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!
I sincerely hope you will stop in and see the beautiful  'neutral inspired' contributions!  Something for everyone there~

 XOXO  Karen                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



A few eclectic Thank You's ~(and a *note to you)

Hello to you dear friends and visitors!  I have been out of town for several days and was not able to peruse Blogland very well on my Kindle!! *sigh*  So I hope to get caught up with you very soon.

** I need to let you know something!!  I will no longer have internet @ home after today : l
It was a difficult decision, but for several reasons, I am giving it up~
I will still be able to visit and post; but only @ work during the week; on breaks or after work if I stay late.  I will be 'slower' to visit and give my thanks to you!  But please know I appreciate all of you so much - and will have to be inconvenienced for a while. **
The weather here is fairly mild and very dry.  Most of our snow is in the mountains.  I just came from Ohio, where the weather was Much Colder! : ) Or, perhaps it just seemed that way because of the humidity~
I so appreciate your visit!  And I hope for you a very blessed day~  Karen


Here are just a few different cards I made as "thank you's'.  An eclectic mix! but so typical of me!!
I always seem to go in several different directions when paper crafting.  I hope perhaps they will amuse or inspire you~
This little fairy girl is an un-mounted stamp from Lost Coast Stampers.  Purchased at a local craft store in Loveland, CO called "Artsy's"
She could be as sweet or 'sassy' as you want!! If you know what I mean! : ) Just looking at her expression~  I used some Ranger Stickles glitter on her wings and hemline.
The punch along the side is Wildflowers by Martha Stewart.  The paper is Kaisercraft.






I really like the 'feminine/country' look of flowers and checks : ) It's cheery; don't you think?
The flowered papers are from Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/iralamijashop.





Below is a paper bag envelope and a tag card.  The vintage tag /paper  is a gift from http://lululizinlalaland.blogspot.com/!  Thanks Liz, I am having fun! : )
The personal message is on the back of the tag.



The beautiful butterfly stamp is from Stempelglede  in Norway.
I colored the envelope with simple colored pencils~





I guess that's all for now!  Thanks for the visit and have a great week! Blessings,  ~Karen

Estes Park, Colorado  (USA)

I had a beautiful day here, in the mountain town of Estes Park. 

The trouble with me is, as much as I WANT to be a good photographer *smile*

I can't seem to remember to have my camera ready!  And I left town (after a nice visit and lunch

 with Alan's uncle & aunt)  and realized I took  zero photo's!  (Good grief girl : l )

So I stopped; just outside the edge of town near the lake, and snapped a few.

(I wanted you to see the quaint city, but another time )

 

These novice photo's do not do the grandeur of this place justice; but you can get a glimpse anyway~

"NO BOATS" : ) is a good idea on a frozen lake! LOL

Below is a peek at some of the mountain residences, and the highway that will take me home.

When I saw this frozen waterfall (below)  about 20 miles out of town, I knew I had to stop.  It instantly brought to mind a song by contemporary Christian music artist, Nicole Nordeman.
It's called "Every Season" (you can find it on youtube if you're interested.)
She sings of each season; Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring -  and how she sees God in the present beauty of the moments in time.  Here is what she had to say about Winter~

. . . And everything in time, and under Heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And I notice You when branches crack

And in my breath  on frosted glass

Even now in 'death', You open doors for life to enter

You  are Winter~

There IS great purpose in Winter~  And in this season of  ' stopping to rest a little while'  and collect my thoughts and bearings, I too want to see all the beauty and learn all I can with God's direction. 
He is the only One worth following *smile*, and I want to know more!
Wishing you all much blessings and love~
Karen

AND  THE  WINNER  IS . . .
Well,   it  was  me!!
Hello and welcome to any and all who may visit.  I  hope your Christmas was a blessed one!
I enjoyed being with family and friends here in Colorado Springs~  All was an unhurried, relaxing, fun!,  and truly  peaceful weekend~  I really needed that too : )  Things have been emotionally difficult and I'm grateful for the respite.

 Well, a few weeks back I entered a give-away on Liz's blog  http://lululizinlalaland.blogspot.com/
 and I actually Won!  One of 3 great giveaway prizes!  She is a very generous and kind person : ) and shared with me some of her beautiful laces, vintage papers and sequins & buttons!  Liz is an artist and a collector of fabrics, laces, antiques and vintage finds in both France and Great Brittan.  (as far as I know!: ) 
I ask you to visit her blog (see the link just above here) and you will find here unique Etsy shoppe~

Here is my wonderful surprise, received in early December.

 So beautifully wrapped and adorned with this gorgeous embossed and decorated tag (personalized on the back.)  Tied with a gorgeous velvet ribbon!  It was . . . luscious~
Just look at the details on this tag!
I wish you could hold it and see each beautiful facet~ Inks, embossing, texture,  intricate laces and unique 'diamond' stars.  And of course the lovely image of Mary and the Christ child.

 The ephemera papers are vintage and authentic.  One is dated 1896!  I want to frame that one!

 Gorgeousness! The sequins are like nothing I've seen here in the USA.     * I wish I would have thought out my photo's a little better : j  as I would have spread the laces out so you could really see the details.

