Even though ...

your birthday is at the end of the month,

that doesn't mean you can't

spill those celebrations onto the next month.

I'm hoping that's exactly what Cass does.

Enjoy your celebrations

and happy birthday!

She loves puzzles

And she loves the color purple.

Happy birthday, Melanie.

I hope your day is filled with all things wonderful.

Yesterday They Tied The Knot

... and will live happily ever after.

Congratulations Lauren and Tyler!

With deepest sympathy

My friend, John, lost his father.

Sympathy cards are not my favorite to create

but I couldn't not make one for John.

I am still holding the family in my thoughts.

They're back to a foursome!!!!

Today is Charlotte's birthday.

Even though she's celebrating in heaven

doesn't mean we can't celebrate her here on earth.

I've created a birthday card for her

every year - for many, many years.

This year shouldn't be any different.

Except, who has heaven's address?

Second best thing?

This card was mailed to her daughter, Karla.

A tough day for her children,

especially Karla, who cared for her so lovingly

in her final days.

Many moments were spent with this sweet woman.

I didn't spend as many moments as my folks though.

You see, Charlotte and Karl

were my parents' best friends.

Many hours were spent around the kitchen table

as they played cards.

I'm sure they're playing today, too.

Back to a foursome.

I'm sure they were all waiting for Charlotte

so that they could pick up

where they left off.

Happy heavenly birthday, Charlotte.

Please kiss and hug the others around the table, too.

Just for me.

Wishing all things good

Sharon asked me to make a card.

For a mutual friend.

Stipulation?

Must have a "fire" theme.

You see, our friend works

for the Euless Fire Department.

The friend's name is Ken.

Ken has been battling some major health issues.

After three surgeries in just 24 hours,

he's back home

after being hospitalized for something

like 16 days

and working on some rehabilitation.

I'm sure he'll be up and "running"

in no time at all.

He's determined, has a great attitude

and will do it!

Back to the card.

With a "fire" theme.

Ken is looking forward to drumming with his son,
hence the music sheet under the fire.
Hopefully, he'll still be able to recognize the notes
and drum out the tune.

The background was created

using some inks.

The red is 'fired brick'

and the black is 'black soot'

and the yellow is 'fossilized amber.'

How much more "fire" can you get?

The white specks?

Why it's the foam, of course.

The paper under the image

is probably something like the paperwork

Ken, the fire investigator,

uses on the job.

This bicycle probably isn't used much any more

in today's fire services.

But since Ken doesn't actually put out the fires

and since riding a bike will probably

be part of his rehab, I thought it to be perfect.

Of course, efd is in the corner of the image,

surrounded by all the black soot.

The stitches?

Not sure if he's got any yet,

but something tells me he'll be needing some

before this whole ordeal is put to bed.

The stars?

Ken's the shining star over at Fire Admin

and his presence is missed.

Heal quickly, Ken!