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!

April 1, 2019

Introducing a new series called, "The Back Story!"

Hello Stamplings!

My friend Cornelia is a card artist whose blog is Stempel Spass (Fun Stamping). I'm sure many of you know and admire her work as I do! She often makes very funny cards with her stamps, especially with her Katzelkraft stamps.

Over the years when I would visit and comment on Cornelia's cards, I would often launch into an imagined "back story" about her card. We would joke that we should write a book with me as the author and Cornelia as the illustrator. Then, a few months ago, Cornelia suggested that we get serious about giving it a go. While we don't feel a book is warranted, we thought you might be amused if we launched a blog series once or twice of month with a bit of Back Story silliness. The format won't always be the same and most back stories will be very short.

As this day is April Fool's Day, it seemed the perfect day for lift-off! Please let us know what you think. Enjoy! And Happy April Fool's Day! Darnell and Cornelia

~~~

The Back Story

ABRAHAM, THOMAS, AND SUZY

Darnell J. Knauss, Author
Cornelia Wenokor, Illustrator


[Excepted from the Websville Community Newsletter, April 1, 2019]

Welcome to another article where we help you, our neighbors, get to know your candidates on a more personal level. We know you are all fascinated by the fact that a set of triplets are vying against each other for the one vacant Rat City Council seat and you want to know more about them.

Let us first introduce you to Abraham.
Abraham is known in the community as The Realist. When the triplets were born, Abe was the oldest and the biggest. Immediately, their mother started treating Abe as her right-hand man, especially since their father had been killed in a trap on his way home from the pizza parlor a week before the triplets were born. Abe never disappointed his mother. He saw to all their needs and never had a childhood of his own. No one was surprised when Abe became the first rat in the family to attend college and earn a degree in Logistics.

Next is Thomas. 
Thomas is the middle mouse. He is known as the Doubter. Being in the middle between his brother and sister, Thomas doesn’t know who to believe, so he believes no one. You’ll never hear Thomas answer a question with a straight Yes or No. Instead he’ll say, “I doubt it.” Or, “What makes you say that?” Or, “Let me think about it.” And his most-used phrase, said in a sulky tone: “Well, I don’t know about that.”

Last, but not least, we have Suzy.
Suzy is known as the Optimist. Suzy welcomes life with open arms. She feels that every day is a blessing and she wakes up excited to see what adventures await her. Her brothers pretty much hate her, especially when she breaks out into a rousing rendition of, “Oh, Suzannah!”

Their long-suffering mother once asked Suzy why she was such an optimist when her brothers were not. Suzy just smiled and answered quietly, “Well, that’s obvious, Mom. According to the laws of nature, there must be two polar opposites. I’m the equator.”


©04/01/2019
Vol. 1 Ep.1

79 comments:

Aquarius said...

A great idea - good way to start a Monday morning, especially as it is 1st April!!

Jane Willis said...

What a lovely read to start my day, fun words, fun cards, this is going to be a great series!

Glennis F said...

Amazing!

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Darnell - thank you for the giggle - that is amazing. Please keep up the great collaboration. Love Cornelia's cards too.
Just remember to include Hammy once in a while, or he may go on strike, or run away - remember the results of his last solo trip, you wouldn't want that to happen again ;-) !!
Blessings
Maxine

Anita in France said...

Hahahahaha ... your brilliant words with Cornelia's fun illustrating, Darnell ... what a fun, happy and delicious way to start the day! Already looking forward to more ... !! LYAMYEDMCA! Hig hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Sandra H said...

What a fabulous idea Darnell and a great way to start the day as many have wrote above l think this would be a great can’t waiting for the next chapter xx

Sandra H said...

Forgot to mention great cards too! xx

papierelle said...

I love books, I love stories, and especially stories where animals are anthropomorphised. This is usually great and funny. Your idea is great and I have already smiled vigorously while reading the character stories. And the stories will be special if they are well illustrated. Then each character becomes unique. And now I'm curious about more characters, stories, adventures, experiences ....
Gundi xx

Margreet said...

Great way to start the day....lovely cards.
xxx Margreet

Aileen said...

Cudo to you both, love this idea. We all enjoy your stories Darnell and I know I love Cornelias quirky cards so its a perfect mix. Keep it up ladies. xx Hus Aileen

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

What a fantastic idea and a great story to start the day off with.

Sue xx

Ros Crawford said...