 I couldn't help but jump in and start working!!  Liz, I was so excited to create something and I plan on more cards; etc. soon~ 

 

 

 

BELOW  is my first "Thank You" card to reciprocate a special Christmas gift from my loving brother and his gracious wife.
All the different papers I've used here were from Liz's gift package.   A wonderful eclectic mix! 

I AM ENTERING MY TAG CARD IN WEN'S
SIMPLY  NEUTRALS  TUESDAY LINK UP!
 AT her  ApplesApricot blog:  http://appleapricot.blogspot.com/
I  invite you to visit the wonderful display of neutral projects posted there: )

Well, here is my tag card.

I like 'round' bows! People, I'm not sure why! : ) LOL  But I guess I 'blame' blogger friend Beatriz Jennings!http://iralamija.blogspot.com/ As she 'taught' me how to tie one : ) *smile*
Bea, you got me started and I can't help myself! 

I added a small rusty bell, and you can see one of Liz's beautiful MOP (mother of pearl) buttons and those exquisite sequins.  I wish you could all hold a few in your hand!  They are extra special.

Good grief! There's my 'round bow' again! ~~~~
Told ya'  - I can't help myself. 

Dear friends and visitors,  thank you for peeking in today!  I hope you know it means a lot to me.  
 ~And I wish you a wonderful 2016~
God's love and peace to you all.  Karen


 

. . . A time to mourn, and a time to dance. . . 
 I have been searching for a photo to place here as I share this news, but I cannot find one that justifies how I feel right now.
 I've just this week received some extremely sad and mournful new from my  family in Ohio.  We have now lost my (late) mother-in-law's husband.  suddenly and with out warning.  His name was Richard.   
My heart is mourning and breaking - but also especially for my family there.  In just 2 years, my sisters in law have lost their mother, their only brother, and now 'moms' husband of over 20 years part of this family.  
When my (late husband) Alan was so sick with the cancer last year, Richard came for a week to help us out.  Stayed by Al's side so I could go to my job. He really took care of us both.
He was so kind to keep in touch with me regularly since loosing Alan; and he (Richard) still in grief over his own wifes' death. 
We just spoke about 2 weeks ago and all was well.
And now; he is gone.
I am still waiting to hear particulars, but it sound like something went internally wrong with a  surgery he had just a few weeks ago.

I wanted to tell you all that as much as I would like to post some things I had planned to share - - I am taking a break until after Christmas probably.  This is just a little too much for me right now; while I am still grieving my husband.  You see, I lost my (eldest) sister in 2012, my mother-in-law in '13, my husband in '14 and now my (step) father-in-law before the year is out.  I am holding on to Gods hand and I know He will carry me through; but I need healing time.  Christmas is hard enough right now~

I AM THANKFUL for my Saviors birth!  but do NOT feel like dancing right now.  I am Grateful for all He has blessed me with.
I am thankful for  YOU!  I appreciate all the loving support and friendship I have felt in the blogging community and I want you to know you have made my mourning easier.  I mean that sincerely : )

I want to wish you a Wonderful Holiday Season.  Full of God's blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
See you soon  ~ Karen

A Christmas Blessing~   (a card from Dorthe)

. . . snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow . . .

Such a beautiful card I received from  our dear friend Dorthe!  She has reached out to me and is a blessing much farther than she could know~  I was amazed at her creativity. Just look at all the details; from the scrunched and inked background paper, to the snow and beautifully inked stencil design.  And the deer! Oh my~
 And also she could not have known this was one of my very favorite Christmas/Winter songs.  I've included all the words for you to read.  But if you would take the time to listen to this vintage song, I know it will bless your heart!

MIDWINTER

words- Christina Rossetti   music- Gustav Holst

In the bleak midwinter, frosty winds may moan

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone

Snow had fallen, snow on snow

Snow on snow

In the bleak midwinter,  long --- ago

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him,

nor earth sustain

Heaven and earth shall flee away

when He comes to reign

In the bleak midwinter, a stable place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty ---         J e s u s C h r i s t

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb

If I were a wise man, I would do my part

Yet what I can, I give Him - give my heart

Thank you so much Dorthe!

I hope all of you are finding some time for peace and rest during this busy season!

Blessings and thank you SO VERY MUCH for stopping in~   Karen

A  "SCRIPTURE  SNIPPET" ~

Hello and  THANK YOU!  for stopping in today~
We have had some warm weather this week and it felt good for my bones! Mmmm. This Friday morning is blue skies and warming up~  But  snow is on it's way soon! Well, I will look for the beauty in it all : )

 What started out to be a  'snippet roll'   for my sister (a Christmas gift)  - [and it is my first time creating one] - turned into this vintage style 'scripture snippet' wall hanger~  (you will have to search  Pinterest to see what a real  "snippet roll" is! : ) But, it looks basically like this below, but easily rolls up and often tied with a pretty bow.    This one!?  Won't roll up! (too much cardboard . . . *sigh*. . .)

