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: 1030
Favorited:9
I have always admired your terrific flair for Asian cards--now I know that it flows from the heart! You encapsulated a treasured life experience perfectly--great story, my friend!!
------------------------------ Judy, aka greenstalker I wish someone would call me "ma'am" just once without adding "you are making a scene"!
Registered: November 11, 2004 Location: Llamaville, OH Posts: 62697
Wed, Jul 18, 2007 @ 12:46 PM
Joanne...I know how much you treasure that time spent in Japan....this is a lovely card, and thank you so much for sharing the story........so touching!!
------------------------------
there is a very fine line between"hobby" and "mental illness"