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!

July 29, 2014

Be You ~ NBUS #144

Greetings, Crafters!

How are you this fine day? It's hotter than granny's cast iron skillet on Fried Chicken Fridays around t' here. And Hugh Mid has been visiting, too, which is weird because he doesn't usually come around these parts. Everyone's a bit out of sorts.

I always wondered where the phrase "out of sorts" orginated. My Aunt Alzada, who you've heard about before, always said Uncle Bill was "out of shorts." When I was a girl I used to think he went commando under his overalls and that's why he smelled like old shoes. I was a grown woman before I learned the correct expression and realized that Uncle Bill just smelled like old shoes because he wore old shoes.

But that's not why you called, we'll save the origin for below. I'm here with a card I made just for fun for challenges. However, now that it is finished, I have just the person in mind to send it to. Here tis:
These are the challenges that I'm playing in:
  • The Cutting Edge. This is my first time playing in this new challenge by the famous Jackie Rockwell.

Isn't that a sweet card by Melania Deasy? You know me, I just had to think of some design element that wasn't flowers. I've been dying to use those NBUS puzzle pieces from Spellbinders on a card and so shazambam, twas what I did. I think it's deep. The "Be" (Simon Says Stamp) is a die cut opening and the green card is adhered behind it. The "you" (Papertrey Ink) is a die cut placed over the card twice.

  • Less Is More ~ Anything Goes in celebration of the birthday of the fabulous Chrissie!!

Please join in the fun of these challenges! If you click on the links, you can find the details on rules, sponsors, and sometimes even prizes!

~~~

New Friends Corner

I'm squeelited to welcome another new friend today! Please meet:

Adele Holcomb of Bits and Pieces. Adele has been blogging since 2010. She is a wife, mother, grandmother of eight, retired, and busy with her card art. If you click on her post of July 26, 2014, you will see a video made by Operation Write Home wherein a box of cards by Adele is being opened. A BIG box of cards! I am very bad about finding time for this wonderful organization and I'm so impressed and so appreciative of all the cards Adele creates to make up for slackers like me!

~~~

Out of sorts
Word Origami

How many of you know where the expression "out of sorts" comes from? It has come to mean "mildly unwell, not in one's usual health or state of mind." Back in the 17th century, typographers referred to the letter and number typesets as "sorts." Each letter was a different "sort" according to the Printers and Founders Language. Thus if type blocks were out of order ~ or "out of sorts" ~ it would clearly be unwelcome to a typesetter.

To be continued: "out of kilter," not to be confused with "out of kilts." 

~~~

We haven't had an update on the wildlife around here for a while. I opened the patio door yesterday and almost stepped on a decendent of Lizzie the fence lizard so I had to go grab my camera. The hummers are always a treat. The hawks you see are the new youngsters from the photos I shared earlier this year. There are two, but I wasn't able to get a photo of the two of them in the same shot. I also wasn't able to get a sharply focused shot, sorry. I was a bit becited.

~~~

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!

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Click CTL + Home. 
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Mwah!

88 comments:

Kathyk said...

FAB make and a glorious combination of colours, Darnell.

Gr8 pix too and well done on even attempting that action shot of the hawk!

Kathyk

Kim M said...

Great card, Darnell! Love the substitution of the flowers for puzzle pieces. :-). Is it just me or is that lizard smiling at you? LOL. Hugs!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

Fabulous card - your posts are always so entertaining to read! You should have been a writer! (Or are you one???) Great nature pics. We just have a woodchuck in our garden, this year for the first time a wild turkey with 4 babies and the usual deer, skunks, racoons and squirrels....

Alanna said...

Another fabulous written post Darnell and your card is super cute. I love those puzzle pieces. So original.

And I laughed out lout about the visit of Hugh Mid and then the whole out of shorts/commando thing. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

Lynn said...

Cracking up laughing over here about your Uncle Bill. Funny word play from my littlest. Instead of saying there were "tons of people in the audience" he switched to "there were gallons of people in the audience." Love his vocabulary.

Your card is perfect. Love the puzzle pieces.

Krisha said...

Hey Darnell hot and humid enough for ya???
You would think that this heat would melt some of my fat.....but no such luck......LOL

LOVE your card, I must jump over to those challenges. I've been SO busy with other things that I am having "Betsy" withdrawals

Lisa Elton said...

