This week the SUO challenge is to make a “non-traditional” Christmas card, so I chose some soft colors here….vanilla and soft sky and a little sponging of crumb cake on my vanilla card stock. I was overjoyed last week to get TWENTY comments, sometimes I feel like very few look at my blog so why bother…..but I guess all I need to do is say I hate my card, and everyone jumps in to tell me they love it……so if I was a liar I would say I don’t like this one either, but alas, I do like this one. Maybe you can leave me a comment anyway, so I don’t feel like no one reads this. hahaha. Okay, so we had such a mixed emotion holiday at our house. We said goodbye to my son and his family, (my beloved Jenna who many of you know – and my two precious grand daughters Layla, and Brooklyn) They moved back to NY the day after Thanksgiving – and even though I am so happy for them, it still hurts. I am happy for them, because Mike got a really good job offer and I am happy for them because they will be by Jenna’s family, and also because their hearts were still in NY, as far as they both were raised in NY, and they just never really LOVED Ohio like my husband and I do…..so I am very HAPPY for all those reasons, but then my heart just breaks to have them so far away. I stumbled upon Brookies little pink gloves this morning, and instantly I was reduced to tears. I wear a bracelet that Layla made me almost every day….it makes me feel closer to them. Life is always pain, mixed with joy. At the same time, we said hello to our kids who work and live overseas as they are home for about 8 months…..so there is much rejoicing over that – Tovah and Lami for 8 whole months!!!! Now that is some JOY….…….JOY and PAIN, JOY and PAIN, it’s amazing how often they go hand in hand. I am once again, telling myself in relation to both Mike and Jenna, AND Davis and Jen who will be here 8 short months, “Don’t cry cuz it’s over, SMILE cuz it happened!! I try so so hard to live by that…….and to thank God for the time I have with my children. I always try to remind myself to hang on loosely, because they do not belong to me, they belong to my heavenly father…..JOY and PAIN, one of these centuries I will get the knack of counting it ALL JOY…….I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving! We truly have so much to be thankful for!! Until next time, Karen
Lynnette
December 5, 2013I love this card. Your work is amazing and always gives me ideas.
Anonymous
December 5, 2013As always, your card is outstanding. I love looking at your blog, so please keep posting. I am from WV and my son and daughter in-law moved from NY to Maine, I know what you are going through
Virginia S. Cox
December 5, 2013My constant mantra is "roots and wings" when it comes to both my children and grandchildren. Just said goodbye to our grandson the Sat. after Thanksgiving. He will be stationed in S. Korea for a year. It's a great opportunity for him but we will really miss him. I guess it is called "growing up". Love your cards. This one is no exception.
Unknown
December 5, 2013It's a beautiful card! Glad you have family coming, sorry about family leaving. You will have great visits from them though. So glad you had time with your daughter and her kids. Praise God!
Unknown
December 5, 2013It's a beautiful card! So glad you have some children coming and that you had time with your daughter and her twins. Look forward to visiting them! Press on!
Lynette S.
Anonymous
December 5, 2013This card is very striking – love the colors.
Jenny
Maria Rodriguez.
December 5, 2013Well Karen, I LOVE THIS CARD TOO, Oh my goodness, it's lovely, very elegant in it's simplicity and totally vintage, well at least for me. I think it's the pearls and that gorgeous bow that makes it look like that. I can't imagine any of my daughters and grandchildren moving far away. We have our youngest daughter, son in law and two grandkids just next door, our other daughter, son in law and our other 3 grandkids just a short 15-20 min. away. We see them almost every day and, when the kids spend the night or the afternoon, it's hard for me to see them go home. But you said it Karen, Life is about Joy and Pain, in whatever degree we feel the Pain, it makes us feel the Joy even more. "Don't cry cuz it's over…..smile cuz it happened", what beautiful and truthful words!!! Distance can be a thief of affections and love but, we must never let it get away with it. Whether near or far, we must constantly let those we love that we love them, with a letter, a card, a phone call.
