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 3, 2017

NBUS Challenge #12 ~ Day Ten ~ The Next-to-the-Last-Day!

Hello, Stamplings!

Welcome to Day Ten of our ten-day challenge to USE NBUS! For all the details on the history, rules, and prizes, please go here. If you have a card to enter today, the linky tool is below!

When I started this challenge ten days ago, I told you I was going to concentrate on using my humorous NBUS stamps for my daily inspirations because we could all use something to smile about with all the terrible weather catastrophes of the last few weeks. 

Little did I know then, that Sunday would find us witnessing the worst massacre in US history by an insane lone gunman in Las Vegas. There are no words. It is incomprehensible to me that this is still happening in this country. 

We can't succumb to fear, of course. We need to carry on and live our lives to the fullest as if each moment could be our last, but, damn, some days that's hard. In order to combat the anger and frustration I feel, I'm trying to concentrate on the stories of the heroes (both police and civilians) who helped others in all that carnage. 

It's important to remember there are many more good people in the world than bad people. And I do want to try and make you smile today with another favorite image of mine:
This fun NBUS sediment is from Rubber Dance Stamps. The purple border is Washi tape. The gorgeous froggie ballerina is from Stampendous. After inking her in black, she and her fabulous tutu were clear-embossed and then painted with Ziggies. Finally, she was Winked liberally as you can see in this closeup:
She truly makes me happy! She might make me laugh right out loud if I stamped her upside down on a card!

Challenges
ANIMALS CHALLENGE
~~~

Off you go! USE that NBUS!! I've got one more card to make for tomorrow's BONUS DAY! See you then!
Enjoy the challengeNo, seriously, enjoy!








Edited to add: Dear Friends: I'm sorry to say that I've just learned the son-in-law of my bloggie friend Marybeth Lopez of Marybeth's Time For Paper was shot three times in the Las Vegas Massacre. Marybeth and her husband were watching their son's six children so that the parents could have a getaway on their own for the first time. He had surgery yesterday and will be needing more. Marybeth has asked for your prayers and positive thoughts for her son's recovery. Thank you so much.

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65 comments:

Redanne said...

My heart goes out to all those affected by the devastation caused by that person, such a dreadful act.... I have no words to express my sadness..

Thank you for the smile this morning Darnell, this may just be my new favourite - of all time - she is just adorable. Such a wonderfully fun card!! Hugs, Annie xxx

kiwimeskreations said...

I was astounded when I heard what had happened - so very sad for you as a nation. As you say, we as humankind can give into fear, or walk tall, help our neighbours and make the world a better place.
Thank you for the smile with your every so shparkly fwoggy ballewina - she is truly beautiful !!
Blessings
Maxine

Jane Willis said...

It's a terrible world but as you say, the good people far outnumber the bad and I'm sure that over the last couple of days LA will have seen many, many heartwarming acts of compassion and courage that never make the news headlines.
Love your little froggie, all winked and sparkly.
And look at that gallery, you are going to swoop WAY past the 300 mark this time! So many beautiful works of art that use unloved schtuff.
Jane

Jane Willis said...

And of course I mean Las Vegas not LA. Forgive me, my geography skillz don't reach much past the end of our street.
Jane

ionabunny said...

Thoughts of hope for everyone affected by the tragic events in Las Vegas. I love your sparkly froggy ballerina and the washi tape is a beautiful detail. A beautiful CAS creation that makes my heart sing. Thanks for joining the fun at the Lost Coast Portal to Creativity challenge. Hugz

Lia said...

The tragic event in Las Vegas is also big in our newspapers. Over here we just can't imagine, that people can buy guns etc. so easily in the USA....
We have been to Las Vegas twice and had a great time over there when touring with an RV through several states.
Anyway, your card makes me smile!!
Lia xx

Gerrina said...

Again a card that made me smile! My break is over, the tea purred again so I'm ready to start working again.... Hugs, Gerrina

Sue said...

