Hello Stamplings!
It's me! I've missed you and it's so great to be back! I wasn't planning on being gone so long, but when it comes to health, plans can go out the window. First of all, thank you for your notes, cards, calls, and comments sending me your best wishes and cheering me on! Mwah!
Being back in the Playhouse creating, even for short periods, has done wonders for my mental health. I have even managed a coupla cards to share! My mojo juices were running low, so I turned to challenges for the schpark I needed to get them flowing. As ever, thank you challenge teams!
Onefer
This NBUS Altenew stamp and die set is called "Book Club." I stamped the image in black, heat-embossed it in clear, and painted with watercolors. There are several fun stamps for the center circle to use in a book or a journal, but I bought it just because I loved the flowers, composition, and versatility for any card sediment.
Wow, you might think, that's a lot of schplattering, but I know you understand that poor Hammy, after five weeks of no winking and no schplattering, had an absolute inky blast and I let him go until he tuckered himself out.
(In case you wondered, I didn't think it was fair for Hammy to be listless and bored while I was laid up, so I arranged for him to visit all his offspring and their offspring and their offspring ... let's just say he was always on the go and I think he's quite relieved to be home. My productivity will be low for a while yet, which is just fine with him!)
Challenges
- Addicted to Stamps and More: Make your mark.
- Color Hues: Pink and green.
- HLS Watercolour: A/G.
Twofer
As I was looking through my challenge list, I happened to notice another, similar challenge in Blogland, so I stamped and heat-embossed another image to make this pink and gold Easter card. This time Hammy happily winked the flowers and then, while he was napping, I added some subtle gold schplatters to keep the card CAS.
Challenges
- Four Seasons: A/G Spring.
- Less is More: Pink and gold.
- Perfectly CAS: Die cuts.
Nurse Nellie
So what happened was, the hip replacement surgery went well, but about a week after wards, all my autoimmune maladies played up and set back my recovery. (Today's challenge: use malady in a sentence. It's such a lovely word, much nicer than disease or ailment.)
Anywhizzle, things settled down little by little and I often found myself rejoicing to have finally "turned the corner!" Then, oops, I discovered as I kept turning corners that I was actually in a maze! A maze zing! But I persevered and then wallah, I found my way out!
Part of the process of recovering is to walk, walk, walk. My doctor starts his patients out on a walker, then on to a cane, and then just your own two feet. As many of you know, before my surgery, The Mister, Nellie, and I walked between one and two miles every morning. I wish you could see how becited Nellie gets when it's time to walk! She LOVES it. So, of course, she struggled to understand the change in our daily routine.
I will try and get back on a schedule and make a plan in terms of crafting, blogging, and visiting little-by-little.
And then there's the fact that I'm a huge fan of spring cleaning. Do you get that bug in the spring?
I think it's something I carried over from growing up in the Midwest where winters can be long and harsh. It was just the best feeling when the weather warmed up so the windows could all be opened and everything was washed from top to bottom while the fresh air blew through! I think it will feel especially good this year. Being able to keep our own affairs and belongings in order brings a sense of calm, productivity, and accomplishment in a time when there is so much turmoil in the world.
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
*Life is too short!
To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling: Click CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)
81 comments:
Its so good to see you back on your feet and in the playhouse. I'm sure Nellie was confused about no more walks. She looks so cute following along behind you. The cards are beautiful and made two great cards for two different occasions. Hammy made up for time lost with splattering and it looks fine. Good for you for getting ready to spring clean. That's something I will be working on next.
Oh, I am so happy that the surgery went well. I wish you quick recovery.
Your cards are so beautiful, I like Altenew stamps too. Sending big hugs xx
Glad your recovery is carrying on apace. My MiL made a little pouch thing for her walker so she could put all her bits and bobs in, TV remote, phone etc and later a bum bag when she had a cane. Freed up her hands for balance!
