Friday, April 10, 2020

Twofer Challenge #26

Before I get to my Twofer Post, which was written some time ago, I have some sad news. But let me back up a couple of years...you may or may not have noticed that for some time I haven't been posting or commenting like I used to do. There was a good reason for that. My husband, John, had been declining in health, and I needed to spend more hours as a (very willing) caregiver to him. I know you'll agree that it was the right thing to do. Very suddenly, in fact just around Christmas time, he felt that something wasn't right. After trips to three doctors, we were given the diagnosis of a Stage Four cancer. He had two choices: first, a nasty surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy; or, second, do nothing. Rock and a hard place, eh?After serious contemplation, he chose not to be treated and have Hospice care come to our home. Two weeks ago, he had a serious downturn from which he never recovered. On April 4, 2020, my beloved left this earth and went home to heaven. I have a few posts scheduled, and in a while I may get back to a little more normal. But for now, I must spend some time grieving and finding that new "normal." And amidst all this COVID-19, I pray you will all stay safe and healthy. Blessings to you all.

And now onto the Twofer Post:

So, if April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims, hahahahahaha! Told that to some of the grands, and they laughed. But then again, they were a captive audience and pretty little; grandma is still funny. This April, The Twofer Challenge is bringing you a rather appropriate theme for the month:


I've got a couple of cards to show you, as do my teamies. Here's a photo of the two of them together:





For my get well card, I found this Stamps of Life patterned paper and knew I had to make sure I could incorporate it into the rain/umbrella prompt. I'd cut that Greetery center panel for another card, didn't use it, and wondered if it would work on this one. It did. The raindrops, umbrella and sentiment are all from Your Next Stamp. When I laid the panel on the base, something was missing. Just adding a couple of thin strips of matchy-matchy yellow cardstock made my eyes happy. I think it works just fine.



You can see what I did with the raindrops on my thank you card. I cut two green scraps, and one red one to make a watermelon slice. Perfect sized seeds! That's an C9 sentiment. EZPZ! 

So...after you head over to The Twofer Challenge Blog to see what the DT has made, be sure to get out your rain/umbrella supplies, do a little crafting, and join us in the gallery! We'd love to see you there! Thanks for stopping by, and as always...


18 comments:

Cat Craig said...

Bev, first my sincerest condolences. Sending along lots of hugs. Words fail ...and to be trying to grieve and find a new normal without your beloved in the midst of this surreal time is something I cannot fathom. So again. Hugs.

Your rain drops are darling most especially in that slice of watermelon. Brilliance.

Marcia Hill said...

I don't think there are words either at this time Bev, but just know my heart is hurting right along with yours for what you are having to go through right now! Hold tight to your faith and know that John is finally pain free and home with our Heavenly Father.

And as for your cards...you always do CAS perfectly and to the point...love them both!! Hugs. :0)

Anita in France said...

You know I'm keeping you close in prayer, Bev ... do take all the time you need to grieve and to come to terms with John's loss ... the Good Lord will help every step of the way. Your cards are fabulous ... fresh and crisp and deliciously clean ... that melon with the rain seeds is especially clever! Big hugs and bisous, my dear friend, Anita :)

Bobby said...

I wish I'd know about John's diagnosis earlier so I could have kept you both in my prayers, Bev. I will be praying for peace and comfort for you while you grieve his loss and find your way in this crazy world without him. Very clever of you to use raindrops as melon seeds. Both cards are delightful.

Darnell said...

You're in my heart and prayers as you grieve, Bevie, and as you enter the next chapter of your life. I'm pleased that you see a return to card-making as a part of that. I'm here for you.

Your Twofer cards are wonderful! I love that the pretty pp was the catalyst for your cool get well design! And your clever use of the two yellow strips makes me feel like I'm looking out a window! As for your raindrop watermelon seeds, you get the prize for cleverness!! Take care of yourself and stay safe! Love and hugs, Darnell

TK said...

Beautiful card, Bev, and just know that you take all the time you need -- we'll be happy to see you when you return! Praying for you and your family

Brenda in IN said...

Many prayers and much love for during your loss. My heart goes out to you. I love your watermelon with the raindrops as seeds, that is so clever. Your cloudy sky paper is perfect with the umbrella panel. Be well, my friend.

Claire said...

Oh Bev, bless you and I'm so sorry to hear of your devastating loss... there are no words that can take the pain away only time and memories, stay strong, be safe and know you have a guardian angel looking down on you from now until you're reunited x

Jeanne H said...

Sincere condolences, Bev. I hope your fond memories will sustain you and your family. Well done on your twofors.

Loll said...

Bev, sending you lots of love and virtual hugs. I'm so sorry about John. Take your time getting used to your new "normal" Know that there are so many of us here that care about you and your family. If you want to chat, I'm only an email or phone call away.

Two fun and creative cards using umbrellas and raindrops Bev. You are so creative and these two cards make me smile.

Love, Loll

I Card Everyone said...

I am adding my prayers to all the rest, Bev … I know they will get you through this grief, adding lots of love as well.
Take good care of that sweet heart of yours … I'm here, just across our Big Lake anytime you may need a chat, or a long distance hug.
M

cm said...

Adding my prayers, thoughts and virtual hugs to all the others, in hopes they'll remind you how loved you are during this time of grieving and adjusting to an especially 'new' normal. You are loved, deeply.

Your cards are absolutely delightful. I have this set from Your Next Stamp; it's such fun.
hugs and love,
~c

JenniferE said...

Oh Bev, I’m so sorry to read this tonight. I’ve prayed for you both for so long. You are mostly certainly going to be in my prayers tonight. Love and hugs to you, knowing he is doing well with Jesus.
Super cute cards...really love the pops of yellow on the first one.

lostinpaper said...

Bev, I am lost for words and have a tear in my eye thinking of you and your family at this sad time. I am sending you the biggest of hugs across the Ocean to comfort you my friend. Therese x

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Oh Bev - deepest sympathies on the passing of your dear hubby! I'm glad card making can help ease the pain!! Wonderful Twofer with the raindrops as rain and as watermelon seeds!! Take care.

Nora Noll said...

Oh my word!! I am so sorry for your loss. This makes me so sad. I knew your husband was ill but not that sick. Big Hugs to you!!

As for your cards. These are adorable. I love how you used the rain as seeds for the watermelon card. So clever!!!

Dick A said...

Carry on and stay happy!! Miss you!! Dick

Brenda said...

Oh Bev, I had to come looking for this post after your lastest post about it being 4 months since John passed. I'm so, so, so sorry to hear this news and I am so, so, so sorry I am late in knowing this! Yes, it is a rock and a hard place for sure. I think John made the right choice but it is hard at the same time. You did such a wonderful job of caring for him all this time. I hate cancer, it sucks as we all know. But John is at peace now and no more pain. He can live in a younger body in heaven. I hate when they suffer and I think cancer makes you suffer terribly. I hope you find a new normal, I was finally starting to find my new normal with COVID hit, I can't even imagine having the bury a loved one in the mist of it. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you sweet lady. You helped me so much and now my heart is crying for you. Sending much love. hugs and prayers to you! Brenda