Shirley Clark's Blog Spot
2010-02-08
Paying it Forward . . .
I got a card from Lisa for the January RAK Card Challenge. I immediately notice that the card I received was from Glen Rose. We know many people from Glen Rose because Paul worked at the nuclear plant there. We lived about 15 miles away in Granbury before moving here in 2007. So my first thought was that I must know this person, but her name didn't seem familiar. I forgot to ask, but I'm assuming she found out about the card challenge from my blog. But here's the cool part! There was a business card in the envelope. Here's a picture of the front.
It seems that her youngest brother, Jeff Pekarski died unexpectedly from a heart attack at 43 caused by atherosclerosis. It is hereditary and causes plaque build up in the heart. He had been bike riding and swimming with his 13 year old nephew the day before and appeared very healthy. This family is taking a very hard experience in their life, and making it into something very positive! It warms my heart and gives me goose bumps all over. That's what you're doing when you send cards for the RAK (Random Act of Kindness) challenge! You're paying it forward! Thank you for you generosity and wanting to do something for someone "just because!" You can go to www.jeffpekarski.com and document your RAK! How cool is that?
It reminds me of the "Good Samaritan," found in Luke 10:30-35 - In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'" (NIV)
The Samaritan cares enough to stop. He offers first aid and comforts the man. Then he places the man on his donkey and took him to an inn, and paid for his continued care.
So I implore you to do something unexpected. Change the end of the story for someone. Surprise a neighbor, friend, or stranger with a RAK. Don't just be nice. Be unexpected.
Now with that . . . MAKE it a wonderful RAK Day!
Oh, and I'll share more projects from CHA as I get them done!
My quote:
I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, Let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again.
Steven Grellet
Shirley
It seems that her youngest brother, Jeff Pekarski died unexpectedly from a heart attack at 43 caused by atherosclerosis. It is hereditary and causes plaque build up in the heart. He had been bike riding and swimming with his 13 year old nephew the day before and appeared very healthy. This family is taking a very hard experience in their life, and making it into something very positive! It warms my heart and gives me goose bumps all over. That's what you're doing when you send cards for the RAK (Random Act of Kindness) challenge! You're paying it forward! Thank you for you generosity and wanting to do something for someone "just because!" You can go to www.jeffpekarski.com and document your RAK! How cool is that?
It reminds me of the "Good Samaritan," found in Luke 10:30-35 - In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'" (NIV)
The Samaritan cares enough to stop. He offers first aid and comforts the man. Then he places the man on his donkey and took him to an inn, and paid for his continued care.
So I implore you to do something unexpected. Change the end of the story for someone. Surprise a neighbor, friend, or stranger with a RAK. Don't just be nice. Be unexpected.
Now with that . . . MAKE it a wonderful RAK Day!
Oh, and I'll share more projects from CHA as I get them done!
My quote:
I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, Let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again.
Steven Grellet
Shirley
2010-02-05
Cards for Aidan
The cards for Aidan went into the mail today. Hope you enjoy the slide show!
Don't forget to send a Santa Card (or other card) for Santa Larry. See the post of February 01, 2010 if you don't know what I'm talking about!
MAKE it a wonderful Friday (what's left of it!)
My Quote:
The early morning hours have gold in their mouth.
Dutch proverb
I happen to love the early morning hours!
Shirley
2010-02-04
Copic Book
I got so many fun freebies in California that I had to send a box home by UPS! My suitcase was still way overfilled! Anyway, my box arrived Tuesday Night. I had so much fun finishing up one of the projects yesterday. It was a make and take from Kaiser Craft. They were a great booth to visit and a great place to get lots of freebies! They gave us quite a bag full! Of course, I didn't complain! Anyway, here are some pictures of my project that I decided to make into my Copic Book! Again, the colors aren't so good! I'll get my camera thing resolved at some point!
I'll use this book to document my Copic "Recipes". If I do a project that I really like, I'll reproduce it, recolor it and document what colors and techniques I used, then add it to my book. Then if I want to reproduce it at a later time, I can do that easily by referring to my book!
Now, what project will I finish today? Decisions, decisions!?!?
We got some nice ground quenching rain yesterday and it's supposed to continue today! Woo Hoo! You can see the water in our pond from the front porch! I'll have to take a picture so I can prove it to you!
Please MAKE it a wonderful Thursday!