Two super pretty cards, Darnell, glad the colours at Color Hues perked up your crafty mojo, so thanks for sharing. :)
Two gorgeous cards with the Book Club image, Darnell - love them both!! Glad you're healing well and have a therapy dog to boot!
So thankful to hear your surgery went well. Continued prayers for your recovery. So happy to see you creating again too and that the challenges helped your mojo. I find they help me too when I am in a creative slump. Thanks for joining us at Color Hues. xoxo
I was delighted to see you and this card over at Color Hues. As for your recovery, I am sorry there were bumps in the road but it sounds like you are over the nasty speed bump. Hope things continue to go uphill. As for all your splatters, the more the better in my book! I love each of them but I must say the splatters won me over! Please take care, don't overdo it and so happy to see that you played at Color Hues! Cyber Hugs too!
I'm so glad to hear that your surgery went well and you could already walk in the house! Nellie is surely a great couch and helping!
Adorable stamp, really versatile as you say! You made two fab cards with it!
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Hugs
I'm so glad that everything went well. It is so nice to see you back to the blogland. Nellie is a great companion and a great nurse. Nice to hear such a cute story. :-)
It is great too, that your mojo is back. I like both of your cards. Wonderful stamp and wonderful coloring.
Hugs, Sonja
Good to hear your post surgery recovery is going well now the autoimmune issues are resolving too - good luck and keep up the walking too.
Your twofers are both totally fabulous too
Stay well
Kathyk
Glad to hear you were on the downside of recouping. Your cards today are very pretty you did very good 😊 enjoy getting back into your walking routine also
So wonderful to see you back crafting if only occasionally Darnell, and these two cards are gorgeous with the beautifully coloured roses and the interchangeable words to make two fantastic cards, with the splattering done of course by Hammy and some gorgous winking and just a little splattering on the second. So pleased that your maladies are settling down now and hope this continues apace (love that..lol) as the photo attests to much pacing around the house with the sweet Nellie following along behind. x
You have skipped a beat or lost your magic touch, these are pretty! Happy you're on the mend, bet Nellie is too!
so wonderful having you back in blogland in such high spirits after your surgery. Dogs are funny even these little walks round the house are bliss ♥
Love both cards you made especially the shparkly one with a little help from Hammy :)
Darnell how fabulous to see you up and about seems like it has been a long journey but hopefully, you will be back to normal soon. Two fabulous creations the gorgeous pinks and splatters make wonderful spring cards, love the touch of gold on the second and the multi-coloured splatters make a fabulous background on the first.
Marie
So wonderful to see you creating and having fun in the playhouse, Dolly! Your two cards are gorgeous ... fantastic watercolouring and I'm loving Hammy's splattering. How sweet to see Nellie following you on your walk around the house. Jessie does the same thing ... with a little coaxing from me. :) I'm happy that you are doing well and have turned the corner!! Don't push yourself too much with your spring cleaning. That's a lot of bending and reaching, my friend. Love, Lolly
Hi Darnell, So glad your op went well and you are getting there with your recovery and Nellies help.
Loving the cards, especially the Easter one.
I love spring cleaning, but not going to be easy this spring due to still recovering from my broken shoulder. Still little and often is the trick.
You take care
Hugs
Sue
How lovely that Nellie helped you on your little walks, it’s the little things that make all the difference. You have done so well to plough through all those maladies on top of the op itself. Two beautiful cards, love all the schplattering. Don’t overdo things, take care, and remember…..housework can be dangerous :) whereas crafting is much better for you ;) xxx
Great to see you back in blogland and hopefully you will continue to make progress, aided by a little light card-making therapy. Go easy on the spring cleaning though. Take care and keep walking along with Nellie in attendance.
