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 21, 2013

Breast Cancer Awareness ~ MUSE Guest Designer; ATSM #67; Pixie's #95

Good Monday Morning!
It is my great honor today to be featured as this month's Guest Designer for MUSE Card Club.  MUSE has been a favorite challenge of mine since its inception and I'm always disappointed when I miss a week.  If you haven't played before, I hope you'll give MUSE a try.  It is such a treat to CASE (copy and share everything) the superbly talented Muses in whatever way their cards inspire you!  After the challenge closes, participants vote for three of their favorite cards made by their peers.

Because I inked my stamp with markers, I'm also linking my card with the current Addicted to Stamps and More (ATSM) challenge to "make your mark," which is being sponsored by Nicecrane Designs.  And because I've used snippets of paper, I'm playing over at Pixie's Snippets Playground.

~~~
 
I hope you don't mind that my card and post today concern a very serious and sobering subject.  For my theme and design, I chose to reflect that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Like me, I'm sure your lives have been impacted in some way by this insidious disease.

Here is my card:
 
 
I have paired the iconic pink color of BCA with spring green patterned paper and layered the border with torn sheets of green and pink vellum paper.  Breast cancer tears into the fabric of all the lives it touches, both literally and figuratively. 
 
I chose the sediment from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps because we are always there for our friends and family members as they make their arduous journey through the treatment process and back to good health
 
As a final touch, I chose to use a pearl which is the astral sign for Cancer.  It is the oldest known gem, and for many centuries it was considered the most valuable. Unlike other gems, the pearl is organic matter derived from living creatures: oysters and mollusks.  For centuries the pearl has been associated with the moon because of its orb shape.  Pearls are also associated with water, wisdom, and women.
 
~~~

Unfortunately, I personally know way too many women who have had (or have) breast cancer.  Way.too.many.

For those of you who are currently undergoing treatment and feel like sheet warmed over, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of women everywhere, even strangers.  You belong to a world-wide sisterhood where others wish and pray for you to find strength, patience, optimism, and any strands of humor you can muster.
 
For those of you well and able, I hope you will participate in the MUSE challenge this week and CASE my card. 
I hope that in doing so, you will recommit to making your own health a priority in your life, do those self-exams, and get your mammograms because early detection is so key.

I hope you will take some time to reflect on the stress that you are carrying and consider ways that you can alleviate some of it.  I wonder if our evolution in recent years to becoming "super women," with the resultant stress, hasn't played a large negative role in our health and our boobies.  Delegating is a beautiful word ~ it means "entrusting." 
 
So I hope you will recommit each day to taking a little time just for you, just to simply breathe and step away from the madness. 
 
