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Friday, June 18, 2010

Manufacturer Challenges


Between yesterday and today I completed two layouts.  The first one is for the Creative Imaginations June Sketch Layout Contest.  I used Creative Imaginations papers from the Christine Adolph Oceana line, felt border by Queen & Co. and felt fishies from Michael's.  Brads and photo turns are from my stash.  The photos are more from our trip to Antigua.  We took a catamaran excursion where John did a lot of snorkeling while I enjoyed the free-flowing Rum punch on the boat!  After snorkeling, we pulled up to a lovely beach where we had a lovely BBQ lunch and a performance by an incredible Limbo Dancer.  It was a GREAT day!
This layout was a tough one for me.  Its the first layout I have done that had a photo of Michael on it since he passed away.  As happy as I am right now....I have a wonderful man in my life now, my kids are terrific, sometimes I think I will never get through the grieving process.  Its been several years already but every once in a while I am dragged right back to that horrible day when I was faced with something that nobody should ever have to do....I had to tell my children that their father was gone.  Michael and I were separated at the time of his death but he was still my best friend.  He had a terrible time with alchoholism and I just couldn't live like that anymore.  I miss him so much. He was a wonderful father and it hurts me so much to see my kids growing up and knowing how much he is missing.  As I put in my journaling, I can only hope that Heaven really is a better place because its really hard to live here without him in our lives.

I did this layout for the My Minds Eye Challenge.  The theme is "Remember" and there is a sketch to follow and the layout must contain 80% MME products.  I used the OOH, LA LA line.  The journaling card is from the So Sophie line but I cut off the trim that did not match!  This layout has a lot of meaning to me. The three butterflies that are flying out of the broken heart symbolize my three kids.  They will always remember their Dad but they are spreading their wings and soaring despite the lousy hand they have been dealt at such a young age.

This was very emotional for me today, especially considering Father's Day is this Sunday.  So I think that I will take a break from scrapping, get some housework done and then pick the kids up from school and do a little shopping!  I am sure I will be back tonight as I HOPE to get some scrappy time later on!

6 comments:

Wendy

Great layouts Susan. The "broken" heart on the 2nd page was a very nice little touch.

I LOVE working on vacation pictures!! I can't wait till the pool is open so I can play with those pictures too. So glad I bought a waterproof camera...lol.

Sue Althouse

Wow - thank you for sharing your layouts and thoughts on a difficult subject. It takes a lot of courage to face those memories. Glad you can look at life now and be thankful.

Debbie

You keep them coming! Two more great layouts! I feel for you on the second one. My 20 year marriage ended because of alcoholism. Even though my ex is still living, it has had a profound effect on his relationship with my son and daughter. Kudos to for your a lovely layout and remembrance.

Barb Craft

Susan... this is such a touching story and my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine dealing with all of that alone, much less with three small children. I love the way you made the broken heart with the butterflies... the symbolism says it all!! What a fabulous tribute to your children's father!!

And on a lighter note... thanks for stopping by my blog today!! I was cracking up when I read your post!! You are sooooo talented and I have really enjoyed visiting your blog!! I can see I am going to be stealing several of your crafty, creative ideas!! Thanks for being such a sweet blog friend!!
Barb :)

Samantha Taylor

Both Layouts are fantastic! Your layering on the MME sketch is wonderful.

Betty Anne

Love your vacation layout. I bought the same paper but haven't used it yet. I hope when I do that my layout will look at least half as good as yours.
Your Remember layout is wonderful Susan. As you know I have had a hard time scrapping about sad times to. Hopefully it will help you as it did me. Lots of hugs.

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