Nov 9, 2017

Mission Accomplished - A Walk and a Card


I used a terrific set from Stamplorations called Yuletide Deer. It is designed by the very talented Deepti Malik.  Deepti kindly sent me the set to help me get through surgery. Is that sweet or what? 



Very few supplies -- navy and white cardstocks, detail gold embossing powder, Versamark, Nuvo gold drops. Simple.

***

After I wrote last night's post, I really didn't think I had it in me to get up and start moving again. But I did. I was showered and dressed by 8 am. Walked down two flights of stairs, grabbed some $$ and my phone, and headed outside. It's a cool and gray day and everything was wet outside. No stopping on a bench. So, I walked half a block to a pastry shop!

Our neighborhood is new so I have been surprised at how inaccessible the shops and restaurants are. Only Target has accessible doorways -- the kind where you can press a button to open the door. I had thought that the law required all new businesses to have these types of doors, but apparently not.

So when I got to the pastry shop I tried my best to open the heavy glass and metal door. No luck.  My arms are weak from the surgery (the breast bone is cut in half and we are cautioned not to lift or pull anything heavy in the weeks after surgery) and the blood clot -- using them is painful, so I've avoided that. It took three shouts for the woman at the counter to see me and come and open the door.  I explained that I was recovering from surgery, but she didn't look convinced.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed a nice cup of tea and a croissant. After 15 minutes, I walked back home. And then I made my way up to the 4th floor (stopping at each level) and made this card. I didn't sit as getting up and down is difficult due to the arm issues, but that kept me on my feet, which is great. When the card was done I took a quick photo with my phone. Terrible lighting but good enough.

And then I sat down and a shed a few tears of happiness. Thanks so much for your encouragement and support. It means a lot!!


MOOD WHEN DONE = fantastic


25 comments:

LauraJane:) said...

JOAN!!! I LOVE this:))) And I'm a #NuvoDropJunkie. Good for you!

Starla said...

Yay you!!!!!

MyLittleBlueDog said...

Fourth floor! I think you are doing an amazing job. I pleased to see you are meeting life head on and not letting these not insignificant setbacks hold you back. You should feel very proud of yourself. Great card too.

Unknown said...

What a great card! I have trouble making Christmas cards for my sons-in-law. (is that the proper plural for two?...or is it son-in-laws...? ) Anyhoo...this would be perfect for either one of them. So glad to hear that you are making progress. Cannot imagine having to climb four flights of stair to get to 'my happy place' . You go girl!
Lu C

Beth said...

Beautiful card and happy to hear you are out and about.

Sharon said...

Good for you, Joan! Pulling for you!

Anonymous said...

Joan, your navy and gold Christmas card is beautiful. I am so glad that you were able to accomplish your 2 goals - get out of the house, and create a card.

Trish said...

I hope you had a well deserved nap after your day of accomplishments! And your card is gorgeous

SmilynStef said...

You go girl ... and gorgeous card ... I actually always create standing-up, so maybe you'll find you enjoy it.

vdoyle8 said...

Well done, you! It takes a lot to keep a strong, determined woman down - you are amazing. I've had a few surgeries, none as serious as yours, but I have an idea how hard it is to keep pushing yourself. Still sending healing thoughts and prayers.

I Card Everyone said...

Mission accomplished so beautifully, J.B.! Deepti is a very sweet and generous girl... and even more beautiful IRL - ask me how I know!
LOve your card, and your courage... xx
=]

Teresa Doyle said...

Oh Joan, I read yor post last night but didn't have time to respond. I was sorry to read of your troubles post surgery but very happy you are recovering from that as well! So proud of you for your efforts today and your card is gorgeous (so you have not lost your touch!) Good job for today, now rest a bit and take care of yourself and I am sure we'll be seeing more in due time! TFS and I will definitely keep you in my prayers! {{{HUGS}}}

Ginger said...

I want to put my arms around you ,hold you close, kiss you on the cheek and say "I'm proud of you". Please continue to get dressed and venture out. It will do your heart and soul good. Oh, by the way love the gold, navy and drops!

Elaine C said...

Yay!! You should be so proud of yourself for getting out for a bit and then climbing all those stairs to make that gorgeous card! You are amazing!

Cara said...

Good for you ... a walk and a card!
All positive, one for your physical health, one for your mental health!
Your card is stunning!

Dorie said...

Thanks for posting your accomplishments. I thought of you yesterday and wondered how you did. I didn't consider those "baby steps". Those were way bigger than baby. You are wonderful!

Leslie Miller said...

Gorgeous stamps in gold on navy. Yay, you!!! This would be a beautiful card on your best day, let alone at a time when you're struggling. Curious thing about the door. I'm going to check out every public door I open from now on. Maybe there are loopholes in the American's with Disabilities Act. Hmmmm.

Leslie Miller said...

Oops, I meant "Americans" -- remove that apostrophe. Sheesh.

Patt H. said...

Good for you, Joan! Your card is gorgeous & great inspiration for my masculine cards. Hard to imagine climbing 4 flights of stairs to stamp. I would need a banister to slide back down on! I have noticed how heavy a lot of doors are now & some almost have a suction on them. So hard for a lot of elders to open even without surgery effects. Glad u are getting out & getting stronger. And so glad you are stamping again. Being creative helps!!

Jeanne H said...

Congrats Joan. Well done on going out AND climbing the stairs. Love your card - what a great set of stamps!

Cindy O said...

Hooray for you! Your card is beautiful. Love the gold with navy.

TK said...

Your card is lovely, just gorgeous with that gold and navy! And I'm oh so happy that you're continuing to get stronger and better!

luvhymns said...

It's beautiful! Thank You Heavenly Father!

JanetB said...

Yay! I'm so glad you had your walk and a cup of tea, then up 4 flights of stairs to make this beautiful card. WOW, good for you, and thanks for sharing.

Cindy Beach said...

Dear Joan,
Sounds like you've been through the wringer. I want to let you know how much I admire your spunk, good humor and the beautiful card! Just remember every day every baby step is an accomplishment! Healing takes time.