Sweet friends, what an exciting week, right? I’ve taken some rest and for the first time in some time, turned off the lamp that burns the midnight oil. Today as I sit looking out at the rain, sipping a sweetly decadent cup of coffee, I know that life is good. Sometimes it takes a long time to get where you are comfortable in your skin without self doubt. Sometimes even though others might not appreciate exactly what it is from your experience that made you be brave enough to take a stand, you still have to do it. Last week I lost an acquaintance . . . she was here today and not here the next. At 42 years old, on Wednesday she hugged her child, fought with her coworkers, planned a vacation, went out to dinner . . . on Thursday, she was gone instantly from a brain aneurysm. It affects me greatly and helps me remember that every moment is a gift; the burden is on me to spend them wisely. This week I’m gingerly pruning and rearranging my garden of acquaintances because I feel I can’t afford to spend one moment with anyone who does not treat me kindly . . .does not return a call, does not answer an email, treats me as less than what I am or does not mirror how I value them. I’m making room for the blossoming flowers in my garden so that I can treasure every moment I’ve spent and know that it was a good investment of my time. Well there, I’ve told you what’s on my heart . . . what about you? Do you feel the clock ticking and does it call you to make rearrangements in your garden?
Speaking of the flowers in my garden, I worked happily this morning, buoyed by the positive energy of a wonderful friend that called last night. We have not spoken for maybe a year, but no matter, we laughed for hours as the time flew out the window. What a wonderful way to spend my moments. She’s a special person, an amazing designer, and a dear friend that I’m sending hugs to today. See, I told you, life is good! With all this philosophical discussion of time going on in my mind, I sat down to satisfy my heart by eeking out a card – quite the coincidence that the Our Daily Bread Designs sentiment called Thank God speaks volumes to this theme that seems to be on my mind. This is different for me, I don’t normally make shaped cards but I was so taken with the new Spellbinders™ Decorative Grand Ovals One that was shown earlier this week. I paired it with Spellbinders™ Grand Ovals, Spellbinders™ Floral Ovals and Spellbinders™ Classic Ovals LG. My card is 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″ so I know I’ll have luck finding an envelope for it!!
| SUPPLIES I USED |
| Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs – Thank God Paper: Die Cuts With a View – Love Letters, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, Coredinations Ink: Antique Linen Distress Ink, Versafine Onyx Black, Walnut Stain Distress Ink, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink Accessories: Spellbinders™ Grand Ovals, Spellbinders™ Floral Ovals and Spellbinders™ Classic Ovals LG, Silk Ribbon, Seam Binding, Lace, Button |
This is the most wonderful part of my garden, but then again you all knew that because of the time I spend here! Thanks so much for peeking in and seeing what I’m up to and what’s on my mind. See you soon!! Added, but certainly not as an afterthought, my condolences also go out to the family of Lisa Lynne Wright a fellow designer here in blogland who similar to my acquaintance also passed away last week from a brain aneurysm. I cannot even imagine the loss her family feels from her sudden passing.
Dear Becca,
I feel your pain in the loss of your friend. I lost a friend under similar circumstances. It’s a sad and painful thing. You’re right every moment is precious. But occasionally an unpruned flower you thought was gone will resurface the following year and be more beautiful than ever. So, prune carefully my friend. Your card and sentiment are beautiful, as always. It’s such a joy to see your designs. An avid admirer of your talent.
Sweet Becca, thank you not only for the beauty of your work, but for the gentle reminders about living. {{{Hugs to you!}}}
So sorry about the loss of Lisa Lynne in your life. Whenever I hear of a young person taken before their time, it reminds me to live life to the fullest. Fill it to the brim with the people we love and enjoy, and tell them regularly how much we care. Do the things that make us happiest and rejoice every minute. As we all know, life is unpredictable – eat dessert first.
Your card is lovely and a great blueprint for life.
Aside from being a gifted artist, you are very eloquent! I feel exactly the same about friends and acquaintances. Quality is so important with your friends and time is, indeed, short. I’ve lost several friends from various health issues, and now I have several friends who have husbands who are dying, or who have recently died. And I’ve made it a priority to keep in touch with my friends and touch base with those I’ve lost track of. My condolences , also, to Lisa’s family. I’m sure her loss has created a vast void.
Becca!
My sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your fellow designers who enjoyed the wonderful world of paper crafting.
You are such a caring person and certainly give us all a time to think of what we can do each and every day to make this world a better place for friends and family. Often I read in the paper of someone’s passing that was totally unexpected and I, too spend much time on reflecting why I did not let them know how special they were to me.
