Challenge #2: Create a shaped card

Hello Everyone,

Today on my Ustream show, we made a shaped card. So my challenge to you, is to do the same. Take an A2 sized card base 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches and turn it into something else, what ever you want! A bird, a baseball mitt, a car, a flowerpot, you name it. The shape you come up with should be recognizable as the object, and it should be a functioning card. It can be any occasion you like. The video below shows the birdhouse cards I made, and an example of a flowerpot card.



You can film a video response and enter via YouTube or you can use the linky tools here to upload a photo of your shaped card. I will choose a few winners next Sunday of some goodies from my stash, most likely stamps, and that sort of thing.

Have fun, and be creative!

Thanks for watching!

Hugs,

Kicked while I'm down

So today was not a good day at my day job.

It was a great day for my Mother, and she used a wheel chair for the first time, managed 3 hours of physical therapy, and made a lot of progress.

Just goes to show you, there is always something to be grateful for, and if the bears at work have decided to descend upon me, at least my Mom sounds encouraged, and even a little happy for the first time in weeks.

I'll take it as one for the good books, especially if it means she is closer to recovery.

My future employment is now in the hands of my team. Considering they have let me down as of late, it is hard to place your trust in them. I know I am a good manager, and have produced fantastic results in the past. It is just a matter of doing it once again. and it is about priorities, and as much as I take my job seriously, my family comes first.

Frankly, if that is'nt good enough, then I don't want to work there anyway. But I find myself stuck in the place that many of us face, I have to work, and I like it there. Quitting on a sound principle isn't the answer, and won't help my bank account.

So, today I was "documented" for the first time in a 20 year career. Mostly for things that are not my direct responsibility, and mostly because it says General Manager next to my name. So it is all my responsibility ultimately.

Sometimes I hate being the boss. Today was one of those days. Through it all, and it was not pleasant, I find myself very grateful for the good day my Mom had.

Pardon the expression, but everyone else can kiss my ass. I know how hard I work, and it has to be good enough, for today anyway. Because today it was Mom's turn for a good day...

Hugs,

Update... 7/27/11

Hello everyone,

As many of you are aware, My Mother was hospitalized last week, and I really want to THANK all of you for your patience kindness and support as we navigate her illness.

I have gotten a lot of questions, so let me try and address them. My Mother is a type 2 diabetic. Last week her sugar bottomed out, and she encountered her legs locking up, and excessive swelling of her lower half. She has experienced very painful neuropathy in her legs for the past 2 years, which has exhausted her, and impeded her ability to walk very well. She requires a lot of assistance. The wonderful doctors and nurses at South Jersey Regional Medical Center, managed to stabilize her, and get her treatment for what was believed to be a blood clot. The clot dissolved, and they changed her medication, and she is making her way back to becoming more active in her life.

Yesterday, Tuesday, after a week in the main hospital, she was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital, and she starts her physical and occupational therapy, which is intensive, to gain back her ability to walk and care for herself.

I am an only child, so the weight of her care has shifted from my Dad, to me. We have been doing our best to keep up with preparing thier condo for receipt of a wheel chair and other medically needed equipment, seeing all the doctors, getting the things she needs, etc. My parents live a 1 hour drive from me, so I have been commuting as well. It is really worth it, but I am becoming very tired, and I am trying to meet the demands of my job as well. A special thank you to everyone over at the hotel, for all you are doing in my absence.

I have received many questions regarding the rolodex swap. I am still waiting for receipt of 3 girls cards, upon receipt I will swap out everything and get it mailed out. I hope to have everyone's cards this week.

I am still working on my art room, literally a box at a time. If I manage to get a box done a day, I am happy. If only I did not have 1000 boxes....

I am trying to remain positive in this impossible situation, get as much rest as I can, and do the best I can for everyone. My art friends have become an invaluable resource, and I have realized, that art and the community is truly my solace.

Keep a good thought, and I hope to be back soon, with My Mom's health restored, and my employment intact, my studio completed, and having had a good nap.

Big Hugs to you all,

7/15/11 Rolodex Swap Update

Hi All!
As of 7/15/11, here is the received:


Mailing Status:

1. Laurel (me:)
2. Julia- Received
3. Darlene-Artedar-Received
4. Michele-AnMiSu-Received
5. Linda-Lindalap- Received
6. Diane- Received
7. Sheri- Received
8. Beth-Received
9. Kerri- Received
10.Lisa-Received
11.Clare- Received
12.Ketsia- Received
13. Carol Blais- Received
14. Sarah
15. Mandy
16. Sandi
17. Martha-Seekingforart
18. Debra-Received
19. Jean Musicscrp- Received

I really appreciate everyone's participation. BTW- Here is my address:

Laurel DeViney
307 Kirklin Ave
Linwood, NJ 08221 USA

I am looking forward to seeing everyone's finished rolodex cards!

Hugs,