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: March 9, 2005 Location: OH Posts: 28555
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 @ 10:24 PM
Faith, this is an amazing card. Your story brought me to tears. I think your idea of a bird sanctuary is a beautiful idea. It will keep your mother's memory and also give you a peaceful place to watch the birds. It is so relaxing. I continue to pray for your family as you come through this sad and difficult time of life. Bless you Faith.
------------------------------ My Blog- Trusting in the Lord for Everything Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. My Stampin' Up WebsiteMy Gallery, BRAK New Member Mentor. New Grandmother to Mia Lou. 1st Grandchild.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Splitcoast Challenge Hostess & DSS Moderator
Registered: February 4, 2005 Location: Being positive & happy! Posts: 62877
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 @ 10:32 PM
what a great resolution and tribute to your mother! the good thing about our loved ones...is that I really do believe that we'll see them again one day. And your mom will be happy that you are still thinking of her and honoring her. hugs!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Creative Crew SU Design Team Alumni
Registered: October 29, 2004 Location: Coos Bay, Oregon Posts: 24007
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 @ 10:38 PM
Faith, your card is absolutely stunning and a beautiful tribute to your dear mom. I am so sorry about your loss. Your bird santuary will be such a beautiful reminder everyday of your bird loving mother. Thinking of you and your family....TFS
Registered: August 25, 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2574
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 @ 10:52 PM
Your card is wonderful.
My condolences to you and your family. My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time.
I think a bird garden will be a wonderful tribute to her. Put out lots of feeders with different kinds of bird seed, fruit, suet, bird houses, and a water source. Birds like to shelter in shrubbery and love trees with berries.
Registered: July 29, 2006 Location: Back in Milwaukie, Oregon Posts: 12650
Thu, Dec 30, 2010 @ 11:03 PM
It is hard to type with tears...I so know those feeling, I just got a tattoo in memory of my mother, matching the one I got for my fathers memory. I am sure your mother is smiling at this beautiful card and what you are doing in her memory.
This is so beautiful.
Registered: April 15, 2008 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 25018
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 12:10 AM
What a beautiful card and a beautiful, thoughtful resolution. I am sorry for your loss. I have wanted to call my aunt that helped raise me so many times since she passed.
------------------------------ Twisted SistahCoping without Copics and Blogless in Seattle
Registered: August 18, 2008 Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK Posts: 31972
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 @ 12:46 AM
Faith, this is a such a beautiful, beautiful card representing the bird sanctuary in honor of your dear Mum. Missing a loved one is so awful, I admire you for doing something so positive - and I hope in the middle of your pain it will give you some much needed comfort. Your chickadee is very vibrant in color, and the folded, sewn strip is such a unique touch!