My son was in Vegas exactly a year ago, so this really hit home to us.You despair sometimes at world events and it's hard to remember that there are far more good people out there. I love your card Darnell, the sentiment is perfect for your sexy frog, and she's twinkling in all the right places! Is it strange to be seriously impressed by the shadow you've given her lol. Thank you so much for joining in with our Animal challenge at Lost Coast Designs, and have a fun week. Sue xx

shirley-bee said...

Your card did more than make me smile, Darnell, it literally made me LOL! Love it, and I'd love to see the upside-down version ;)
My cousin was on the strip in Vegas on Sunday, but fortunately not at the concert, so managed to get away from any danger. Frightening stuff.

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the card.

It is terrible what happened in Las Vega. So many lives shattered, but also so many ordinary people who stood up to help despite the danger to themselves.

Marilyn said...

It was a sad day in Las Vegas. Just can’t understand what goes through a person mind to make them do this. On a happier note, I love your card!! That frog is so adorable,!

Carole said...

I can't believe Las Vegas!!!...who would want to do such a thing? Those poor innocent people...so very sad.I fear this wont be the last disaster to occur in some form before Christmas. Sad what the world is coming to....but your card made me smile again today Darnell...and as you quite rightly say there are more good people out there than bad ...and we don't hear about all them. xx

Jeanne said...

You are the best, Darnell! Jennifer McGuire posts a quote from Mr. Rodgers, about always looking for the helpers because there are always helpers. That's what I thought about yesterday as I tried to come to grips with this. The news is absolutely heartbreaking, but there are so many stories of heroism and goodness coming out of this tragedy. And your card is fantastic! Made me giggle which is just what we all need, too! Big hugs to you!!

Mac Mable said...

Yes we all must remember to smile in these awful times. Thank you Darnell x

Brenda in IN said...

What a senseless tragedy. We do have to live our lives and it should not be in fear. It is wonderful to see strangers come together and help each other. Ah Darnell, you and Justin Timberlake bringing sexy back! Your ballerina is adorable. I love her tutu.

Maura said...

Oh, Darnell, this is AWESOME!!!! Love how her skirt is done in rainbow colors - so fitting!! And thanks for your ADDED generosity of increasing the number of prizes - You are amazing!!

oldpunca said...

Dear Darnell, I'm always admiring your empathy for the people who are suffering on one or another way. You are a very nice person.
And I have to smile about your ideas to bring sunshine to the blogland. :-) The frog is awesome!
Hugs,
Sonja

Barb Ghig said...

The horrific tragedy in Las Vegas makes me feel ill...I'm really scared for all of us, yet I know you're right...we can't give into our fears and we need to live every moment as if it were our last ~

You really know how to make me smile, Darnell! Beautiful coloring with your Zigs and I love all the sparkle on her tutu :) Thank you so much for being a bright spot in everyone's day...you ROCK!!!!!!!! Hugs, Barb

Marilyn said...

I am saddened by the terrible tragedy in Las Vegas and I do hope Marybeth's son in law comes through surgery ok. The impact this incident has had on so many lives is mind boggling and we will never understand the motivation for such a horrific incident.
I do love your card Darnell and have been enjoying each day's posts. I haven't had time to participate this go round... Ill be there for the next NBUS!

Leslie Miller said...

With all the tragedy that seems to get more profound everyday it's tempting to retreat into a cocoon or, in my case, a Golden Retriever bubble and try to stay safe, but we do have to keep living our lives and enjoy what we've been blessed with. I knew, with so many dead or injured, there would be someone among us who was affected by the Las Vegas event. I'm sorry to hear about Marybeth's son and do hope he'll be okay. Your tutu froggy is a bright spot in my day, with all her pretty sparkle and color. Totally adorable! Thanks for that, Darnell.

conil said...

This little lady is a delight, isn't she. Don't think I've ever seen a prettier tutu. You just want to reach out and pinch her cheek, though it's doubtful she'd thank you for that.
