I had every intention of having this post done and up early today; however . . . well it just didn’t happen! Have you ever one of those days when emails, phone calls and Facebook got in your way? Well of course you have! I don’t even know why I’m asking.
An amazing thing happened to me yesterday, an adventure I took advantage of. There’s a new page on Facebook about Fairgrounds Motor Speedway in Louisville, KY. Now this is the local race track that my dad (step-dad) was the Race Director/Manager. I was looking it over yesterday and there was a post by some other lady talking about her dad. I recognized his name and commented back. It turns out that our fathers (and by this I mean my biological father and my mother’s first husband) were buds and our mothers were actually good friends. We played together as little girls. UNREAL!!!!
The memories for me were hard to come by, but I vaguely remembered some of the times spent together and she and her brother. I had to call my aunt and my mother to get some background information on the whole thing. The great thing is that we are now Facebook Friends and corresponding with each . . . way too cool! The weird thing, it made me think about my memories . . . or lack thereof. I kiddingly joked with my mother that it seems we have/had three different lives. That life with my grandparents which was happy, safe and we were taken care of. That life with Norman (my mother’s first husband and my biological father) where my memories are buried deep; and those that I do recall are not happy. It was tough being married to and being raised by a mean drunk! I say drunk and not an alcoholic because basically, that is what he was . . . drunk all the time and mean, when he was around. The last life we’ve had I will call the Hartlauf years. The life we had and continue to have with my dad (step-father) . . . what a wonderful life it has been and continues to be. What a blessed life it has been!
Okay enough of my drivel, babbling and storytelling. Thanks for letting me get it out though and express it all here! I could probably write an entire post about those lives, but how boring it would be for you.
Let’s get to my card today. I had the image colored yesterday and by the end of the day I had problems getting it paired with paper for the card. I waited until this morning and I’m glad I did . . . the project took a different turn entirely.
The little girl image was colored with Copic Markers and even though it can’t see it in the photo, there is a slight yellow glow around her. I finally settled on some extra pieces of Postcards from Paris for my background papers and then found the matching cardstock. I had these scalloped circles all punched out (which were a toss away from another project) that I decided to finish up and add. I’m afraid I sponged them too dark though. However after I added some gold shimmer mist and Rock Candy Stickles I almost like it. I guess you could look at the flower and say . . . it’s dried out and been handled way too much! Oh and look at those three buttons on the left top. I found them in my button jar with the thread still attached . . . perfect for this card.
Here’s the inside . . . plain and simple, with the perfect sentiment.
- Stamps: Clear Art Stamps Garden Girls from Crafty Secrets
- Paper: Webster’s Pages Postcards from Paris; Cream and Avocado Cover; Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
- Ink: Ranger Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Archival Coffee; Memento Tuxedo Black
- Accessories: Spellbinders™ S5-015 Deckled Mega Rectangles – Large, S4-190 Labels Four, S4-112 Classic Ovals – Small, and S7-014 Classic Lace Border Grand; 1.25” Ivory 100% Silk and 1.25” Brown Crocheted Lace May Arts Ribbon from Stamp Simply Ribbon Store; Vintage Buttons; Brad; Ranger Matte Accents, Rock Candy Distress Stickles; Gold Perfect Pearls and Mini Mister; Foam Mounting Tape; Sewing Machine
That’s all I have for today! I’d like to thank you for stopping by and remember . . . life is short, enjoy the adventures of the day!
Beautiful card Sherry. I love it and thanks or sharing it. I love you cards and projects.
Really nice card. Sherry, YOU could never be boring! You know what…….forget (hard to do I’m sure) about the unhappy times and focus on the wonderful life your stepdad provides. He may not be biological but it sounds to me like he IS your father in every way that counts. Takes more than biology to be a dad and he certainly proved that. Consider your life with him in it as the first day of the rest of your life. As for hooking up with a childhood friend, how cool is that!
Another beautiful card Sherry, loads of details to see here. I love the stamped image of the wee girl in the garden with a wild bird perched on her finger, how sweet.