I have developed a relatively new concept, in that each week I call several friends I have not been in touch with and tell them how I miss whatever had brought us together, some as long as back to my grade school days (and I am 69). I have had recent outings with many of these friends and it is a wonderful feeling to catch up.
Thanks again for sharing your beautiful cards, art work and your kind, kind thoughts with all of us.
Dear Becca,
I’m sorry for your loss. After my father passed last year I, too, have made it a point to pay close attention to those who love and nurture me. Every day brings many blessings – and you’re my favorite one!!
Hugs,
Dawn
Sorry for your loss, I know the feeling too well. I also thank you for sharing your thoughts and reflections. We really do need to take stock of how we spend our time and who we spend it with. I also love your card that is an awesome reminder where to center our attention. You are always an inspiration. Hugs & blessings to you.
Becca,
Your posting surely strikes a chord in the music of all my life, as well as many others, I am sure. Life is a precious gift. Thank-you for sharing your thoughts and encouraging us to think about what is important. Perhaps, your posting will help us all be better to ourselves as well as each other. As always, your card is beyond beautiful, and the sentiment is a reminder that through it all….the good, the bad, and the ugly… God stands steadfast in His love and care for us and will see us through it all.
PJ
Becca,you are in my thoughts and prayers.And you so inspire me.
What a fabulous sentiment and a gorgeous card. Yes, every moment counts and we must seize everyday as if it were out last. Always important to have a balance between those we pour into and those who pour into us. Too much of either is not good.
Thank you Becca for the thoughtful musings you so often add here in addition to your wonderful work. Coming here to visit is always an inspiration on so many different levels, – thank you!. The card you made with all these wonderful dies is simply gorgeous!!
Absolutly fab
Well said Becca life is too precious not to spend it with those who love and support you and you them!
Gorgeous and I also love the sentiment. I totally agree about friends, I have give up some that seemed to be only there when they need me, not the other way around.
I absolutely love shaped card so this is especial! You have such an eloquence with words for whatever situation; it is no wonder your cards are so awesome. You have become a friend (unmet) but hopefully we will one day and always show not only in your cards but your blogs how special you are to all of us. I appreciate your blog friendship. Hugs and God Bless You.
Mstgane
Ann
Beautiful card Becca, you’re such an inspiration to us all. Hugs to you, be strong for your lost friend – take care xx
Becca,
You have really made me think today. I have a dear friend that I have not been in contact with lately. Seems, I always have the excuse of too many other things going on in my life, We should make room. Sorry for the loss of your friend and condolences to the family of Lisa Lynne Wright.
Your card is absolutely beautiful today. As always.
Vicki
Oh, Becca, I’m so sorry about the loss of your dear friend! We were on vacation and near the end of it found out a dear friend of ours passed, also. It really does make one think, doesn’t it? You have such a sweet, pure heart and I’ve grown quite attached to you by visiting your blog and seeing your beautiful creations. My heart goes out to you. I hope you add me to the many flowers in your garden…and if you need to chat, you have my e-mail. God bless you, my flower in my garden, dear friend.
Hugz2u,
Sharon
Hi, Becca. I love the saying that you used on this card. I like the Spellbinder Oval look you done on it. Thank you for sharing.
Have a great day :)
Delama
Very lovely card with the new dies. Yes, there does come a time when we need to reevaluate what takes up our time. Often many things are “drainers” and need to be let go of, whether it be people or hobbies or some responsibilities that are not really ours to own. It takes a toll on us when we have to do that but the end result is freedom. Life sure takes lots of turns and being flexible is a main ingredient to live life well. The best part is that God can quite handle all things in our lives when we give them to Him. Take Care.
Dear Becca I can feel your hurt in the passing of your friend Lisa Lynne. It is true that sometimes life is taken for granted. We miss out in greeting the next door neighbor or just smiling at the person next to you. Your words have opened my heart. I will smile more, call someone that I have not spoken to in sometime, love more and put hate aside. Forgive those that have hurt me and ask forgiveness for those I have hurt. Thank you Becca for your words. You are in my thoughts and prayers and without fail Lisa Lynne and her family will be also remembered. May God grant you and the family of Lisa Lynne comfort and peace in this difficult time.
Love your card. Sorry for the loss of your friend.
craftymom205 at yahoo dot com
Becca,
I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend but do remember that we all have a resurrection hope!
We have not met and are not likely to do so but I feel quite close to you through the many thoughts you share with us here on your blog. Sending you hugs at this difficult time.
I thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us…your projects are awesome and truly inspiring. You are certainly one of the most attractive and exceptional flowers in my garden.