I love your cards Darnell, they are so pretty. What a beautiful stamp. Well done for getting back in the Playroom, but don't over do it. It is good news that you have turned the corner...stay on the straight bit now!..lol and in forward gear too. Thinking of you and sending love and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Oh wow ... it's so good to see you up & about again! Don't over due on that spring cleaning but I totally understand ... the few days of warmth we had over the past month or so had me out doors cleaning up some of the flower beds but I too am waiting for the day(s) that I can turn off the furnace, open the windows, put the music on and CLEAN this winter stale house.
ANYWAYS ... your cards are both beautiful and I'm so glad you were able to join in the fun at our Four Seasons Challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back again soon.
Darlene
FOUR SEASONS CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Oh Darnell, it's so good to see you post. I'm so glad that maybe the corner you've turned is the last one out of the maze and you are well on your way to a full recovery. Been thinking about you! So happy to hear that Nellie has been a good companion and walking assistant. I hope soon you will be back to your regular daily walks. Your cards are just beautiful. What a lovely way to ease back into card making. Gentle hugs to you!
Both cards are beautiful!! Thank you for joining our challenge at Four seasons! So happy for you that your surgery went so well and I am sure in no time at all you will be skipping thru the house without a care in the world! Speaking of the world, isn't it great to have our own place to close ourselves in and create to bring comfort, I feel so sad for the people and animals of Ukraine, I wish it would all end, but they sure don't have much left to go back to...heartbreaking!!
Diane FS DT {Nellies Nest}
{Four Seasons}
Don't forget we have a year round Halloween challenge at Two Old Bats Halloween, giving you a chance to make Halloween cards year round, and with 50 or more players we have a prize to give away!
{Two Old Bats}
Welcome back. So glad you found your way out of the maze. Your cards are both beautiful. Are those flowers peonies? In Indiana, when the peonies bloom, summer is soon to follow. I have lived in the Midwest all my life and I am telling you we are not all into spring cleaning! ha,ha. I would much rather be outdoors or whiling away my time crafting.
Glad to see you back with these two beautiful cards. I have that set also that I got just for the flowers. :) You colored them beautifully.
I know what you have gone through with the hip replacement as I had mine in 2005 and all went well. It just takes time with the healing and walking. Best of luck. Hugs. JoAnn
So glad to hear from you and to know you are out of the maze
and on the mend! You certainly haven't lost your mojo, the
cards are gorgeous more so with Hammy's help! Look forward
to another post soon!
Sharon xxxxx
Hi Darnell,
it's wonderful to have you back blogging again and feeling fitter day by day.
I am so sorry I mean't to send you a Jaquie Lawson card but it kept slipping my mind that's old age for you.
I need a Hammy to prompt me about such things.
I love you wonderful cards and those stamps are so wonderful and you have coloured them beautifully.
Love the circle sentiment stamps too.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L
Ps Thank you for my lovely Birthday card.
So sorry to hear about the "maze" you have been in!!!! But thrilled to hear that you and your sweet pup have found the exit - continued healing my friend!!!!
Oh it is so good to see you back creating again - always love your twofers. These are no exception. Love that Nellie decided to be your house walking partner. I need not one but two new knees, but keep putting it off. I know I just need to bite the bullet. Glad Hammy got to catching up on all of his visiting. Welcome Back.
I too am pleased to hear and see you are doing quite well. I've been thinking of you. Take care, my friend, and craft when you can and rest when you need. Nellie is adorable helping you walk. Blessings on you. Hugs.
Have to say how thrilled I am seeing you create again. Always enjoy reading every single word of your delightful posts because of your fertile brain's wit and wisdom. Your cards are a treat but love how you share your thoughts, ideas and humor.
So happy that that your surgery went well, I'm sure you'll be packing in the mileage real soon. It's so nice to have partners to give comfort {Kevin is great but Nellie is the main attraction, in my book}. Hope you have the best continuation of your recovery.
It's so good to see you back on your feet, Darnell. I've missed you and your humorous patter. I must say I love Hammy's overabundance of schplatters and your watercoloring is mighty fine too. And you're back at it with your twofers. Keep getting better so we see you more often. Sending hugs.
