I have been MIA lately. Recently one of my younger brothers passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. My mother and surviving two brothers especially have been inconsolable so I have had to put on my hat as therapist/caregiver/listener. My biggest concern is my mother, but her dear friends, family and I are making sure she isn't alone too much and is eating. It's going to be a difficult road to travel for awhile.
In loving memory:
I do have some art to share I did about 2 weeks ago. The trust page at top is in my calendar journal-and includes my word for the year.
This card is meant for the Simon Wednesday challenge (Layer It Up):
and with the matching envie:
I used some of Altenew's layering stamps for the flowers and leaves on the card.
Products: white notecard and envie; white card stock;Winter Roses, Camelia Build a Flower stamps sets (Altenew); sentiment - PTI Think Big Favorites #4; sunflower stamp (Magenta); leaf unknown; Wendy Vecchi Brick Wall stencil; Inks- Distress Mowed Lawn; Staz-On Forest Green; Archival-Leaf Green, Sky Blue; Seashells Ocean Aqua; Clearsnap Fluid Chalk ink- Prussian Blue, Gray Whale; Versafine Onyx Black ink.
Weather remains unpredictable-warm one day, cold the next! This pic was obviously taken on a cold day and is for my peeps at T Stands for Tuesday:
Hubby sure looks to be living the life, eh? Hot tea, home baked treats and a throw to keep warm.
One more journal page from the calendar journal:
Background is a gel plate print. Other products; woman stamp (Dina Wakley); assorted washi tapes; paint markers; Pitt pens-black; watercolors.
Joining Art Journal Journey for the theme of New Year, New Adventures hosted this month by the wonderful Erika N. And last but certainly not least I will join Paint Party Friday!
I am looking forward to catching up in blogland again:)
" Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." unknown
Oh Linda I am so sorry to hear about your loss. That is such a sad thing, and he certainly wasn't old at all. Your poor mom, it must be hard for her to lose one of her children, no matter what his age. I am loving your art too, especially that page for AJJ. The quote is perfect. It must speak to you right now too. It would to me. Stay strong my friend. Thanks for joining in at AJJ and have a happy T day. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteOh no, I am so sorry for your loss Linda. This is so hard I know-back in the late 70s we lost my "little"sister she had just graduated from college I think of her so much still. My heart goes out to all of you
ReplyDeleteLoving your art you shared-hugs Kathy
Goodness, Linda, so sorry to read about your brother. He was quite young, too. I have no words of condolence that don't sound "canned" at this time, but I am glad you are there for your brothers and mother. You are the strong one, but you also need to take care of YOU, too. Grief has a way of creeping up on us when it is least expected.
ReplyDeleteYour trust painting is beautiful and so enlightening. It's a great word for the year, too.
I am really impressed with your beautiful AJJ page. You really LOVE your gelli, I can tell, because that background is fabulous, but the entire enty is fabulous. I really like the quote you used, too. It speaks to me. Thanks for sharing it with Art Journal Journey.
And finally, yes, your husband looks totally pampered with his tea and snack. He reminds me of me huddled under a blanket for warmth in this cold bitter weather cycle we're stuck in right now. Thanks for sharing this with us for T this nearly Tuesday, Linda, and keep your sanity, too, please.
I'am just newly back too Linda.. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother..My thoughts are with you .......So good that you are able to be there for your mother and brothers but i'am sure your heart is broken too.. please take care...
ReplyDeleteYou know i never do matching envies and i really should give it a go.. Yours is so lovely.. And your ArtJournal page.. such true words.. Happy T day! Hugs! deb
So sad to read this and words cannot say :(
ReplyDeleteYour page is gorgeos and celebrating today is all, what we can do.
Compassion from far away
Your art is beautiful as always, but I was sad to hear about the death of your brother, this must have been a great shock for the whole family. Good that you are there to offer help and consolation, but remember to look after yourself, too. Wishing you a happy T Day. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely art Linda.
Oh Linda, yes we missed you already - I am sorry to hear about your brother.Very sad - such a young guy. So good that you are the carer of the family - that helps a lot for sure! I am thrilled about all the beautiful art you show - the lovely first piece with your word, the beautiful card with matching envelope and the fantastic stay forever hungry page - amazing! I am happy to see it linked to AJJ and I am happy you are o.k. and care for them all so well - hubby always looks so happy - he appreciates to have such a wonderful wife.
