been on for several years.

In 2015 I slept through the night, stayed true to myself and depended much less on the approval of others as a measure of my self worth.

2015 certainly wasn't perfect. In fact in was damned rock coming in and going out. 

Just before Christmas my Father was diagnosed with Cancer. We are still not sure of the course of treatment, but should have more news in the next couple of weeks as to what he will have to endure in the coming months. My prayer is that we get the best possible outcome and that he doesn't have to suffer with pain. We made the most of our Christmas and will make the most of each day that we can enjoy with him. My Dad has quite a sense of humour and is doing a good job of utilizing that as a coping mechanism, thus I felt it was appropriate to share this card with you.



He is definately feeling like the hydrant right at the moment!!! I actually made this card for Ken, our newspaper guy! He is not just you average newspaper guy though. Along with the paper he would put a couple of dog biscuits in the mailbox for Sydney. Syd would drag someone out to the mailbox every morning to see if her treats were there yet! Sometimes with some help from her Momma, Syd would leave a treat for Ken to take home and share with his wife or leave him a card!

Sadly, a couple of weeks before Christmas when he was headed out in the wee hours of the morning, Ken's car was hit head on by a drunk driver. He still remains in the hospital with his leg broken in a couple of places and several broken ribs. He's had a couple of strokes while in the Hospital. I can only pray that he has a speedy recovery. I'm not sure if he'll be back on the route, but what matters is that he recover as best as possible. My wish is that Ken get healthy in 2016

In 2016 I'm going to.............

Read more, eat les
Breathe more deeply, allow myself to carry a lighter load

Love those that are dear to me, ignore those that bring me down

Remember that I reap what I sow, so I need to be mindful to sow an abundant crop!


Wishing you all much love, good health and happiness in 2016

--Vicki~~