My baby sis Jane has several favorite scripture verses and I printed a few out to add to this mixed media (paper and fabric) collage.   But as I got going, I over-did the corrugated board!  etc... and it won't even  roll up.  Oh, that's OK, lets come up with a Plan 'B'!  *smile*

This was the best photo I could get of  'the whole thing' at once.   It is a good 16" long and maybe 5" wide.  I used a base strip of vintage linen, which wraps around a stick of Elm from my back yard!
Distressed gold seam binding for the hanger. 
I will be sharing  LOTS  of photo's! So be prepared if you would like to join me!

Here is the top section:

The lace (@the top) with gems, was purchased locally in a very old and eclectic  fabric shop that specializes in bridal lace.  Isn't it pretty!? I love the muted taupe color~  I cut a few 'snippets' of it to embellish elsewhere on the collage.

Most of the scriptures' are printed on paper from Beatrize Jennings shoppe:  Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/iralamijashop

and mounted on kraft and white corrugated board.  There are 'snippets'  of laces, and I blanket-stitched a heart made from natural batting. XO

There is a strip of gold seam binding, ruffled, and stitched from top to  bottom onto the background linen.

Here is the center section:

  The scripture sentiment is embellished with a bit of the taupe lace.  I made the flower (looks darker than it is) from some K&Company Ancestry Collection paper; which has been discontinued for several years : (  It is my favorite paper ever!  and was what I first started out with when I  began making cards 6 years ago.

There is a white twill tape bow behind the flower, and the buttons are mother-of-pearl.  Jane will especially like these because they came from our grandmothers jar!  I fussy-cut some lace flowers from a damaged piece of table runner,  and  the chipboard  butterfly was a gift from my friend >  .Melissa.  

The 3 sweet images I used on this were  freebies! from the beautiful and generous >    Kerryanne    at Shabby Art Boutique.  I made a second heart; blanket-stitched with gold embroidery floss,  and added a flower snippet from the taupe lace. 

 Here is the bottom section: 

 Isn't that little girl the sweetest image!?!  It reminded me of Jane when she was just a little peanut! (There she is in the photo below, - - from a mini album I made for her a few years ago: )

 And the scripture above speaks a testimony to Jane's beautiful life~

I have included several photo's and close-ups of the collage below!
Thank you so much!!! For taking time to visit today~  Blessings,  Karen

Have a wonderful week-end!  I imagine it will be a busy one for so many of us: )  ~Karen

 Always, forever, still . . . my love

Hello to you and thanks ever-so-much for stopping in today!
I am 'diverting' from the Christmas Season at hand - as I haven't any finished projects yet to post!
I hope to soon, but I've learned not to promise lately : J  *sigh*

  Here is a  Teeny Mini Album   I created a few months back.  It is only about 3 or 4 inches tall; and the same wide.  It's in a neutral palette and a  bit grungy which is my tend  (but not really that grungy,  since it includes bows!) LOL   This was made to hold some very special photo's of my dear late husband, Alan.
The tags are all cut from kraft cardstock. It also includes white corrugated board, cheese cloth, burlap, canvas, ribbon, paper lace, pearls, German glitter glass, and Stickles; and I used Gesso and stencils on some of the tags where you see the raised media.

ABOVE:  is a photo from our Wedding Day.  We were so young my dear friends~  Many thought we would not 'last.'  We celebrated 35 years together in March of 2014.  We faced much joy and much adversity; as I'm sure all of us can say~

 Here  is Alan on Christmas day at 15 Yrs old.  That is an  'Ohio State'  cap on his head : )  Go Buckeye's!

 ABOVE with one of his Dogs.  Yes, Alan had very long hair at that time! After all it WAS the 1970's my friends! *sigh*
He was a huge animal lover. 


   BELOW   is a photo of Al and his trusty "Sydney" the 'Cattle Dog'!!!   She was an Australian Red Healer; and in his hip pocket ALL the time. You can see how she would 'wrap' herself around him!  I had mentioned in an earlier post that when Al passed away she became sick and would not eat.  She died one month after him.
My handsome man~

Alan with his mother and 3 sisters.  They were super close and some of the loveliest people in my life.  Genuine beautiful souls.  We lost his mother the year before Alan.  It has been so difficult. 

I need to say that I do NOT have blogging down very well! I had to add my text to the photo as a 'caption' in order to be able to add text at all on this bottom part! I'm confused...
  I can not figure out sometimes, how to post text in between photo's or how to get my 'curser' where I want it so I can add text!  (Help blog police help!)  I can't get rid of excess wasted space between photos and/or paragraphs...and other issues.  I need a class for sure! 

SOO If I can't get to the bottom of this photo, PLEASE know I appreciate your visit!! And thank you for looking in today~  Blessings to you,  Karen

I apologize for the dark photo's, I don't get it!  but here is our wonderful family~ 

The top photo includes me and Alan with our eldest daughter and her family.  Looks SOO dark here.  The bottom one our younger girl with her family.  We were at Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs. Both our daughters/families live in MT.    We have 7 grand children and God gave us the 2 BEST son-in-laws in the world~ Thank you God! : )