Friday, January 2, 2015

Just a Note- and THANK YOU...Inkspirational Challenge #73~Word Prompt, Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Anything Goes


HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my wonderful friends!

My family and I want to express our heart-felt gratitude for all the prayers, compassion, notes and hugs sent our way during the past several days, when you learned of my father's life-threatening condition.

With deep sadness, I share with you that my father passed away on December 30th, which was my parents 56th Wedding Anniversary.  At the moment, I have no words to express my sorrow, but I will at some later point. Just know that I truly have drawn tremendous strength from your support in my efforts to be strong for my mom. I'll be staying with her for two more weeks, so my cards for the next while will be rather simple. My husband packed and delivered my mobile crafting unit when he came yesterday, knowing that spending time creating would provide me excellent therapy. How right he is.

Whew...thank you for indulging me with my news; time to shift gears to announce that today begins the first Inkspirational Challenge #73 for 2015, with this many-possibilities word prompt:


We're joined by amazing designer, Marika, who has created a smile-making, day-brightening card for us.  My team-mates will also dazzle you with their varied interpretations of "note", so please take some time to visit their blogs and leave them some love...


My card is simple...a several-layered die cut CAS-ual Fridays' treble clef, a wee music stamp and one of my favourite sentiments from STAMPlorations.   How sweet that my husband included a note-themed die in the 'picks and chooses' he made for me!


Finding a photo-shoot spot at my mom's proved a bit challenging, so my apologies for the somewhat 'washed out' picture (umm..and maybe getting it finished earlier in the day would have helped, too. I have a good excuse: we went for a most delightful bit of 'healing': spending time with my niece and nephew, and as always, time kind of got away on us...)


(A new photo today, sharing some space with one of the beautiful bouquets we've received....)

I'm adding my card to the galleries at:
Virginia's View Challenge #11~Clean Slate


Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Anything Goes


Looking forward to seeing your note-inspired gems over at Inkspirational.  The winner will be invited to Guest Design for a future challenge; I'd be thrilled if it were you.

Thank you so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!


36 comments:

Kylie said...

Carol, my thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family at this time. I'm so glad that you will be able to get crafty while staying with your mum. I love that you have a mobile crafting unit (MCU)! Your card is amazing - as they always are. Love and hugs from down under xx

Barb Ghig said...

Oh Carol, I am so very sorry to hear that your dad has passed...my heartfelt condolences to you and your mom. How wonderful that you are staying with her right now, and that you are also able to spend some time being creative! Your card is fabulous, too...I love how the red is peeking out from behind the die cut...such a clever detail...and so 'You'!
Sending you big hugs!

Marina said...

Simple and stunning Carol. Thinking of you. Lots of love.

Marika said...

Carol, so sorry to hear about your father. My deepest condolences to you and your mother. Thank you for your kinds words on my card. I am so glad if it gave you even a little smile!

sandie said...

Perfectly CAS and the touch of red inspired. Thinking of you x

Pop's Cards said...

Hi sweetie, love your gorgeous card...

So sorry to read about your Father, I know it is not something you ever get over and I was sent a poem so thought I would share it with you in the hope you find some comfort...

Don't think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.


Know that I am here for you and thinking and praying for you all, huggles Pops x x x

Sue - said...

So sorry to hear about your father. Good that you are able to spend time with your Mum and what an amazing husband you have who can pack you a MCU and know what to put in it! You've made a beautiful card with it too.

Kim M said...

Your card is simply CAS-alicious! Love how you stacked your treble clef die cut. And you used the same sentiment stamp as I did! Great minds think alike! Thinking of you sweet C. Hugs!

Jeanne said...

Hello Carol, I'm happy for you that you are staying with your mom and helping each other for this first bit of healing. I read your friend Pop's comment with the poem and loved the uplifting and reassuring message. Thank you to Pops for sharing that! I think it's terrific that you have a mobile crafting unit and that you are able to be creative. Your card is wonderful. Feels like one can float away on a song! Well done! Spending time with little ones sure helps. So glad you were able to live in the moment with them. Hugs to you and your family.

Dana said...

Carol, I was so sad when I heard the new, I had hoped that he would pull through. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending hugs over the miles.

~amy~ said...

Oh Carol, my heart goes out to you and your family. Please let me know if I can help out in any way. I'm glad that you are able to craft while away...your card is wonderful.
♡♡♡

Marlena M. said...

Carol, I'm so sorry for your loss. May God continue to comfort you and your family. I'm sure your sweet niece and nephew helped lighten the atmosphere with their funny antics- they sure love their aunt Carol! :) Your card is stunning in its simplicity, by the way. Your husband is sweet to bring you your craft supplies to create with. Thank you for keeping us posted

Shauna said...

This is a great card Carol! The treble clef die is perfect here along with the sentiment and music stamp. It is great to hear that crafting is a healing outlet for you. I am praying for your family as you mourn. So sorry for your loss.
- Shauna

Pia Larsen said...

Splendid CAS card, Carol! Love how the red peeks out from under the huge music note.
A 1000 hugs going your way in my thoughts these days :)

Anita in France said...

Simple and crisp, Carol ... love that touch of red! Still keeping you all in my prayers ... hugs across the miles, my friend, Anita :)

Loll said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Carol. It's wonderful that you are able to stay for a while to support your mom. Having your mobile craft unit delivered by your hubby will definitely provide you with time to escape and be creative ... how sweet of him! Take care. Loll xx

Kylie said...