Darnell, I had missed your posts and wondered about you. I'm happy to know you are back on your feet and following the doctor's orders to be back to 100% soon. Your cards are beautiful. I love both of them. You can do spring cleaning any time. It will wait for you!! Take it easy. Enjoy your day!
So wonderful having this update, D! Good to know you're up and at 'em! Keep on keepin' on, girlfriend!! xx
Your cards are both wonderful!
=]
It's good to see you (almost) back to your delightful self, Dolly! It looks like you and Hammy are back to coloring, schplattering and winking and I love both cards! Sweet Nelly to walk with you and keep you going. Be careful, my friend. XOXO
Before I get on to your beautiful cards, I have to say I'm in love with Nellie! What a dear to go on your housebound walks with you! I'm sure she was a great comfort all round with your recovery and the added (and totally unfair) flare up of your other maladies (there, I used maladies in a sentence! I agree it's a much nicer word than disease.).
As for the cards - what can I say other than gorgeous! I see what you mean about it being a very adaptable stamp. Hammy really made up for 5 weeks of no winking or splattering and outdid himself on the first card. Speaking of Hammy, I'd be happy to provide him with some well-researched literature on the perils of overpopulation.
Beautiful cards Darnell. And what a sweetie Nellie is to be your companion on those walks around the house. From your stance, at the time, I see a lady really struggling to get back on track. If you even touch any Spring cleaning I shall send Dudley over to join forces with Kevin, Nellie and tie you down! Health and recovery first!
Much love and hugs
Di xx
Good to see you back and near enough over the maladies! Your cards are just wonderful, love the stamp, and how different it looks on each card. Beautiful colouring. Hope your continuing recovery is swift.
Faith x
Wow, Darnell, these are two gorgeous cards! I'm so glad to see you back in Blogland, if only for a bit. Happy to hear that you are slowly recovering and hope you will feel better in no time! Hugs!
Well, hello you. lovely to see you back making cards. I am glad the progresses continuing, you will be back doing your morning walk before you know it. I always walk in the morning too, I sometimes wonder how I would survive if I couldn't do it. It is my special time and I love it. I love both your cards too especially the one with all the splatters, fantastic xx
I so enjoyed every word in your post and...your 2 Gorgeous floral cards and..your sweet walk with Nellie in the house:-) It was wonderful hearing about your progress after one bump in the middle that delayed you a bit, Dolly. You are one tough cookie, my dear sweet friend! Sending continuing progress and hoping you, Kevin and Nellie will be walking outside together...Soon! Love and Hugs...Nancy
Hi Darnell, good to see you back and on your feet, I hope your recovery keeps on improving.
Your cards are stunning such a beautiful floral image and colours.
Keep safe, Kate x
I'm glad to know things are settling down and you're making a great recovery from your surgery! God bless little Nellie for helping keep you inspired to walk! Your cards are very pretty too, so congrats on getting back to your beloved hobby! Continued best wishes and an even better recovery than you've had so far! Hugs
Hi Darnell! I came to admire your gorgeous cards tell you how much I like those beautifully colored florals. To say how happy I am to see you joining us at Color Hues! Most of all, I join the many well wishers here who are cheering on your complete recovery now that some of the maze-y twists and turns are behind you. You inspire me in so many ways! Your sweet canine trotting after you around the house is heart-warming! Keep taking good care of yourself.
Goodness Darnell!! I didn't realize you had a hip replacement. My own health issues have kept me on/off blog land hit and miss. Your cards are beautiful as usual. Nurse Nellie is doing a wonderful job taking care of you. Please don't push your recovery.
It's so good to see you in Blogland! And with two beautiful cards to boot! Glad you're making steady progress now, and what a cute companion to have on your walks through the house. I can't wait to throw open the windows now that we're home from our travels, but it looks like it will be awhile. Sitting next to the fire now--shouldn't be necessary in April!
