A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

October 26, 2014

Shirley-Girley Is Having a Birthday!

I'M BACK!!

Hello there! I'm home and happy to be here today to enjoy the birthday celebrations of your friend and mine, Ms. Shirley of Shirley-Bee's Stamping Stuff! Happy Birthday, my kooky friend, and many, many more!!

The lovely and exuberant Maria F. of Rieslingmama is the hostest with the mostest for our birthday festifus today. She has a linky for you to post your birthday card and I hope you do! You will have lots of time as the linky will be open for a couple of weeks.

I made two cards for Shirley. The first one I made and sent to her before the party invitation arrived and Frank Lee, it was not my best work so I was happy to make another card for her while I was away spending time with my crafty friends:
I think it is too cute and one that will pickle the birthday girl. It was even better after I glossied it up after the above photo was taken!

I loosely based my card on this card, which was an award-winner for Shirley:
Shirley's card is a Christmas card, so I made mine a birthday card to fit the happy occasion. I slipped my cog while making a solid single line around the card, so I turned it into a double line with the urging of my friends. You would never have known, huh? Doodling's cool, dude.

Speaking of those friends, here I am with them behind all the cards we made for Shirley!
This photo is a sneak peak. The full story will go live on our blogs on Wednesday. Are you going to be waiting for the details with bated breath? Baited breath? 

It turns out the proper spelling is "bated" pursuant to Daily Writing Tips:

The expression bated breath is another that we owe to Shakespeare:

"Shall I bend low and in a bondman's key,
With bated breath and whispering humbleness, Say this:
'Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last;
You spurn'd me such a day; another time
You call'd me dog; and for these courtesies
I'll lend you thus much moneys'?"

Shylock is speaking, with heavy sarcasm, to Antonio in the Merchant of Venice (I,iii). A bondman is a slave or an indentured servant who could be expected to speak in a quiet voice to his masters and betters.

The "bated" in the expression is from a shortening of the verb abate and, in the form "bate," means “to reduce, to lessen in intensity.” The expression under discussion is the only survival of the word in modern English. The person who “speaks with bated breath” is not using full lung power. The person who “waits with bated breath” is holding his breath, or barely breathing.

~~~

The only time "baited" is the correct spelling is thusly:

Cruel Clever Cat, having swallowed cheese,
Directs down holes the scented breeze,
Enticing thus with baited breath
Nice mice to an untimely death.
~ Geoffrey Taylor, Argosy 1940
If you are going to wait for me with "baited breath," all you have to do is eat some chocolate!

~~~

It's so good to be back! I hope you will forgive my long lapse in visiting you and commenting. It will be a joy to start up again. Thank you to all of you who faithfully visited and commented while I was away! I loved hearing from you!

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!* 

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
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Mwah!

80 comments:

Milka Gubo said...

Welcome back Darnell :-D Lovely lovey cards :-D

Hannelie said...

Great card for Shirley Darnell!
Glad you are back home safely!

Craft-E-Place said...

Great card. Good to see you back!
Elaine

Irene said...

Hello Darnell,

Welcome back.

An adorable CAS card.

luv
irene
xxxx

Sue said...

It's good to see you back Darnell. I hope you had a fabulous time.
Your card is gorgeous, adorable images and wonderful design.
hugs Sue xx

Aileen said...

Welcome back Darnell, missed your baited breath. Looking forward to many more posts and waiting for Wednesdays Post.

Unknown said...

Aww thus is so so cute I love the simple design and gorgeous images!
Lucy x

Ros Crawford said...

Such an adorable card!! I love those little guys!

Liz said...

Such a cute card! I've not been brave enough to doodle on my cards yet, but yours looks great. xx

Pink Unicorn said...

That card is just sooooo cute. I love all cute critters, and these are just cute to the cutest.

Sue said...

Fab card Darnell and welcome back!!! huggles Sue xxx

Carole said...

Greetings dear Darnell...welcome back...the cards are sweet and adorable... the lessons are so educational...a natural teacher. Hugs C

Carol L said...

Welcome back! We've missed you while sitting here waiting with baaated breath (she said sheepishly) *cough*

Fun cards with those little foxes and fun border! I don't know if that's your kitchen, but it's GORGEOUS!! HB to Shirley too!

Jean said...

Cute card Darnell, nice to have you back, glad you had a good time.
Jean x

Jeanne said...

Welcome back and what a fun card! Sounds like you had a wonderful time, too. Yay!

Hussena said...

So glad to see you back .. your card is just adorable:) what a fab take on Shirley's card!

cm said...

So excited that you - and hopefully some of the other gals in the photo - are back! I will be waiting for the full story, and with bated breath! Your card for Shirley: only awesome! She'll adore it, as do I!
Hugs~c

Sarah G said...

Welcome back, Darnell! Love this cutie of a card for Shirley...great CAS design. Looking forward to hearing more of your crafty adventures later in the week :)

Vicki Dutcher said...

Hope your time away was fun -- looks like a great group of stampers and I too have missed your posts that always make me smile! Even the lesson in spelling... :)

Great card for Shirley too!

Patti said...