Joanne (from Canada)
Becca, I have been blessed to have come across your blog. You have been an inspiration to many people so I know God is using you in His own special way to reach out to us. Today’s card is exactly what I need for a friend, who’s daughter of 21 years died from a brain aneurysm just last year in September. She is still feeling the loss and I have tried to let her know God loves her and loved her daughter also. This card says so much and gives one comfort as well as being beautiful to look at. Thank you so much and God bless you.
Sandi
so sorry to hear of the sudden lost of your friend, it does make you rethink the way your living your life.
Such a Beautiful card, that is a great message!
This is so beautiful, thanks for sharing.
Becca, I’m sorry to hear about your friend! It does seem scary at times when sudden things happened that we lose forever that it makes you rethink about some of the things we do. Thou she may be gone BUT her memories will forever be in your heart! Beautiful card!
Earlene ( today’s first post) has so eloquently written everything I wanted to say. I can only echo her wise and caring words.
Dear Becca,
My heart goes out to you; I too, know how difficult it is to lose a loved one so quickly. I thank God that you are able to express your feelings by writing on your blog. Even though you are writing for yourself, you cannot imagine how you touch others who might be experiencing some of the same grief.
Your card is beautiful and the sentiment speaks volumes. I hope you won’t mind if I copy as much of it as possible and send it to my sweet sister-in-law who lost her husband and best friend (and my brother) to a tragic accident recently.
Love,
Rhea
Your post hit my heart today Becca. I think time is such a gift and we often don’t spend it as wisely as we could or should. I lost my husband to cancer 4 months ago and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t wish he was still here…to share the day to day joys and hardships and for him to see our son grow up. Life throws everyone curve balls often at very unexpected times and we do need to treasure each moment and tell those we love how special they are…we do not ever know how much time God has given to us or them or what his plan is. I am ever mindful of this now and am working on my spirit to hold true to this. The loss of my husband has taught me to value each and every moment…each one truly is a gift! Today he would have been 55 years old and how I wish I was giving him his usual birthday cake and presents…but my son and I are instead having cupcakes and candles and singing to him in heaven….and we will take a picture each year and remember how great we had it when he was here in person and treasure the feel of his spirit that is still around us.,,always! Bless you Becca for sharing your art, your kind thoughts, and your journey.
: ) xo Jill
Becca loosing a good friend is such a sad thing to bear, but you speak so well, and she would be very proud of you for doing this.
I love what you have done with these new spellbinder dies. just love this.
hugs Trish.
Becca your “profound thoughts” on pruning or rearranging your garden of acquaintances has truly made me think about people in my life. I have a couple of people in my life whom I value very much , but know that they will return a phone call or email when they have nothing better to do. When they infrequently call or send an email I respond the minute I get it. It always hurts to know that I value them much more than they value me, but I thought I should just accept this one sided relationship because that is how they are . I think I need to do some rearranging in my garden of acquaintances ! These people need to be transplanted to a less valuable or less visible part of my garden. Thank you!!
On an opposite note, I got to have a long lunch with a friend I haven’t had a good visit with for quite some time. It was like we hadn’t been apart. We have plans to get together more frequently in the future, even if the time available is short. I’m sorry for your losses. I hope your friend had work posted in galleries so you can continue to enjoy her creative spirit. IF you happened to get too much rain, those of us in Indiana would be glad to take some off your hands . . .
Gorgeous Oval card Becca. So feminine and oh so Shabby Chic which in my opinion is a very good thing. Love the colors chosen. The sentiment is right on. Beautiful work Becca. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-D
When I read your blog to my mother she asked me to print out the statement about weeding out the people that don’t mirror the same respect you give them, and to appreciate those who do. I think you made a lot of people think today and we both are very sorry to hear about your friends.
God Bless
Tracy
Yes, Becca, reflection and pruning are necessary steps in our walk in His Light. It is our “getting-ready” time to grow closer to God, shedding our baggage and basking in His Light. I will keep you in my prayers, as I ask that you do the same for me. Many blessings and deep joy, as well as condolences for your friend and her family. ~Cynthia
So sorry for your loss! You have expressed it in a beautiful way and we always have to pray like this day is our last- speaking from a nurse that worked may years in Intensive Care…… God gives us many gifts- sometimes those friends he gives us that are not the pretties of flowers teach us some good lessons and make us better people : ) Without the lows, we cannot appreciate the ‘ups’! Bless You!
Becca – I’m sorry for your losses, but am happy for the blossoming flowers that you, and all of us have in our lives. Sometimes we need reminded to do just what you’ve said, weed out and appreciate the blossoms. Beautiful card too!
So sorry for your loss. What a fabulous post. I’ve recently had and event that was a real eye opener. I am as you so aptly put it ‘pruning and rearranging my garden of acquaintances’ at the moment. Not all are deserving of my time and energies some deserve more then I’ve been giving them.