I thank you for the inspiration you give us every time you post a card or a project, we love you for that.
Have a Blessed Holiday Season.
Hugs.
Maria A. Rodriguez, from Crown Point, IN. USA.
Bev Mantle
December 5, 2013I just love this card….looks so vintage…..did you emboss the trees? Be blessed to know that your children are only away and you can still chat by phone or computer whenever you want too, my daughter lives in heaven now and it is totally unreachable for me……so yours are really just around the corner….hope this helps to take away your pain. Keep up the good cards.
Judys
December 5, 2013Your soft colors trees card is absolutely beautiful!
Carol Tro
December 5, 2013I always enjoy the eye candy that comes when I get your blog!! When I was sick,your blog gave me great joy!! It helped get me through the day. So know that you do make a difference!! I met you in Elmer NJ, when Kristin had a big get together with demonstrator & buyers. Have a nice holiday!!
Lynne
December 5, 2013I love your card. The colors are gorgeous and the pearls are perfect.
Lynne
December 5, 2013I love your card. The colors are gorgeous and the pearls are perfect.
Kathy L
December 5, 2013Oh, Karen, I love your designs, and never want you to feel that people aren't looking at what you do. No excuses from me, it's just thoughtlessness when I look, enjoy, and leave. This Christmas card is so different from the usual, but lovely and charming. TFS.
Anonymous
December 5, 2013Beautiful card. I get you creations via e-mail and I am always inspired by your creations. If you will take the time to share your talent with me, I will take the time to let you know I appreciate you. You see, I thought you probably did not notice the comments!
Colleen
Sandi MG
December 5, 2013Karen hope that you know just because we don't leave a message we haven't looked and loved. Some days are so busy it is just a look. I love getting the cards from you they are the greatest. Hope this helps with your pain and joy. Someone out there thinks you are great. Mom's are like that.
RaeDeen
December 5, 2013Karen ~ Your card is gorgeous! I don't think I have ever seen a card of yours I didn't love. This is no exception! Love the blue! Your ribbons are always so top notch perfect! Each and every little detail makes this super beautiful. TFS
Marge Waskiewicz
December 5, 2013Karen, love, love, love you beautiful card. Do you give out directions for you gorgeous cards?
Have a very Merry Blessed Christmas !!!
Fran in Alaska
December 5, 2013I think all of your projects are beautiful – I just never thought to tell you – So here I am …. This card is beautiful! fe
Fran in Alaska
December 5, 2013I think all of your projects are beautiful – I guess I never thought to tell you so – So here I am …. This card is beautiful! fe
ny2tx_patti
December 5, 2013Karen, your card is gorgeous, definitely a work of art! I don't normally comment, but I always love your creations and appreciate what you share about your family. Thanks very much for taking the time to post.
Anonymous
December 5, 2013I found this card on a challenge you posted it on. It is truly gorgeous! I totally identify with you and your family, except I was pulled out of New Jersey to Ohio. My heart is torn between the two because I was born and raised in NJ and then I married my wonderful husband and raised our terrific son here. What can you do except keep in touch and keep stamping! Thanks for sharing your story and your card. Nancy B east of Cincinnat
Cindy in AL
December 5, 2013LOVE this, as well as all of your creations. Also, I've watched your marker layering video over and over. I'm in awe of your talent. Thanks so much for sharing.
JoAnn
December 5, 2013Check your blog everyday. Always love your cards!
JoAnn in Florida
Janet
December 5, 2013love the card
hotmail
December 5, 2013OH MY GOODNESS!! I love this card!!
Keep up the beautiful work. Debie
Anonymous
December 5, 2013Karen, I am always in awe at your creations, they are so awesome! Anxiously await each new posting of yours.