CUTE card Darnell, I like the layered die cut words! I don't think I would have run for my camera after almost stepping on the lizzard...I would have just RUN!!

Irish Cherokee said...

Neat card Darnell. The puzzle pieces are a good example of me. Not together. LOL. Actually good photography. - Jim

Happy Dance said...

I'm joining Lisa on the run... Harmless as she may be, I'm not a reptile person. I was out of shorts too, until I went to the KMart and picked up a new pack! You crack me up sister! GREAT card. The way you've used those colors is amazing. Love it. Sweet puzzle pieces. Rockin' the cards n glad to see you back! Bev

Bonnie said...

I hadn't seen those puzzle piece dies before. Probably a good thing. I love how you did one in a different color and the way you did the sentiment! The humidity has broken for a couple days here so I guess we're not outa shorts here anymore!

Pam Sparks said...

Fabulous take on all the challenges Darnell! Wonderful designing and encouragement card!

Julie B said...

Great idea Darnell and fab wildlife pics. There are some strange expressions around. One that comes to mind is' It's a bit black t'ower Bill's mothers' Think its some thing to do with the weather or it could mean there's trouble brewing!Any ideas? x

Sheila H said...

The puzzle die is super. This is a fun card.

Sarah said...

Thanks for the chuckle Darnell "out of shorts" indeed!! Love your card too, the green with turquoise looks fabulous. Love the snaps of your visitors too!! xx

JD/ Jill said...

Great card...and guess what? I have a punch that does puzzle pieces..(never used before stuff) So you have inspired me to get it out...
great pics too! Thanks for sharing!

Shelly said...

Your post is too fun! ;) Such a sweet card! And love the pics!

adele holcomb said...

Lots to comment on today! First, cute card -- love those puzzle pieces. Also enjoyed the critter pics. And a fun surprise to see my own smiling face. BTW Hugh Mid lives here in South Florida, at least from May through October. I don't know how he could possibly have visited you because he's been making us all pretty miserable lately. What did we ever do without A/C?

Sue - said...

Great card Darnell - love the jigsaw pieces. As for Hugh Mid he certainly gets around 'cos he's been here for the last week or so too! Super photos too!

Sue - said...

Great card Darnell - love the jigsaw pieces. As for Hugh Mid he certainly gets around 'cos he's been here for the last week or so too! Super photos too!

Redanne said...

I love the story of Uncle Bill and I love your beautiful card, the puzzle pieces look fantastic.

So thrilled to see the hummers back, they are so beautiful and as for the lizard, I want one!! Hugs, Annie xx

Sid said...

Fab, love your jigsaw pieces !!

Geri said...

Love the pics of the wildlife! Aunty Alzada and Uncle Bill had be laughing out loud! You're so good for soul....and totally kick chicken soup to the curb for a feel good cure!

The DP and the puzzle pieces are so cool - love the 'shadowed' YOU!

Petra Swart said...

Oh, another post full of fun and laughter, Darnell!!
Love your puzzle card and thanks for sharing the wildlife pics!!

Jenny Marples said...

Hi there Darnell. Love this card and what an amazing array of wildlife! You get the very best of nature there. Jenny x

Carole Pollard said...

First of all loved reading your blog such a great story. I love that puzzle card its fab great colours. What about your wild life photos just fantastic and right outside your house brilliant post love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Anita in France said...

Cool puzzle pieces, Darnell ... and so clever paired with that sentiment! Your photo's are amazing ... I have visions of you standing completely still, David Attenborough-like, waiting for the perfect shot ... ??? Hugs, Anita :)

Craft-E-Place said...

Brilliant card and fun post as always! Spooky as well - I've been playing with a jigsaw die today trying to come up with a card! I've had the die for ages but never got it out of the packet before .... I just put it to the side while I had a wander around to check on blogger friends only to see your card! I like to think it is a case of great minds although you have been more successful that me!
Elaine

Ardyth said...

Fun and educational too! Being Scottish (by marriage) we are never out of kilts although frequently out of kilter. Love the combination of challenges here - great use of the challenge colours and your NBUS! So glad you joined us at The Card Concept!

Suze Bain said...

