Another "BE ..." Book

Do you remember the "BE …" book

I created for my daughter's friend, Audrey,

a couple of months ago?

Well, Audrey's sister, Natalie,
saw it and asked me if I could create one for her friend.

Her friend's sister is having health issues

and Audrey thought a similar book

would help them through and beyond some dark days.

I love a good challenge, so I accepted.

I say challenging

because I know absolutely nothing about these women.

All I knew were the basics … they are sisters

and one is facing her own challenges.

Selecting the correct motivational and inspirational words

and then images to back them up

was my biggest challenge.

*****

Comfortable.

These sisters need comfort

as they walk this journey together,

both spiritually, physically and mentally.

I'm sure they are grateful not only

for the time they have left together

but also for the wonderful memories that sustain them.

Grateful for the meals around the table

as well as sitting around the table doing homework together

or playing board games.

When the time comes,

they can both be reassured that one sister will earn her wings

and be light as a feather and free from pain.

Mindful.

I am hopeful that they can focus

on the present moment.

These sisters will need to be adaptive

as they adjust to their new lives.

(Photo credit: Kathy Sibbald)

Whatever their faith,

I am sure they will remain firm in their beliefs

and their faith will carry them.

Both women are blessed to have each other.

Blessed to have beautiful memories

to strengthen and support them.

Perseverance.

One foot in front of the other.

I am hoping their continued efforts

allow them to achieve their goals

despite difficulties and oppositions.

As these sisters spend time together,

I would love to know that they are reminiscent

of days gone by.

Hopefully, they can recall past experiences and events

and find comfort in the good times.

Even if it means that they cry a little and laugh a lot.

One sister, especially,

will need support, hope and encouragement.

I'm sure she has friends, such as Natalie,

that will step up and fill these needs.

Right now they are both on a balanced seesaw,

as well as a properly balanced symphony orchestra.

The key to life-changing events is balance

and emotional stability is key.

Uplifted.

I am wishing and hoping

that these sisters are uplifted by the harmony and beauty of nature.

Upward movement in every shape and form is essential.

"BE …" a sister

forever and ever.

All the words, all the pages, all the inspiration

tied together

to help the sisters through the process.

UPDATE:

At the time of this writing,

the girls had not received this book.

Since then, the sisters (and their mother)

received this the other day.

The feedback I received is that they LOVED it.

They talked about each word

and how she was feeling in regard to them.

The mom "flipped out about them"

and the book was nearly lost to her.

"You didn't tell me that part!!!"

It's kind of a thing we say in our home.

When something just doesn't go according to plan,

or something out of the ordinary,

that's what we say to each other.

This morning he didn't say it,

but I'm betting he thought about it.

"You didn't tell me that part!!!"

What a way to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

The wife is down and out with some kind of junk.

Sore throat, swollen glands, inflamed sinuses

and just general blaaahhhhaaaaa feelings.

Must say though - I'm feeling a lot better each day.

Maybe even well enough to sneak out to dinner.

I'm quite confident the contagious part is gone.

Might just be a waste of money

because I don't have much of an appetite

but if I can scrounge up the energy

to get myself ready, we'll go out.

Geeze - 25 years.

That's a huge milestone!

And to think it all began in the 9th grade.

You see, that was our first date.

Here's a mini album I created for him

back in 2008 and each year I love to revisit it.

Our wedding was our FOURTH date! 

You'll never taste a better cake than this one! 

Happy Anniversary to The Runner!

"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.