Put Others First

     I have found myself divided between loyalty to my 95 year old father and compassion for my 67 year old brother. A brief history is that my father is frail; however, very sharp mentally. Him and my mom have owned a 3 story townhouse since 2003. My brother has been living in my parent’s home since 2010. (My mother passed from Alzheimer's in 2014) My brother’s health has decreased with a diagnosis of CMT and type II diabetes leading to kidney failure. Without going too in-depth I am trying to help both of my loved ones. I’m am doing my best to care for both of them living under the same roof. Neither can help the other. The image for me evokes a scene of profound mechanical dysfunction, where components intended for synchronization are instead locked in a destructive conflict. 

I created a card that matched how I am feeling. I offset the Secret Sea paper that is stamped using the Linen stamp. Random placement of the cogs that are made to work together. I distressed the cogs using bronze embossing powder while stamping the clean precise arrows using Misty Moonlight which matches the base color of the card. 

Happy Birthday Card

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.