Swirls and Pearls - FFFC #130

Good morning everyone and Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed the holidays as much as we did. After spending Christmas with our family, my daughter and I took a few vacation days and travelled to New York. We were able to disconnect from the day to day routine and most importantly, we share a lot of time together, we had a blast! And now, back to reality, I returned to work last Wednesday and I have been busy as a bee!

 

Well my friends, it is Friday, so it is time for a new Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge, our theme for this fortnight is Pearls and Swirls and it is hosted by the lovely and talented Norma. The challenge is sponsored by Aurora Wings. Have you seen their images? Absolutely gorgeous! Lets take a look at my card using Aurora Wings' Hydrangea Sprite from the Big Eyes Collection. Hope you enjoy it.

 

Front View:

View from both sides:

Closer look at the sweet Aurora Wings image:

Another view:

My card ingredients are:

Image: Aurora Wings - Big Eyes Hydrangea Sprite

Papers: Maja Designs Vintage Spring Basics

Markers: Copics

Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Dies: Doohickey Vintage Tag, Doohickey Vintage Square, Tim Holtz Bigz Die - Weathered Clock,

Others: Stampendous Frantage Embossing Enamel - Shabby Pink

Ribbon, doily, frame and pearls are from my stash

Need more inspiration? Not a problem, click here to take a look at what my talented teammates have created for you, their projects are just stunning! You have until midnight January 22. 2015 (GMT) to enter our new challenge. I cannot wait to see your fabulous projects!

One last look at the card:

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Aurora Wings - #10 All that glitter
Loves Rubberstamps - #133 Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Stampart Paper - #29 Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Old (paper, flowers, dies) & New (image)
Craft Dee BowZ - Anything goes with a hand tied bow
Whoopsi Daisy - Anything goes
A Gem of a Challenge - #135 Something New (image)
Kit and Clowder - Anything goes
ABC Challenge - A is for Anything goes
Copic España - Anything goes
Die Cut Divas - Anything goes

Hugs, Ivonne

Goodbye 2014 and Hello 2015!

Last year was one that absolutely surprised me, in so many areas of life (as you can tell by my long absence here) that I was glad it was over during the middle of the week and it made for a quiet and relaxed evening with just the hubby, our son, and our two new "babies". More of that in a second.

I want to make this post a short one, because I don't want to dwell in the past or worse.  But in 2014 we lost our beloved cat of almost 17 years and it was devastating. I have been talking to my husband and saying how privileged we had been of having her with us for so many years and maybe we should be preparing for it but I would start choking and stop immediately. Well, it happened in January with no warning whatsoever and it was quick. We were able to say goodbye to her and for that I will always feel grateful. But for awhile it was hard for us. Our son will be 17 years old this month and she was his pet since he was a little baby. I also battled with health issues, the latest being "shingles" diagnosed in December. Not to mention other situations that just put my strength and faith to test. So, yes... We needed a quiet and relaxed New Years Eve.

Peaches (1998-2014)



By June, we were getting ready to give a home to a pet. My boys (hubby and son) decided "we" wanted kittens; yes, plural. I was not ready for that but on June 21, we went to our local animal shelter (SPCA) and rescued two beautiful kitten sisters: Mia and Zoey. They immediately stole our hearts, and we feel it was the honorable thing to do as a tribute to Peaches.

 Mia and Zoey

Born April, 2014-Our home June, 2014

To add to the wonderful things that happened to us in 2014... We became grandparents of a beautiful baby boy named Tristian. Talk about being over the moon in love!!! It was the best gift for me last year. When I'm having a bad day, my son-the oldest (without knowing) will send me a picture of this always happy baby and all the stress and negativity melts away. We were able to be with him and his Daddy on Christmas Day and what a joy that was!

 Our beautiful grandson!



Ivonne has been with me every step of the way, comforting me when I needed it; crying with me when I was sad, giving me hope when I've been scared and believing in me even when I thought I didn't. She's been a rock, a sister, and a true friend and I count her as one of my biggest blessings in life! Her and her daughter will always be in my heart. Thank you Ivonne, for being the best!!!!!

I thank you if you stayed this long reading this, and apologized for the long story. I just wanted to let you know where I've been. I don't like to write posts that are not upbeat and this one will not have a card; but for just this once, I felt that the followers that know us should get the story of why one of us was missing.

In this new year this is my wish for you, our loyal and our new readers: that your tears are few and shared; that laughter is always present  in your lives; and that everything you dream of becomes a reality.

To a beautiful new year starting today!

Hugs, Kathya