Feeling a little off?

 

January 2026 

I have been busy the last few months and found myself feeling a bit off. Off center, maybe uncertainty with life today. My wonderful father is now 95 years old and in good health but slowing down quite a bit this last year. Maybe it was him that was feeling off and I picked up on it. I have reinvested my time to creating peace and grace. As I was making this card I used a piece of solid black cardstock to offset the colored daisies. I love the color swatch with Flirty Flamingo and Strawberry Slush. After I was done I noticed the way the card looked a bit off. This was a vivid confirmation of my feelings. It’s okay to feel a bit off. Through GODS promises he will carry you through any OFF times during your journey of life. Create beauty within the off times and HIS promise will be blessed to you. 

I’m okay.

This last week has been very challenging. I work at a dental office, as a front office receptionist, and I experienced several patients that are rude and behave entitled. I have also worked as a pharmacy technician and understand that when people are struggling with pain and illness and need medication they are hurting which may come out as rude and impatient; however, it’s understandable. The pain of cancer or other diseases are challenging. Now, back to the dental office. Mouth pain can change behavior because it can be severe. The patients I interacted with last week were NOT in pain. They were simply demanding feeling entitled and just plain rude. I found myself stepping away and retreating to the building stairwell to take a few minutes of deep breathing and wiping of tears. When I got home I slept deeply because I was physically, mentally and emotionally drained. I spent Friday creating and playing with colors needing a release of these patients negative energy. I use the colors to create a card using the Around the Bend stamp and Cheerful Daisy stamp and die-cut set. While creating I reminded myself that I am okay. The behavior and dark energy belongs to that person. I create brightness, love and positive energy and can let go. 

Making the paper using blending brushes with Flirty Flamingo, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight. The blues are using Lemon Lime Twist, Granny Apple Green and Tahitian Tide. 

Die-cut using Cheerful Daisy. 

Another sample using the Cheerful Daisy set

Not so simple.

This month's challenge was a sympathy card. To me sympathy cards are difficult. I try to keep the design simple and clean as there is only one human expression of "sympathy"...sadness. The words we write inside are just as difficult. We understand that we all will have the same outcome of death; however, no matter if it came as a shock or long illness our heart is still broken. Our faith plays a huge part in our journey of grief but our human reaction of sadness is hard to comfort with words. I hope this type of card is simple enough to allow the words written and the gentleness of the wave to uplift and comfort a loved one. 

Not Just a New Years Resolution

 2022 has brought so many blessings and its only April 1st. I'll share that on December 25th, 2021, I was admitted to the hospital in respiratory failure and spent 9 days on life support. This was a surprising medical event that could have not been anticipated. Once I awoke I spent 7 more days recovering before returning home. There are many events and experiences that can change how you approach others, approach life and this was it for me. I NEVER want to be in a situation that I feel regret. Regret for lost friends, unshared memories, not praising GOD and giving thanks to everyone who SERVES. This card mirrors my new mindset. My thoughts of the importance of self reflection and meditation, and relaxation.