Sunday, January 15, 2017

Contrary to what you may think, the spider did not carry me off. I took an unintended hiatus from the world for a while. I did have a nice Christmas with my family, I take nothing away from that. This December and New Years turned out to be very hard this year. Last year I didn't even think about Christmas until the week before. I only put the tree up this year because of the grandkids and did very little decorating. Shopped mostly online but did get everything wrapped. I've tried to keep upbeat all month and be excited but it was a struggle. I was maybe a bit depressed somewhat and couldn't get interested in anything. I've hardly been out but the cold weather has something to do with that. I'm not a  shopper, didn't want to go to my friend's for New Years Eve, and haven't wanted to stamp. To tell you how bad it is, I haven't wanted to buy any of the new stamp releases! The only thing I have done is try to keep up with my blogger friends and comment and I wasn't particularily good at that but you guys kept me going. I did enjoy reading about your holidays and seeing all the great Christmas cards made and received.  We lost Bill's cousin the first week of January. She was a wonderful lady and it is so sad to see her pass. Something happened to my knee over Thanksgiving and I have been babying it along. Finally went to the Dr. Tuesday and I have bursitis and tendonitis in both knees. I've been doing my exercises and icing them along with Aleve.

Today I made a card, my first one of the year. It is a Hero Arts Die called Paper Layering Daisy and the happy birthday dies are Clearly Besotted. I used Lawn Fawn plaid paper and added a few sequins. I was trying for the shadow look for the sentiment but it got a liitle off in places. I am so happy to be making a card that I am okay with that. So I'm back and ready to roll. Be kind to one another.


13 comments:

Cathy said...

Hi Brenda, I'm sorry to hear you've had such a difficult time lately, and I hope your health continues to improve. (There's a few big squeezy hugs attached to this message so watch out when they arrive!) Your card is wonderful, I love the blue and orange together, Cathy x

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Like your card...and the colors. Just got home from a stampin up camp. We made a few cards and naturally I ordered. Got their pumpkin kit that comes once a month, going to try that out....cards for Hospice. Well, I know how that goes....hard to get motivated when dealing with depression. I went through that all last year, I had so much to do but did not feel like doing anything...even making cards was an effort...eventually you come out, and the sun shines brighter. You will be fine.

Liz said...

Sorry to hear that you've a tough time recently and that you've been struggling with your health. I hope things improve for you soon. Good to see you creating again with this super card. The shadowing on the text looks great. xx

Greta said...

So sorry life's been so hard, which of course is completely understandable. That doesn't make it any easier & just wish I could have given you a hug in person. I am relieved to hear the spider didn't carry you off--haha! Not being tempted to buy the new stuff is a plus, anyway! Your cardmaking is back with gusto as this is just beautiful! I've wondered about that type of die & it's really neat done with the beautiful plaid paper! Stay warm & safe, my friend. We're fortunate that our little part of the state has been spared the terrible weather, but hubby's daughter got 13 inches of snow & lost electricity! It's freezing here, but gorgeous sun!

Lisa said...

I'm so sorry that you've had a difficult time, Brenda. Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I hope your knees are feeling much better soon. Your card is absolutely gorgeous!! I love the colors and pretty flower!! Big hugs my friend :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Megan J said...

Hi Brenda, hoping you are through the dark clouds and emerging into the sunshine, Love the die you have used, Hero Arts goodies can be hard to find here, the Lawn Fawn plaids are a great set, I treated myself to two different packs! Crafty Hugs, I'm sharing the glitter too... Have a wonderful week... Megan

Mrs A. said...

Sorry to hear youv'e been in the wars. Hope your knee ailments clear up. Not much fun not being able to get about. I can get to bend down but then I need someone to yank me back up again!! These are lovely bright colours to help chase the doldrums away. Hugs Mrs A. Ps. has Molly finished her book ye?!

Sue said...

Hi Brenda, so sorry to hear about your troubles. Sometimes it's this time of year that can be a bit depressing, I've felt a bit like that too. I do hope you're feeling a bit more upbeat and that your knees feel better soon. The cold packs are great for inflammation. I love your cheery card and the colour palette, the plaid flower is so pretty and that die is lovely.

Sue - said...

Hi Brenda sorry to hear you've been having a tough time. I think this time of year can be hard even if it doesn't have sad memories. Your knees won't be helping either, I had bursitis in my hip and eventually had an injection in it which totally cleared it up. Still it's good to see you making a card, so maybe you're coming through the dark patch now. You've certainly used cheerful colours. Hugs xx

JenniferE said...

Cute, happy card! Love the shadow effect!
I was just thinking about you the other day. Sorry to hear about your knees :( Hoping the weather warms up a little for you soon.

MaryH said...

Oh dear, on the knees. I'm glad to read you are beginning to get better with that. The cold weather and the letdown from the holidays,can affect all of us, I think. So a little blog/card rest was probably just what was needed, along with some good reads, cuddled up cozy & warm to Molly. I know it's serious when you don't even want to think about buying any new stash!!! I love this wonderful look you've got on the layered daisy. This is a die I've missed! The colors work so nicely together. I'm glad you were able to stay inside, out of the weather, and so happy the spider didn't do any lasting damage! Big hugs, TFS

Darnell said...

I'm so sorry you had a spot of the blues, Brenda, but it would seem odd if you didn't, you know? And I'm so sorry to hear about Bill's cousin. Sadness on top of the blues on top of wrecked knees and goodness knows, I'd be prone on the couch eating potato chips and chocklit and watching old Meg Ryan movies! So I'm proud of you and inspired by you pulling out that card stock and shaking off those cobwebs! (Sorry, sorry, just couldn't resist that one!!) Your beautiful layered daisy card is sure to make someone very happy!! Keep 'em coming and thank you for your fabulous comment at my place!! Love and lots of hugs, Darnell MWAH

Brenda said...

It was exactly the same way for me too Brenda!!! I think the first year we were running on adrenaline and were in so much disbelief. At least I was. I guess I was in more of a stupor for lack of a better word. Christmas was definitely harder for me this year and I too did all my shopping on line. But then I always did because I don't like shopping at Christmas. Or anytime much! lol I haven't wanted to be in my craft room or even clean it up, I'm just not motivated for it. I'm trying to push myself so started with organizing my stamps and cards that I already had made. I guess one day we will get there, but for me it isn't yet. They say time heals all, but I just don't know. I feel like I am missing a huge part of myself and not sure how to go about feeling any different. Who am I now that my better half is gone?! Yes, I think it is going to take more time for us both Brenda. I'm here if you ever need to talk, we both know what it is like since we both went through it. And just two months apart from one another. sigh On to your card, I just love it!!!! That flower is so pretty and I think you did great with the shadowing on your sentiment. That's not easy to do, ask me how I know. lol Big hugs, Brenda