Ha, ha, love your references to granny's skillet and uncle Bill. We're always guaranteed a giggle when we come to visit! Love your card, those puzzle pieces are fab. Xx

Sheri said...

Love this card. The puzzle pieces are so cool! Great job. Please tell Hugh Mid to stay there because he is always hanging around here and it is nice to see him gone for awhile!

Sue said...

Your card is totally fabulous Darnell. Your design is so stylish and I love the colours.
Thank you for making me smile, as you always do!
hugs Sue xx

Canonbury creations said...

What a cool design Darnell, love those jigsaw dies. The colour combo is great too:) We're not "out of kilter" here there's loads on show at the Commonwealth games:)!!! Love your wildlife photos, stunning:)
Val x

Chriss Blagrave said...

Your card is awesome Darnell! I love that you used puzzle pieces and your transition into the out of sorts, well, brilliant! BTW-Mr. Mid has been here too...
Thanks for making me smile
Thanks so much for posting your wildlife pics. I might have to think about throwing one of mine onto the blog once in a while too :)

Jenni's Jems said...

What a fabulous card ...love those die cuts Darnell,nailed it again ! X

Carol L said...

Oh no, I HATE when you're out of shorts! (or kilts) Smelling like old shoes can't be much fun either :P
Fun card today, and I love how you worked those sentiment dies! Good job!

Anonymous said...

Out of sorts ? I agree, The HOT weather has been melting my poor brain!!I can't remember the last time we had so many days over 100 and I don't like it one bit! Where are you fall? I do love your card jigsaw dies!!

Pat said...

I love these jigsaw pieces Darnell and a very creative choice rather than flowers, also love the colours. Love your wild life photography too. How wonderful to have hawks come to your garden! We have quite a lot of buzzards flying round here and we see the odd hawk perching on a telegraph pole or a particularly high street lamp sometimes which is great. x

Verna Angerhofer said...

What a cool card with the jig saw pieces. And, love the colors you used too.

OH Babs said...

What a great die cut and how much that would be to play with. This would be fun for Christmas and I almost see it in your paper choices. Great photos.

Vickie Z said...

Fun card... I have the puzzle dies and stamps from I'll inkers and haven't used them yet (one more NBUS)...sshhhhh don't tell the hubs! Love all your critters!

Rahmat said...

Oh Darnell, it is always such a treat to visit your blog. Lovely card and great information on the phrases! And the wildlife shots are nice!

Susanne Vargas said...

Another inspirational, educational, and entertaining post! Can always count on you to brighten my day! Thank you!

Diane Jaquay said...

What a fun card, love the puzzle pieces and great sentiment!

Donna Nuce said...

I love how you explained how you combined the 2 different die cuts to get the sentiment on the card. Very creative! The puzzle pieces are cute. Great photos of the hawks. Have a great day Darnell!

Patti said...

Arent you clever!! I just love how you did your sentiment!!

Loving your photos too looks like the wildlife isn't the only wild thing going on over there! That blurry shot looks like you were a tad tipsy heehee : )

We are enjoying an unusual NON humidity July!! unheard of! but it is also kind of chilly too. Strange!

Hope you are doing well friend.

(((Hugs)))
Patti

Nan G said...

Love the puzzle pieces! Great pics of the hummers. Haven't seen my hummer visitor is quite awhile now. Probably gone off to sweeter gardens. Hugs

Carole Z said...

Fab card and I love those puzzle pieces and reading your post made me smile so widely this morning! Loved the photos, hummers are my favourite birdies, just sorry we don't get them here in the UK :( Hugs Carole Z X

Di said...

Brilliant card Darnell! Love those jigsaw pieces and you always manage such perfect placement.

Now I ain't too keen on lizards and snakes so could you please warn me when anything reptilian is gonna pop up on my screen. I thank you so much :)

Hugh Mid is lingering here too - and we in the UK just aren't geared up for it, sigh.

Hugs, Di xx

Gerrina said...

Love the colours of the pieces; they look great together and placed perfectly! It is fun to see the sentiment differently placed as most do; it adds so much interest! You photos are beautiful; so different from the wildlife arround my home... Hugs, Gerrina

Ros Crawford said...

Fabulous post and fabulous card ... You really make me smile and chuckle ... a lot!

