Monday, February 5, 2018

Gratitude, Etc.


  I want to open this post with my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your thoughtful expressions of condolences on the passing of my brother, for sharing your own personal and sad losses, and for your support from near or far. You have lifted my spirits more than you'll ever know.Thank you.


  Any of you watch the Superbowl game? Not a football fan myself but I did watch with hubby while doing some crossword puzzles. Congrats to the winning team - the Philadelphia Eagles!!

                                                           Cheers!
 Lifting a glass to share with the T Stands For Tuesday peeps. Actually that was hubby's choice of beverage. Mine was a glass of merlot ;)

 Yesterday was dark and grey with a mix of snow and rain-kinda like this journal page:

 Well, at least it looked like the grey background which was a deli paper gel plate print I glued to the page. I added the magazine pic, cardinal sticker, some washi tape and the stamped sentiment (Hero Arts). If I'm not pushing the envelope too far I'd like to join Art Journal Journey hosted this month by Rike with the theme of "animals A - Z".

 a Valentine tag:


 I made several of these to send out with cards to some of my friends. I love Valentine's Day, which also happens to be our son's birthday!
 Products: tag (Recollections); felt heart (Celebrate It! Michaels); baker's twine; metallic sewing thread; black Micron#1 pen.
 Linking to Tag Tuesday (have a heart); the Simon Monday Challenge ( Love is in the Air);  the Simon Says Stamp Blog Work It Wednesday Challenge (love); and Try It On Tuesday (love is in the air).

 These are my completed January calendar spreads:





 I've been able to keep up so far even adding a bit of color to the blocks by drawing or stamping or adding stickers :) And I'm working well ahead making the art  pages on the right side pages for each week- I think I'm up to the end of May!

 Linking my post also to Paint Party Friday! It's a very welcoming , varied group of artists and such a treat to visit and get to know their styles etc. Do have a look and please join in. Speaking of Paint Party Friday, one of the regular participants, the lovely Gillena Cox asked me if I wanted to trade ATCs with her. But of course! Now, I only wish I could have hand delivered them as she lives on the island of Trinidad:) This is what I received:


 Along with the two beautiful ATCs on the lower left I received a postcard made by her and a card showing her book (yes, she has published a book-Pink Crush!) and of course I always keep postage stamps for collage:) Thank you Gillena, and thanks to Kristin and Eva our Paint Party Friday hosts for bringing us together!

"Friendship is a bond of love, a medal of trust, a shoulder in sadness, a hand in darkness, something that doesn't cost, and a jewel never to be lost."  unknown

57 comments:

  1. Your journal pages are lovely! I would love to do calendar spreads but I can't find time in my schedule to fit more in.
    We watched the Superbowl. As I am from Philadelphia area we cheered for the Eagles. I am so glad they won even though I am not a football fan. ;)
    Happy tea day,
    Kate

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  2. Oh, I am so glad you shared your art journal pages. I do geli printing on deli sheets. Now I know how to use them, besides backgrounds on cards!
    Yes, I watched the Super Bowl with hubby as I scrapped some pages. We were for the Eagles, because as Steeler fans, we did not want NE to get bragging rights over the Steelers. Steelers have one six times and it would have been 6th one for NE, only if they had won they would have bragged they did it in only 16 years while it took Steelers 37 years to get six! LOL A side note: My hubby always remembers how many years we have been married by what Super Bowl it is. 52nd, in Sept 52nd for us! LOL Happy T Day, and thanks for your visit! Lovely!

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  3. You have been very busy with your art-love it!
    I have been boycotting football these past two seasons do to their politics against our flag but I was so happy to find out that the Eagles won-about time someone beat those Patriots haha
    I loved the beer mug Happy T Day Kathy

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  4. :) my calendar is filled with signs of temperature, rain, snow etc. and it's interesting to compare what these were last year. For example this week was as cold as this year :)
    Have a good week!

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  5. I simply adore your dazzling journal pages. The colors are so diverse, and I love the stickers and fact you show how cold it is. Bitterly cold here, too.

    You make wonderful art and your tag and gratitude card are no exceptions. They are beautiful and heartfelt.

    I bet your friend Gillena is getting ready for Mardi Gras. They celebrate in the streets with many steel drum bands, because that is where the steel drum was invented.

    I am not a big football fan, but I certainly enjoyed the Kitty Bowl and the Puppy Bowl yesterday. And I DID enjoy the outcome of the game, because I was rooting for the Eagles to the very end.

    LOVED the glass that the beer was in. The Ford Mustang is a classic. It was then, and I am sure it still is. Your husband has good taste in cars, but I have no idea about his taste in beers (grin). Thanks for sharing your art and your beer with us for T this Tuesday.

    I don't think this beautiful cardinal page is out of line at all. In fact, I think it is perfect for Rike's theme. Thanks for sharing it at Art Journal Journey.

