Friday, November 27, 2015

The Outlawz Friday Coloring Anything Goes/Christmas Twist Challenge

I wrote this yesterday on Thanksgiving. It was another bittersweet day for me. Sweet, to be sure, because I got to spend quality time with my daughter, SIL, and two granddaughters. We had another delicious turkey dinner at The Deli in Queen Creek. With many wonderful left-overs. Bitter, though, because Gary was sick and couldn't go with us. I did take an entire meal home for him in addition to my own left-over food. And a piece of pumpkin pie, because, after all, what is Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? 

More importantly, it was a truly bittersweet Thanksgiving for my sister, Merrilyn, and BIL, Ron. Their dog, Simon, had been ill with Cushing's disease for a very long time. He had the usual ailments with that disorder--increased thirst and hunger, pot-bellied abdomen, obesity, lack of energy, among others. He did the best he could, and his parents kept him going for as long as possible. However, last Saturday night he developed heart failure, leading to his demise on Tuesday. They tried oxygen and drug treatment to help him, but it didn't work. So, as many of us have experienced, they made the decision to euthanize Simon. It is so hard to make that choice. But there comes a time when the animal is ready. And I can say unequivocally that he was ready to go. I saw him on Monday and I just knew. So, even though Ron and Merrilyn had their children and granddaughter with them for the holiday weekend, (which is such a joy to them), they had to say goodbye to their dear friend and family member first. To add insult to injury, Wednesday was Ron's birthday. OMG. Wish I could express how badly I feel about the whole thing, but words just fail me now. Like Charles Dickens' classic said: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times...", and I know no other way to describe it. I do know that time does smooth the rough edges of grief, as it will for them. In the meantime, they will miss Simon terribly. I will miss him, too... 

In other news, our sponsor this month is Vera Lane Studio. This is the home for unique and quirky images. I have used mine this week: The Winter Sisters. I chose this image for two reasons. One, I needed to make another Christmas card. And two, there are three sisters in my family. I am thinking I will give this card to my brother for Christmas. He needs to be reminded of his sisters, don't you think? Do go check out all the fun digis in this shop. The prize this month is one digi set. So be sure to play along--just hand-color your image on your project with your choice of medium.


Sorry this is such a short post. But I am having a great deal of difficulty writing anything at all. There is so much in my life to be thankful for, and I am, believe me. But it all seems to take a backseat when your loved ones are in so much pain.

So, on to my card deets. I printed my image on X-Press It BC and colored it with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E01, E11
Hair: E51, E53, E37
Clothing: BG70, BG72, BG75, R02, R05, R08, B34, B37, B39

My DP is from the Bo Bunny Elf Magic collection, and it was paired with Stampin' Up CS. My die cuts were made with MFT Fishtail Flags Stax and Cheery Lynn Merry Christmas dies. That wraps it up.

Do stop by our challenge and see the fabulous creations by my talented teammates: Carla, Kathi, and Vannessa. Then please play along--it is an easy challenge this week!

Have a great weekend! Go Cards!


9 comments:

  1. It is so heart wrenching when a beloved pet leaves us and to have to take such a decision must have been all the more tough!

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  2. Penny I am so sorry to read about poor Simon, it's so hard to lose a beloved pet whenever and however it happens.
    On to happier things - your card is fabulous, cute image, so beautifully coloured, lovely CAS design, love the bold colours and perfectly matched papers.
    Chris
    x

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  3. So sad when you loose a beloved family member, whether animal or human. Its a dreadful situation you face when you have and love animals Penny, but they always remain in your heart! Hope Gary is feeling better. Such a cute image and as usual, you have made it shine. Take care my friend.
    Laine
    x

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  4. oh so cute !!! love the combo
    hugs
    céline

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  5. I love your banners and of course you coloring is top notch. Great design, Penny.
    hugs,
    Teresa

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  6. Penny, So sorry you are full of bad news and to lose a pet is so sad but we need to let go when they are suffering so much as it is just like loosing a family member. No fun for Gary, I do hope he is feeling better now.
    Love your darling Christmas card, love the color combo and your coloring is stunning. Hope things get better.
    Hugs, Pat

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  7. Hi Penny,
    it`s really sad to loose a beloved pet :(
    I hope Gary is already ok?!
    Your card is really gorgeous - I love how you coloured it!!
    Wish you a wonderful sunday!
    Hugs,
    Conny

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  8. Penny your card is just gorgeous. Sorry Gary is sick - don't catch it. Sorry for the grief and loss over the holidays. Hope you have a great week.

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  9. What a sweet card- and the images are really sweet. Love the banners too. Hope Gary is better and that you are carrying around sanitize so you do not get it too..... So sorry about the pet- so sad to loose a family member. Hope you could enjoy some of the day despite the death of the pup!

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Thank you for visiting my blog! I appreciate the kind comments more than I can say! :^)
Hugs, Penny