"BE ..."

My daughter's friend

was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

That's a tough one to have to go through

and I can't even imagine.

Of course, Audrey's emotions are all over the board.

"Up" days and "down" days
and many "in-between" days.

To help her focus on positivity throughout this journey,

I created this "BE …" book for her,

wanting her to focus on the words on each page.

Something to flip through when she's feeling down.

I especially love the large rose-colored carnation

and the two white daffodils.

All three flowers, and the leaves,

are made from some material I've never seen before.

They're hard and I suppose would break easily.

Kind of like porcelain.

And not to let the multi-colored organza flower

take a backseat either.

The fabric was given to me by my friend, Julie,

and I rolled it into this rose.

Here's hoping she can be FEARLESS

as she goes through the process.

The soft tones should be an inspiration.

A bad as she might feel,

I'm hoping she remembers that

"It's A Good Day."

… and COURAGEOUS

This little one in her tutu is sure to

put a smile on Audrey's face.

Go ahead and dance, girl!

Oh - and what's not to love about those back rolls?

Perhaps a trip to the beach

probably isn't in her cards right now,

but maybe just looking at this image

might CALM her.

How could you not feel the serenity?

The light and airy three handmade organza flowers

just add to the calmness of the scene

since they echo the colors of the sea.

I'm hoping UNAFRAID is how she is.

On those days where she is a little afraid,

maybe a vase of white tulips

and an ice cream treat might help.

With a cherry on top, of course!

I chose metal frogs for this page

because they are strong.

Strong enough to hold up the most stubborn flowers.

My wish is that Audrey is as STRONG

or maybe even stronger.

Another fabric rolled rose

and peony-looking organza flower

to grace this page.

FIERCE.

"No matter

how you feel,

get up,

dress up,

show up

and never give up."

I know she can do this.

Not feeling pretty?

Put a string of pearls around your neck

and show us what you got.

POSITIVE.

I'm sure this is something she will need to work on.

The sun comes up every day

and brings light to the world.

And so will she!

(Photo credit goes to Kathy Sibbald.)

Another piece of cardstock

die cut, inked, sprayed and crinkled

to turn it into a happy, layered flower,

much like what might be found on the

floor of these woods.

DETERMINED.

I know she's determined to kick this

and come out even stronger.

Again, following the same process,

these two flowers made from cardstock

that surround the View Master slide

are my favorite elements of this page.

PATIENT.

This word and sentiment in the image says it all.

Audrey said this is her favorite page

because she "has none."

Patience, that is.

But I'm sure she's doing the best she can.

At the end of the tunnel,

she will be VICTORIOUS.

Yes, she will.

"Never Stop Believing

in Hope Because

Miracles Happen

Everyday."

Wait for it.

You will be victorious.

The back cover?

… beYOUtiful.