Welcome home friend : ) Your card is so darn cute!! I just love the coloring you did!! wowsa : )

I will be waiting with baited breath for your Wednesday post (thanks for the excuse to eat chocolate! : ) woo hoo)

Patti

Alanna said...

What an adorable card. I love those critters.

How fun that you were able to visit crafty friends. Can't wait to hear more about it.

maria f. said...

Do you hear me smiling? I am tickled that you ladies got together. And jealous as hell! And you carded for Shirley too. Waiting with bated breath, I am, for more photos!!! And as for your doodled frame... first thing I noticed. Perfect. Thanks for coming to Shirley's party. She'll be pleased as punch.

Pat said...

I love your cute critters Darnell, and the doodled edge is just perfect, and Happy Birthday to Shirley who I don't know but will visit directly. It is so lovely to have you back with us Darnell as blogland has been too quiet without you, and the writing tips are very interesting and informative. So glad you have had an excellent break. x

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous card Darnell...just so sweet and your little critters are as cute as can be!

Pia S said...

I think your card is very sweet, Darnell! The doodled frame looks great, and it's a nice tribute to Shirley to case her fantastic card for your sweet birthday version!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Gorgeous cards Darnell
welcome back
hugs Tamara

Lee-Anne said...

Welcome home, Darnell! Looks like a fantastic time with the girls :) This is a wonderful CASE...love those sweet critters!

oldpunca said...

Great to have you back. :-) Both cards are very nice and cute. :-)
Sonja

Irish Cherokee said...

First of all welcome back. Love that cute let's party card.
It was obviously a fun time with all the girls. Judging from all the cards it was also productive. I'm willing to bet that bottle didn't leave the premises full.
Always enjoy a spelling and grammar lesson. Nicely done.

Jim

Carole Z said...

Glad you had a god time Darnell,good to see you back! Love the super cute card, hugs Carole Z X

Krisha said...

Welcome home Dearie!
Super cute card.

Harriet Skelly said...

Can't wait 'til Wednesday to hear all about your visit last week!

sandie said...

Ooooh now I can't wait to hear the stories on Wednesday and what a fab photo! Shirley will love this card and oh so cute, good to have you back with us and hope you had a fab time x

Kristie Goulet said...

WELCOME BACK!!! I cannot wait to hear all about your trip. Love the photo of all of you together. So awesome! Great card too. Very cute!

Jacee said...

Great work Darnell, so cute.
hugs Jacee
Simply Paper Card Design

Redanne said...

I have missed you - loads!! Nice to have you back and nice to know you had a great time. Your card for Shirley is so cute - love it! Big hugs, Annie xxx

Lynne in NI said...

Aww such a sweet card, your little critters are adorable, great border too!

Kathleen said...

Nice to have you back and in full swing straight away.
Lovely card, great image.

Kath x

Becca Cruger said...

WELCOME BACK!! I've missed your zany antics! Super cute little foxy card. Great touch basing it on Shirley's award winner. She's so darn talented!

My breath will be bated for Wednesday's post as I'm sure you will have LOTS of lovely inspiration to share with us!

Lisa Elton said...

Welcome back! FUN FUN card, love that cute little pair!

conil said...

Continually learn things from your blog. Bated or baited breath, indeed. Sometimes mine is just bad breath. Then no one worries how it's spelled because no one is around me. I think that card is adorable and will certainly add mine to Shirley's mix. So glad you've returned. Needed a good laugh.

My Paper Epiphany said...

Cute Foxy card for Shirley! Thanks for the English lesson - I'm always happy to learn about words!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card. Fox is so cute.

Stamps and Paper said...

Love your foxy card Darnell..welcome home

Anne

Viv said...

Lovely cards Darnell!

Gerrina said...

These foxes are super cute and your double line makes it a modern card! Enjoy the week back home! Hugs, Gerrina

Bonnie said...

Oh, my, so much information boogles my mind. Or is it boggle! I'm still holding my breath! Love the little critters and I'm sure Shirley loves it too! Glad you enjoyed yourself and are home safe and sound!

Brenda in IN said...

I'm so happy you are back with us. Your card is so darn cute with the little critters. I have bated my breath and I'll be here for Wednesdays news.

Sally H said...

A gorgeously cute card, Darnell! LOVE it! Great to have you back x

OH Babs said...

Looks like a major play date with the girls. Your card looks great and Shirley will love it.
Welcome Home!

Susanne Vargas said...

Woohoo, Darnell is back! Yay! And back she is with an adorable card and some education for us!
Your crafty get-together looks like so much fun! Can't wait for the full story on Wednesday!

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love your little friendly foxes and I adore your artistic double line frame!
I am most curious and waiting with bated breath to hear all about it! I am sure that this very fine group of gals had a blast and waiting for the next excerpt!

Patti J said...

Hooray, you're back! Love these, Darnell. This is one of my all time favorite design technic he's...love the lines drawn around the images and sentiments. Yes, dear friend...I shall be waitin on bated breath for the rest of this story! By the way, what a gorgeous home! Is it yours?

Inkyfingers said...

Welcome back - it is great to have you 'in person' again!
Lovely card Darnelle and I think the double line makes it more whimsical. Consider my breath bated for Wednesday.
Hugs
Carol !