My quote:
Shirley
I'll use this book to document my Copic "Recipes". If I do a project that I really like, I'll reproduce it, recolor it and document what colors and techniques I used, then add it to my book. Then if I want to reproduce it at a later time, I can do that easily by referring to my book!
Now, what project will I finish today? Decisions, decisions!?!?
We got some nice ground quenching rain yesterday and it's supposed to continue today! Woo Hoo! You can see the water in our pond from the front porch! I'll have to take a picture so I can prove it to you!
Please MAKE it a wonderful Thursday!
My quote:
What Would He Say?
If He should come today
And find my hands so full
Of future plans, however fair,
In which my Saviour had no share,
What would He say?
If He should come today
And find I had not told
One soul about my heavenly Friend
Whose blessings all my way attend,
What would He say?
If He should come today,
Would I be glad, quite glad?
Remembering He had died for all,
And none through me had heard His call,
What would He say?
Unknown
If He should come today
And find my hands so full
Of future plans, however fair,
In which my Saviour had no share,
What would He say?
If He should come today
And find I had not told
One soul about my heavenly Friend
Whose blessings all my way attend,
What would He say?
If He should come today,
Would I be glad, quite glad?
Remembering He had died for all,
And none through me had heard His call,
What would He say?
Unknown
Shirley
2010-02-03
Aidan and Santa Larry
I got the nicest card from Kristie, thanking the January RAK participants for the cards she received. The card said, "Thanks for brightening my world. Words can hardly explain how humbled, touched, overwhelmed and happy those cards made me! I have no idea how you organized such an effort but it made a difference in my life. Thanks so very much! Sincerely, Kristie." So our goal was accomplished. We brought a little happiness into Kristie's world!
I've received cards for Aidan from:
Jan W
Deb C
Elizabeth C
Caz
Kelly S
Jan B
Ginger S
Anna D
Sue S
Lisa S
Esther WB
Wanda B
Gina K
Shirley C
I know I have at least one more coming, maybe 2. So Aidan's cards should go out in a few days. I'll attempt to take pictures (camera woes right not) and do a slide show of the cute, cute cards!
I had someone ask me if their card to our current RAK, Santa Larry, has to have a Santa on it. It doesn't have to have a Santa. It's just a suggestion, not a requirement! I'm sure Santa Larry will be pleased with all the cards whether they have a Santa or not! If you don't know what I'm talking about scroll down to my Feb 01 post to get the details! I'm hoping Santa Larry is showered with lots and lots of happy cards!
MAKE it a wonderful day!
My quote:
Days are like suitcases: all nearly the same size, but some people can pack a lot more into them.
Unknown
Bible Verse:
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.
Psalm 92:4
Shirley
I've received cards for Aidan from:
Jan W
Deb C
Elizabeth C
Caz
Kelly S
Jan B
Ginger S
Anna D
Sue S
Lisa S
Esther WB
Wanda B
Gina K
Shirley C
I know I have at least one more coming, maybe 2. So Aidan's cards should go out in a few days. I'll attempt to take pictures (camera woes right not) and do a slide show of the cute, cute cards!
I had someone ask me if their card to our current RAK, Santa Larry, has to have a Santa on it. It doesn't have to have a Santa. It's just a suggestion, not a requirement! I'm sure Santa Larry will be pleased with all the cards whether they have a Santa or not! If you don't know what I'm talking about scroll down to my Feb 01 post to get the details! I'm hoping Santa Larry is showered with lots and lots of happy cards!
MAKE it a wonderful day!
My quote:
Days are like suitcases: all nearly the same size, but some people can pack a lot more into them.
Unknown
Bible Verse:
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.
Psalm 92:4
Shirley
2010-02-02
Cold Clark Park
With the exception of 2006, when Paul and I were in Missouri for the winter, I do believe this is the coldest winter I've experienced for many years. I'm so ready for Spring! I'm just not a cold weather person at all.
Just before I left for CHA, Games (Ginger) posted a layout on the Paperthread's forum. I loved it so much I asked her for a copy so I could share it here with you. She used my "Zoo Titles" File. I thnk she did a great job!
Thanks for sharing with us Ginger! I love how you used my title!