As always your card is stunning and the sentiment is one of my favorites.
Blessings Bernie
Thank you for your thoughtful post, Becca. You’ve reminded us all of what matters – and what’s important. Not necessarily the big things, but mostly the wonderful moments that make life worth living. God bless you and keep you.
Becca I am so sorry to hear of your loss but know that God will keep you
in his heard. All you have to do is go to him. He is always there for us
no matter when or where. The card is beautiful And I think anyone would
love to receive it. Thank you for your sharring.
cynthia
Hi Becca – thoughts are with all those families and friends who have lost someone in their Garden Of Life- and to you especially- you are such a strong person you show us the way to see how we feel- not only by your thoughts but also by your creations- THANK YOU
dear Becca, how sad to lose a friend. life is very precious and you are right we should not waste a moment of it.
God Bless,
Phyllis Zimmerman
So sorry about the loss of your friend. To have such a friend is a blessing.
Becca,
I truly understand what you are saying. I am in the process of removing things from my life that are not beneficial. Because of a health problem I am recovering from I feel that the important people and things are what I need to focus on. I am older and I have more years behind me than ahead of me. Like you said we don’t know what tomorrow brings so we need to work on what is important today. You are a very important part of my life as well as many other of your other blog friends. We look to you for your insight and talent to help us. You are wonderful and you have a way of showing us the way we should look at life.
Sandra
So sorry to hear about your friend. My best friend for over thirty years died of brain cancer not too long ago and I still see things or hear something that I know we would have shared. It can be very difficult.
Dear Becca – I’m sorry you have to work thru this loss…it’s so hard. Your post is so inspiring. I think you do a smart thing, Anyone who is fortunate enough to have you in their life should value that. Feel better…your card is beautiful and you brighten my day.
Such a beautiful card Becca. I also weeded my garden a few years ago. At 59 I have lost so many friends and family, some, like yours, who have been too young. Now I treasure those who are still here all the more. I think I have always treasured the simple meaningful things in life, like standing on a high hill watching the northern lights, or watching a rainbow, or deer, or just feeling the gentle breeze on my face. The most important thing for me has always been to follow the golden rule, even when it is difficult, and to be the best grandmother in the world to my grandchildren. I love teaching them what is really important in life, and showing them the simple beauty in life.
Hi Becca,
Reading about your acquaintence who passed away so quickly reminded me of a dear friend who I taught with in Fl for many years. I had already retired but she was still teaching. At the end of that first day of school, she said “See you tomorrow,” but there was no tomorrow for her. She passed away during the night. I was devastated.She was an angel to all. So after three bouts with cancer I feel that every day is a gift. I just read something that I treasure and pass on to everyone I can. “Do all you can with whatever you have, for as long as you have because there are just so many tomorrows.” So true. Thanks for all you do.
I love so much your blog. It is so much more than card making.
We can read and fell exceptional people.
And of course the master is there for the card and for share a so rich human experience.
I love you Becca very much and it is always so interesting all your reflexions and all your bloggers open to share all there own experience.
Thanks every one.
Sorry for my poor English.
Francine, from Montreal.
Sorry for your loss. Your card says it all! Thanks for sharing. God bless.
Oh Becca, how sad – we are like a mist appearing for a while and then we’re gone. Make your day count!
Hugs,
Carmen
I do love your latest card! So sorry to hear of your loss too. Events like that are a unhappy jolt and a time of reflection usually follows…I hope you can stick with your new rules..sometimes that’s the hardest thing to do especially when it’s family who are the negatives (speaking from personal experience). God Bless you.
Dear Becca, So sorry for your loss, you have been through so much and you share your life with so many wonderful people here in blogland. We all love you and wish we could take some of that pain away. Your latest card, as always is perfection , just adore everything you do and as a person, you are so kind and caring. I had a tough time this week, waiting to see if I had more health problems to deal with besides Lyme disease, but God has been good to us through it all so won’t give up! You are an inspiration to me, God bless you and your lovely family.
Becca, Love the card. Also your post touched in so many applicable ways. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I agree with your thoughts about backing away from people who don’t seem to ‘treasure you’. I’ve been thinking the same about some ‘friends’ lately, myself. I won’t be unfriendly, unkind, whatever, but just perhaps remove myself to a distance. I can’t imagine ANYone treating you unkindly…just not what you deserve. But I think sometimes folks are just thoughtless, don’t realize they need to cherish their friends. One begins to feel sort of used, if you are only there for a shoulder, when their other friends can’t offer one. It’s good to be able to do that, and I try to be that way, but after a while, it’s like “Hey, am I chopped liver?” when it’s time for the fun things…Then I feel a little guilty for thinking that way! Your way of looking at things was just what I needed to hear. Spend whatever time we have left, with those who appreciate us…AND I APPRECIATE YOU! Enjoy your rest & your lovely coffee. You turned me onto Raspberry Chocolate coffee…I think of you everytime I have a cup. Hugs & Blessings.