I hope you will give yourself permission to be more in the moment and enjoy EACH day of your precious life.

~~~
 
And finally, I hope I don't sound too preachy.  I just care about you is all. 

Mwah!






Life is too short.

Paper:  PTI white; K&Company pp;
  Gafix colored vellum
Stamp:  Rubber Stampede 2875F;
  CFC "Calm and Gentle"
Ink:  Markers:  SU! blushing bride, primrose
  petals, pear pizzazz, and old olive
Pearl:  SU!

76 comments:

Sammy said...

Beautiful card Darnell, and beautiful post. Sending positive thoughts to all those out there struggling right now x

Sue said...

You certainly don't sound too preachy Darnell, I agree with all my heart about everything you have said. You always put things into words so beautifully..
Your card is gorgeous. I love the delicately coloured image and the torn edges are perfect.
Take care, sending you hugs
Sue xx

Sian Ridley said...

Ok, firstly...congratulations on being GD this week at Muse! Woohoo! It's about time eh!? ;) I only have today to get to my desk (hopefully!) as I'll be away for six or seven weeks after that so I absolutely will try to join in the fun, especially as it's you!

Secondly, thank you so much for your comment re: my CFC recognition...no one was more surprised than me!

Now, onto the important part...this card is FABULOUS! And a wonderful tribute to breast cancer awareness :) you're right, I think absolutely everyone has been affected by this horrible disease at some point and we all, as women, feel for anyone who has come into contact with it, whether personally or through association. As you always say...LITS!!! We should make the most of it and live for the moment! ;)

Unknown said...

Beautiful card and wonderful words.

Sue - said...

That is such a beautiful card Darnell and congrats at being guest designer. I always look at Muse but have never participated - yet. It might change this week! And as you say - get yourself checked! We are fortunate here in UK that after a certain age we are offered automatic checks for free so we should make the most of them. I certainly do - had mine earlier this year.

Michelle said...

Yay! Congratulations on being the guest at Muse this week! I'll try to find some time to play! :-)

Not too preachy at all, Darnell! Every woman should be self-checking monthly, and here in Australia they recommend mammograms annually from 40. The slight discomfort is a small price to pay for looking after ourselves.

Hannelie said...

Wow!
Congrats on being GD!
Such a beautiful card!!!
Hugs

Claire said...

Congrats on being this months's guest designer Darnell - your card is so pretty and brilliantly clever in how you have related it to breast cancer awareness. I totally agree with your theory about stress...I think it does us all far more harm than anyone gives it credit for.

Hettie said...

Great card Darnell and I don't think you can be preachy about this topic. We all need reminding sometimes.
BTW the pearl is also my birth stone being a June baby!
Hugs
xx

roffeycreations said...

Hugs Darnell - lovely card - Mxx

Sarn said...

Your card is gorgeous Darnell. I'm sure you have encouraged lots of people to CASE it and join in. Congrats on your DT spot. xxx

shirley-bee said...

Congratulations on being this month's guest designer for MUSE, Darnell! I love the card, and how you've thought about the significance of the different elements for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Brenda in IN said...

Baeutiful card and beautiful post. It never hurts to have a reminder to self check. Time passes to quickly and we get caught up in the frenzy. You're right - take time and enjoy the moments. Congratulations on bein the guest designer for MUSE. Thanks for sharing so much information. I never knew that about the pearl.

Kim S said...

A big congrats to you on being the muse this week. And thank you for using your time in the spotlight to turn that spotlight on a very important cause. You are a truly special lady.

Colleen Dietrich said...

Beautiful card, Darnell, and I enjoyed reading your heartfelt, caring post. Thank you for the reminder to try to let go of our stresses. I'm sure that the stress heaped on each of us does contribute to poor health. Meditation can help, I hear. Haven't tried it yet. LOL

Ardyth said...

Beautiful card and a beautiful message and meaning behind all the elements. This will provide a ton of inspiration to our participants this week! Thanks so much for being our Guest Muse!

Susanne Vargas said...

Very thoughtful and beautiful card and post, Darnell! And congratulations on your GD sport at Muse! Maybe I will get my act together and play over there for the first time! You certainly have motivated me. On several levels...

Karen Petitt said...

A beautiful card huni, get them checked is the saying for this month. You were not preachy, you were and are the lovely Darnell with a heart of gold who cares for many as many care for her, ooo get me lol! xx

Joyce said...

Your card is beautiful, as is your post. Very heartfelt and so very true. Big congrats to you for being the Muse GD, and I cannot wait to case you.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card Darnell-and such a beautiful post too.
Hugs for everyone who needs one at the moment.
Nessa xxx

MaryH said...

Darnell, I'll have to echo what Nessa(Crafty Laydee) said. Beautiful card (no big surprise, that!) but also a beautiful, well written post on a very serious subject. As you said, this disease touches all of us. Thanks for sharing the card, the reminder, and big congrats on your GDT! Hugs

Jacquie Southas said...

Congrats on the Guest Designer spot at the Muse! Beautiful card and beautiful post Darnell!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

I was so happy for you when I saw you were going to be the guest Muse this week! And then I went to your post and I was so proud and touched by your words! You are something special, Darnell!!!
Oh yea...your card is stunning! I love the torn papers, the colors, everything! Great job!