Glad to see you back blogging again with your beautiful cards. Pleased to hear that your recovery is going well. Hope it continues and you will soon be back to full health. xx
I am glad you are on the road to recovery. I have missed seeing your cards.
Gorgeous card Darnell and so happy to hear your recovery is going well, take care and don't overdo. Continuing to send prayers.
So wonderful to see you up and buzzing again Darnell - and to know that Hammy had plenty of diversion therapy whilst you were laid lower that you would wanted to be. He obviously enjoyed being home and back out in the playhouse with you!!
The cards are beautiful, and the way you have been inspired by the challenges is amazing
Blessings
Maxine
So happy to see your post, Darnell! Just what the doctor ordered ;) Your card is beautiful with all the sparkle - glad Hammy had fun with the wink! Sending lots of healing hugs but it looks like you're doing great. Thanks so much for playing along with us at Perfectly CAS this month! x
It's so good to see you back and with two wonderful card designs. Don't overdo it with that spring cleaning!
So nice to see you back Darnell and pleased that your recovery is going well…two beautiful floral cards ..
Take it easy
Hugs
Anne x
So good to hear you're getting back to crafting and walking, Darnell. Here's to a steady improvement from here. This card is a perfect way to start. It is so striking with the sweet pink flowers and gold embossed sentiment. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Less is More Challenge.
Oh Darnell both your cards are so pretty, so pleased to read your on the mend you have been sourly missed take it easy though, Nellie is your savourer sending lots of 🤗 xx
Two stunning cards Darnell, I love the background on the top card with all the schplatters. Great to that you are now getting back to normal and able to Craft and visit again.
Sue xx
I love both of your cards Darnell. The splatters on the first are super, the plainer one is perfect for our challenge at Less is More.
I'm really pleased you're starting to feel better. Thank you for sharing your cards and stories with us.
Glad you're on the mend and out of the maze! Yea. Both of your cards are wonderful. Thanks for playing at Less is More!
What beautiful cards and extra loving Hammy's splatters Darnell. So good to see you back blogging my friend x. So glad you've found yourself out of the maze x. Well done to Nellie and give her a hug from me x. Do not too much of that Spring cleaning, as good as it might feel .....x.
So good to see you back on your blog again! You were missed!
Love the photo with you and Nellie. so cute!
Your cards are nicely done too.
Please take care, and I hope you continue to heal.
(and maybe we will hear that You decided to run in a marathon...smile! Never say Never...I think those were words my mother used to tell me...
SO GREAT to see your post! I've been thinking of you and hoping that your recovery was going according to plan. Sounds like you had a few hiccups, but I was happy to read that you've turned the last corner. My DH is currently recovering from knee-replacement surgery, and he's doing pretty well so far. It'll be a couple more weeks before he can do stairs with any regularity, but he's walking unaided, so that's a real plus.
Your cards are as beautiful as ever. I think your mojo came back full bore! Please take care of yourself. We all understand the healing process takes a lot of time and patience, and we'll be here when you feel like posting.
Oh Darnell I had no idea about your surgery. Such a good blog friend am I. I am glad things are going well now you are home and Nellie is keeping you on your toes in more ways than oe.
Love you cards, a fan of Altenew, but most love is coming your way. Take care and keep walking.
Hugs, Neet xx
I was so excited to see you back, that I totally missed that one of these gorgeous cards was for the Color Hues Challenge! How lovely that we inspired your creativity when you got back to the crafting desk! Thanks for joining us at Color Hues!
I too bought that stamp because I loved the blooms. You've shown it off nicely and I was happy to read that things are coming along. Sending prayers and wishes for continued progress.
Gorgeous cards! Sending best wishes as you continue on your recovery.