So sorry for your loss of a dear friend. Friends are such a God given blessing in our lives, but as you said, sometimes just for a time. I think it is our responsibility in life to constantly review how we spend our time and with who, so God can use us in the way that glorifies Him the most. Not only by what others see in us, but also what we feel inside ourselves, too. Thanks for reminding me of this and I really love your shaped card.
Dear Becca I ‘trimmed’ my garden of acquaintances who dont bother with all the things you have listed some time ago. It always amazes me when only one half of the friendship is expected to make all the moves and then the non active half professes amazement if you havent rung,emailed,visited for ages and are quite taken aback when you point out that they also have a dialing finger, email, etc.
It is actually quite a good feeling to clean up and lightens the spirit considerably. I find that clearing out my wardrobe also has the same affect LOL Keep well
Your card is beautiful it seems that all of the new dies are oriented towards the GC pity, as I dont have one.
Dear Becca, So sorry for the loss of your friend. Hugs!
Becca, this is a beautiful card. I’m sorry for your loss. It does remind us that each day is a gift, never to come again and not guaranteed. That is so very easy to lose sight of with the day to day hustle and bustle. Every once in a while it’s good to prune the garden, after all trying to support a dead or dying limb endangers the entire plant. Life is to short and precious to waste it on those who don’t appreciate/value/reciprocate true friendship!!! So prune away…it’ll make your life stronger in the end.
Hugs,
R/
Becca, what a profound post today, time to reflect on your garden of acquaintances, posting of a gorgeous card, and sharing your thoughts have really touched my sole. I so appreciate how you wrote your blog today and I heard what you said.
I too have thought about whom I do and whom I don’t want to be acquainted with, funny how age, life experiences change us.
I’ve learned over the past several years to like myself in my own skin and to truly appreciate what I have.
I’m very blessed to have such a wonderful husband and two wonderful young adult sons.
I’m blessed to be able to make any craft my heart desires and do with them as I please, which is usually donate them.
So with that stated, may prayers come to comfort you at this time of losing a friend, and may you continue to Bless of us with such wonderful art work and profound blog posts.
I truly hope someday I can meet you in person, that would be such a joy!
I’ve been very concerned of late, of spending time with my family as often as possible. My inlaws came into town for a few days, and it’s been almost a year since we’ve seen them, I think. I could use the excuse that military life makes it hard to get together often, but I think more often than not life just gets in the way. Thank you for sharing your beautiful card, and also your sentiments. Life is indeed precious with our loved ones. My heart goes out to the families you mentioned.
My sweet friend Becca, I can so relate to every word on your page. As you know loosing Jeff’s Mom as we did in January was a traumatic event for our family. I often feel time slipping away.. As each CHA flies by us… More and more now… With recent experiences… It scares me…I love driving the creativity behind Spellbinders… Bringing beautiful designs to amazing beautiful people who love to express their hearts thru paper… You create with a spirt that truly blesses us all. As I feel time slip by year after year I will someday look back at all those like you …..who have created beautiful expressions of the heart and I will smile because in a small way I was able to help make so many people happy to create and that makes the world a brighter place! Xxoo
Becca, I have been nearly,silently but blessedly following your website/blog for about 4 years now. I work in the scrapbook/card making/art industry and have recommended your wonderful and unique designs to many a customer over the years. I continue to lift up prayers for you and your family at the loss of your dear husband/your health concerns and general life happenstances which you share with all of us in frustration, compassion and hope. I never made the card that I wanted to send to you, and I have, as yet not written the email I have wanted to send to you for so long…probably out of procrastination and the daunting desire to attempt to convey the correct communication to you through it. I try to spend little time with this machine that seems to suck minutes away like sand flowing through an hourglass but I seem to always find a quick moment to click into your site and receive what I have come to appreciate as a precious little gift of inspiration/beauty and sometimes wisdom through your most recent design and post. In reading today’s words I decided to attempt to convey that gratitude I feel at the existence and gift of amazingpapergrace.com. Thank you for sharing with us that obvious, creative spirit and genuine care with which has God blessed and
continues to bless you. May He rain down upon you such abundant joy, resolve and hope at the workings of His hand in your life and may you continue to enjoy the love and laughter of family and friends, creativity and quiet moments.
hi Becca!
