Hi everyone. So I have some bad news, my sweet baby Dahlila, my 12 year old Australian Shepard passed away a few days ago. It's been a rough go of things around our home, this was my son's very first dog when he was a young boy. In fact, he picked her out of the litter all on his own at age 6. So as you can imagine, we've all been pretty down in the dumps. Now, I hope I haven't depressed you too much, because that's certainly not my intention.
What I really wanted to talk about was coloring therapy. Often times I color to pass a little free time, or I scoop up some markers and a few images and sit and color in the family room while everyone watches tv. I travel with my coloring too. Then you have those days where you just feel a little blue, coloring is a wonderful way to lift the spirits. You become absorbed in your work and you have something beautiful at the end to show for it.
This morning, to help get out of this funk, I made myself a cup of tea, my favorite peppermint. I decided to take on this lovely challenge over at Power Poppy. Just the images alone can add a little happiness to one's day. Adding color provides life to this gorgeous bouquet of sunflowers. When I was finished, I had the feeling of satisfaction and my spirits were lifted a bit.
What do you think of how I cut the image out and included just a bit on the frame? I love the way this has turned out! Although a little tough to line up the frame with the rest of the image, it all worked out!
From the start, following the directions of this challenge to "Frame Up" my PP image, to coloring and now blogging, sharing my story with you has been cathartic. Thanks for reading, I hope you'll join along in the challenge. If you don't have any Power Poppy stamps, it's really easy to purchase and download one of their digital images such as this one I colored today. I hope you all have a wonderful day!
I've also joined the following challenges:
So sorry for your loss. We had to say good bye to our dear 14 year old Aussie last January. Still miss her. She was a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful and I LOVE the way you used part of the image on the frame. Great idea!
Hi Marsha, thank you for your sweet comment, I'm sorry to hear of your loss as well. Aussies are a special breed of dog, so intelligent and loving!
DeleteSo sorry for your loss AJ. Those little fur-balls become an integral part of a family. They are blessings in so many ways, so when they are members for such a long period of time, their absence leaves such a void. I'm glad you were able to find comfort in coloring. Being creative can be extremely helpful in so many circumstances. And boy, did you create a beauty!! Love your coloring, and your framing just brings it to a whole other level. This card is gorgeous!! I'm so glad you joined our Power and Spark Challenge this month!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card. So sorry to hear about your fur baby. Heart breaking when they leave us. They shine so bright whike they are with us.
ReplyDeleteI really like this, the frame looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your fur baby, they really are family members and it is so hard when they go.
Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge x
I very much like the framing with the image included, so cool! Love the soft pink to work with and yet contrast the pink in the vase. So so sorry to hear about your beloved pup. Virtual hugs, Autumn
ReplyDeleteOh, AJ, I know what you mean about how soothing and comforting coloring can be...it's been that for me for a while now. But I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dahlila...that's a long time for you all, and then to have selected her for his own...well, it's just hard. But what an absolutely stunning card you've made with one of my favorite images! WOW! Your coloring is always exquisite, and I love how you've framed it all up...perfectly! And what super colors, especially for the pot! Stunning, sweet friend, and sending tender hugs to you all! xoxo
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful card. So sorry about your loss. Please join us again at The Heart Desires Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love how you went off the frame. (May I borrow that sometime?) The colors are just stunning. You can really tell you love your craft.
ReplyDeleteOur pets are such a precious part of our family. I wish you all the best.
Wow, awesome job coloring! I love the vibrant colors and entire design. Thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.
ReplyDeleteCathie ♥
LOVE this...the coloring is WOW!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us for The Heart Desires Challenge #12!
Lovely card AJ, great framing idea
ReplyDeleteSWOON!!! I ADORE this!! Love the way the image escaped onto the frame and the colour palette and colouring are all perfect!! *LOVE* Thanks so much for playing along with Power Poppy this month!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kathy.... I Adore this card!!!! The image on the frame is awesome, and the colors are fantastic. Gorgeous coloring.... Thanks for playing in our Power and Spark challenge this month.
ReplyDeleteWonderful card! So well done! Thanks for joining us at THD!
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