Great to see you back on your feet Darnell with Nellie's company too! gorgeous cards hugs Sue x
It's good to hear the surgery is done with and that despite the setbacks, you are now well on the way to recovery, Darnell. Loved the picture of your lap around the house with Nellie in tow. Sending you a big hug and enormous good wishes that you'll be running around soon. I too have a yen to spring clean but I find that if I lie down in a darkened room for a while, the urge soon passes.
Hugs
Carol xx
I'm back to say I loved your cards. The colouring on the pink one is just beautiful and the hammy splatters are perfect.
Thanks for sharing with us at ATSM and I hope you will join us again soon.
Hugs
Carol x
It's good to see you, Darnell! It's amazing how one can undergo a whole hip replacement and then be up and about so soon after. Modern medicine! Despite your maladies it sounds like you've done quite well. And I always love to see your cards with whatever comes out off Mt. NBUS. It's interesting to see what catches a person's eye. This is truly a beautiful set for cards with any sentiment that will fit inside. Take care and hope to see you again soon!
So happy to see that you are up to making some lovely cards with the assistance of Hammy, of course! Keep on making those baby steps and next thing you know, you will be back to your 2 miles a day! Sending virtual hugs.
Awesome to see your works back in the Playhouse and to see you from behind walking!! Yea for walking and being back on your feet! I will look forward to seeing more from you! Heart Hugs, Col
Darnell! this is a wonderful post, I would say YOU ARE BAACK! So nice to see you walking and on your feet again! I will look forward seeing more of you and your cards! Heart Hugs, Col
So happy to see you back on your feet, but please take it steady. The cards are gorgeous xoxo
So great to see you up and about! I love your little walking partner! Nellie was one of the best unexpected gifts ever! Both of your cards are beautiful - I agree about the composition of those stamps. They draw your eye right to the sentiment. Again, it's wonderful to see you back in action. I'm so glad you found yourself out of the maze.
First of all I hope you feel better and better everyday and that you will recover soon from the surgery. At least you're not alone, Nellie is here, following you, and Hammy too splattering everywhere. Love your two beautiful cards, I agree, these flowers are gorgeous as well as your colouring. You can tell Hammy to go on with splatters, I love the result ! Thanks so much for sharing and for playing at ATSM. Take care & Hugs x
So good to see a post from you Auntie, even though I'm late to the game! Yes, with health it's best to hope for the best, but to expect the worst. Or however that saying goes. Glad you preserved and found your way out of that maze! Love that flower stamp! Your cards are so pretty, bright, vibrant and just beautiful Auntie. I'm glad you let Hammy go wild with schplattering. lol Love it! Love the Easter one too. Take your time to heal yourself and walk, walk, walk! Love that Nellie is walking with you in the house. I do walking in the house as well. No sidewalks here in the country and vehicles will all but run you over, so I stick to the house since I can no longer walk the tractor paths. Love and big hugs, Brenda
So good to see you back crafting and blogging again. You’ve been missed.! Lovely cards as always and great splattering from Hammy! Sorry I’m a bit late commenting. I’m playing catch up. I use Bloglovin to read all the blogs I follow and have been unable to access it for five days😡😡😡 Thank goodness it’s now back as there’s no way I can remember all the blog addresses! xx
Two beautiful cards, you showed that this set of stamps can be used for many occasions.
I am delighted that you are recovering from surgery. Our pets are our therapists. I'm glad you have Nelly. Hope it's a lot hotter now than it was a few days ago.
Thank you for joining us in our Perfectly CAS fun.
I wish you a happy Easter
BożenA xx
Beautifully made.
Thanks for joining us at the Perfectly CAS Challenge.
Helen x
It is so good to see you creating again. I'm so sorry things have been ruff. Hope you are going even better now!
The cards you created are fabulous!
Very pretty card. so glad you shared over at Happy Little Stamper WC challenge.
Gorgeous cards! Great to see you in the our gallery. Hope you will join the HLS Watercolor Challenge this month too! Nandini, DT
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