Thanks for remind me that ,like our Lord says…
” Our days are numbered”
and to enjoy the small,sweet things of life.
To die at 42 is so young and I feel for you and her family
Thanks for making us all focus on what has eternal value
Love,
**Milu**
Thank you Becca for such a beautiful card. Your post confirms what I am going through. Last April I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and went through 6 months of treatment and another 3 months before my blood work was back to normal and now an facing another 6 months of treatment. I realize how precious each day is and thank god for getting me this far. I have the same cancer that my mother had and watched her battle for 4 years. She did not do some of the things that she and my father had planned for their retirement and I hope to not follow in those footsteps. I have not done as much stamping in the past year, but when I feel well enough have exceeded my exceptions. I always read your posts and love your cards. You are such an inspiration to me. You have also gone through so much in the past year and come out as a very strong woman. May god continue to keep watch over you and your family. Thank you for being you. Love & Hugs, Shirley
Hi Becca
I love the card on your blog today, as I always do!
I am so sorry for your loss I had two aneurysm quite a few years ago but I was so lucky I was found in time and I have a clip in one of them and the other has coils inside but it’s made me more aware how in important every moment in life is love from Sam x (England)
Dearest Becca ~ As ever, your posts and projects are awe-inspiring. Today I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the forgiveness you have given yourself to weed your garden of friendship. I know that must be difficult, as you have always treated others as you wish to be treated yourself. When that love and joy is not reciprocated (or worse, back-handed), we need to shed the pain that such friendship occasionally brings.
I’ve been truly blessed by friendships that I’ve held for many years even though sometimes our contacts are few and far between. The difference is, I know that when I am needed, or vice versa, we’re there … even if not physically, in spirit, with a call, with love.
However, recently, I learned that one so-called friend was only using her friendship with me to learn information that she could then use as gossip, even in a mangled version of the truth. How it hurt me to learn that she was using me in such a way! I weeded my garden very quickly — an abrupt yank that took that friendship to its root. Not only that, but I poured all of the Weed-Be-Gone into where the root was (metaphorically speaking) by sending that friend a note, explaining how much she hurt me, how much I had trusted her, with specific examples of how what I told (only) her had come back to me. Surprisingly, she wrote me back. I expected an apology (though didn’t tell her of course) but instead she admitted what she had done and defended her “right” to do it! What bunk!! In short, she proved how right I was to pull that weed.
Love, and friendship, is such a funny thing, isn’t it? I hope your life is blessed immeasurably by the joy both can bring.
Fondly,
Ellen (CardMonkey)
Beautiful card Becca, wunderful text!
Hugs Thea
Another beautiful card Becca and a very profound and true post. You have touched a chord in all of us and encouraged us to think deeply about who/what is important in our life. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Hugs
Heather
x
So sorry about your friend Becca, and I agree completely to all you said here, it´s a good thing to weed out in your garden now and then, and take a look at your life, so we don´t “waste” our days on things and people, who don´t deserve it. I think we all need to reflect a bit more and more often, than we actually do, then we would all get much better to treat each other much better too.
Your card is absolutely gorgeous hun, but I wouldn´t expect anything less from you, as all your work always looks stunning, and I really admire all you ever do very much and wish I was just half as good as you are.
Have a wonderful week ahead hun and take good care.
Becca, losing a friend leaves such a void in your life. And, losing one so young and so suddenly makes it more painful. The reflections you shared with us are so very true. The beautiful card is representative of your reflections and how we should live our lives. You are such a gracious and generous person. Godspeed.
Good morning,
j have visit the moitie of your blog.
It is genial, j you love is tres douees.
Kisses fabienne of Belgium
Once again you have out done your self. Simply stunning. Thanks for sharing Carolyn Hill
Beautiful card as always. I do not always write a comment, but I want to tell you that I appreciate you sharing yourself with us, whether it is your beautiful creations or your beautiful thoughts, all come from your heart. It is always difficult to lose people in our lives. Some are taken from us, some walk away from us, and there are times when we need to walk away from others. God has a purpose for bringing each one into our lives whether for a moment, a season, or for our entire journey. This can be a difficult thing to learn, but like you, I am continuing to work on thanking Him for each person He brings into my life and letting that person go when/if that is what is needed. It will be a life-long process, but “I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed onto Him against that day”. (I do not know why but this verse just popped into my head now- I have not thought of it in years- but God knows.) Thanks for sharing yourself with us. I know God will continue to richly bless you!
I do love visiting you each day! Hope this is one of those days where you feel loved by all of your followers.
thank you, for you inspiring words and creations. They both give us love and hope with friendship…Your a special person……..hugs and God Bless
This is so pretty!!!! I’m so in love with these new dies….got to get them….
