Good “Hump Day” to you and yep…we need sympathy cards unfortunately. This card is for Janice….she was the wife to Bud. I am sure (and I hope) that you are lucky enough to know a “Bud” in your life….he was one in a million and my life was blessed to know him.

Many times we blog about happy times, birthdays, holidays etc…but there are always the need for sympathy. I was pleased with the end result. I took the liberty to play with the Global Design Project Challenge this week.  My friend, Brian is on the design team and I wanted to “play in his court” this week. I am getting SUPER excited to go to Atlanta….to see Brian, to see the PALS, to go to On Stage.

The DSP, Petals & Paisleys is the shining star. If you look at the colors that coordinate with it – it is NOT Always Artichoke…actually is it Mint Macaron but I hope that you can see...IT WORKS! (I actually tried to use the Mint Macaron but I really did not like it) To me, this works!

The other shining star is this FABULOUS Stamp set…I admit, I breezed right past it and it was on the “second wave” of my initial order in the annual catalog, maybe because of the price….but WOW – I have used it a bunch and it is a keeper….one stamp set chocked full of goodies!

I had someone email me and say, “I love embossing folders” – I thought about that and YEP…she is right – they add an instant touch with minimal work! I admit, I often forget about them  but when I do, I smile! 🙂

The Flourish Framlits were the perfect accent to this card. I did not use the stamp set but I will say, I would purchase this as a bundle. It is a beautiful collection. Please do not be afraid to play with textures and colors….it is FUN and then the linen thread is the perfect accent.

You know that I adore my envelope…and today is no different! Soft, subtle, classic and meaningful….one great layout and one comforting card. I used glue dots to tuck the pieces under the sentiment – the fastest, least frustrating option we have!

Here is your “411 ~ Directory Assistance” picture for you to PIN away….just hover over it and save it – you will be happy that you did when you are in need of a fantastic layout.

My heart is sad that I am having to make a card for the passing of my dear Dads best friend. Bud was the best of the best. He was 84 and my wonderful Dads best friend. He was the ROCK to our family when my Mom was ill almost 6 years ago….and after her passing, he became my rock….as he knew my parents and he helped and taught me many life lessons.

In closing, please take an extra moment to read the excerpt from his obituary, I think you will “get it”

At the time of his retirement, Bud moved to Oxford, MD, and quickly engaged in the life of his new community. He was a member of the Tred Avon and Poplar Islands Yacht Clubs, where he served in leadership roles. Bud loved being on his boat, painting, traveling and collecting beautiful art. Key West, FL became his winter home as he loved all that Key West offered, including walking to daily mass, serving as a Eucharistic minister, and his treasured role as a volunteer at the soup kitchen. His bike became his preferred method of transportation for all errands and he loved being able to walk to galleries, music venues, and restaurants.

Whether working in his business or being retired in Oxford or Key West, Bud was known for the personal touches he took with his customers, family and friends, the pride he took in remembering names and events, his sense of humor and his ability to find the good in any person or situation. He loved his grandchildren, seeing the growth of their talents in the arts, athletics and in their ability to banter with him. Finally, Bud was a friend to all, as he loved the ability to call friends daily just to check in, and to understand how he could help in any way.

I took a walk today and was in awe of some of the beauty. I hope that this picture below makes you say….WOW, and I hope that you are able to touch someones life as “Bud” did for my family – truly…one of a kind!