Cazzy said...

Hi Darnell, great CAS cards, and happy birthday to Shirley! I like the cute critters too.

Oh wow, you are educating us, love the little poem, it would look good on a card with a cat and mouse!

Cazzy x

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . welcome back.
Sweet little card.

Thanks for clearing up the debAIT/deBATE on baited/bated breath! LOL!

Hugs, Sarn xxx

I Card Everyone said...

Wow and double-WOW! I hope you are planning a very early post on Wednesday!! I know it will be worth the 'weight.'
=] Michele

Shelly said...

Welcome back! Love your cards! And what a fun photo! ;)

Hettie said...

I should get you and my former boss together...English language is his favourite topic and we are often to be found grabbing the dickshionary to see who is right!
Great card though I am not keen on foxes as my Girls don't like em! Very nice though.
Hugs, now where is the chocolate you mentioned?
xx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Welcome home ! Your cards are gorgeous, especially love the bells. What a wonderful photograph as well, if that is your kitchen, it's gorgeous. You should see mine, it's about 1/10th the size :) Hugs, Shirleyxx

Anonymous said...

A great card for Shirley!!!

Julia Aston said...

Love the sweet little foxes on your card for Shirley - Whose ever house that was you were all togther at is absolutley gorgeous! What a fun gathering - interesting bit on the bated breath - who knew??!! I would have written baited - Well - I know better now!!

Carole Pollard said...

Brilliant post so interesting especially bated breath. Your card is just fabulous and I loved the photo with all the gorgeous cards Love and Hugs Carole x

Cat Craig said...

Oh Darnell, thanks for the lessons! Your card is wonderful and I am sure Shirley is going to love it. Glad you are back from your crafty adventure and look forward to reading all about it!

Happy Dance said...

Yep...still lovin' this little beauty. I just know Shirley will love it too! Opened a package this morning...oh you sassafras lass you! Will em soon (if brain is working). Had a GREAT time. Miss you. Bev

Canonbury creations said...

Lovely card Darnell, the animals are so cute! Thanks for the English lesson:)
Val x

MaryH said...

Welcome HOME! I hope you had a grand time, and from the looks of you & your buddies, you certainly did. Loved your foxy birthday card and super save on the doodle trim too. Clever bunch you hanging around with. Enjoyed the vocabulary lesson, didn't know a lot of that stuff. I like baiting with choc'lit...works for me. Hope you get a chance to rest up. I'm off to enjoy some of your posts that I've been missing. Big Hugs.

Loll said...

Sweet card Dolly ... love the double-doodled border! :) Shirley is going to love this fun card! Lolly xx

Jacquie Southas said...

Love the doodled border - a wonderful touch of whimsy perfect with the little critters! I don't know if I would have come home from a crafty retreat with that group of talented ladies :)

1CardCreator said...

Welcome back, looks like you enjoyed yourselves! Beautiful cards as always! ~Diane

shirley-bee said...

Well my flabber is well and truly gasted, Darnell! The card package arrived this morning, so I get to stroke all those lovely cards. I am soooo jealous that you all got together, but so honoured that it was in my honour ;) I will wait with bated breath, and also baited breath (DH got me a humungous box of chocs - let me know which is your favourite and I'll eat that first).

Love both cards you sent me. Great doodling on the border. I can't do straight lines to save my life, which is why I doodle - hides a multitude of sins.

Thank you so much for being part of my birthday celebrations. Mwah!

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

I have been missing myself, and just wanted to stop by and say "Hey", and see what you have been up to. Looks like plenty! Nice work, as always, and I love that doodled border!

dottielottie said...

Hey and hello! glad to see you back Darnell. Sounds like you had the best time.I like your cute card for Shirley with it's doodled edge, a great idea to save the day. Love your Cruel Clever cat ditty too. I wait with bated breath for your next installment! Hugs Lottie x

Craftychris said...

Ooh this card is super cute! I love your doodle frame too xxx

Karen M said...

Love this cute card Darnell and such a lovely card for shirley:) hugs xx

Greta said...

Glad you're home safe & sound!

Brenda said...

Cute, cute card for Shirley! I love the little fox and is it a squirrel? They are both adorable. Your sentiment is fun and I am loving the double line. I would have never know you slipped a cog while making your solid line. lol I also love the bell card too. So pretty!Love that picture of you ladies in the kitchen of the rental house. Boy what a nice house that is! And your views were amazing, perfect fall weather it looked like as well. Love it! And I love the "bated/baited" schooling. That Shakespeare was something else wasn't he?! lol This is one reason why I love coming to visit you Auntie, I learn so much!! I might not retain it, but I learn it for a little while. lol Hugs, Brenda

Anita in France said...

Hey, Darnell, I recognise this sweet card ... as well as the sweet soul who made it! How amazing that we made our adventure happen ... now dealing with the BABES withdrawal by remembering all the fun ... and laughing! Hugs to you, my friend! Anita :)

Jenny Marples said...

What a professional and elegant card Darnell! Love the whole look. Jenny x

Joyce said...

Love this so darling card. And, perfectly colored, too.