Hi, this card was made for todayÂ’s Free 4 All Challenge: Resolutions.
I’m not sure if you knew, but my mother passed away right before Christmas. And, Mark, Markie and I have been struggling with the loss. It’s funny, today I picked up my cell phone and started to dial. I put it down and sighed. I was calling my mother. I needed advice on something I was putting together. I’m used to this sort of thing happening. Last week, I was at Publix ,(Florida supermarket), and I put an Egg Custard pie in the cart. Markie looked at me and said, “Who eats that kind?” I sighed, took it out of the cart and walked away. I was buying it for my ex’s dad, who died 9 years ago! Seriously…I’m doing this sort of stuff all the time, mostly, because I think of my loved ones constantly. I can still hear my FIL saying, “The Kid, (my son-who was 16!), ate the Egg Custard…You gotta take me to the Publix to get another!” The man was so funny about that, as he was diabetic, and should NOT have had it in the first place. Oh, and my son doesn’t like that kind of pie! So, I KNEW my FIL had eaten it! LOL
We decided, as our FAMILYÂ’S Resolution, to create and maintain a bird sanctuary in our garden, in the memory of my mother. She loved birds, and would sit in her garden and feed and talk to them every morning, when she was able. Her personal bird watching journal was one of the items that she kept up to date her last days. (She could see the birds from her window at the hospital.)
So, I chose to use this Chickadee stamp today. IÂ’ve seen them in her backyard, so I hope that we can attract them in our garden this coming year. I colored the bird with Memento markers. I used an aqua painter to blend the colors. The thin strip was made by accordion folding the designer paper and then sewing through the folds. It took NO TIME to do this, as my sewing machine was already set up. IÂ’ve found that if I leave it up, I USE it! LOL
Finished card size: 5 ¼” square
Total time to complete: 38 minutes
Registered: December 26, 2007 Location: Posts: 1308
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 12:53 AM
Your lovely card caught my eye Faith. I am going through the loss of my Husband in July. He also loved to watch the birds. I felt a very strong feeling i needed to buy bird seed for the bird feeders he made sure were always full. He also would talk to the birds as he filled them. My thoughts go out to you for the loss of your Mother. What i nice idea to set up the bird sanctuary in her memory! Diana
Registered: September 2, 2006 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 1184
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 4:08 AM
What a wonderful way to remember Mom with a bird sanctuary. We feed the birds all the time and can feast our eyes on cardinals, jays, nuthatches, sparrows and so many, many more. She would be so proud of you, Faith.
Registered: November 3, 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 10333
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 4:20 AM
Oh what a beautiful card, Faith! I marvel at these wonderful creations that you have been making when I know that you are so sad. It really is a tribute to your strength. December is such a stressful month already, but losing a parent at this time makes it even more difficult. I, too, lost my mother in December when I was younger. I'm still praying for you and your family!
Registered: July 26, 2007 Location: MO Posts: 12996
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 5:01 AM
Faith, I think this is a wonderful tribute to your mother. I knew that she was ill and you were taking care of her, but I didn't know she has passed away. I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that the Lord wrap his comforting arms of love and protection around you and your family during your time of mourning.
Registered: September 7, 2007 Location: Miamisburg, OH Posts: 43279
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 5:09 AM
I looked at your beautiful card this morning Faith and thought I left a comment then, but it' not here now?? Anyway, your card is STUNNING, and my prayer for you is an easier path for 2011!! Your card is the prettiest in the gallery - just gorgeous!
Registered: April 29, 2006 Location: South central Michigan boondocks! Posts: 7514
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 5:21 AM
First, I think you have a lovely heart. This beauty shows in your wonderful works of art. Of course I think this card is warm and beautiful, as all of your work is FABULOUS! I feel your sorrow, as I too have lost a partent, and it is such a lingering pain. It does ease, and the memories become easier, on the heart, to recall. The best to you Faith, in 2011!
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God and America, Family and Friends, Stampin' and Zumba....so much to be thankful for!