Hugs hugs hugs! Best wishes to you and your family during your sad time. :( Heartbreaking news! So glad you've got your lovely hubby to the rescue with your crafting goodies. Your card is simple but oh so classic and elegant. How I wish I could create cards like you! hugs!

Virginia L. said...

So sorry to hear the new of your father! Sending you big hugs! Carol, this card is so CAS and so perfect! I love how you let a bit of color coming through the Fri-Die! Thanks so much for playing Simon Says Stamp Wednesday “Anything Goes” Challenge! It makes me happy that you linked it up to Virginia's View Challenge as well. AWESOME entry! Take good care now!

Darnell said...

That was lovely, Carol. I know that had to be hard to write. I'm am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Fortunately, you have the talent to make the most awesome cards with just a tiny little mobile craft caddie and this beauty shows what I mean! How kind of Serena Dipity to help your hubby pack your goodies!! Take care, my friend. Once again, I'm very sorry for your loss. Hugs, Darnell

Carole said...

Carol........you have been in my thoughts so much over the Christmas period and I am so very sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. Time heals and the memories are always happy ones. I feel it was meant that you were there at the time your dad was taken ill. You are a wonderful support to your mum and your husband is to you......how lovely he brought you your crafting and the young in the family will brighten this time a little I am sure. You may not think it now but it does get easier. Love and hugs at this difficult time...I shall keep thinking about you. xx

Susanne Vargas said...

I am so sorry to hear about your father, Carol! It's so good that you are able to spend the first weeks with your mother! I wish you all much strength during this difficult time!
How sweet of your husband to bring your craft supplies! He knows you well! And it's true, crafting is great therapy! Love your card!

Kim Heggins said...

Carol, I am so sorry to hear about your father, please know you and your family are in my prayers. Enjoy the time you are spending with your mom, she needs you and your wonderful strength.
Your card is just as beautiful as those flowers...sending hugs your way.

Taunya Butler said...

To my dear, sweet, beautiful friend!!! I hope you are doing well! I am thinking of you and praying for you!! Please know that you are lived and cared for!! Your card is so beautifully simple and so perfect for the cue word!! So excited, I am going to give this challenge a try - you are a lovely lady who makes such lovely things!! Hugs for you,!!!

Monika Reeck said...

Dear Carol Carol, my thoughts and prayers also still with you and your family ...I can feel it is hard to have loss your lovely DAD but he must be happy there near GOD at the heaven look at you and your mom...he must be proud of you Carol and you lucky to have a Mobile Crafting Unit to move with you at your mom´s home...and your card it is simple and adorable as always
may I send a deepest symphaty card Carol?
If you dont want to tell your address may I send it to your mom addy...
just reply me and I will send you soon my dear friend..
biiiig hugs from Munich
Monika

Cindy Lovell said...

Sweet Carol...my heart is breaking for you and your family!!! :( I am so unbelievable sorry for your loss!!!!!!!!!! :( I am sending you one huge HUG across the ocean!! So sorry!! :(
Your card is so pretty! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,sweet friend!!

Kay Miller said...

My sweet friend, you were in my thoughts so much over the holidays. My heart just broke for you. I am so sorry about your father. I'm glad that you are staying with your Mom and glad that your sweet hubby brought the mobile crafting unit. I'm sure it helps to have something creative to do:) Your card sure lovely. The layered music die is really fabulous! You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs :)

Nonni said...

Your CAS card is simply stunning Carol. I hope you'll be able to relax a bit with the crafty goodies your hubby brought you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xxx

Tracey McNeely said...

Carol I was keeping you close to my heart over the holidays, hoping that it would bring you strength to deal with whatever you needed it for. I am so very very sorry for your loss--an email has been sent to you my friend. xoxo

Geri said...

Stunning simplicity, gorgeous white space and BEAUTIFUL flowers in the background!

I'm thinking that Andy has secretly been stalking you as you craft cuz he sure knows which products to pack! (It scares me to think what Danny would pack!!!)

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Oh Carol, how sad. I feel for you. You will always miss him. Good that you can spend some time with your mom. And that you have some crafting supplies with you - I am sure that helps. Sending love and condolences. Big hug, Cornelia

Happy Dance said...

You and your family are continually in my thoughts and prayers. Reach out if you need me; I'm here for you dear friend.
Your card is CAS perfection. LOVE it! No....LOVELOVELOVE it!!!! That red peeping out is brilliant. Awesome cool. Sending hugs. Bev

Greta said...

You've been in my thoughts, dear friend. No words can help, I know, but hopefully you feel the hugs. Clearly you're married to the right guy--wonderful card for the challenge! Hoping to be able to play along--you've inspired me as always. Hugs, Greta

Deepti said...

I can't imagine the sorrow you are going through... sending loads of love your way. I know you might not have got the time but just wanted to tell you that I had emailed you. Take care.. Lots of love

Cristine said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but I am glad that creating beautiful cards is helping you heal.

Shelly said...

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad making cards is helping you...this certainly, is beautiful. Hugs

Katie Ann Brooks said...

So very sorry for you loss Carol. My condolences to your family. I know the coming days will be rough but you have good craft therapy at hand, a loving family and all us crafty friends. If I can do anything please let me know. Hugs.