Brilliant!! I've long thought you should write ... Your posts are always funny and uplifting and along with your friend's fabulous cards it's the perfect collaboration!

Marilyn said...

Great way to start the day! Cute cards.
Have a great day,
Marilyn❤️

Lynne said...

Absolutely brilliant. And here is the start of your new book ( of short stories) x

Valerija said...

Wonderful cards. So fun images.
Valerija xx

Pat said...

What a great fun idea Darnell and a wonderful start with the three mice beautifully done by Cornelia, and the story behind each one really made me smile. Looking forward to Chapter 2. x

Rosmarie said...

This is a great idea Darnell and I already had to laugh a lot while reading Cornelia's characters. - I'm really looking forward to new stories and adventures....
Hugs, Rosi

Chris said...

Brilliant idea and beautifully done! Congrats to the author and illustrator, a very entertaining read!
xx

oldpunca said...

You should be a professional writer. Fantastic story. Your words and Cornelia's illustrations make my day! Thank you for the giggle.
I hope this is not an April joke and the story will continue. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Brenda in IN said...

This is better than the library! Great job by you and Cornelia. The cards are adorable and the backstory is a fun one. I vote for Suzy for rat city council, She has the best outlook and will shake things up with those stodgy old rats already on the council. I look forward to the next story.

Jeanne said...

How fun! Loved the backstory and the cards look fantastic. I like that Suzy!! Looking forward to the next backstory. You are a marvel, Darnell!

Kathy said...

Great idea. so fun.

Bunny said...

Cute story. Nice coloring and illustration by Cornelia. [Bunny]

JoAnn said...

Oh Darnell, this is so cute, loved reading it. Love your backstory of Abraham, Thomas, and Suzy, along with the cute cards. TFS

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Fantastic... keep it up!

Mia said...

How fun cards!!!!!!!!!!!!

Claire said...

How wonderfully fun, great story with brilliant illustrations. Nicely done to both of you x

designbydonna said...

Oh, give me a minute to wipe the coffee off my monitor. Love the story. Really cute illustrations. Look forward to more stories. You may just have to bind them all into a book.

Nan G said...

Happy April 1st Darnell and Cornelia! What a fun way to start the month. Wow can you spin a story or what, Darnell?! :) And the cards are fabulous Cornelia. I look forward to the next addition of “Backstory Story”! Hugs

Peggy said...

I love the Backstory idea and love the cards!! Nice way to make me smile and chuckle in the morning!

Verna Angerhofer said...

I had just read this on Cornelia's blog as well. I love it and think the two of you are a great team. It is so fun and entertaining. Thanks for making my day start off great and that is no April Fool's joke. It is wonderful!

cuilliesocks said...

What fun and a very brilliant idea. Boy can you write a tale Darnell. The cards are fabulous and great images too. Looking forward to the next backstory, Kate x x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

You are always brilliant with your uniwue ideas and this one is another jewel! šŸ˜„I can"t read all and enjoy all the story of you and Cornelia, because of my poor english, but it seems very fun and cute as the images šŸ˜Š Such great crearivity!
Hugs

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

creativity... šŸ¤ØI forgot my eye-glassesšŸ˜„

HilaryJane said...

This is just wonderful, thank you. I shall look forward to the next story xx

BożenA said...

:-)) Fantastic story. I love your cooperation with Cornelia. I can not wait for the next part of your novel. I hope I can read it for years ... Please, please!hugs,
BożenA

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Darling trio of rat cards and I love their story too, Darnell - so clever!!

Cat Craig said...

Happy april first, and what a fun way to start out the month. Loved Corneila's cards and your story.

conil said...

You two are geniuses to put this feature together. I love Cornelia's artwork and her sense of humor...this idea really showcases those attributes. And I'd read anything you wrote because it is so very entertaining and, often, hilarious. Keep these coming...love, love, love it.

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Fab. I look forward to the next one. Sue

Susan said...

Such fun, Darnell! The retired children's librarian that still resides in my heart and mind loved the story!!

Lisa said...

This is so fun!! Totally enjoyed reading this!! The cards are fabulous, too!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Viv said...

He he great back story Dee and loving those sweet cards with the cute mousies too ;) hugs Vee xx

Karen @ Misplaced Mojo said...

Love this!!!!! More! More! :-D

Lindsey said...

I look forward to many equally inspired collaborations!

Redanne said...

