Hello, my friends! I can't believe I've actually finished a card (5 months in the making) and that I'm posting it as well.
Many thanks for all your cards of encouragement. Once Jack and I learned that I am at my Maximum Medical Improvement (meaning a continued "down hill" trend), and that symptoms will continue worsening, it became easier to accept. We have left "no stone unturned". With each layer of loss, I need to accept the new level. This is a neuro-immune disease that begins in the brain, filtering into all the body's functions and organs, thus causing one event after another. About 1/2 of a percent of the world's population contends with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Some have it mildly, others have it severely. I've dealt with this since early childhood, and have gratefully lived longer than anticipated.
YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT in the form of Love, Support and Acceptance is the best of all gifts! Life is much easier to enjoy when friends are by your side, so that the sick person doesn't have to constantly fake that they are "better" or that they will get better. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for your precious gift.
Today I'm presenting a sweet snowman image stamped and snail-mailed to me by friend Brenda Smalle. (Thanks, Brenda!) Brenda and I used to work together at Sparkle N Sprinkle, and I learned so much from her!
Interior:
After coloring with Copics, I stenciled the background clouds with MFT stencil and masking a few "ski slopes" surrounding Mr. Snowman. The dark green layer was die cut then embossed with a dotted EF, and inked with Pink Pearlescent inks and Black Soot DI. It was fun playing with a wee bit of glitter, too - all done in non-traditional Christmas colors because pink is THIS snowman's color of preference.
Products: Cute Snowman Image from friend, sentiment from Heartfelt Creations, Copic Markers, Craftwell Delicate Dots EF, Marianne Creatables, Tonic & Spellbinders die cuts, INKS: Orchid Pearlescent, Spun Sugar DI, Salvaged Patina DI., Worn Lipstick DI, MFT stencils, silver and clear glitters, MS border punch.
Playing in the following challenges:
- Classic Design Challenge #11 (11/15 - 12/15) AG 12/15
- Pammie's Inky Pinkies #2345 AG 11/21
14 comments:
Hi Donna, I read what happens to you and I'm so sad for this! I’m always in a hurry and I hadn’t noticed the menus on your blog, there’s a lot about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. If I hadn’t read your words today, I never would have known that you’d been fighting this progressive disease since you were a child, and this is a sign of your great strength. You are a so brave lady and I admire you so much. It's certainly not easy to cope. An example of courage and strength for all of us...
I'm impressed by the fact that you are able to make so fabulous cards despite your illness. No matter if it took you 5 months to make this one, the result is just perfect, delicious and very sweet... as you are!! Love so much the pink choice and the way you used a vibrant pink to colour the snowman shadows. Green and pink is a palette that I love and works so well here! The delicate stencilling looks adorable! The embossed/inked green layer makes the scene just pop, as well the pink gingham of the base layer. There are a lot of details on your card, I admire the choices of the scallop pink border, the silver glittered sentiment and thin layer, and also the cute frame with the sentiment inside with the sparkling stripe! All works so well together!
May God bless you and always give you strength to enjoy every day of your life.
Sending you BIG hugs
Donna, your card is stunning, many, many, continued prayers for you, hugs, Lori m
Donna what a cute and beautiful card, glad to see something from you again
gr karin
It's great to see a pretty Christmas card from you again with such a cute plump snowman. I know your diagnosis has to be difficult to accept, but your strength in how you handle it is amazing. Having this condition since childhood has to be more stressful than any of us can imagine, but try to continue to live each day filled with hope and never give up. Continued prayers for you and wishing you brighter days ahead! Sending warm heartfelt hugs.
Hi Donna, how lovely to see a post from you again, and such a beautiful card too- I really love that sweet and happy snowman with his predilection for pink:) Your patience and tenacity in continuing to create despite your ME is inspiring, as is your courage in accepting your condition and remaining positive, cheerful, and making the best of life.
Sending hugs
xxx
Hello Donna, and how lovely to see you here with your beautiful card, I'm in love with your wonderful snowman and what a gorgeous design.
I hope you condition finds ease soon and that you begin to feel much better, take care and Big Hugs, Kate x
How wonderful to see you posting again and with this sweet snowman, I just love the color combo you chose for him too :) With your added sparkle you give to a card too :)
You know you are always in my prayers, praying God keeps you positive and gives you a sprinkling of happy moments throughout your days. Big Hugs to you!
Such a sweet card!Love the pink & green color combo you used!
Thank you for joining in our challengens and hope to see more of your beautiful creations!
Hugs,
Renata DT Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges
You're one of the most amazing people I know, Donna. We could all learn from your courage and spirit. And still you make such a pretty and charming card with the expertise and creativity I've become so familiar with over the years. You know I always keep you in my thoughts. Sending hugs and love to you.
Dearest Donna, your card is such a delight and I'm so happy for you that you were able to finish it. We both have diseases where our immune systems attack our organs and it's a blessing knowing someone else truly understands how it changes one's life. And most importantly, to have such understanding and loving spouses. Love and support always, XOXOX
It's always so nice to see you out and about in Blogland! I never knew the extent of your illness. Your strength and courage have always come through you. It sounds like you have found peace and isn't that all any of us want? Glad I know you and am able to cheer you on creatively right here, right now. This is a masterpiece, a true work of art. I love that this little snowman's color choice is PINK! I showed Penny this treasure and she thought this was the prettiest snowman she has ever seen! (((hugs))) xoxo Donna~~
Darling card, like the colors , clouds, shimmery Merry Christmas, well every little detail! You are so courageous and such an inspiration. Continuing to send prayers.
Donna, thank you for sharing your heart. I had never heard of Myalgic Encephalitis, but when it's not almost 2 in the morning I'm going to watch the videos to learn about it (don't want to wake my husband and son). You had left a post on my http://wherepearlsliedeep.blogger.com months ago and I just reread it. Such lovely insight using the analogy of soil from your observance of your compost heap in response to a poem by Sarah Bourn Crosby. I join Connie (above poster) in praying that the LORD will sprinkle happy moments in your days and that you know the support of His Everlasting arms holding you and your Jack and may you be surprised by His Amazing Grace in the dailyness of living. Hugs and Smiles, Kathy
It's me again, your card is lovely and like everyone else I like the pink/green combo for her. The background detailing adds so much as well. Your artistic eye came through with the card design as well. Smiles, Kathy
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