About: The Cobbler's Son

"The cobbler's son goes unshod" yup and the cardmaker's boyfriend goes uncarded, ummm or something along those lines.  So, my dear dear boyfriend 'dre has been doing the cooking the last two nights in the hopes of getting to watch some episodes of "Fringe" together.  But with studying for a test last night and completing a gift for a very special customer tonight he ends up asleep before we can even watch half an episode.

This year for our anniversary I had some nice plans to make him a scrapbook and card that really let him know how I feel.  But then reality set in and I had to go away for training, and when I came back I had to move out my old place.  The move took longer than we planned...

Well, tonight this is what kept me from that cuddle session.  Sometimes I just need to create, and after being sick last week I had to get this out of my system, WHEW!  And it is for a very special friend, co-worker, and customer.  Just a little thank you for her being so loyal:

For Cheryl, she believes in me, Thank You!

My version of Santa's Drawers from www.splitcoaststampers.com

Well, that is all.  I am done, gonna wake him up and watch at least one episode of Fringe with my sweetie.  Later, I am off to card my 'dre.

Supplies used: Paper: Bazzill glazed Christmas,  Me & My BIG Ideas; ribbon, button, bling, eyelets, and holly leaves from my stash.  I took them out of the packaging so I forgot who they are from.

About: Forgiveness

So yeah, I've been soooo flip flopping sick this last week that I could not create!  GRRRR!!!  I hate when that happens, truly.  Forced to take a few days off from work, school, life, etc. for no other reason but to cough like you're hacking up a lung, chest burning, blah blah blah.

Well, I am back from my hiatus and the first cards I made are:

from me to mom

from the girls to grandma

These cards are for my mom, who because of family politics too lengthy to explain here ;) has been absent from my life for the last few months.  We will leave that there.

So, the reason I named this entry "About: Forgiveness" is because well if there were anything that I have not perfected is FORGIVENESS.  It is a flaw in me that prevents me from being totally whole.  I admire individuals that get hurt from an individual and turn around and embrace that same individual in their lives after a short period of time.  I just can't do that.  There is something inherent in me that makes it easier for me to just walk away and forget that person ever even existed in my world. 

It's kind of childish, I am sure it is.  But one of the things that I have mastered is the ability to realize when a relationship has reached its end, or has become toxic.  It may not be until years later when I find a photo tucked into a book, or run across that person at a social event, and now thanks to the wonders of Facebook, I get a friends request, that I think about the person.  And the funny thing is, I always think of the good things first.  But I am getting better.  I really am.  I promise, pinky promise, that I will grow up and learn about this FORGIVENESS thing. 

There is one saving grace, my two young women.  I have forgiven minor offenses, Bazzil Bling paper used to keep score of UNO games, giraffe figurines crashed, heehee minor offenses.  As they grow, I know I will be faced with more serious issues but I could never imagine walking away from these two ladies.  I thank the Higher Power for blessing me with a direct link to my more human side.

SUPPLIES USED:  Die Cuts With a View patterned card stock; ribbon & rhinestones from my stash; Stickles Ice; Me & My Big Ideas sentiment and flower.

About: Blooming Where You Are Planted

One of my favorite sayings is "Bloom where you are planted", I credit Mary Engelbreit because the first time I heard about that saying it was on one of her calendars.  

I ensure I surround myself (and my girls) with people I genuinely enjoy being around.  People that inspire, that act upon situations, that refuse to be victims, they stand for something, that are open minded, that like to laugh yet aren't afraid to cry, they take different directions when they need to BLOOM.  

When I moved back home to NYC, I left the most amazing circle of friends any woman could ever dream of having.  Phenomenal? Caring? Strong? Intelligent? Wise? hmmm all of the above.  These women helped me heal parts of me that I didn't know were broken.  I was content, the Higher Power had blessed me with knowing these women, and being graced with their presence for almost 5 years.  

  
Being blessed with good friends, I thought it could not possibly get better.  That was my view until I met the wonderful friends I met in NYC. I feel fortunate to know the people I know, I love them for all the different things they are, and most importantly for the common thread among all of them. From my BFF from HS Nicole, to my Army pals in Hawaii, to the grand PPPs at SIUE, to my co-worker gals at AHM, my Twinplets HunnyBear & Sara, my sassy scrapbook pals, now my co-workers at my current job, and of course my only sister mom Baby, you accept me for all I am, and in one way or another helped me BLOOM WHERE I WAS PLANTED.  So I thank you, I love you, and even if we hardly speak, please know I always think about you.

Today I received a call from one of the most spectacular angels that walks the earth. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways that I could not possibly list them all on here.  I get so happy when I talk to her because she embodies everything that is inherently good in people, and it gives me hope that maybe my girls will be ok in this crazy world.  Sara, thank you for just being who you are.  Hugs.  

This is what my conversation with Sara inspired me to create:

Hope you like!  

Supplies: K&Co.: "bloom" sticker", DCWV Garden Party Stack: patterned cardstock, Sizzix: turquoise adhesive paper, Spellbinders: Labels 9 die, Recollections: brown cardstock, ribbon & bling from  my stash.