Perfect Blend

What is it about coffee? I have given-up soda, other sugary drinks and alcohol in my quest to live a healthier lifestyle; yet I lack the courage to give-up my coffee. I also know that I am not into it because of the caffeine. I don't buy fancy and expensive coffee from Starbucks or other Coffee places. I brew my own fancy coffee. The smell of a freshly brewed coffee simply awakens my senses and drinking it slowly is a ritual that I have been enjoying for most of my adult life. Some people start their days with yoga or go for a run (I don't understand why, haha), I have my coffee while the house is quiet and still asleep. I gather my thoughts, check my emails or simply just read. Growing up in the Philippines, I confess that my grandpa gave me sips of coffee when I was a little girl. This was one of my fondest memories of him. I remember him coming home from work in the afternoons to have his snack aka merienda. He'd smell of sweat and the sun, sit on his chair in our back patio wiping his perspiration with a white face towel that had a "Good Morning" printed in red ink on the edge of it which always hung on his neck. I'd sit on his lap and we'd share a tall glass of hot instant black coffee, often with a couple of bread rolls aka pandesal that I would tear small pieces of to dip in the coffee then eat. And on those many days when I'd tag along with him to work, we would have our merienda at the little shack of a store in the corner of the cemetery, always hot instant coffee. My grandpa did not drink his coffee in a cup or mug, it was in a tall jar of recycled Nescafe glass (as with most of our drinking glasses back then). He would always have the first sip to make sure it was not too hot for me. He loved me so and God knows I miss him every day of my life. So, to this moment each and every time I'd smell or drink coffee, I think of my grandpa and without fail be transported to those times when I was safe and happy in his arms. Sometimes I could still smell him and some mornings when everything is really silent, I could still hear the softness of his voice. Perhaps drinking coffee for me is more of a sentimental experience and the taste is just a plus. This card is for you, Grandpa - thank you for our many coffee memories.

I really love this Perfect Blend stamp set. It is very versatile and also a great set for masculine cards or coffee gift cards. I am glad it has been carried over to the brand new catalog.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Perfect Blend (W 130745 C 131392), Lovely Little Labels (W 13203 C 126262)
Paper: Card stocks in Early Espresso, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Crumb Cake and Whisper White, Coredinations card stock in Gumball Green, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Early Espresso
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Frame Lits in Apothecary Accents (127003) and Ovals Collection (129381), Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (117335), Little Labels Punch pack (126881), Tea Lace Paper Doilies (129399), Stampin' Sanding System (129367), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579)

Well that's all for now. Thank you for stopping by.