Once again, too often lately, I'm thrown into angry, sadness about the state of our world...senseless violence and people forgetting how to be kind does that to me. I cannot and refuse to understand their motives. But you're right...life must be lived to the fullest.

Greta said...

Oh I am just sick! I was so relieved Kirsty (lives in Vegas) left me a comment today & now to read about Marybeth's SIL. You're right--we know there are more good than bad, but it's so hard to really believe it. Thanks for sharing this totally adorable card, my friend! I adore her beautiful tutu!

Kathyk said...

Indeed, we MUST focus on the fact that the craziness and the atrocities are committed by a very small percentage - we cannot let them scare us otherwise they win.

Your little froggy princess is DELIGHTFUL, Darnell

Kathyk

Pam Carter said...

Thanks for making me smile in this terrible times of ours. It is unbelievable what one human can do to another. Thanks and prayers go out for everyone.

BożenA said...

I have this stamp, I used it once, but it was you who created the perfect card. This stamp is very funny and the addition of such sentiment creates perfection in full. Well, you're the real humorist, Darnell.
Kisses from Poland,
BozenA

Daria Z. said...

Just love this one, Darnell! Thanks for a smile today! Prayers that Marybeth's SIL comes through surgery okay.

Susan said...

Yes, the Las Vegas shooting was a truly horrific event - so senseless. My thoughts go out to all the families of the victims and to all those recovering in hospital, including Marybeth's son-in-law.

Your wonderful froggie in a tutu cheered me up - fabulous colours and shine!

Sharon Traynor Designs said...

My heart goes out to all the people affected by the terrible tragedy - such an insane nightmare. But I love your positive way of coming to terms with it by the focus on the heros.
Your froggy card is one of the funniest things I’ve seen recently Darnell and it brought a huge smile to my face. Beautifully watercoloured....and you must let me know your Winking trick as my Winked items never look that sparkly. Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Less is More xx

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

So sad for the horrible facts of Las Vegas, as well for all the nature disaster in the last times... Prayers for all the victims and for Marybeth's son... :(
Your card makes me smile, very fun! And it's really lovely with those colors and shine!

Fikreta said...

this card is so adorable!
love it!
thank you for warning me about rules.
I did read them but I think I have memory issues because I keep forgetting things.
hugs

Jean said...

It is just so sad!

Love your frog!

JoAnn said...

Yes, it is very sad at all the evil and disasters that go on in our world, but we have to trust the Lord, no matter what comes our way. Keeping the families and all involved in this tragedy in my prayers.

Your froggie ballerina is so cute. I love her colorful tutu and that sentiment is just perfect. TFS

Kara Lynne said...

I love your rainbow donned frog - especially her confidence! I don't even know how to comment on the tragic events, just praying for Marybeth's family and all the people involved. I even felt funny coming out to comment on blogs, but it helps me feel closer to everyone.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Well, that certainly is a colorful frog and of course, it did make me smile. But even so my heart is with all of those who were involved with that senseless attack. I certainly am keeping all involved in my prayers. I hope that those who were wounded may recover and that the families of those who lost loved ones will cherish those memories they have of happier times. So sad but like you said we have to go on with our lives and if we can make even one person smile with our card making that is a wonderful thing. I know you certainly did with all of your fun designs. Thanks for sharing.

OH Babs said...

I wrote a note yesterday on the I-pad but of course I did not know my password so it did not go through. It was a clever and creative message but I don't remember what it said other than I think of math as a 4 letter word.
You have some of the wackiest images, just like you. I think I also mentioned that you may have failed math but you must have been an A student in creative writing. This is one crazy world we live in and prayers for the Lopez family.
:) Barb, Babs and Barbara

cm said...

