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!

May 2, 2018

Live With Zest!

Hello Stamplings!

Until it actually happens to you, you don't realize just how much younger you get with each passing year once you have reached your SSI retirement age. No, seriously. I've mentioned before that my friends and I now get up from the floor like we did when we were toddlers. We have to roll over and get to our hands and knees, push our butts up in the air, and then push off the floor with a mandatory "old person's noise" as we teeter to our feet.

For you youngsters, that noise actually serves a purpose. It exhales all the air from our lungs which is necessary to propel our saggy bits off the floor. And BTW, it takes a long time to perfect just the right amount of oompf noise. Too much and our saggy bits take flight and make us lose our balance and fall over backwards!

So it's only natural that we mature girls celebrate birthdays like a gang of six-year-olds!! The next time your grandmother tells you she is going to "Book Club," she means this:
Haha, now you know the wild truth! This card features an Art Impressions stamp, colored with Ziggies and backed with heart-a-dot paper. Hammy felt the wonky MFT stitching was apropopo!

This card was made to remind you that the WILD challenge is still happening over at TIME OUT! I hope you'll be able to play along! Click on the link for details and to see what the talented Design Team has created to further inspire you!! It's been a pleasure being the Guest Designer for this challenge ~ thank you, ladies!
I'm linking to:
little red wagon
Twofer

Two of my friends have challenges that are ending soon, so I made this to play along!
My friend Gail (Crafty Nomad) is having a Bunny Hop in honor of her 150th birthday! Oh, sorry, just seeing if you were paying attention! And my friend Anne (Butterfly Challenge) is holding her 99th challenge celebrating butterflies. So I combined bunnies and butterflies to make this birthday card. The sediment is from Cheeky Monkey.

If you have a minute, I have to tell you the back story on this card. Some of you may remember a bunny card I made one Easter that ended up looking like the bunnies were getting busy with each other like bunnies do. (Here.) I mean, it was totally inadvertent, which made it even funnier. 