Harriet Skelly said...

Huge congrats on being our Muse this week! I will definitely case your card. I've been making at least one card a day this month for the MD Anderson Cancer Clinic and the one I make in your honor will also be sent there! Your card is so lovely!

Anonymous said...

Many congratulations, Darnell, on being our GD at Muse this week ... so looking forward to playing along! Your card is, as ever, beautiful, and carries such a wonderful message of hope ... as does your post. Your way with words could never be too preachy ... you've highlighted the important stuff perfectly! Anita :)

maria f. said...

Absolutlely lovely card and lovely post Miss Darnell.

Carole said...

So thoughtful and warm hearted... beautiful card.

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Really beautiful card, love the colours
hugs Tamara

Redanne said...

What a beautiful post Darnell, we do need to take time out now and then to think of those who are suffering...as you say, so many of us know people who are and my heart goes out to them too. Your card is beautiful and I love that gentle sentiment. Well done on your GD spot. Big hugs, Anne x

Carol L said...

Beautiful card, beautiful thoughts of those having to deal with breast cancer too. I have the same stamp you used on this pretty card, so now I'm going to have to dig it out and CAS this one! NJ

Chriss Blagrave said...

Beautifully said Darnell...I hope to play with this very special inspiration card at Muse this week!
Congratulations on the guest hostess, I look forward to seeing and reading all that you will share.

Lyndal said...

FABULOUS card & post Darnell - HUGE CONGRATS on your Guest DT spot!

Loll said...

Hi Dolly. Lovely card and a lovely post. Written so well ... and echoed by many woman - thank you for the reminder. Loll xx

Happy Dance said...

Congrats on the GD this month over at Muse. No one deserves it more. Your post is lovely, as is your card. The wonderful words of encouragement and heartfelt feelings are inspiring to us all. The world is a beautiful place with you here to help guide us all. Blessings to you, dear friend. Bev

alexandra s.m. said...

Beautiful card and post Darnell!
Thank You~

Bonnie said...

First of all, congratulations for being the MUSE this week! And a wonderful Muse you are in more ways than one! This is a beautiful card and a beautiful, heartfelt post!

Bobby said...

Your card is such a tribute, both to the cause, and to your compassion. Your post is full of love and caring and no one can say that is "preachy". Congratulations on be the guest designer at MUSE. I sure hope I get a chance to play this week. Things have been busy (but I do take time for myself, just not crafting.)

Janelle said...

You wouldn't believe it but I've just come back from the school run where I stopped to chat and we were discussing one of t he mum's has found a lump and she's off to the doctor today! Your message is a timely reminder that I need to make my health a priority and for me to make the time to get my check-ups done. Thank-you. You are always so positive and you deserve recognition with a guest designer position @ Muse. Your card's lovely and I will hopefully have time to play this week.

JD/ Jill said...

Congrats on your GD spot, and beautiful card...and beautiful post to go along with it.

Deborah Frings said...

I think this is simply delightful, so pretty and feminine. Thanks so much for playing along with ASM!

BTW - Congratulations on your GD spot at MUSE! And thanks for a lovely post too.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Congrats on your Guest DT spot :) Beautiful post & card, very touching. I also know way too many ladies that have or had breast cancer. Take care, Shirleyx

Geri said...

You, your card, your post - beautiful! Your message is sincere, caring and encouraging.

If you think that is preaching, well then, preach away because your words had a profound effect on me! You're so right! It is so easy to get all wrapped up in the craziness of this modern world we live in.

So now I am headed to the fridge to grab a beer and then going to sit down beside Mister on the sofa and watch hockey! And breathe!

Congrats on being this week's MUSE

scrappymo! said...

So well written and a gorgeous card to boot!

I think you said what we all feel but don't know how to say at times.
Thank you for saying it!

Sue from Oregon said...

Congrats on your Guest Spot Darnell! Love Pink creation-a perfect reminder for all of us to remember thost that are struggling with this dreaded disease! My Mom has been cancer free since 1990!

Kay Miller said...

First off congratulations on being the Muse this week! Your card is just gorgeous!! Love the watercolor look of the flower. One of my very best friends is a breast cancer survivor, so I know the struggle these brave women have faced. I admire you for dedicating your post to this subject. Beautiful work!!

Virginia L. said...

Congrats on being the MUSE guest designer, Darnell! Your card is feminine and so pretty! Well said about Breast Cancer--not preachy at all. HUGS to you!

Lisa Elton said...

Congrats on your guest spot at Muse Darnell, SO HAPPY for you! This is soft and lovely, sure to warm the heart of someone in need of a pick me up. Very well said on the subject of Breast Cancer. My MIL was a breast cancer survivor and my (would be) grandmother lost her life to it when my dad was only 15.

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...congrats on your guest design spot for this week's Muse...it is an amazing card and for a great cause as well. My mom is a breast cancer survivor, she had a mastectomy back in the early 1960's and turned 80 this year. She is an incredible inspiration to me. Stunning card and it will be fun to case you.

Tracey McNeely said...

Woo Hoo Darnell! Huge congratulations on being the guest at Muse this week. I am so so so happy for you my friend this is of course exactly what I was expecting. Your inspiration card is just gorgeous! I hope that I can play along too! xoxo