Sarn said...

Hi Darnell . . . LOVING your jigsaw BE YOU card. Absolutely flipping fantastic.

Hugh Mid has over stayed his welcome in the UK and I want to see him GONE GONE GONE! You have him a while, there's a Dear.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Unknown said...

Fab card Dippy - loving the fun colours. Think I prefer "out of shorts" to the correct version, at least it raises a smile :o) Great wildlife photos - I am so jealous of your hummers, think I would be out there all day long watching them. As for your hawk photos they are stunning. The one on the left looks so arty; don't think you could replicate that again if you tried!!! lol

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Jackie Rockwell said...

You always make me laugh . . ."hotter than granny's cast iron skillet on Fried Chicken Fridays . . ." that's how it's felt around here too. LOL!

I'm so glad to see you in the line-up over at The cutting Edge! Loving those puzzle pieces!!!

Stay COOL! :)

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
what a really fab design card.
Love everything you have created in this super card.
Great pics of the wildlife around you.
I do hope you are keeping well.
Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

Susanne said...

Great card - fresh and crisp and playful all at the same time. Well done.

Jeanne said...

I like that you used puzzle pieces on your card. :) Great pictures of your wildlife friends/neighbors. Enjoyed your take on humid. We've had more of "him" here in Colorado than I like. Today we may only get into the 60s/low 70s due to rain, rain and oh yes, more rain. Not that I'm complaining too loudly, we need it, but now it's messin' with our park play date plans. That is not cool!

Indy's Designs said...

What a great take on all those challenges! The puzzle pieces were a superb idea! Thanks for the wildlife pictures! Too cute! Happy Wednesday!
Hugs, Debbie!

Em Louise Fairley said...

Darnell, the card is beautiful! :)

Hugs,
Em x
Creative Em

Marybeth said...

Yes it is hot! :) Love your card with the puzzle pieces, I have that die but its NBUB!
Wonderful pictures of the wildlife TFS! HUGS

1CardCreator said...

Great card Darnell, love how you used those puzzle pieces! Great pics of the wild life there. ~Diane

shirley-bee said...

Love how you've done the sentiment on this card, Darnell, and the wildlife shots are fabulous :)

Andrea said...

LOL Darnell you never fail to make me laugh what an amusing enteratining and even eductaional post today sorry I confused you stil in hectic work mode but onlya week to go I finish next thursday then off we go until the following Saturday ... had a rare weekday off today and posted on woyww as you know! Hope you had a great time with family friends visiting will catch up on your posts I'm way behind .love the card its great the jigsaw peices are fab and a great take on the floral card. have great week hope the weather settles a bit and bahaves itself crafty hugs Andrea x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

*snort* out of shorts... old shoes... commando... one never knows what they will encounter when they come to your blog.

I love your card! Love it! Especially if you see my desk today and spy my brand new puzzle die that I just had to have on a whim without a clue was to do with it. Well, now you've given me an idea.

That's probably dangerous....

Brenda said...

I thought the out of sorts had to do with the printing stuff. lol Love your card Darnell, the puzzle piece are fabulous and perfect for the "be you". Love it and love the color combo! I also love your wild life pictures, so beautiful. But would you please send your hot muggies to my state?! We only made it to 70 yesterday and it took all day to get there! It felt like Oct here, so unusual for July. Our evenings have been in the mid to low 50's. No gotten to enjoy the pool very much because the water is freezing, so be doing the hot tub instead. lol Hugs, Brenda

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Love that puzzle card Darnell! Great shot of that hawk...

Pia S said...

What a playful design! I think this looks great!

Jessi Fogan said...

This is so fun! And I love al lthe wildlife pictures - I can never remember to get my camera, I just stand there doing my slack-jawed yokel impression, much like Uncle Bill.
Congrats on your Queen of Snark with the Sisterhood, btw :)

Anne said...

EEwww I'm left with a mental picture of your Uncle Bill going commando under his overalls lol!!!!

Darnell I love the colours you used for your jigsaw pieces, so stylish and effective

Thanks so much for joining LIM this week
Anne
Less is More Designer

Kay Miller said...

