Tuesday, January 19, 2016

GENUINE
 
 
 
Greetings to you today!  How are things?  I hope all is well~  I am making my way through these winter days as best I can.  I know even this quiet time of year has  so much   to offer~ & slowing down right now feels awfully nice.
 
I have only recently heard about people attributing a "word" to themselves for the year; and do the best they can to follow it,  'live up' to it; or, emulate it - as the year goes by.  Well, I was making this card, and,  while it was to be a 'thank you' card, I wanted the recipients to know how much I 'genuinely' meant it!
  And then I looked at it.    Genuine thanks.
Genuine.
This simple card is going to some close family (my husbands side) and I showcased a picture of their grandfather, whom everyone called "Poppy."  And as I looked,  I realized
                         Poppy was the most genuine person, I think I have every known~ 
His life emulated that word.  He lived in a 'genuine' state and was one of the kindest and gentlest people.  Ever~  He was - -  himself.
 
So I got to thinking about that word and said - - "maybe I should do a word this year.  Am I one of those people who  could  do that?    Can I choose a word and live by it!?!  Hmmm."  I'd like to 'be genuine.'  I'd like to 'be myself' and be real.  Be who I am; even while I  S E A R C H  for who I am : )
I'm on a journey guided and directed by God, surly He would want me to be  genuine ?!
So . . I will   'Be Genuine.'   Oh Ohhh  I broke the rules already! That's 2 words. Hmmm.  : )
 
Are you genuine?  Am I !? : o  I hope so. Or, hope to be as I journey on.  As many of you can relate, I think I've often been afraid to be - - genuine.  Am I good enough?  Will I be ridiculed or rejected?
Am I too - - self-protective to be genuine and real? (yikes)
Let me just say to those of you who would quip back - "I don't worry; I am who I am . . . (la la la)" Well I say
BRAVO! : )  I wish I was as brave as you.  But only if you are genuine.  : ) LOL
 
Oh,   I'm probably somewhere in the middle,  but I'm on my way.   I'm probably still too consumed in my grief process (losing my husband about 15 mo's ago) to make commitments to living out a 'word' or living by a word (though I see nothing 'wrong' with it! and  a lot of things 'right' about it:) I still want to keep those words close to my heart and maybe even on my fridge!  (hey, I like to stay close to the fridge ; )
 
BE GENUINE.
 
THANK YOU! for listening and looking in today~  I appreciate you so very much!
 
***For the card I used Kraft cardstock for the base, several layers of white textured stock (Bazzill), black photo corners, a strip of black seam binding and a large black star shaped button.  and a titch of B&W twine.  I did a bit of white pen 'stitching' on the button, just for fun~***
                                         Love & Prayers to you!  Karen
 
 I am linking up with Wen @    AppleApricot     for her bi-weekly Simply Neutrals Tuesday!
Weekly linky partyI sincerely hope you will stop in and see the beautiful  'neutral inspired' contributions!  Something for everyone there~
 XOXO  Karen                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


24 comments:

  1. I love your card and I love your words. You already seem pretty genuine to me, so I don't think you have much to do! What a beautiful post you have written, Karen. I genuinely loved reading it. Stay warm! Hugs, Sue

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    1. Thank you Sue!! You are such a peach and so kind to me~ Have a great day! I love the diversity of your blog; so interesting. Keep it up : ) Karen

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  2. what a awesome idea~they will love it. Looks amazing. Good to hear from you :)

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    1. Hi there Connie, Thanks for the visit! You are such a hero girl, I appreciate you! Love your crafting~ Karen

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  3. Dear karen waw love your card, Wish you a Nice day

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    1. Hello Pia! Thank you for visiting!! You are inspiring to me~ Karen

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  4. Beautiful post, dear Karen. The card is beautiful and I love the word you have chosen.
    Have a lovely day and stay warm.
    Hugs,
    Marie

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    1. Hi Marie! Thanks for your inspiration : ) As always, your words encourage and inspire. I am trying to stay warm! LOL Blessings to you, Karen

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  5. Their grandfather looks like a very both kind and handsome man, and I can imagine he was loved.
    Dear Karen I think the word you feel was just him, will also suit you so very well, to be your word this year and for ever ,as I see it. Genuine is what we all wants to give our self, the right to be, but sometimes situations and life, makes it rather difficult, if not being strong superman/woman !! I think you are doing great when visiting you and reading your posts dear friend.
    I´know they have loved your card of this wonderful man, it is showing him in your beautiful frame, and I love the bits of seambinding and the star button!!
    Blessings, Karen and hug
    Dorthe

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    1. Hello Dorthe~ I appreciate your kind words always! You encourage me to keep going : ) and I just love you for that my friend~ Thank you for the visit. Yes, Alan's grandfather was a wonderful gentle person; and not afraid to 'be himself' too~ Many hugs to you! Karen

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  6. What a wonderful post! Love your choice of word. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. You are a peach Valerie! Thanks for the visit and comment. Hope things are going well. Happy Creating! ~Karen

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  7. Karen, this was a great idea for a photo on your thanks card, I like the distressed layers on the card, he sounds like he was a special man. Yes I have seen a few post where people pick out a word for the year, I have not done that myself, this is a good one to start out with, God wants us to be the very best part of ourselves that we can be and to live that out every day.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement Connie : ) I want to be the best "me" I can; and I'm finding out Who I am by God's grace : ) Appreciate you friend, Karen~

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  8. Hi Karen, Poppy sounds like a wonderful person to celebrate. Your word works in so many ways -it's a good choice.
    Your card looks great. Have a lovely week.
    Jesse

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    1. Hi Jesse! I sure appreciate your support. I am a little slower now w/o home internet; but a sincere THANK YOU for your visits and comments: ) Hope all is well. ~Karen

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  9. Lovely post, Karen! Your card looks great and I love your words.

    Wishing you a wonderful, art-filled week!

    LG Gaby

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    1. Thank you for the visit Gaby!! I appreciate your commenting; and kind encouragement! ~Karen

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  10. Hello Friend..
    What a beautiful post. <3 And yes..I know what you mean about the chosen word. Genuine is a word that fits you already. I haven't know you for very long but you seem very authentic and genuine to me.. The real deal! I appreciate the way you write something meaningful about your cards. Something that we can relate to. What a lovely card. I'm sure your "family" will love it and it will mean so much to them having their beloved grandfather on it. I'm so glad that you've been able to slow down a bit. Thank you for sharing this very touching and inspiring glimpse into your life. Blessings to you, Friend..

    Tamara <3

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    1. Thanks dear Tamara! :') I'm blushing~ You are such a peach. It is always special when you stop in and comment my friend~ Am trying to stay warm! I want to go over and see your new post! Blessings, ~Karen

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  11. People who are just themselves make it so much easier for the rest of us to be ourselves. And it feels so good. He does look like a lovely man doesn't he?

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping in to see my card Jacqueline! Always appreciate your visits~ Love your home : ) Take care, Karen O in CO

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  12. Hello sweet Karen, both your card and your words are so beautiful and meaningful! It is one of the bravest things you can do, to be genuine and be you. It can feel very vulnerable. But I also believe it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. To not let others decide on how you should be. In the eyes of God you are so valuable, the real you! And I think 'Genuine' is a beautiful word of the year, so I cheer you on and hope you'll get inspired and have the courage and trust. May God bless you on your path! Sending you big hugs and happy smiles, xx

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    1. Oh Wen I appreciate your visit and comment! You are so kind; and encouraging! Thanks for the words of wisdom my friend. Hope all is well and you are feeling better? God bless you, ~Karen

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