That was exactly two years ago and my friend and yours, Princess Judy, never forgot it. So a while back when she was at a garage sale and she happened upon the encircled bunny stamp from Northwoods that you see above, she nearly collapsed with hysterical laughter. (For the sake of those of you with young children in the room, I have attached a flower to give the couple some privacy.) Well, of course, Judy had to buy the stamp and send it to me and, of course, I couldn't wait to share it with all of you! You're welcome. 😇
~~~

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 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 scrollingClick CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)


45 comments:

Jane Willis said...

Have you been watching me trying to stand up?
Love both these cards although the second, with its "bonking bunnies", almost made me spurt my tea.
Jane

Sue said...

Oh Darnell, you do make me laugh. That Bunny stamp is hilarious.

Cards are fab as always.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, I absolutely need to reach retirement age!!! :D Still some years .... then I will be more happy, crafting and young LOL
Two fabulous cards, love sooooo much the first one, it makes me smile a lot :) and lovely Birthday card for your friend Gail, it's very warm and vibrant and such amazing sentiment!

Irene said...

Whaha that's almost how I start my days....fab cards and fun story to begin the Thursday Darnell!

XxIrene

Tina Z. said...

oh, what a perfect start of my day :)))))). our mini school holidays have just ended so today feels like a boring Monday for me ... totally funny cards, love them completely :)))))
hugs xx

Gerrina said...

Super that you made another guest designer card and a real wild one! Thank you for your support at TIME OUT from the start!
And the other; I won't go into the reasons why...but we can all feel us like you discriped on all eaches :)
But I understand what you mean. Gladley the mind seems to forget more often by getting older that the body has that age, so wild plans are planned and done aswell :) Enjoy all the little things! Hugs, Gerrina

Marianne said...

Two fun cards, Darnell. I do remember those other bunnies. As for your first card, it reminds me of this year's International Women Day. I spent the evening with some 180 women (about 80% of them being Greek) of all ages. One of the oldest participants was a Greek lady who runs a small supermarket in one of the old villages, and she is famous for starting to dance on the table once she has had a few wines ... and she did ...
Marianne x

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Thank you Darnell, that's made my day read that and made me laugh too. I love your "Book Club" card and also the butterfly card as well.

Sue xx

sandie said...

I wish I could party like these Wild ladies!! They sure look like they are having fun. Your colouring is so subtle and perfect. Been so much fun having you as GD X

oldpunca said...

Thank you for the dose of laugh. It makes the day! :-) Especially on the first morning at job after a very long holiday weekend.
Both of your cards are fantastic. I like dancing ladies. Cute and funny stamp. I also remember your card with the bunnies in a chritical situation. :-) Nice gesture from your friend to think of you. :-)
Hugs,
Sonja

Ros Crawford said...

As a senior citizen I know just what you mean about getting up... Then it's sitting waiting for the creases to drop out of my face Lol!
Fabulous cards! Love what you did with those Zigs and the bunny card I do remember(funny that)... What a fun sentument on this new version! Have a beautiful day my friend!

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell - it's just as well I was not drinking anything (wouldn't want to waste my wine) when I was reading about your busy bunnies.... I am still giggling - trust Princess J to see the stamp and send it to you :-) :-)!!
As usual I love both your cards - and just be careful next time you and your cronies decide to celebrate or you may send the floppy bits flying....
Blessings
Maxine

Lisa said...

Haha, you make me laugh, Darnell!! That bunny stamp is too funny!! I love how you gave the bunny couple privacy ;) And the first card is fabulous!! What fun they're having!! The colors are so happy!! Both cards are so beautiful!! And thanks for the morning laughs, too!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Marilyn said...

OMG!! I am still laughing at your first story!! I can totally relate to that! You would crack up with how I have to get up sometimes. I do remover your bunny card!!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️

Jeanne said...

Shhhhh...Darnell, you let the secret out. No one was supposed to know that is what we REALLY do at Book Club! LOL Oh and your super loving bunnies are so loving! Terrific cards my friend. And thanks for the giggle. Great way to start the day. Hope yours is a great one, too. Hugs!

Carole said...

Brilliant card Darnell...how I wish I could leap in the air like that!...as for the bunnies...what did you say they were doing??!! ...lol

jimlynn said...

You seemed to have explained perfectly how we roll out of bed every morning. Probably how we roll out of a chair too! Getting old is so much fun with so many more experiences. Ugh!
Love both of your cards Darnell. The sentiment on the second one is hilarious and I'm sure the bunnies minus underneath that flower are too!
Two great cards.
Lynn

Carol L said...

You perfectly described a good morning trying to get out of bed! LOL You always make me chuckle, and the wild ladies are having the kind of fun I enjoy :) As for that bunny card - I too remember it well and still laugh whenever I think about it! Some things are just classics and that's one of them! I love PJ's sense of humor in sending you that great stamp too, and I love how you privatized the bunnies biz with that strategically placed flower! Brilliance my friend!! Smile - it's a good day to be alive :)

Skye said...

You are a crack up. Love your live with zest card. What do you think these ladies celebrate with? I am glad you saved my maidenly blushes with the flower.

Brenda in IN said...

You always make me laugh and both of these did the trick this morning! I'm sorry you let the cat out of the bag as to the way we stand up. I try to act like I am looking for something on the floor when I roll over! I love the zest card and not a book in sight. Oh those bunnies - they are the ones living with zest. That card was a crack up and now, thanks to you, they have some privacy. Have a great day.

Donna said...

What a fun cheery post and fabulous cards, as always Darnell. You bringing such cheer to my life!

ionabunny said...

Ha ha, funny post. Yeah, I remember that boo boo card. Well done Princess Judy on finding this new one. Thanks for joining my birthday bunny hop. Hugz

Redanne said...

