Retired BNF Friday #24

As parents, we are often quick to dismiss our children's wishes and force our own desires on them because we claim that, "we know best and we only want the best for them". My daughter called me on this recently simply by choosing a restaurant to eat in. I gave her options and when she told me where she wanted to go, I immediately shut it down and told her we are going somewhere else instead. She blurted out jokingly, "what's the point of asking me then?" It was not that big a deal, it was only a restaurant and in the end we went to her first choice, perhaps out of guilt on my part. My point is I feel that I have always been a very supportive and understanding mom to my kids. I feel so fortunate because I really have awesome children. However, I am and have been guilty of giving them choices then con them into picking what I wanted them to do to begin with. Since I am their mother, they often just do it trusting that my decision is the best. I must know what I'm doing. After all, I am their mother. But do I? I am not talking about which outfit to choose or which back pack will be sturdier and last longer. I meant in the grand scheme of things, when it comes to their future and what will bring them the most joy...do I have a clue? A few days ago, my daughter and I were in the car and she asked me if I'd always wanted to do accounting and HR work. Her question and curiosity caught me a little off guard. It's funny how when you've been doing something so long that after a while you begin to believe that it was meant to be. So, I told her the truth. I told her that when I was a little girl I've always wanted to become a lawyer. Then shortly after finishing the sentence, I asked myself quietly if that was even my own dream or I only wanted to fulfill my grandfather's dream for my mom. I realized that I still have not figured out what I really want to be when I grow-up. I do know for sure that I have always wanted to become a mom, I've always wanted a home to raise my children in and a husband who will adore me even when I annoy him (sometimes). And that I've always wanted to create pretty things. Well folks, I guess I did get my dream after all.

My son truly inspires me when it comes to going after one's dream and living with passion. He has always been a dancer before anything else and although he tried to do many things as a child, he never strayed from what brings him the most joy - which is dance. He knew there's barely no money in it, he is also aware that it requires hours of practice, hard work and plenty of risks. He still keeps on doing it. His passion shows even when he just talks about dance and how he and his team won first place recently at a dance competition in Berkeley, CA. He makes me proud. I was so happy that he was home this week.

I combined French Foliage and With Gratitude stamp sets to create this card. Card stocks are Old Olive, Really Rust and Very Vanilla. I used More Mustard, Really Rust, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip classic stampin' ink pads. 

Well, that's all for now. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for stopping by.

Gently Falling

I have always been sort of intimidated of Two-Step stamp sets, because I can't seem to get them right. I can be such a perfectionist sometimes and it really annoys me when things are not lining-up straight. I must say that after making a dozen of these cards, I got over that feeling. I think that it really turned out nice. I shouldn't doubt myself so much. I didn't think these color combo would work, but wow, they sure do.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Gently Falling (Wood 128430 Clear 123804), Truly Grateful (Wood 131730 Clear 131733)

Paper: Card stocks in Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Naturals Ivory and Comfort Cafe DSP (retired)

Ink: Classic stamp pads in Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Pool Party and Cajun Craze

Tools & Accessories: Sponge Daubers (102892), 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon in Summer Starfruit, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) and Large Oval Punch (119855)

Well, that's about it for now. I have been feeling discouraged lately, but a quick visit from my sister and nephew this weekend definitely cheered me up. Also, I had such an amazing cards class last Saturday. I am so thankful for my gals who come over once a month and create with me. Having them over bring me so much joy. If only I could do more events/classes than my schedule permits. Oh well, have a wonderful week, everyone.

Retired BNF Friday #23

Thank goodness for 3-day weekends! I so need this to unwind and relax a little bit. For today's Retired BNF (But Not Forgotten) Friday, I would like to share this patriotic card just in time for Veteran's Day.

I've had a very weird couple of weeks. It seemed like every song I heard I'd wonder if it'd be appropriate for my funeral. I even made a list of music my family should play in my funeral just in case I die quite suddenly. I know, I told you I was having a really dark time. I don't know if it had anything to do with the weather, but I just felt really down. I've also been thinking about how I will be remembered. Someday when everything's been said and done and I am no longer around, how will the people I left behind remember me? When they hear my name, will they feel relief that I'm gone or will they always think of me with such longing and sadness? Will they remember me at all? This made me think of Stars in the Sky and how many people I know still talk about his kindness and generosity, especially around the holidays. He was also well-known for his holiday parties, crab legs galore, free frozen turkey and wine, the singing and the whole message of it all: gratitude to all his employees. He walked around with an apron happily serving away everybody. It was really extraordinary and everyone there walked away feeling appreciated and recognized. It's no wonder after all these years, he is still missed by the people who knew him.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Service & Sacrifice, Jumbo Stampin' Round Classic Stars
Paper: Card stocks in Real Red, Brilliant Blue and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Real Red and Brilliant Blue
Tools & Accessories: Punches in Small Star, Scallop Oval (119586) and Extra Large Oval (119859), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for stopping by.