Your sexy, sparkly ballerina frog is exactly what we need during these times of senseless tragedies that, in this case, touched the life of our sweet Marybeth, who we know and love. Heart-hurting for her son-in-law, her daughter, their family and most certainly Marybeth and her husband; sending abundant prayers her way. I'll be sharing a version of your note, if that's okay with you, on my Serendipity blog tomorrow, as she is one of my teammates there, as well as at Tag, You're It. Going back to delight in your froggie; smiles needed today...
Hugs and love,
~c

Sybrina K said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sybrina K said...

Darnell, Thanks for letting us know about Marybeth's son-in-law. How sad. :(

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Sorry to hear about Marybeth's son in law, here in Las Vegas, everyone has a heavy heart the past 2 days, I heard at least from two friends who know someone that was killed in this sad incident, we all need prayers here in Vegas!
Thanks for making NBUS happened again, I so need some craft time to take my mind off!

Cat Craig said...

Love your froggie for sure.

Prayers to Marybeth and her family.

I simply fail to understand the mind set that allows a human being to commit such a horrendous act.

Liz said...

Such horrendous news of the shootings in Las Vegas, but heart warming to hear the number of heroes helping others during what must have been a terrifying experience.

Thoughts and prayers are with Marybeth and her family.

Love your froggie card - so cute! xx

JD/ Jill said...

Your card made me smile...(We all need extra smiles these days!)

I'm sitting here with tears running down my face...My heart goes out to sweet Marybeth...Praying extra hard here...

Di said...

Oh Darnell, this has rocked us all. And thoughts are with MaryBeth and family that their son will be OK. We watched the numbers going up in total disbelief.

Loving your froggy - looks a bit like me in ballet classes!

Forgot to mention that I would like to be in the draw for a Gift Voucher please - right now am not quite with it!

Hugs

Di xx

Pat said...

So sad to hear the horrendous news of the shootings in LV Darnell, it is just so difficult to comprehend but as you say we have to make every day count and remember all the good people there are out there! Your froggy ballet dancer has given us something to smile about and love the way you have coloured this cute image and given it lots of sparkle. How awful that Marybeth's SIL got caught up in this terrible massacre and hope that he will make a good recovery, and my thoughts are with her and the family. x

Carol L said...

Thanks for the smiles and chuckles you card gave me on such a sad day. There are just no words for what happened in Vegas, and I do hope your blogging friend's SIL will recover from his wounds. It touched everyone in this country who still has a heart.

Happy Dance said...

Still reeling. We had family friends celebrating an anniversary in Vegas...fortunately, they weren't in the venue, but were just a short distance away and did hear the gunfire. I don't know what the answer is.... Feeling Marybeth's pain, too. Talked to my dad about it, and he didn't have any solutions to this serious and what seems to be, an on going threat. More prayers. That's about all I can do. Maybe if enough people pray, the idiocy will at least slow down.
The card is a delightful diversion, and one I'm quite taken with! She is most definitely 'sexy.' That glittery tutu is a smile maker, too!! Love this!! Amazing Ziggie coloring and the little shadows at her feet are perfection. Darling card. Sending hugs. xoxo (Hoping to add a card in the morning.....) xoxoxo

Brenda said...

Looks like your NBUS challenge has been so successful once again Auntie! I'm so happy about that and even though I have a card, I doubt I will get it uploaded and a post wrote and such in time, but you never know. Goodness, I hate to hear that a blogging buddy's son was in Vegas. My prayers and tears are with all those who suffered at the hands of this shooter. The first responders and the wonderful people who selflessly helped the injured are so amazing. I don't know what gets into people wanting to hurt others like this, it is just beyond my comprehension. Prayers go out to all!!! Love and hugs, Brenda

Carol H. said...

Yes, you are so right that there are so many more good people than bad. It's so sad that these bad ones get so much more attention than all the good people. Your card does make me smile, especially when I think of the froggy doing a hand stand! You should make one!

Thank the Lord that Marybeth's son-in-law is being cared for and I'm sending many prayers for him and all the other victims and their families. I can't even imagine.

Lisa Elton said...