Ooooh love our card Darnell! Those little puzzle pieces are so cute! Love the story of Uncle Bill, I just know I'm going to slip up one day now and say I'm just out of shorts! haha! Loved seeing the pictures of all your little neighborhood friends! ((Hugs))

Nora Noll said...

I love the photos of the little animals. Your card with is so fabulous. I love the fun puzzle pieces and the sentiment you used. So perfect. Great job on all the challenges!!

And I have been out of sorts as of late. Just don't feel...right. I like how you found out the origin!! I say this all the time. (and I am not 80)

Lynn K said...

Love your card! The puzzle pieces are fun and I love the PP's you chose!

Claire Grantham said...

Hey Darnell, thanks for taking the time to visit today, despite not WOYWWing. Thanks for your kind wishes. The foot is not too bad, just sore!! I like your card the jigsaw pieces are fun. I am overjoyed to be seeing a wildlife update. I LOVE lizards..Cx

Sazzle Dazzle said...

Super fun card Darnell and a great combination of challenges too.
Love your cards
Thanks so much for sharing and taking part.
Sarah xx
Less is More

Shona Chambers said...

How jealous I am of your 'hot enough to fry and egg' weather. Its the middle of winter here in NZ, although today we have been in t-shirts with no heating needed. Very peculiar but so loved. Loving the card by the way. I LOVE jigsaw puzzles (not that I get time to do them very often) but they look fantastic with your layered die cuts. Enjoy your sun!!!

Elizabeth said...

Hi Darnell, it's been a while and well past time I visited you I think. So glad I have, you post has me chuckling - I just love your exuberance and so good to know your uncle Bill didn't go about without his shorts on :) Your card is super - the jigsaw pieces are just terrific. Thanks for brightening up my day. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

Deepti said...

LOve ur brilliant take on the challenge, I like how you added the pieces of the puzzle to replace the flowers :)

Deepti said...

LOve ur brilliant take on the challenge, I like how you added the pieces of the puzzle to replace the flowers :)

Bobby said...

That puzzle die is a cute one and I love the way you cut one word in and layered the other. You take such great nature photos, Darnell.

Anonymous said...

Such a cool card, although I don't know how you get anything done. I would spend all my time watching all of the amazing wildlife you seem to be attracting. Not too keen on lizards though... Cx

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

Girl, I always love coming to your blog - I inevitably leave with a big fat grin on my face. Thank you for that! And aren't you a clever, clever girl to replace those flowers with puzzle pieces - BRILLIANT! Thanks so much for playing with us at the Cutting Edge Challenge - we're so glad you did!

Taunya Butler said...

What a treat to visit you!! Love this card - Sometimes it is just a puzzle to be figured out - How to be YOU!! I know I sure struggle with it alot! I love that you were different in your use of diecuts!! Good for you - great card!!

Greta said...

Unique, creative card--love it, Darnell! Thanks for sharing your wildlife pictures--always enjoy seeing them.

Sharon Underwood said...

Love your card! You've inspired me to get out my puzzle die! Could've done without the lizard--he kinda surprised me and I jumped!

Chrissie said...

Sorry I didn't manage to get around to you whilst I was in Spain Darnell... this is a fabulous card and the pics are stunning. I loved to see the hummers in the yard when we lived in Va, but I never saw a lizard!
Thanks so much...as ever
Thanks for my fab birthday card too... I took it to Spain with me to decorate the side-table!!
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Manuela said...

Great Puzzle card, the puzzle die is also one of my NBUS! :-)
wonderful shots from the animals!!

Nancy in Iowa said...

Just popped over from Julie's Rainbow Days Blog! Great to read up on you! You have a crafty hut!!! How lovely for you! Your cards are stunning! I look forward to following!

Wendy Nicola Jackson said...

Thanks for the lovely comment you left on my blog today Darnell. Tried to follow you earlier on google, but it's not working for some reason, so I'm Bloglovin' ya babe! Will be checking in again soon. Hugs, Wends x

cm said...

I'm feeling out of kilter of late, having fallen behind, again, in commenting! Your post is precisely what I need on this smoky Friday morning: educational and, as always, delightful! Puzzle piece card: fabulous! Be you...I remember hearing that ages ago, and thinking the person said something else, implying I was smelly! I was NOT wearing old shoes at the time, or old shorts, either! Hugs~c