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  6. You make beautiful calender pages! My favorite is the one with this gorgeous grey background and the cardinal, of course! I am no football fan but I am a fan of horses and therefore I saw the horse on the glass - it counted also for AJJ :)
    I love your quote about friendship, and you surely will have much joy by trading with ATC's!
    Thank you so much for linking your wonderful post to Art Journal Journey!
    Rike x

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  7. Beautiful journal page and I love the gorgeous tag, thanks so much for joining us at TIOT and at Tag Tuesday, much appreciated. How nice that you did a swap with Gillena, enjoy your pieces from her. The art calendar pages are fantastic, too. Happy T Day, hugs, Valerie

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  8. i love how you write your daily Journal with the small sketches and pick out one Thing for creating the large page. all of them are gorgeous. i esp like the uplifting Spirit of the star page, showing trust... you will see your brother again, that´s my belief! warm wishes, and have a happy t-day;)

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  9. Fantastic art projects Linda. I loved seeing your journal calendar spreads.
    The last page with the snowy scene is beautiful especially as my garden will be looking like that soon, its been snowing for the past couple of hours here.
    Happy T day wishes.
    Yvonne xx

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    1. Calling back in Linda to thank you for adding your beautiful tag to the new Try it on Tuesdays challenge.
      Yvonne xx

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  10. Your calendar pages are all so lovely Linda and even the single days adorned - great! Thank you for th wonderful wintery red cardinal page linked to AJJ. Your Valentine's tags will make your friends happy - so lovely made and wow to swap with Gillena sounds great - wonderful things did you get!
    Happy T-Day dear Linda!
    oxo Susi

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  11. Beautiful pages and art. So uplifting and your joyful colours remind me that spring is coming despite the more than 4" of snow on the ground here.

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  12. Wow, such amazing creations today! I'm so pleased that people comments and wishes were such a help to you and your little card is adorable 😁. All your journal pages are amazing, I love the winter scene with the red cardinal - beautiful! We have had snow all morning and it's feels so cold today - brrrr! Thinking of you and wishing you a very Happy T Day! J 😊

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  13. I love your journal page. The grey of Winter with the cardinal providing a pop of color. Too bad the Patriot's lost. Better luck next year.Love Hubby's glass. My Brother was a Field Service Engineer for Ford, and as I tell my daughters, my first car was a Ford Mustang. I used to be cool. they remind me "used to be". I'm impressed you are keeping up with the calendar as the road to my house is paved with good intentions. Stay warm and creative. Happy T Day!

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  14. Well done you for keeping up the journal pages. Your winter scene with the red cardinbal is beautiful. As you say, the colour matches the weather.
    Living in Europe and not having tv, the whole super bowl thing has mercifully passed us by. But I know someone who will be really disappointed the Patriots have lost....
    Happy T-Day,
    Lisca

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  15. Wonderful calendar/journal pages! inspiring and meaningful...art is therapeutic I find. I didn't watch the Super Bowl, but was waiting expectantly to watch Victoria on PBS...it never disappoints! Your Tag is so pretty -Love it! I am having trouble getting into the 'Valentine mode' this year... Happy Tea Day!

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  16. Your journal page is fantastic! It so catches the feeling of winter for sure. You're doing great with your calendar journal I know I never would keep up with it.
    Thanks for stopping by for a visit ♥ I talked to the doc again today on "TEL-Med" the new internet doctors visit ...rolling my eyes here... he says this could last another 2 weeks if it follows the trends. YUCK! I was leery of signing up for the service but I really appreciated not having to drive in to the doctors office for this and setting with a whole bunch of people who were sicker than me. Only for them to tell me what I pretty much already knew. He offered a prescription but since it was only a cold I knew it really wouldn't do much good. If it goes into an secondary infection I'll reconsider.

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  17. Welcome back to blog land with all your creative works ~ love the gratitude creation and all the others too! ~ Will be back ~ Congrats to the Philadelphia Eagles from us in MA ~

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  18. We watched the last part of the Big Game and were glad to see the Eagles win. I'd happily toast their success with a glass of merlot :) I always enjoy seeing ATCs pictured. Happy T Tuesday!

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  19. I love your journal, so much to see in your details, fun project! Love you!

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  20. I love your calendar spreads, Linda... I did something similar many moons ago. You have re-awakened my curiosity about doing something like that again. Thank you. I have been thinking of you, hugs. xo

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  21. What a lovely post, Linda. Your journal pages are wonderful. I especially love the self portrait in the wolf moon page. The girl is very iconic. I think she would make great stamps.

    Of course a cardinal suit the animals A to Z theme! That's a terrific page too.