As you know Michelle and I got Copics Certified while at CHA. Now getting certified doesn't mean I'm an expert by any means! I did learn a few techniques that I plan to utilize. Here's a stamped image that I got free at one of the CHA Booths. It's called Annika by The Greeting Farm. As usual, I don't think the picture does the colors justice, but at least you can get an idea of what it looks like! Michelle will be carrying some of The Greeting Farm Stamps when her order arrives. I think they're adorable!
You can see the colors I used. What you can't see very well is the background. I used chalks to add some subtle blue sky color. I did find that the chalk doesn't have anything to hold on to since the paper is fairly smooth, but I was able to get the look I wanted after several layers! I wasn't looking for a smooth all over color. I wanted variegated shades of blue and white and was able to get that effect. Sorry you can't see it very well.
I wanted to add something to "ground" Annika. So I added some grass and flowers using a technique shown in our certification class. I don't have the technique perfected yet. I'm going to keep playing with it and once I get it right I'll share how I did it! I also added some green chalking under the grass. If I can find a point and shoot camera that will do what I want I plan to start showing step by step instructions as I go. My camera isn't working correctly anymore. It shuts on and off several times while trying to take one picture. I miss it so much because I knew the camera and could usually make it do what I wanted. We have three cameras (SLR and 2 point and shoots) and I've played with all three of them, but none of them are what I'm looking for. I'm almost scared to look for fear that I'll buy one that doesn't do what I want it to do. I want a basic camera that I can set to take pictures of cards/projects that I don't have to adjust the settings each time. I don't like dealing with the ISO, shutter speed, white balance and aperture. It's over my head! I'm just not mechanical and technical. If a camera were more like Illustrator I could understand it! LOL!
I'm still waiting for the box I shipped from CHA. I'll share some goodies when it arrives and I get the projects completed! That box almost cost me an arm and leg to ship, but that's another story for another time! Luckily I ended up finding a decent price or it would have had to stay in Anaheim!
MAKE it a wonderful Tuesday!
My quote:
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16
Carrie and family . . . you're in my prayers!
Shirley
Just before I left for CHA, Games (Ginger) posted a layout on the Paperthread's forum. I loved it so much I asked her for a copy so I could share it here with you. She used my "Zoo Titles" File. I thnk she did a great job!
Thanks for sharing with us Ginger! I love how you used my title!
As you know Michelle and I got Copics Certified while at CHA. Now getting certified doesn't mean I'm an expert by any means! I did learn a few techniques that I plan to utilize. Here's a stamped image that I got free at one of the CHA Booths. It's called Annika by The Greeting Farm. As usual, I don't think the picture does the colors justice, but at least you can get an idea of what it looks like! Michelle will be carrying some of The Greeting Farm Stamps when her order arrives. I think they're adorable!
You can see the colors I used. What you can't see very well is the background. I used chalks to add some subtle blue sky color. I did find that the chalk doesn't have anything to hold on to since the paper is fairly smooth, but I was able to get the look I wanted after several layers! I wasn't looking for a smooth all over color. I wanted variegated shades of blue and white and was able to get that effect. Sorry you can't see it very well.
I wanted to add something to "ground" Annika. So I added some grass and flowers using a technique shown in our certification class. I don't have the technique perfected yet. I'm going to keep playing with it and once I get it right I'll share how I did it! I also added some green chalking under the grass. If I can find a point and shoot camera that will do what I want I plan to start showing step by step instructions as I go. My camera isn't working correctly anymore. It shuts on and off several times while trying to take one picture. I miss it so much because I knew the camera and could usually make it do what I wanted. We have three cameras (SLR and 2 point and shoots) and I've played with all three of them, but none of them are what I'm looking for. I'm almost scared to look for fear that I'll buy one that doesn't do what I want it to do. I want a basic camera that I can set to take pictures of cards/projects that I don't have to adjust the settings each time. I don't like dealing with the ISO, shutter speed, white balance and aperture. It's over my head! I'm just not mechanical and technical. If a camera were more like Illustrator I could understand it! LOL!
I'm still waiting for the box I shipped from CHA. I'll share some goodies when it arrives and I get the projects completed! That box almost cost me an arm and leg to ship, but that's another story for another time! Luckily I ended up finding a decent price or it would have had to stay in Anaheim!
MAKE it a wonderful Tuesday!
My quote:
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16
Carrie and family . . . you're in my prayers!
Shirley
Clark Park Time