Karen M said...

Big Congrats Darnell on being the guest muse this week - I love your beautiful card and can't wait to play along:) Your post is such a lovely one too - hugs xx

Di said...

Oh Darnell, you summed it all up perfectly! And with such a beautiful card too.

Hugs, Di xx

Jenny said...

Darnell you have a wonderful way with words , such a thoughtfully wriitten blogpost. Congrats on your deserving guest spot at MUSE too, this is the perfect card for the month of October. I love how you cleverly used the crossed ribbon along the pretty flower stem too :0)
Jenny x

Dianne said...

Oh you wonderful, wonderful woman, this is really my favorite card I have seen, the torn pieces together to make a look of beauty, gorgeous flower, beautiful sentiment. Delegating,means entrusting, I love that.. Preachy NEVER just wonderful wisdom your spreading and the card is a great honor to our suffering Sister, God bless them all, and you my lovely friend, (((( BIG HUGS ))))...

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Hi Darnell - I loved reading your post today. Beautiful card and congrats on being a Muse - perhaps I'll find time to play...

Hugs, Cornelia

ThePurplePlace said...

Such a pretty card and I was very happy and excited to see you were the artist! Congratulation on being the Featured Designer for this week!

I am hoping to get started on a card today! :)

Unknown said...

oh Darnell, I'm so happy you are our MUSE this week! your card is beautiful and your words are touching as always. It is wonderful you have created this with such a great cause in mind. THANKYOU for being so caring!!
~tracey

Anonymous said...

Woweeeee! That struck a nerve... (In a good way!!! /- :))
I'm guilty of a few of the things you mentioned... & prob should run, not walk to the doctor's office since 2 of my aunts have had breast cancer...
Thank you for the slap in the face ...!
I truly needed that !!

Your card is so delicate /- & tough !
Perfect for a survivor -- the rough edges make so much sense w: the flowers -- just beautiful !!!

Congrats to you on being the MUSE herself this week !! It's awesome & so well deserved !! You are a CAS goddess as far as I'm concerned!!! :))
All good things come to those who wait... & deserve it !! Xo

Unknown said...

Simply stunning Darnell. I love the little touches...the pearl because of its astral link to the word...beautiful design. And congrats on your GD feature! MUSE is lucky to have YOU!!!

Greta said...

I was just going to check the Muse website--how wonderful you're it this week! I will certainly find time to play along as I love your card & you're right on in your "preaching!" Hugs to you, Greta

Danielle Vincent said...

A beautiful post and a beautiful card! Thanks so much for the message that my workaholic self needed to hear. I appreciate that you joined us this week at ATS&M.

Debs Willis said...

Absolutely loved this post! Heartfelt & encouraging, and now I know what CASE means!
Thanks for sharing
Debs x

cm said...

A heartfelt, thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Darnell! Your wisdom and advice are ever so timely, as we have a recently diagnosis in my husband's family coming to light just this month. Sighhh...yes, time to step back, rethink priorities and find ways to unburden stresses. LITS. Congrats on being GD for MUSE. You are a PERFECT choice! Absolutely!!
c

Monika Skinner said...

Hi Darnell. Love the soft feminine feel of your card and your beautifully written post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for joining us at ATSM. Monika

Paula S. said...

A beautiful MUSE card and such heartfelt thought put into each element. Wonderful inspiration!

Jean said...

A big Congrats on being the guest designer at MUSE. A beautiful card to inspire hope for those with this terrible disease. I too have known too many who have had breast cancer. Thanks for the wonderful post.

~amy~ said...

Wow, your post...your card...wow.

Cathy said...

Congrats on the designer spot at MUSE Darnell, and what a wonderful card. Your post is wonderful too, Cathy x

Kristie Goulet said...

Congratulations on being Guest Designer at MUSE!!! Love your card and of course your post. We lost my dear mother-in-love to breast cancer coming up on 4 years this Jan. She fought long and hard. We miss her so. ♥

Anonymous said...

A beautiful post and oh so true ! thanks for sharing you thoughts and well wishes and that gorgeous card, love the torn and layered paper just perfect. Congrats at being Guest DT member for Muse thoroughly deserved.

Marie >3

Anonymous said...

Congrats on being an honorable pick @ addicted to stamps & more!!!!
:)) :))

Anonymous said...

So well deserved, sweetie!! Xo

Inkyfingers said...

Oh Darnell, I just spotted that you are guest designer at Muse this week and I'm so peeved that I won't be able to take part because I am going away for a few days with my daughter. Congratulations on the well deserved honour and on a beautifully written blog post. Well done. Xxx

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Just wanted to pop in again and say congrats on your honorable mention at addicted to stamps!!

Lynn said...

Darnell, you are a gem. You don't sound preachy at all and you are providing a reminder that I definitely need to hear. Thank you for not only inspiring us with your gorgeous creations but also with your love and kindness. xoxo

PS I must put my time aside for tomorrow to play along!

OH Babs said...

Dear Darnell tomorrow I will submit the card I just made in honor of you as MUSE. I applaud and thank you for your heartfelt words regarding breast cancer. Sadly I know many women who have had breast cancer, including my mother, and we as women must fight the fight for one another. For breast cancer to hit women in my age group is not uncommon but now-a-days women in their 30's are being diagnosed. Bless you dear sweet women.

Anonymous said...

A perfect card for the sentiment. What a beautiful gallery you have inspired. Sad that I didn't have time to join in!