I don't know what is more fun...a frog wearing a crown or a tutu!! This did bring a much needed smile. Our country is in such a sad mess. I pray we pull together as a nation learning to love, not hate. And thank you for spreading the word on prayers for Marybeth's son-in-law. I know she will appreciate them very much.

Bobby said...

With her hands up like that you very well could stamp her upside down. Do it, Darnell!

Anonymous said...

Firstly - my thoughts are with those effected by all the poor choices others have made of late.

Secondly - and much cheerier note - I have had a blast reading all your funny NBUS sentiments. I even managed to play along and downsize my NBUS container on my desk - WOW that was exciting :) Thanks for putting on such a fab challenge. I should not stop playing with my NBUS just cause the challenge is over - my personal challenge is too have no NBUS container - to use things as they arrive still about 8 or so NBUS at the moment.

MaryH said...

Have been enjoying your humor cards on FB, but happy to see this cute little froggie in a closeup. Your sediments have made me smile on each day I spotted your fb post, and enlarged. Agree with your thoughts on not letting this awful insanity and horror contaminate our every thought. Also horrified to learn a friend has been scarred by this evil...my heart goes out to this family. I wonder what is going on that people can do such wicked things to hurt innocents. But your cards brighten up a world that sorely needs it! Big hugs, and thanks for all your uplifting at my house. TFS

Janeen said...

such a senseless tragedy. i do hope our fellow stampers relation will come through this without too much trouble. I can't imagine. Thank you for letting us know and we can pray. Hugs.

Helen F. said...

Thanks, Darnell, we certainly need something to smile about.
How horrific to think such a thing can happen in the US AGAIN! I am saying prayers for the injured and the families suffering the loss of a loved one. Sad day, indeed.

Cheryl W. said...

Thank you for your kind words about the horrible massacre in Las Vegas. I feel the same. And thank you, too, for a little something to smile about. Your sexy tutu-ed frog is adorable!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Beautiful card, Darnell. The atrocity is a personal one for me too because the granddaughter of a friend was shot twice. Thankfully her wounds are not life threatening but are life changing (one bullet remains in her back and she faces surgery today on her arm).
Hugs,
Em xoxox

Trina P. said...

i can't think of a better time for something uplifting to make us smile. Thank you, Darnell. Every single one of your cards and posts have done that during this challenge. This froggie is absolutely adorable. Love the happy rainbow colours and that sentiment is awesome. Thank you for joining us this week at Less is More. Have a great day. Hugs, Trina xx

Cara said...

I love your froggy in her rainbow tunic. My thoughts are with all those affected by the shooting x

Susanne Vargas said...

Beautifully said, Darnell! As always you found just the right words!
Your sparkly frog in the rainbow tutu is adorable and puts a big smile on my face (especially paired with this sentiment)!

Lucy E. said...

Sending prayers for all of the injured and victims’ families from the Las Vegas attack. I can’t even imagine how horrible it must have been to be there and to have witnessed so much death and injury. Prayers for your friend’s son-in-law and Family.

Anita in France said...

Your frog is a colourful, sparkly delight, Darnell ... and yes, do an upsidedown version ... brilliant idea, I'd love to see it. Las Vegas ... don't have words ... just prayers ... for Marybeth and her family, for all those touched by this horror, and for our world. LYAMYMAFTLTT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
If there is someone who can make us smile in the face of adversity, it's you dear lady.
Sending positive thoughts to your bloggie friend and to anyone else affected by this sad event.
Ang x

scrappymo! said...

I think of all the hilarious cards you have made for this challenge, this is my fave! I love the image, how you coloured it and the great sentiment.

Loll said...

Such a horrific tragedy in Las Vegas. Prayers to all those that were there.

Your card is so funny, Dolly. I actually laughed out loud. I have really enjoyed your event filled with humor. We all need that right now. Lolly xx

Nora Noll said...

You just made me spit out my drink when I saw this card. TOTALLY hilarious!!! That sentiment mixed with that frog is just PERFECT!!!