Nov 18, 2018

Christmas 2018 -- First Card! and A Life Update


Here's my first Christmas card for 2018. Very grateful for the time, health, and opportunity to just sit and play. Last year I was recovering from surgery and the year before I was sick in Belgium, so it's been awhile since I had the pleasure of making a Christmas card. At least I think so -- I haven't gone back to check!


This uses Penny Black La Fleur Rouge stamp and a sentiment from W Plus 9 -- both have been around for a while. I stamped it multiple times with Tombow Watercolor Markers and misted with water. Then I stamped with Versamark and embossed in clear and watercolored around the image. The white edges around the stems and leaves are the places where the embossing powder melted. I like the look.

Here's a picture of the layers of watercolor and splatters. So much fun to make!


I took this picture in our bedroom. That blue wall is like the rest of the house -- textured plaster. I've yet to find the right light for photography in this house, but this will do for now.

MOOD WHEN DONE:  Happy!

LIFE UPDATE: The move to Dallas has been full of happiness and some tears. Both of us are very happy we made the move, and both are homesick. We like the city but we need time to adjust. 

The section of the city where we live -- East Dallas -- is full of lovely older homes and buildings. It's liveable and, particularly for me, easy to navigate. We are 20 minutes from Love Field (the airport from which President Kennedy flew back to DC after the assassination). We are about 5 minutes from the President George W. Bush library and will be going there soon. So, while it is different from what we are used to, Dallas is a good place.

Living near our son has been better than anticipated. He hasn't lived near us for more than a few months in over 10 years, so there is a lot of happiness on all sides. We have also spent a fair amount of time with Mike's brother and his family, who live nearby, and are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with them.

All good!

There is a clinic that specializes in my heart condition nearby, which is fantastic, as most cardiologists do not have enough experience with the condition and can cause more harm than good. The clinic is a participating site for a clinical trial for a new drug and asked me if I wanted to participate. In a week or so I start the process to see if I can participate. Without clinical trials, we will not more forward so I am hopeful.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Today we are hosting a small get together for a few neighbors. And one of them is -- get this -- a stamper who reached out to me because she reads this blog and recognized my description of where we live. She is 3 blocks away!! We met for lunch and she is awesome. I AM SO EXCITED.

I hope to be back with more cards later this week. 




17 comments:

Betty said...

this is such a gorgeous card, Joan - love it - and so wonderful you've found a fellow stamper close by.

merryf said...

Dear Joan, I am overwhelmed with joy reading all of these wonderful things happening in your life. So very happy that you are near family. And that there's a heart clinic! AND that you have found a new crafty friend. You deserve all good things, and I think here they come! Happiest of Thanksgivings to you, friend!

MamacitaNicole said...

So good to hear that you are doing better. Love the card. Sending crossed finger and positive vibes for the trial. And yes, family is everything! Lots of love.... Nicole in Florida

Barbara V said...

Sounds like your Dallas move has been pretty positive so far! Your Christmas card is beautiful!!

judkajudi said...

Love that you acknowledge it is possible to love where you are but miss where you used to be. We've been here in Alabama 13 years, and it's been good to us and for us, but Wisconsin is "home". And that is ok. And a stamping friend to top it all off!! May all good things continue!!

Cat Craig said...

Joan, your card is beautiful. I too love the white bits. It is a true pleasure to read that you are acclimating to this huge change in life and are doing well. Good luck with the clinical trial and many wishes for health are being sent your way.

I moved from California to Maryland several years ago and it took me 2 years to find a crafty group of friends -- So I am thrilled to read that you have a stamping buddy so close by.

Continued blessings.

Janet said...

So good to hear from you. So glad you are finding your way because you know how to be Thankful.

Barb said...

You are a true artist! And I am thankful that yourlife is good. (Do you have that shirt?)

PS. My hair is currently pink!

vdoyle8 said...

I'm so happy to hear that you are settling in well. Happy and healthy Thanksgiving to you.

I Card Everyone said...

You are BACK!!! JB this couldn't be more sensational... and a stamping friend close by? What a very special gift!
Happy Thanksgiving, Joan!
=]

Chai said...

YEAH! hope you are settling in Texas. There is a lot to see and do in this great state. And you have a fellow stamper nearby! That's even better! Love the card, it looks so artsy! Terri in CC, TX

Leslie Miller said...

Well, knock me over with a paint brush and a petal (and some Tombow markers and a mister), you're back with an awe inspiring beauty! First thing, I noticed the white and how it lifts the image so it almost looks dry embossed. How great that turned out! Good news about how you're settling in with family and good medical care nearby, and a new stamping friend only 3 blocks away. Imagine her delight when she realized you'd moved just down the street! It just gets better and better!

Cheryl Robertson said...

So wonderful you are able to craft again. Your card is beautiful! I haven’t tried this technique yet but it’s on my list. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know you have a lot to be thankful for.

Jeanne H said...

Am also thrilled to hear about your good things in Dallas. Your card is so lovely - obviously your creative side didn't go missing! tfs

Janet said...

So glad you are settling in. I moved in january to NC from MI. It has been an adjustment, but now starting to feel like home. As for Dallas, I have a sister who lives in Quitman, TX. A few years ago we visited her and we spent a day in Dallas. My favorite part was visiting the botanical gardens there. Fabulous gardens! :D

Janelle said...

I haven't been paying much attention to many blogs for a while now, but was struck with your card and its gorgeousness. Love the heat embossing. 😊 You sound contented with how your life is going and filled with optimism. I'm happy for you. 😚

Sabrina said...

Joan, that card is wow-gorgeous. So beautiful. Glad to hear that you are settling in, and how great that there's a specialist clinic nearby. That's always reassuring. My SIL has a particular blood condition that's unusual, so unless she's visiting the hospital which really understands it, my brother goes in well armed with all her history and notes.
Thanks for the moving story about James, too.