Well...there is a wonderful story behind this card which may not interest you but here it is.....
Years ago, while still teaching, I was chosen to travel to Japan with a group of 15 other New England educators. This turned out to be THE trip of my lifetime. We spent a week together before our month's travel to prepare and then........well......we were a unique bunch and I made lifelong friends among my fellow travelers. The three symbols used on this card were chosen for specific reasons. One of the many places we visited was Hiroshima, and, even more meaningful for me, within the Peace Park we visited Sadako's statue. Sadako was a young girl who died from leukemia from the bomb. Her story is told in a book called 'Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes' which I always had my students read as part of our study of Japan. To actually visit here and place paper cranes below the statue was a very special experience. The second image on my card is of an 'obento' meal....kind of traditional Japanese fast food.....as well as being symbolic of many meals shared with our group and the many kind Japanese we met along the way. The kanji symbol for happiness is what that trip continues to bring me even many years after the actual event occurred. I only have to close my eyes and I can travel back in time to this wondrous experience.
In the bkgd. I stamped a retired ivy bkgd to give the feel of 'silk' or origami paper. And the tabs themselves are Asian characters....representing the language of this wondrous place.
If you took the time to read this you were indeed kind.
P.S. After reading some of the comments I feel a need to say that the book I referred to is an very easy read for a middleschooler and will be a short story for an adult to read. It is very easy reading but actually tells a siimple, personal story of one young girl and of traditions of the Japanese.
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 GMT Views: 1029
Favorited:9
Registered: November 1, 2005 Location: Lakeside Park, KY Posts: 8992
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 9:15 AM
Love your card, love your story! When I was teaching, my class read that book and made origami cranes -- it was a wonderful journey to another culture!
Registered: December 6, 2005 Location: Little Rhody Posts: 3238
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 9:24 AM
Great masculine card. And the story behind each symbol is so nice. Great memories!
------------------------------ Faith
SU! Demo, Wife and SAHM to two fab girls. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights..
Registered: April 26, 2006 Location: South Range, Michigan Posts: 14341
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 9:29 AM
Love your card, love your story. We had a cultural intern stay with us from Japan for one school year. He taught the students Japanese culture in our elementary school,(about 140 students, K- and set a goal to make 1,000 paper cranes to deliver to the Peace Park when he went home. The kids gladly undertook and challenge, and our cranes are there today. Thank you for sharing Sadako's story-- oh, and GREAT card, too!!!
Registered: April 5, 2005 Location: Me and my new haircut!! Posts: 21375
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 9:32 AM
Fabulous card Joanne!! I like the sketch with circles - and I love your story. It's always so much more meanful to make a card that has a story behind it.
------------------------------ Barb aka Shroom Head stalker
Registered: June 2, 2006 Location: mother of five, stampin for sanity Posts: 13218
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 9:38 AM
Joanne the card is fabulous but the story is even better. Thank you for sharing it.
------------------------------ Debi
sink full of dishes, baskets of laundry, toys everywhere
ink on my fingers, glitter in my hair, life is good!! BLOG
Registered: March 31, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 15662
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 9:42 AM
Love the story and the card Joanne. Repeating what I learned from a teacher aunt, I always tell students there is no where in the world they can't visit through a book. 'Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes' is one of those.
------------------------------ Sharon Today is a new day. Make the most of it ~ My meager beginning!
Registered: February 7, 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 13937
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 10:14 AM
Thank you for that wonderful story!!! I remember that book and I think of it every time I see a paper crane!! I have yet to learn how to fold one, but it is on my list of goals!!!! Your card is absolutely gorgeous...thank you for sharing!!!