I’m so sorry about your friend….she was so young….but your right we all should live in the moment….not in time…..
and we all have some weeds in our gardens….just got to know when to pull them out…..
Thank you so much for always sharing with us….
What an inciteful and deeply moving blog post. Thank you for sharing and know your friend’s family is in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing, You are able to express what you feel so well. I too lost a dear friend last week so can also realize that each day is a gift. Your creation is beautiful. It made me think of my mothers embroidery hoop with a completed work of art inside… I do not comment often but am a faithful follower of your page.. thank you again
Dearest, Becca. I have done just what you are doing… pruning and rearranging my garden of friends and, regrettably, family as well. Those people that have been put on a back shelf sometimes surprise you because they return refurbished. Perhaps because they went through a similar catharsis and realized where true value resides. I find when I take care of myself, God gives me a boost and supports my efforts by providing new and wonderful things in my life. I find I need to express my appreciation to those who have been good friends… I wouldn’t want something like what happened to your friend, to happen to one of mine without them knowing what they mean to me on an ongoing basis.
On another note, I was all prepared to purchase your bow maker to give to my sister so we could share the CD of Becca Bows when my dear little granddaughter failed kindergarten! We know from family history that she has some learning disabilities but, so far, the school has refused to test her until something like this failure presented itself. We have the option of pushing her ahead so she is not so much older than her classmates… she would be seven within the first month of the first grade… and we are doing that while I am paying for her to have special tutoring during the summer. All crafting purchases have to go on hold for the summer! It is well worth it, however, and I am reminded of some of your first posts where you had challenged yourself to use what you had stocked up over the years before buying much of anything else. I figure, if you could do it, I can do it!! It means a lot to me at this time that you had shared that in the past. I hope this bow maker will still be available when the time is right! Bless you for all you bring to us… your talent and your insights. Blessings & Hugs!!!
Your words speak to me, great insight. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and designes with all of us.
Becca, your card is glorious! I love the soft mocha colors (inspired by your decadent cup of coffee, maybe?) and the gorgeous bow. You continually amaze me with your artistry!
Life is precious. I pray almost every day, Lord, help me to really live this day, not just exist in it. Looking for things to be thankful for helps me to do that.
I only know you as a blogger and sister in Christ. however we all have the wake up calls. I had a stroke last year June 24th. I lost most of my eyesight. So my life has greatly changed. God was merciful I didn’t lose any moter function. I praise God everyday for life! its hard to not have a pity party now and again but God forgives me. making cards is what keeps me going some days. its good eye therapy I have to track back and forth. but even better than that. I get to bring an encouraging word to someone or just a hello thinking of you.it seems a small minstry but The words I receive back from people makes it seem priceless. I’m always encouraged by your talent and blog. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself.
Becca, just returned home from the hospital after a week where I was so sick with a virus and now a very high liver enzyme. going to see a liver specialist in Miami on Tues. and now that I have been sick for 2 weeks, want to tell you this is my first look at emails(too hard to hold my head up) but you once again inspired me to push forward. Coming home in the car, the grass looked so green and the sound of the rain is beautiful. I am trying soooo hard to feel better, but 2 weeks of fever has stripped me of my strength.Thank you for your powerful words..can’t write anymore hugs, Claire
Dear Becca, how beautifully put into words, what many of us,
of a certain age are really feeling. Many of us are not courageous enough ‘to prune our gardens of friendship’. And perhaps we need to look at ourselves and see how well we tend to others. Every day I am thankful for so much, not always huge things or events. Very often it is just the little things in life that are so important and precious. Bless Yoy
Margaret
Becca, I just bought this stamp at GASC and I love your card! Beautiful showcase for this prayer, and it is an excellent reminder of our time. I find I lack the courage to do the necessary pruning in my garden – does God really call us to prune? That’s been my problem – is this the person for whom God wants me to be a messenger? Probably not or I wouldn’t worry about it – so your thoughts are very helpful to me today — how serendipitous that I am behind on reading emails! Thank you for being the messenger God is sending me today!
I’m always touched by your cards Becca. You are so good at pairing things together. Your tutorials are wonderful too; your gentle voice guiding us step by step. Thank you.
Your post struck a chord with me. I just returned from a traumatic stay with our first grandchild who at 5 weeks old was admitted to the PICU. He coded in the ER and was then admitted. The diagnosis was then determined to be viral meningitis. Now two weeks later has been home for a week and is practically perfect. We are blessed.