What a small world the internet makes our planet, lovely to find a childhood friend after all these years. tfs
hugs
Alexandra
Beautiful card..and thank you for sharing your story…I love fb….have connected with people I graduated with 40 years ago!
Gorgeous gorgeous card. LOVE the vintage look & the playful layout. I’m SO happy that your connected with an old friend. How fun! I can completely relate to the selective memory of less happy years & the thankfulness for more happy years now. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
You’re family history story was interesting. Glad things worked out in the end for you. The card is beautiful, as always. Edna
waouhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh superbe bravo MD
thanks for sharing… your talent and yourself. I hope to be so far myself- someday soon.
Dori
Sherry, My Dad (RIP) was a loving, sensitive man. A hard worker. Also along with his fellow Navy buddies, and BIL’s, a heavy drinker…I grew up, not thinking anything different or wrong, he was hospitalized a few times for pancreatitis, and I heard the phrase “from your drinking” from my mom’s mouth a lot…I was the baby born in 1960, my sister was born in 51 and brother in 53. by the time that I an Aunt for the first time age 10.5, and had a new brother and niece I was old enough to remember arguements over the time he spent in “flip’s” tavern on the way home from work, and the funds she “drank away”. This was the only bad there was. I remember a few times where he must have been really drunk cause he was doing silly stuff or whatever.
By the time I was the only one living home and now a teen, it was when I realized my dad was an Alcoholic. my mom was trying to get him to quit due to an enlarged liver, and damage to his pancreas, and he was stashing bottles in the garage and all that.
He couldn’t go 24 hours without a drink, the definition of an alcoholic as taught to us by our health teacher.
I have warned my children, that they must be careful as it is in the family (2 of his sister also)to this day I do not drink but every once in a blue moon.
I still scratch my head over this from time to time, cause I always thought and alcoholic was one of those guys that got drunk and beat on his family.
My dad could have never been farther from that stereotype. However, My first husband, who was NOT a drinker, was abusive. so, you see I think you’ll find more of us have these kinds of tales than not.
I am very happy to hear your mom was courageous and strong enough to break away, and then go on to build a better life for herself and her children. It is hard to do, and even harder to do back in those days, so the NEXT time I do have a glass of wine or baileys or a wine cooler I will tip my glass to your mom, Kudos to her!
Hugs to you 🙂
your card…Beautiful…love the layout, the buttons and ESPECIALLY the flower and trim that is buried by that ribbon (I would have left that off, but that is just me)
I am glad you have come upon a “good memory” buried in the ashes.
Susan
I love this card. You never cease to amaze me with all the little details you put into your designs. You provide inspiration to all of us. Thank you so much for sharing.
Beautiful card Sherry. And thank you for sharing your story.
Mine was very similiar but it was my Mom who was the alcoholic and I was put in charge to watch her because my dad had to work of course.
She had bottles stashed all over. I used to have to ride around parking lots to find her, sleeping in the car with the door wide open.Every other week taking her to the hospital. All this while I married and had 3 kids.
And I had to basically raise my sister who was 16 years youger than me.
It takes a toll on you. I won’t go into details but I’m sure we’ve all been there.
Thanks again for a thing of beauty.
Hugs,
Brooke
Beautiful card! I love everything you did with it. Keep those bad memories tucked away and remember the happy times. I know it is hard to remember things in our childhood but I feel that is the way it is meant to be.
Great story Sherry I have found many old friends on fb. I love your card it’s beautiful!!
I just love your attention to detail. All the little extra’s are what make it you! Thanks for sharing a little bit of your history!
How totally adorable! LOVE that flower! The entire creation is a treat for the eyes!
so pretty, love the sweet images, pretty paper, and neat design!
Love your work. You are something else. Keep up the good work.
I LOVE your card! The details are exquisite! And BTW, the yellow glow around her shows up on my computer screen (…maybe some of the monitor adjustments are a little out of whack) and the papers and flower and the edging are perfect. But the inside… WOW, I love the sentiment!!! That is just the cutest stamp ever!!! Thanks for sharing! :o)
I love the flower! It looks wonderful to me 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sherry. Your card is gorgeous with sweet images, great coloring and awesome embellishments. Happy Mothers day. TFS!!! 😀