Saturday, December 13, 2014

Quiet Saturday Morning

I just love mornings. No matter what day it is, or where I am, I always get up early. It's the best time of day for me. There's quietness to be enjoyed. There's a cup or two of coffee. There's a little workout. There's day planning. Some mornings, I think about the post I want to write and get the basics down in my head. This morning I spent some time reminiscing about my youngest son. He turns 35 today. For all you young moms, those 35 years have gone by in a blink of an eye. It's been a blessing to watch him grow. And now he's a dad with four little ones of his own, and I swear, these grandchildren are growing up even faster than he did! I think my joy for the day will be to think often of all those whom I love and give thanks to God for having them in my life! And that includes you....So, if you've got 2-3 minutes, stop and think of all the people whom you love, and smile. It's a good day.

"Card?," you ask. Well, naturally I have a card. It's a Christmas card. And I'm funny about Christmas cards. I stopped sending them after about the 12th grandchild was born. The postage got to be ridiculous, as we sent out what seemed to me to be 500 cards. And I like to keep things personal - I'd add a note in the card for each and every person/family. Waaaay too much time. I did try just signing our names, but it just didn't feel right. DH started doing a Christmas letter. Good idea, but that also, got to be waaaay too wordy. And postage kept going up (and up). So one year, I dusted off my hands and said "no more." It's been at least 8 grandchildren ago. Maybe one of these years I'll start up again. "But why are you making Christmas cards," you may ask, "if you don't send them?" DH still sends out a few to colleagues and special people. So dear friends, please don't be offended if you don't get a card from me. I promise that I'm thinking of you and praying for you in this Holy season, and always.

And now to the card I've made... It's for CASology. Had a small ping, and went with it. Here's the cue-card:


And my CAS take on it:


A big thank you to dear sweet Anita for the amazing linen-textured paper that frames my card. The branch is a NBUS from Memory Box, and the ornament is a cut file from Silhouette. Both the branch and ornament papers were out of my scrapbox. Michaels white base. There's a sentiment on the inside. I didn't want to take away from the simplicity of the design with anything else. I think it speaks of Christmas well enough on its own. And now I'm off to call the birthday boy. Happy dances everyone.

19 comments:

Meg said...

This is just beautiful - it caught my eye immediately.

Susanne Vargas said...

Your card is so gorgeous with the framed silver branch and that red ornament!
I wish I was a morning person but I'm not... My DH enjoys those quiet morning hours before we all get up!
Hope your son has a wonderful birthday!

Geri said...

Love your post again dear friend!

And love your card! The branch is gorgeous! I was sure that you had embossed it! No sentiment needed - great call!

Now, I'm off to search out the ornament file (which might already be in my files, but forgotten!

Ardyth said...

So elegant and pretty! Love the pop of red! Thanks for joining us at CASology this week!

Kim Heggins said...

Bev, this is stunning, really stunning! I love the clean lines and beauty of your card. And I do have to agree with you, time does fly and it seems the older you get the faster it zips by. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Sending hugs your way.

Deepti said...

Your card is soooooo pretty. I can't get my eyes off it !

Darnell said...

I think this is such a winning CASlicious card, Bevie!! I'm mesmerized by how simple, striking, and elegant it is! And, my goodness, I sure agree with you about how time goes by in the blink of an eye!! LITS!! Happy Holiday Hugs, Darnell

Lynn said...

So much to be thankful for Bev. Happy birthday to your son! We had the boys holiday show choir concert where alumni come back last night and I thought one more year and I'll have an alumni. Time sure does fly. Love the detail on the silver branch on your card.

OH Babs said...

A beautiful card Bev. From one grandma to another I hear you but I only have 4 little guys. I too love the silence in the morning when the juices flow and I can day dream. No music, no tv, just my own thoughts. You are not only blessed with a family but blog friends, and a gift of creativity in words and art.

Brenda said...

This is a gorgeous card Bev! Like you I like morning too, it was my time alone to sit and meditate or to do some chores without anyone under foot. Now that I'm kidless, I still get up early, just not as early as I used too. And when it I get kidless?!!! I raised 6 boys and you would have thought that would have dragged on forever, but I swear those 32 years flew by in the blink of an eye! We only have 7 grandkids, but more will be coming. lol And I do so enjoy them as well. Love that I can be the "good guy" now and can give them back. lol And yes, they are growing faster than my son's did! How does that happen?! A lot of people have gotten to the same place with Christmas cards. I used to send out lots too, but I have cut back as well and have been thinking of just not doing it at all, but can't bring myself to that point quite yet although I fear that one day I will be there! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Bev! Hugs, Brenda

cm said...

Mornings are my special time, too...a cup of coffee and a visit to blogland, as a start. Then, when the sun begins to rise, I open the drapes and wave a the Three Sisters mountains I see in the distance. Beautiful. As for not sending cards: makes complete sense to me. How I wish the postage folks would realize that the higher the prices, the less people use their services. Still, I LOVE to make Christmas cards (and I have to justify all the Christmas products I've bought *grin*). Happy Birthday (belated) to your son, and yes, time flies. Today, sending 'grateful for YOU' thoughts your way; hope you catch them! Your card: perfect and Christmas-y as is! Gorgeous! Have an excellent Sunday, my friend!
Hugs~c

Joyce said...

Such a pretty card. I love that silver branch, and the red ornament really pops. Thanks so very much for playing along at CASology this week.

Judy1223 said...

Why can't I have "small pings" like that?! This is simply gorgeous, Bev! Wow...so many things to love about this card. Simply shiny and beautiful! Thanks for joining us at CASology!

Melissa said...

Bev, this is breathtaking!!! W.O.W! I'm just staring at this, amazed. :)
Thanks so much for joining us over at CASology again!

Leigh Penner said...

Wow, 35.... My oldest son is 15 (& just got his learner's permit!) and I keep thinking: "But wasn't it just a couple of years ago that you were a toddler, so busy and getting into everything?"
Your card is very pretty!

Patti said...

WOW!! this is a show stopper! WOW!!

Love your post : ) I like mornings too and the middle of the day and the late late nights LOL I actually wish I never had to sleep. I know weird huh?

Glad to hear you are enjoying your time to stop and smell the sweet aroma of life.

BIG (((Hugs)))

Patti

Marybeth said...

Bev your post is beautiful and I could not agree more with you on how fast the kids grow up. Its a happy sad. We are so blessed to have them all, I know you know that.
Your card is simply stunning!
For some reason when I use my iPad it won’t let me comment. I get disgraced and forget to come back.
No problem with my computer though!
Hugs to you sweet friend!

Anita in France said...

You're welcome, Bev ... you make that cardstock shine! Beautiful post, beautiful card ... well, more like stunningly beautiful, sweet friend ... every single little detail ... *sigh*! Hugs, Anita :)

Kylie said...

Oh my this is such a beautiful, elegant card, Bev!

I totally understand what you are saying about Christmas cards. I cut my list a LOT this year and I think it will be reduced even further next year. I LOVE making them but they do take up a LOT of time and my non-crafty friends really don't appreciate them.

I'm rambling. lol All I really wanted to say was that I LOVE your card. :)