ReplyDeleteAll my good wishes for the family!
I am glad to see you at TSTF again and thanks for linking to AJJ Linda!♥♥♥
oxo Susi
Oh Linda, so sorry to read about your brother, it must be hard for you all, thinking and looking after your mom as well as coping with the loss of your loved one. Look after yourself as well Linda.
ReplyDeleteYour art page looks fantastic and a lovely quote with it.
Happy T day wishes.
Your husband looks very cosy, relaxing with his cuppa
Yvonne xx
So sorry to hear about your brother, sending you heartfelt wishes of peace and comfort to you and your family! Your art as always is beautiful and I love the colours, stencils and empowering quote that you used for your journal page - wonderful 😁. Thinking of you and wishing you a happiness this T Day! J
ReplyDeleteoh linda, i barely have words... your brother was way too Young. and though you take care for your Family, don´t Forget to take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteyour art is awesome as always. your calendar will be so full of wonderful collages in the end.
xox, i´m thinking of you!
So sorry.
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYour card and matching envelope are so pretty. Your hubby is a good sport as I wouldn't be able to get Himself to pose for a blog picture. I like the dangles on your page. Remind me of the dangles done by Joanne Fink. Be well.
My heart aches for you as you deal with your own grief and try to be the rock for those tou love. Take care of yourself as you care for your family. PRAYERS FOR ALL
ReplyDeleteYour art is precious this week.
Carol
Oh! My heart goes out to you. Loss, especially this kind of sudden, unexpected loss of someone so close is hard to bear. :(
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of your hubby living the high life, pampered and cozy :)
Linda, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Sending love.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your very sad loss. Hope that your art ill help you during the difficult days ahead. Much love.
ReplyDeleteLovely art work despite your grief ~ Wonderful tribute to your brother ~ too young to go ~ and lots of healing hugs to you ~
ReplyDeleteHubby I hope is feeling okay ~ such love surrounding him with the sweet attention ~
Happy Week to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
so sorry to hear about the loss of your younger brother..its difficult when we ourselves are sad but also have to be the backbone of the family and support everyone else..I am glad that you have your man to look after you and eat toast and tea together..hugs xx
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about Duane. He was so young. I can imagine you are all heartbroken, especially as it was so suddenly. It is good that you seem to be all supporting each other. It will be especially hard on your mum. So I'm wishing you all strength in this difficult time. We will mention you and your family in our prayers tonight.
ReplyDeleteYour hubby looks well spoilt with tea and cake. He has this whimsical smile on his face.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
Linda I am so sorry to learn of your sad loss. It's so hard to accept & understand especially when someone is taken from us so young & so suddenly. Thinking of you and please remember to look after yourself as well as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteYour creations are all wonderful & I especially love the Altenew cards, they are so elegant, pretty, & beautifully stamped.
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Mandy xx
How awful for your mother to have to endure the loss of a child and you a brother. I cannot imagine! You and your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour card and journal page is beautiful.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate
I'm so sorry for your loss, Linda. We lost my baby brother unexpectedly in his sleep when he was just 43. My heart goes out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI love both your calendar journal pages and your card for SSS. Art is a refuge for me in difficult times. I hope it is for you too.
Big hugs, Eileen
Oh Linda! I am so sorry about your brother! I can't begin to imagine how your Mum must be feeling - it is my worst nightmare! I'm sure it has been difficult for you so do take care of yourself! Your art of course is wonderful, your art journal page especially! Love the pic of hubby - the weather has turned cold again here - definitely hot drink and throw weather! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteLinda, so sorry for your loss! So young yet, too. Lovely art journal page! And that is a great pic of hubby for T Stamds For Tuesday! Don’t think my hubby would cooperate! LOL
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Oh Linda, that is really sad. Please look after yourself too.
ReplyDeleteThe blue roses are very beautiful, as is the matching envelope.
"Trust" - what a great choice of word.
Your last piece here is so calm and colourful. I love the dangling hearts and stars. And that is a magical header, I don't know how long it has been there but I like it very much.
Nice to see that hubby is being well looked after!!!
love from Sheila
Love blue flower card with matching envelope! How's hubby doing?