Ha, ha, ha, you explain getting 'old' so well Darnell! I love the zest card, it is such a fun image!

I remember the bunnies very well indeed - so funny! Love this card, the sentiment is great and well done for putting the flower where you did!

A fabulous post today, you always make me smile... thank you!! Hugs, Annie xx

Anita in France said...

Hahahaha ... brilliant, Darnell ... that's Living With Zest and your post ... so much fun! Wait until you get to the stage of bending to tie your shoe laces and then looking around for other things to do while you're down there! I well recall those bunnies ... (I blushed ... tee hee!) ... good thing these are a little more discreet (or rather, you are!). Love the sentiment!! It's been a joy having you Guest Design along with us at Time Out, my friend! LYAMYMA ... TFTCT! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)

cuilliesocks said...

What a brilliant post Darnell, I'm still chuckling about the effort it takes to get out of bed as we become older, and boy do I agree. This getting older sucks.
Anyway I love the your first card, it's a wonderful image and beautifully designed and coloured.
A really pretty second card, lovely colours and design, take care Kate x

conil said...

Yes, you have gone completely wild...first with the laughing, partying ladies and second the copulating bunnies (which, incidentally, I remember very well from the previous post and how much my sides hurt from falling on the floor, laughing. Also love the sentiment on this birthday card.

Leslie Miller said...

Woo hoooooo, book club! That's about as exciting as it gets these days. LOVE it, but especially in the context of "going to book club". Cracks me up! Okay... that little bunny stamp and the butterflies and flowers are pretty and the sentiment is hilarious. I just about died laughing when I followed your link to the other bunny card! I'm sitting here just guffawing and spewing coffee! Oh, that's too much, especially with the word, "love", on there! I need time to collect myself now. What a hoot!

Pat said...

What a wonderful take on 'wild' Darnell, and these ladies are really celebrating to the enth degree and look so pretty in their party finery, and how I laughed last time at your b.....g bunnies (I hope you can work out what I mean but thought I should spare everyone's sensibilities)...lol. You have made another great card with them and love the pretty butterflies and flowers you have added, and with the strategically placed one, and a super sentiment too. x

Cat Craig said...

Fantastic take on wild Darnell...I love those ladies. And your bunnies - I remember fondly the first post. Kind of you to give them a little bit of privacy. I had to laugh at your getting up description. Its just too true. If I get on the floor, there better be a lot to do down there to justify the indignity of getting back to standing. LOL.

Janis said...

Great cards and such funny stamps!! The "privacy" flower is hilarious.

Thank you, Darnell, for your kind comments on my blog while I was mostly MIA. They were much appreciated!!
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Linda said...

Haha haha ....... Darnell you're such a hoot!
Gorgeous cards as always .... you're so kind giving those bunnies privacy xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Your stories never fail to make me laugh. Great cards too xoxo

Jacquie Southas said...

Hahaha, I relate to the AI party girls way too much! I do remember your bunny card (we had a neighbor rearrange our Christmas lawn reindeer in a similar position and took far too long to notice) and think it is amazing that Princess Judy found you the perfect stamp. I'd say have a great weekend, but isn't everyday Saturday for you now? :)

Mrs A. said...

Dunk about watching Jane get up but you have been spying in my bathroom haven't you! I have to turn over in the bath on to my knees and then use the sides to yank me up. Not a pretty sight. Love your vibrant butterfly card with so many of the required elements on it. Thankyou so much for coming and spinning the wheel with me this week. Hugs Mrs A.

Fikreta said...

so great cards!
hugs

Joyce said...

This is fantastic! I wish my book club was this much fun. What a fabulous card. Thanks so much for being our Guest Designer at Time Out, Darnell.

Jill V said...

Your post had me laughing my face off - especially the part about getting up :) I can relate - I like to tell myself that I am just stretching and practicing my downward dog ;)

Your wild card is just packed with fun! Thanks for inspiring us with your amazing creativity as our GD at Time Out!

Susanne Vargas said...

Hahaha, you are too funny, Darnell! Your post made me laugh and your cards made me smile! Thank you! Love that sentiment on the second card!

Mrs Duck said...

Hi Darnell
I'm sure that the dribbling and re-potty training will be following along shortly.
Two cards guaranteed to raise a laugh and is there some obsession with bonking bunnies in the US lol???
Best wishes.
Ang x

Brenda said...

Darnell, I'm going to start by thanking you for joining us at Little Red Wagon this week. If you hadn't I would have missed out on one of my laughs for the day. Love your cards, but your post made me LOL! I guess you could say both cards would work for our challenge, just the second is Bunny X-rated play =}

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

Darnell, you are always a bright spot in my day. I love your post as much as your card. Fun, fun, funny. Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence, your creativity and your twisted sense of humor at Time Out!!! XX

Aileen said...

Fab cards, I do so love those ladies. really need to get mine out more. Beautiful designs for both

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Ah yes, I'm of that age now too. Um... that's the creaking and groaning and trying to stand like a toddler (walk like them to because invariably some body part or another has gone to sleep) age, not the boinking like bunnies age. It was very polite of you to give them some modesty! I'm so pleased to see the stamp I sent you made the blog!!!

Helen F. said...

Too funny! Love the cute gal pals and think you definitely can 'jump for joy' when you are with your group of friends just like them! :-)

MaryH said...

First things first: I will have to say, this delightful card is even cuter IRL! (2) Thank you for making me laugh out loud at the reading in the post (and thanks for the links so I could really see what you meant about those bunnies). PJ is something else, and fancy her remembering this image when she saw something at a sale. And even better, buying it so she could gift it to where it could be used most effectively. Really enjoyed this post! (reminded me of the Onion layers, sorta the same vein, but different...make sense? probably not. I miss Bernie!) TFS & Big hugs. and thanks for the back story too! (and thanks to PJ ditto!)