Planning ahead ...

My friend called the other day to tell me her best friend's mother is under Hospice care.  She asked if I could create sympathy cards to be ready to mail to her friend and her two sisters.

Becka loves the color green.  She loves birds (all animals, actually) and flowers.  I hope she finds comfort in her time of need when she opens this card.

Laura loves the color red and poppies.  I chose this paper for her and finished it off with a heart and a full tulle bow.

"Anything girlie" was the request for Kathy's card.  I'm hoping she sees bright and sunny days again - just like the sunny yellow on this card.  The settee's extra touch just made me happy and I am hoping it will make her smile, too.

If you look closely, you will see that there is a butterfly on each of the cards.  If there aren't any on the paper, one is added to every sympathy card I create.  I've been told butterflies are a symbol of life after death because of its stages of transformation from egg to adult.

These girls are going to have some rough days ahead of them - I remember all too well.  If you still have your mom, tell her you love her and give her a hug.

Congratulations and Way to Go ...

First up is a retirement card.  This gentleman will soon be wrapping up his career with the United States Air Force.  Thank you, David, for your service.

Next up is another congratulations card.  Way to go, Firefighter Jimmy!

You'll notice a word is spelled incorrectly ... I caught it in time, changed it and never took a picture.  Oh well - at least I caught it, right?

Two birthdays

Lori is celebrating today in Tucson.  I hope this card made her smile!!!  Go ahead and put on that tutu and strut your stuff all over town, Lori!

Cass is celebrating in Grapevine.  Enjoy the festivities and celebrations in your honor.  Here's hoping your day sparkles.

Finishing up Thanksgiving

Thanks for stopping by today to look at the rest of the Thanksgiving cards.  There may or may not be more to share this year and if so, you'll be the first to see them.

Without skipping a beat, the chef is riding his float to the kitchen on Thanksgiving day.  Since he's carrying his knife, I decided to use one I've had in my arsenal for years.

This plump turkey is wishing somebody a Happy Thanksgiving Day.

What's not to love about a pilgrim?  Aren't these autumn colors just spectacular?

Next up the lady is baking a pie.  What's your guess - apple? pecan?  Whatever the flavor, I'm sure it'll be delicious.

Last but not least is this group of people gathered in the field to break bread together as they give thanks.

You may or may not have recognized some of the flowers from this post - recognize any of them?

Well, as always, I have my favorite but I always like to get different opinions.  Please share which of these five is yours - and why.

Next up will be a variety: birthday, thank you, Christmas, retirement and promotion cards.  Stay tuned!

Happy Thanksgiving - a little at a time!

Here's half of the cards I created for this holiday.  The other half can be seen tomorrow so don't go far!

The first one out the gate is this old man fattening up the turkeys.  Oh, those poor turkeys - they think it's their Thanksgiving dinner!  Little do they know, right?

Next up is a Hearty Thanksgiving Greeting.  This young lady sure has her arms full with these pumpkins!

Grateful.  No other word needed on this day of thanksgiving.

This sweet little girl is wishing somebody some Thanksgiving Wishes to go along with that delicious looking pumpkin pie (my favorite, by the way!)

This one just might be my favorite so far.  How lovely is this young pilgrim standing in the snow?

I'm always afraid of getting in a rut and creating the same way all the time.  I have my favorite from this group of five.  What's yours?  What is it that speaks to you?  By knowing this, it allows me to reach my audience rather than just myself.

Thanks for looking now don't forget to come back tomorrow to see the rest.

Happy and Merry

I am happy and I am merry!  Came home late last night from Whitworth Ranch Retreat after spending two very long and very busy days.  Can I just say one thing?  Wedding planners and coordinators do NOT make enough money.  The wedding went off without a hitch and now April and Damon are married after just a four-minute ceremony.

So, to take this "happy" and "merry" one step further, here is a happy birthday card for a 61-year old gentleman.  I hope his day is spectacular in every way.

Next up is the first Christmas card of the season.  Nothing says Merry Christmas better than an image of Mary and Baby Jesus - oh, and a soft white felt poinsettia, too.

Retreating ... sorta

Heading out shortly for Whitworth Ranch Retreat.  This time, I won't have to carry everything I own since it's not really my typical retreat.

Remember all those flowers and centerpieces we made in August?  Don't think any more will have to be made so all I'll need is my trusty glue gun and apron to put the finishing touches on the decorations for tomorrow's wedding.

April and Damon will be tying the knot and making it official.  I've never been to a country chic wedding before and looking forward.

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them when I get home.  The event will also be posted on my other blog: acountrychicretreat.blogspot.com.  I'll let you know once a post has been published.

Here we come ...

Happy anniversary to the most fun couple ever ...

Paul and Carol - enjoy your day and enjoy each other.  Our kind thoughts are with you today.  Celebrate like you did 24 years ago.  I wish we lived closer so that we could have dinner with you and laugh just like old times.

Birthdays Galore

Just in time for four ladies to celebrate their special days.  First up?  How about this colorful one?  Happy birthday, Isabella.

Nothing says "birthday greetings" better than a single pink rose.  Happy birthday, Laura.

Chevrons - sometimes I just can't get enough of them.  Danni, I hope your birthday is everything you want and need.  Enjoy!

Last but not least ... I don't know about you, but I love how soft and serene this one is.  Calm and unruffled.  Happy birthday, Vanessa.  Enjoy your day.

I hope you are having a good week, my friends.  Enjoy the sunshine and crispness in the air.

Strength

The Runner's friend was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  We hope he can be as strong as he can be to beat this awful disease.

Hey Y'all ... it's Fall

Oh my goodness.  Can I just say "busy?"  Here's a sneak peek at what's been happening on my playground.  Spectacular, isn't it?

Oh - and how about this one?  Do you like these color combinations?  Don't let the red and green fool you ... we're talking Fall, not Christmas.  Not yet.

These muted colors are perfect for Fall.  Gold, cream, sage green - perfect!

I typically don't think of purple as a Fall color but it sure works when combined with brown, grey and ecru with a touch of black.

Stay tuned if you want to see the entire cards.  Perhaps next week - have to wait until they're delivered.

Somebody's having a birthday today ...

A former coworker (from many moons ago) is celebrating today.  This was delivered to her doorstep the other day, thanks to The Runner!  She says she's not going to open until today which surprised me because she celebrates her birthday every day in October!  Happy birthday, Debbi!

It's October 1 ...

Today starts Breast Cancer Awareness month, an annual international health campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

Not to get all maudlin on you but I want to remind you that early detection is critical.  Have you had your yearly mammogram?  Do you do a monthly self-exam?  If not, you should.

 

I have several friends and a cousin that are SURVIVORS.  I'll be wearing my pink ribbon all month in their honor.

 

Today is also Mike's birthday.  Here's a card I created for his daughter to give to him.  He's a pilot so this works perfect!  I love the "directional" arrows, too!  Those should help him keep on course.

And here is the card his wife will be giving him.  Initially we were going to use an old photo of him, but time wasn't working in our favor so I used this little boy instead.

Happy birthday, Mike.  I hope you are spoiled silly - you deserve it!