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
So sorry to hear about your brother Linda!
ReplyDeleteYour card & envelope are beautiful, and I love your page with those wonderful words.
Take care,
Alison xox
Happy PPF Sweetie, have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to lose a loved one when it is expected (such as in a long illness) but to lose one so unexpected like that, I can't imagine! My heart is full of sadness for your family, especially your mom. Moms should never have to bury their children.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your loss, Linda. I've lost a few people lately, including a brother-in-law. I can only imagine the pain you are going through, however. Great artwork. I especially like your card and envelope.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I lost my brother when he was 51. It is a very difficult time. Losing a child is one of the worst things imaginable so it's good everyone is watching over your mother. Your artwork is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLinda I am so sorry to hear of your brother's sudden passing, the shock alone...prayers for your mom and family.
ReplyDeleteLovely art this week.
Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your brother, then of course dealing with not only your own grief but helping to support your brother. I love the bottom mixed media piece the best.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read the loss of your brother. Take care yourself.
ReplyDeleteYour art is beautiful as always. Thanks for good advice for life 💕
I'm very sorry for your loss Linda. I lost my sister a few months ago to breast/brain cancer at the young age of 56. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your artwork is fabulous! Happy PPF :)
ReplyDeleteLove the girl reaching for the star ~ only way to live ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Beautiful art Linda. The girl in your journal page and the quotations are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself too Linda, such a sadness in all your lives, sending warmest good wishes as you work though it. Duane looks like a kind and caring man.
Love how your hubby has his cosy corner all sorted. Cheers Linda and thank you for taking the time to visit me. Hugs, Sue xx
Wow Linda, how horrible ... It must be so hard for your mother to lose one of her children, but also losing one of your siblings is very hard. Somehow we think they will always be there. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well, you need time to grief too. Lovely art this week. The first one looks like you're waving goodbye ... Hugs ♥
ReplyDeleteYour card and envelope are beautiful! What calming, loving colors. So sorry for you and your family's loss. My heart goes out to you all...especially your mom. When my brother passed away, it was the hardest on my mom. Parents aren't meant to lose their children. I hope you get a break and someone gets to caretake you for a bit. You will need that comforting too. Big hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteMy Condolencez Linda. HUGS.
ReplyDeleteI have posted ATCs to you. Hope you get them soon
Much💟love
Lovely artwork pages! I love the blue. I am so so very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother! God be with you and your family during this difficult time. I hope your Mom especially will find some consolation!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda..I'm so sorry to read about your brother. I can't imagine what your mother is going through. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDear Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Please accept my sympathy. Your family, especially your mother is lucky to have you in their lives. Take good care of yourself as well.
ReplyDelete~~ Irene
Hope you are doing well and creating ~ thanks for visiting ~ XXX
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend to you,
A Shutterbug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Dear Linda, I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I know your family needs and appreciates you looking after their interests during this difficult time, but don’t forget to take care of yourself at the same time. Your art this week is lovely as always.
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is lovely. I was so sad to read about the loss of your younger brother. Praying for you and for your family. I lost my brother some time ago--we were only 14 months apart. I loved him so. I miss him dreadfully. ((HUGS)) God bless you, sweet lady. <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Your art pieces are lovely. Trust is a beautiful thing to focus on.
ReplyDeleteDearest Linda so deeply sorry for your loss! So close to home for me with my brother being a year younger than yours! Your family is blessed to have your strength holding them up! So hard for your dear mother. Sending love and light at this dark time. I hope you find some solace in your beautiful creativity.
ReplyDeleteLove Giggles
Unexpected death is the hardest to overcome I think. Glad you take care of teh family but take care of yoruself too. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so so very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother! God be with you and your family during this difficult time. I hope you take care of yourself too.
ReplyDeleteLovely art, I'm sure it is very therapeutic for you during this time.
so sorry for your loss..keep creating more art!
ReplyDeletelove shilu raj (desisoul arts)
Love the star creation ~ (1st one) Betty Davis once said something like 'Aim for the moon, you just might land among the stars.' The girl reaching reminds me of that ~ Hope you are doing well and will be creating soon! Xox
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
So saddened to read about your brother, Linda . . .
ReplyDeleteYour quote is perfect. xo