Becca, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends family.
oh how my heart goes out to you as I also lost a friend the same way 3 weeks before Christmas. The shock of my friend passing so suddenly made me so ill for a time but made me realise that my believe that while on earth we should help one another and take time to “smell the roses” and let each other know how much we care and love them even stronger. Life is so precious. I only came across your blogg a few days ago. I think I was guided here for a reason. I love your sentiment and the frame its inspirational. Keep spreading the good word -Child of God.
sending you a big hug -from England Jan
Dear sweet Becca,
Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Although I only know you through your blog I have come to think of you as someone very dear to me, I’m so sorry for the pain you are feeling at the loss of two friends. I know God is with you and the families of your friends and will give you comfort. Your words and insight mean a lot to me, and I’m so grateful for you. God Bless You!
Fran
What great thoughts! I, too, lost my Dad suddently 5 weeks ago and I’m feeling exactly the way you are – Life is short and so are our relationships with others.
Oh Becca! I am so sorry for your loss and have offered prayer for the families of those who were so suddenly taken. It must have been such a shock for all who knew and loved them.
Thank you for your reflection and the reminder in the words of the stamp you used on your oh so elegant and beautiful card!
May you find peace as you contemplate your garden and may you find joy with those who continue to bloom there.
God bless you.
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
A wonderful reflection of a garden of friends….I totally agree with you to choose your friendships carefully to enable you to use each moment wisely.
Prayers and Paper Hugs,
Jan
Becca, you are spot on. My best friend of 30+ yrs is dying from brain cancer. I just left hospice and I look back on the years spent of on wasting my time wondering what some thought of me. . she and I have been thru everything together. the loss of her mom to cancer, the birth of her son, the sudden death of my husband. and so many good times. I can’t count them all. I have been so blessed by God’s grace and her friendship. But we spend precious time with people and things that are time eaters. Keep your loved ones close, cherish the good friends you have . None of us are promised tomorrow. .
You are such an inspiration to us. When I read about your pruning your “friend “list, I thought of the times I had not been a good friend. It is hard to overcome your own fears, fatigue, and insecurities. I am generally a caring person, but I guess I don’t always have the energy for others. I ask that they forgive those times, and forget them. The best we can do is learn from the mistakes we make. But it is also true that there are givers and takers in this world. Those who just take are too draining to be our friends.
Your shaped card is lovely Becca. I am so sorry to read about the loss of two friends from a brain aneurysm. You are absolutely correct in believing that we must spend our moments wisely.
As I have faced chronic illness for over two years, I have been terrible at keeping up with friends. I really miss them and hope that they know that they are still in my thoughts are prayers. That being said, I agree that we need to “prune” now and again and make sure that we are not disrespecting our souls by allowing negative people to take up our valuable resources and energy. (Gets hard when they are family though).
Wishing you a wonderful week and good health.
Sorry for the loss of your friend and condolences to the family of Lisa Lynne Wright. Becca what can I say that could comfort a sad heart. When we lose someone dear to us we are sad for our loss but smile at where they are now, knowing they are experiencing such great joy to be with Jesus. I hope you have read all the wonderful posts here, as you can see you have blessed so many hearts with your blog. It is amazing how close people can get with out ever even meeting. God surely is working thru you to help bring others to His kingdom. Never think that what you are doing here on the blog is a waste of time or not worth your effort. You truly are amazing and make wonderful cards. You inspire me so much, your words, your works and your generosity. Thank you so much dear friend.
I love this sentiment on this beautiful card. The bible says to number our days. None of us know the hour. You are so right to make the moments count.
You always seem to be a positive person when I read your blog. I cannot imagine you would waste one moment on someone who does not treat you well. Thank you for the inspiration.
I love the lattice work look, I am going to try to do one today.
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Becca.
Dear Becca, we so miss our friends even while knowing that they are with God. Thank you for the reminder to care for those we love while we are all together. Your card, as usual, is stunning.
It’s hard to lose a friend. Our prayers are with you.
I love your cards and check almost everyday to see what’s new.
You are my inspiration!
Oh my Becca
I am so so sorry. I lost someone very close to me and she was far to young..as she was going I watched her “friends” walk away one by one because she wasn’t “fun” anymore. Sadly I learned to many years ago to be selective about who I consider a friend and always make time for and those that are simply acquaintances and for various reasons will never make it past that. What hurt more was having to see her mother deal with her “friends” at the funeral..all crying about how much they will miss her. After I guess she had enough she finally said really??? where have you been this past year?? To this day it still hurts…she was my best friend.
Take care
Jackie
Your expression of your thoughts are just as elegant as the expression of your creativity…my thoughts and prayers are with you as well as with your friends who have lost love ones. It hurts…
You are a wonderful Christian inspiraton as well as an unbelievably talented designer. You’ve gone through so much and still your faith is strong and you inspire us every day. Thank you.