    Happy T-day! Hugs, Eileen

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  22. I loved seeing all your journal pages Linda. Your have had a productive January.They are all beautiful and a nice variety too. And it was nice to see your football celebration too. Unfortunately we just went to bed ass we had nothing to celebrate up here in New England :( Hope your family is doing well and everyone is dealing with their loss still- sometimes it is harder as a little time passes. Hope it's been a great T day. Hugs-Erika

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  23. beautiful artwork Linda. I love your calendar pages too. All the best, hugs, Sue :D)

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  24. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful art Linda! Xx

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  25. Love winter creation ~ great effect! so talented!

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  26. Colorful and creative Valentine tag!

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  27. Love your January pages!The cardinal page is wonderful! Thank you for joining us at Try It On Tuesday with your lovely tag!I did see a little bit of the Super bowl but it is on very late here so went to bed just before the Justin Timberlake break!Belated Happy T day!Chrisx

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  28. Me again ...lol 😁. Your Valentine's tag is so beautiful! I love the layers of music sheet and postcard with the pretty stitched purple heart, pink lace and red glittery pieces - stunning 😁. I'm sure your friends will love them and thanks so much for joining our Love is in the Air challenge over at Try it on Tuesday! Have a great day! J 😊

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  29. I'm fascinated by your calendar diary with the art on the right and the words and some little art on the left. It's a great memory keeper (like "what did I do yesterday", haha!). The little thank-you picture at the start is so sweet. I do like the cold, cold "Winter" page with the flash of warmth of the red cardinal.

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  30. Beautiful art this week Linda, may your brother rest in peace. Lovely trades from Gillena.

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  31. Lovely work, Linda. I love your calendar pages and that tag is very pretty. Didn't see the Superbowl. I'm not a big sports fan. I'll be watching the Rugby tomorrow, though. Ireland take on Italy.

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  32. Gorgeous journal page and tag, Linda. Happy PPF!

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  33. I am truly sorry about your brother. I know the loss of that and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. NOT a football fan but glad you enjoyed the game. Your art is just so beautiful. You have a talent for concept and color. Have a nice weekend.

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  34. Wonderful art as always, Linda.
    Wishing you and yours most happy weekend ahead xx

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  35. Happy PPF and a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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  36. Love, love, love your calendar pages and tags!!!
    So many beautiful treasures!!!
    A wonderful trade with Gillena...another talented artist!!!
    Happy PPF Linda 🎨

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  37. Wonderful assortment of artwork Linda! So unique and creative! Happy PPF :)

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  38. So wonderful kalender pages, like them all.
    Happy PPF from Germany

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  39. well done on your calendar spreads! they look gorgeous! And very clever to work ahead. That's what caused me to give up on it, I was getting behind more every week, and once you're behind it's very hard to keep going. Happy PPF!

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  40. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother! That's painful and sad. I've been there too. xo

    I'm not a football fan but I hear it was a good game, LOL! Love the artwork this week - especially the heart tag. So cute!

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  41. I love your calendar pages, Linda, and the Valentine tags are a great idea! So sorry about your brother's passing, blessings!
    HåPpÝ PPF!

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  42. Great work...I love the idea of art on the right and organising on the left...food for thought....happy ppf...xx

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  43. Great calendar pages Linda. I have been looking for a calendar and never thought of making one. Your tag is precious too! Hope the ATC swap this week is lifting your spirits a little more. I know sometimes we never get "over it" we just get thru it at best. Big Hugz, Rasz

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  44. Wow this post is sumptious. Really luv that cute thank you card at the start of todays pkst.
    Happy you received my bundle.

    Much💚love

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  45. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. Your work is gorgeous! Happy PPF - Irma

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  46. What a delightful post! Your journal pages are amazing. I used to journal but haven't done much recently. These are inspiring. Happy PPF

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  47. Fabulous projects, all very pretty. Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Hugs, Sandra

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  48. Hope you are doing well and your creations are divine ~ thanks for Beautiful tag and card ~ love them!

    Happy Weekend to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  49. A great post Linda, with lots of lovely interesting art. Love the tag for TioT with the music paper background, I'm sure your friends will love them.
    Thanks for sharing at TioT
    Avril xx

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  50. Your artwork is so charming and interesting! Yes, I saw the Superbowl. It was one of the best games I've ever seen. I'm SO glad I did--it was a nail biter to the very end!

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  51. A pretty Tag..and a fab entry for our challenge at Tag Tuesday..Thank you for joining us....

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  52. how beautiful your little Thank you card. It radiates good feelings :)

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  53. Love that little thank you card ~ Happy Creating to you and thanks for visiting ~

    Happy Week a head to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  54. Carnival Monday here in T&T hot hot, the street vibes.

    Monday WRites is live Please link in

    much love...

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  55. Lovely art, Linda. Your son was truly loved and you are all in my prayers. xoxo

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  56. Your little card is so sweet and the journal pages are beautiful. I am sorry for your loss.

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!