Yes please, can we have more? This is such a fabulous idea, you are such a brilliant wordsmith and Cornelia's artwork is equal to the challenge, it is fabulous. I doubt that I am in the minority here but I really do think you should both consider bringing out a book... a small one to start with but definitely worth considering..... you are both seriously brilliant! Hugs, Annie xxx

Kathleen said...

Brilliant post, super images and fabulous cards and story, very much like the idea.

Kath x

Jeanne H said...

The story sure made me smile. Thanks you two!

frommycraftroom said...

A great post! Love the story and the cards :)

Lynne in NI said...

Heee love those cards and fab back story too!

Bonnie said...

What fun! I love this and hope to see lots more!

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, ha! Each mouse fits it's story perfectly! I knew before reading that Suzy was going to be the optimist. So funny! I love Cornelia's cards and these stamps and stories!

Lisa Elton said...

OH my gosh how fun! You two go together like peas and carrots! Can't wait for more!

jimlynn said...

Cute and fun story and of course the cards are darling! Love them!
Lynn

Happy Dance said...

You know how I like a good story, and I think that you and Cornelia have done a great job teaming up to do this. I love the "I don't know about that," as you figured I would! So much fun darlin'. You have such a way with words. I can't wait for the next one!! Cornelia's cards are so sweet, and I'm going to head over and let her know that the cards illustrate a great little story! xo Bev

Birgit said...

OMG! I love your collaboration and I could see a sweet children’s book with this..love the mice and the middle one made me laugh especially the saying. Great looks and love the colouring and the fun story and character setting for each mousy.

Cheryl W. said...

I will never look at rats the same way again! I didn't know they had such strong personalities, along with hopes and dreams just like we humans. I love the images and sentiments on your cards. What a fun post--looking forward to more.

Jean said...

These are so much fun.

Karren said...

Wonderful story, Darnell, and fabulous cards from Cornelia.

Gerrina said...

I always love reading your posts, but this time this is a very special one!
You and Cornelia took my into the world of the triplets so fast...can't wait for more :)!
Thanks both for ginving me a smile by reading and looking! Hugs, Gerrina

Stamps and Paper said...

Great idea Darnell such fun cards too

Anne

KT Fit Kitty said...

So much fun! You should be a writer, Darnell!

Bobby said...

What a fantastic idea! I've always loved your stories and Cornelia's Katzelkraft cards so this is a marriage made in heaven. I can't wait for the next installment.

Milka Gubo said...

AMAZING idea!!! I loved the story and cards. FUN!!! Can't wait to read and see next one. :o) Great job Ladies. :o) Hugs!!! xx

Mac Mable said...

Fun read and two very creative bloggers together...what a marvellous combination x.

Donna said...

I would be first in line to buy the book for myself and for gifts!!

Bonnie Lynn said...

Hilarous!!! And just when I needed the laugh too. I can't wait for the next installment.

Loll said...

Awesome! I'm hooked already! Can't wait to read the next edition! The cards are fantastic and the personalities of the three rats really show. Love it! Lolly

Fikreta said...

Wonderful card!
love this idea with story!
so fun!

Lisa T said...

Ha ha! What a great idea for a series - I look forward to reading more of these Darnell. Love your sense of humour, it's always a chuckle when I get time to hop over and indulge myself in your posts! Lots of hugs to you, Lisa xx

KandA said...

Brilliant fun idea and a big thank you to you and Cornelia for bringing a smile to my face and cheering up the day xx

Linda said...

I think this is a fabulous idea, and what a great read. You are so good with words Darnell, and I love Cornelia's work. I think it should be a book!! xx

Celeste Goff said...

So delightfully entertaining! I'm looking forward to more Darnell!

Sharron said...

Love this, Darnell! What a great idea for two very talented people. Your story was such a treat to read and Cornelia's fun designs were a joy. Hope you both will continue to provide more. Can't wait for the next addition!!

I Card Everyone said...

What a fabulous collaboration from two of my favorites!
=]

Izzy Scrap said...

Ha, ha, ha ! It had to be funny with you as a writer, and so beautifully illustrated with Cornelia as illustrator ! A wonderful and fabulous pair with you both ! It is definitely a brilliant idea to combine your writing skills with Cornelia's sense of illustration ! Thank you so much for this delicious and unique moment. Hugs x

Kelly Griglione said...

Hahaha, wonderful series! Awesome that you both took action on your blog comments over the years. And I can think of no better author : )

Em Louise Fairley said...

Absolutely perfect way to kick of the series xoxo

Jen W. said...

Darnell, I want to live inside your brain for just one day because it appears to be the most joyous, inspiring, creative, hilarious place on earth!