Stampingly yours, Sharyn Bouck
Bette S
December 5, 2013I love your non-traditional Christmas card! Love the colors and the sponging, embossing – everything! I don't comment as often as I should when I see a project I like and I appologize. Everyone likes compliments – including me. But I love your work, it really speaks to me. As I can feel your pain about your children moving back to NY. Our daughter and family live in Florida and it is so far away from Iowa! They were here for Thanksgiving and we enjoyed every minute of it. Bitter sweet when they leave, but thankful for the time we have together. Many great memories.
Bette S
December 5, 2013I love your non-traditional Christmas card! Love the colors and the sponging, embossing – everything! I don't comment as often as I should when I see a project I like and I appologize. Everyone likes compliments – including me. But I love your work, it really speaks to me. As I can feel your pain about your children moving back to NY. Our daughter and family live in Florida and it is so far away from Iowa! They were here for Thanksgiving and we enjoyed every minute of it. Bitter sweet when they leave, but thankful for the time we have together. Many great memories.
Zin from the Alps
December 5, 2013this is so beautiful, just gorgeous. Love the subtle colours and pearls.
Zin from the Alps
December 5, 2013beautiful, it's simply gorgeous.
Barb
December 5, 2013Karen, this card caught my eye and I love it! May try something similar – I find the tulip embossing border so versatile!
Barb
December 5, 2013This card caught my eye on Pinterest, Karen and I love it! Going to try something similar!
Peggy
December 5, 2013I always look forward to your blogposts Karen – and love this card – soft colors and all. I know you will miss your grand-daughters while enjoying your other ones.
KristyLee
December 5, 2013Karen,
This is so Fabulous! I love how you put the trees inside of that EF, and distressed the edges! Love how you did the bow! Very gorgeous work hun!
Peace,
KristyLee
Marlene Salvato
December 5, 2013Karen this card is soooo beautiful! – just like you! I feel your pain – my daughter and her family (my 2 youngest grandchildren) moved to California in May – they used to live around the corner from me – I know your pain – also the joy when I do get to see them…love you…
Sue Duffy
December 5, 2013Gorgeous, Karen. TFS.
Sue Duffy
December 5, 2013Gorgeous, Karen. TFS
Robbie Chandler
December 5, 2013I don't hardly ever comment on cards, or anything else for that matter, but this card drew my attention. Something about it is so serene and beautiful. Just love it!
Anonymous
December 5, 2013Love your card today and the one you posted on Splitcoaststampers this morning! Your cards are always so detailed and elegant!
Hope you get to take lots of trips to NY to visit your son and his family !
Unknown
December 5, 2013Hi Karen,
I am not a comment-leaver (maybe I should change that) but I am a blog reader and yours is tops on my list, as are your cards, and as are you!
I missed seeing you in Utah this July but if I remember correctly, you were visiting family. I wish you increased Joy and decreased pain…and a blessed Christmas! Will you be at Leadership in Jan?
Valerie M.
Carol Dee
December 6, 2013The card is stunning. I am so delighted to hear that Tova and Lami will be close for 8 wonderful month. Time to create some very special memories. Big Hugs….
Anonymous
December 7, 2013Another beautiful "Karen card"!
Gloria
Unknown
December 7, 2013This card is beautiful! You always have the most beautifully detailed cards. Keep up the good work!
Unknown
December 7, 2013Thanks so much for the beautiful card!. I always enjoy the cards you produce! Keep up the good work!
Sabrina
December 7, 201341 comments, HA!
I'm guilty of being one who doesn't always leave a comment. Life is horribly busy these months. But I ALWAYS look and enjoy both your card creation and your writing, and since I don't often cross paths with you on Splitcoast these days at least I feel I still know what you're up to. And DH still asks after you from time to time…
BTW I love this one :D.
Debbie Van Gieson
December 19, 2013This is just lovely Karen! I always love your cards! I can identify with the Joy/Pain analogy..but I love how you emphasize dwelling on the joy! The blessings help us get through the pain, till the next joy arrives! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Eileen Engel
December 31, 2013Thanks a lot, Karen – now I HAVE to buy this set! Gorgeous!