Monday, June 9, 2014

Sweet!

About an hour ago, I went outside to absorb some vitamin D. My labs indicate I'm way low on that particular vitamin, and sunlight is cheap. It's not quite 70 degrees, but the skies are clear and only a gentle breeze is blowing. I stood in the driveway, closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of my neighborhood. Maybe silly, but I was curious. I heard a nest full of young robins clamoring for food from their parents. I heard a male cardinal sing from my neighbor's tall pine tree. I heard the leaves gently rustle on the Siberian Irises in one of the flower beds. I heard a speed boat churning the waters of Lake Michigan. I heard neighbors up the block talking. I heard a bit of traffic from Main Street. I heard insects softly buzzing. Then I smiled. When I opened my eyes, the world took on that blue hue that occurs when going from dark to light. I smiled again. Simple things. But don't those simple things just help to make a lovely day? Try it sometime. It only takes a minute or two, and I'll wager that you'll smile too.

There is a card coming, I promise. Inspired by dear friend, Hannelie, who is on the DT over at AAA Cards. It's a challenge for CAS and nearly CAS cards. Mine's nearly CAS. For Game 6, it's a color and a sketch challenge. Pinks, Oranges, Turquoises, Greens; reminiscent of tropical colors. Here's the sketch:




This is my take:




For this card I started with a Neenah white base, and large white panel. The turquoise is a scrap, as were the bases for all those little mints. All the stamps and dies are from Clear and Simple Stamps. SU black ink, and various Copics to color up the candies. Pretty easy. Happy dances everyone. 

26 comments:

Diane said...

This is just too cute Bev, love the yummy mints.

Hugs Diane

Ardyth said...

Great take on the sketch (go check out Paper Smooches Spark - it could work there too!) Love your appreciation of nature - I can identify a cardinal, but probably not a robin just by sound!

Anita in France said...

I'm just being transported by your words, Bev ... how relaxing ... and perfectly timed as I'm about to head to bed! This is so clever, my friend ... I see more of your perfectly precise placement in play! Love that sentiment ... so fun and punny! Hugs, Anita :)

Julia said...

Adorable card and wonderful idea to just stand outside and listen. We don't stop and just "listen" often enough. How inspiring you are! Thanks so much for joining AAA Cards this week. Just love your creativity!

Lynn said...

Such a great card Bev and an even better reminder to soak in life. Came home from work and went to sit and enjoy my son's baseball game. Now I'm going to the back deck to listen to the sounds of back yard with my two little guys playing on our neighbor's trampoline.

Tracey McNeely said...

Love your take on the sketch and colours Bev. The wrapped candies are so sweet! I so am with you about taking it all in. Tonight on a whim I asked my daughter if she wanted to eat outside, it was so lovely out. We did and watched the birds feed at the feeder and the bunny eating the seed that was on the ground below it. Yup simple things.

Jen Mitchell said...

I so enjoy playing that game with nature around my house. There's nothing I love more than relaxing on the patio with the sounds and smells of summer surrounding me. And I'd say your card is full CAS. Who doesn't love little candies?

Hannelie said...

Now look at this!
Such a creative take on our sketch and colors my friend! I feel like grabbing one and popping it in my mouth!
Fabulous... and thanks so much for playing along at AAA cards!

Hannelie said...

Now look at this!
Such a creative take on our sketch and colors my friend! I feel like grabbing one and popping it in my mouth!
Fabulous... and thanks so much for playing along at AAA cards!

Jane said...

Who can resist a card full of sweeties? Love this idea! I also enjoy just listening and taking time to appreciate the simple things. Thanks so much for playing at AAA Cards this week.

Marybeth said...

What a wonderful way to get your vitamin D,I can almost hear the birds from your description..
Love your take on the sketch and I love candy!
Thank you for directing me to the beautiful verse. I may need to read is daily until my son comes home.

Kim Heggins said...

Gotta love the sunshine and the price too! You are so funny. I love your card, that is so fun and too cute. You are just so creative, I love it.

Leigh Penner said...

One of my very favourite things is feeling the sun on my skin!
Your card is super sweet, Bev!

Deepti said...

Those mints are yummy :)great take on the challenge and I heard the sounds through ur description, u r simply awesome in the way u write stuff :) and get good Vit D !

sweet art designs said...

Love the simple design concept-very striking

cm said...

I love x love the way you 'take' your vitamins! A healthy dose of sunshine, a quiet appreciation of your surroundings, a sense of peacefulness...you've made me feel healthier through your lovely, vivid description! Awesome! And that goes for your card, as well...awesome! Such a unique take on the challenge - and right now, I'm going to close my eyes, and imagine that a bowl of those sweet candies has landed on my desk...Hugs~c

Lindsey said...

Love how you interpreted this sketch. Such a cute card.

Pink Blossom Creations said...

Cute card. Fab sweets, love the way you have used them x

JD/ Jill said...

This is such a clever and fun card!

Linda Beeson said...

OK, that candy is just plain way too cute! So glad you played along at AAA Cards

Rosemary said...

hee... what a "sweet" card!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Such a clever use of the sketch~ those candies are too cute - Thanks for joining in at AAA!

Geri said...

Great post! I honestly caught myself taking a deep, relaxing breath as I read your words! Embrace the simple things...what a great reminder! Thanks!

A creative & clever idea perfectly transferred to paper! Sweet sentiment and yummy colored candies!

Monika Reeck said...

Bev your card is soooo sooo cuuteee I love those candy and Imagine it come to my mouth and so yummy now...I am still sitting here until 24:00 to commenting nearly all participant at AAA challenge and your card is now in my list :) I mean I wanna see it closer and I see this cuteness...and I see your face also on all cards that I commented today...you really a "queen" by giving commenting (I mean how can you get the time...I sometimes lost my time LOL) I think I am late to knowing you...I adore your card...hope you like to see my one too..its number 10 at AAA card challenge...hugs, Monika

Kim S said...

Thank you for sharing your experience - I need to take time to just close my eyes!

I LOVE this card! Your line of little candies are so fresh and cute - perfect for the sentiment.

Kim S said...

So I just popped over to Clear and Simple Stamps - what a cute set!! You've added to my wishlist!