Giving from the Heart

Hi blogging friends,

Every season is the season to give back, but especially now during the holiday months.  For the next 4 weeks I will be shopping and making donations to organizations that are important to me.  I like to call it "sprinkling my fairy dust."  We all know it is so much better to give than to receive.

So today I went to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

  I filled the SUV with all kinds of donations for the shelter (each time I go shopping I pick up an extra item to help the many animals waiting for their forever homes).  They too need our love and support.  If I could take each one home with me I would!

As soon as I walked in there was a lovely lady waiting to assist me.  I explained to her I wanted to donate these items to the shelter and she was ecstatic.  After bringing everything inside I was greeted with some friendly purrs.

Aren't they just adorable?

As I was getting into my vehicle to leave I started to cry.  The thought of these kitties spending the night in the shelter breaks my heart.  I pray someone will adopt them soon and give them a forever home.

I brought a kitty home from this shelter back in July of 1989.  Casey brought me so much joy.

Casey ~ Christmas of 1997

  I hope you will take some time out of your busy schedule to help an organization this holiday season.  Until next time ...

Grateful For All Things

Hi blogging friends,

As the pretty snow falls I'm getting into the holiday spirit!  I truly have so much to be thankful for.  My Thanksgiving card today features some of SU's older colors and I used the For All Things stamp set.  Inspiration for this card came from Cindy Hall.  I loved the idea of creating a wooden sign, which I attempted to do with some designer paper.

The leaves were stamped in Marigold Morning and Cranberry Crisp on their respective papers.  I cut them out and used a bone folder to crease them where the veins would be.  They were then lightly sponged with Crumb Cake and Soft Suede inks.  Each one was spritzed with Tattered Angels Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist.  A gold basic metal button ties all the leaves together.

The greeting for the sign was stamped on Marigold Morning paper in Cranberry Crisp ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.  It was glued to a piece of designer paper (which I sponged a little to darken the paper) and I tore the edges using a paper tearer for a rustic feel.  Linen thread was put through two gold eyelets and a gold brad creates the faux nail on which the sign hangs.

Happy Thanksgiving was stamped inside using Cranberry Crisp ink.  A few leaf sprigs were stamped in Crumb Cake.

This card was sent to someone very dear and I am so grateful for her friendship.  Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving and a wonderful time with family and friends!  Thank you for stopping by.

Stamps:  SU For All Things, Holidays & Wishes
Paper:  Desert Storm, Cranberry Crisp, Marigold Morning, The Paper Studio Old White Fence, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Leaves - Marigold Morning, Cranberry Crisp; Greeting - Cranberry Crisp with Clear EP; Sponging - Crumb Cake and Soft Suede; Inside Sentiment - Cranberry Crisp; Leaf Sprigs - Crumb Cake; Sponging on sign - Chocolate Chip and Early Espresso
Accessories:  SU Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Gold Eyelets & Brad, Linen Thread, Plaid Paper Tearer, Edge Distresser, Tattered Angels Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist, Spellbinders Labels Eight #5 (Inside)
Technique:  Embossing, Sponging
Card Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Brilliant Autumn

Hello friends,

A few weeks ago I took a drive after work to enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage.  I can't think of a better way to savor the rich tones of red, orange and gold than with a drive through the countryside.  The colors this year were so brilliant.

Spectacular views appeared at every bend.

As I passed The First Baptist Church I came upon a wooden gazebo.  A tranquil place to hold an autumn wedding.  Don't you think?

It was then time to park and head out on foot.  I could smell the autumn leaves as I walked by this pond.

I just love the way the trees and foliage framed this beautiful horse.  Quite a mixed color palette this year!

I have been watching the squirrels gather nuts for the winter.  Does a cold, snowy winter lie ahead?  If so, I am prepared as my husband bought me a new winter coat last week for my birthday.

Thank you for dropping by and enjoying the autumn landscape with me.  Wishing you a blessed day!

This week I am joining ...

Share the Joy Thursday @ Love, Meri
Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Friday Photo Journal @ Serendipity Is Sweet
 Give Me Your Best Shot @ Better in Bulk