Thursday 1 August 2013

A Sad Heart

It is with a very sad heart that I am posting today for the first time in 3 1/2 weeks. I have been away from blogland for that time because my dear mum passed away on Saturday 13th July after a long battle with cancer.

 
She first had cancer in 1999, but this illness had dated from 2007 and had been particularly traumatic and disressing because it was maxilo-facial cancer which required extensive and intrusive facial surgery. Despite having a lot of problems from the time of her surgery in 2007/8 mum battled on with incredible bravery - she was diagnosed as being terminally ill in summer 2008 but five more years were able to pass by where she was still with us.  However in May this year the specialists said it had returned and was untreatable, and since then she had a couple of hospice visits and grew increasingly weak. In the end mum deteriorated very suddenly and quickly which was merciful, and passed away in her local hospice where she had received fantastic care from the dedicated staff.

A few people who know me have sent some wonderful messages of support, though I haven't really felt up to posting until now. I have set up  the Jean Miles Tribute Fund in mum's memory to raise funds for the wonderful work of Ashgate Hospice where she was cared for - if anyone would like to show their support you can donate by:
I still can't face going back to work although I plan to return in the next few days. However, today I thought I had better look to the future and try to dip my toe into cardmaking once more ... mum always loved the cards I made. So here I am with my first card for soooo long ... and it is my DT card for this week's Lili's Little Fairies Challenge.

This week our challenge for Lili's Little Fairies is

Here Come The Girls

... so we would like to see your LotV images or die cut toppers of little girls, fairies or female bears.
 
We are sponsored by Crafty Ribbons with a £10 gift voucher.

 
Please check out the main blog for the fab girly-whirly creations from the rest of the team... here's my effort.

 
Stamps: LotV "Flower Fairy" and "Everyday Grungy Sentiments";
Media: image coloured with promarkers and Flexmarkers; edges of image distressed wtih "Milled Lavender" distress ink; image also sprinkled with "Shabby White" frantage embossing powder. and glamour dust on fairy wings;
Papers: LotV "Promises";
Supplies: flowers and lace from Wild Orchid Crafts; pearls from The Hobby House; ribbon from John Lewis; wooden butterfly shape (covered in frantage) from my stash;
Tools: "Floral Ovals" nestabilities; Magnolia Doohickey "heart swirl branch" die; La La Crafts "Filigree Corner" die (also covered in frantage).
 
 
Challenges:
 
 
Sentimental Sundays #165 - Anything With Wings
OSCC #236 - Add Flowers & Ribbon
Whimsy #61 - Ribbon & Lace (2nd entry)
Papercrafting Journey - Punches &/or Die Cuts
Simon Says (Wednesday) - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays # 131 - Anything Goes
 Creative Creations #15 - Anything Goes
 
 
That's all for today. As I start to settle down to what I guess is now going to be my new normality, I hope to be back before too long with more cards .. and I look forward to seeing your entries for this week's Lili's Little Fairies Challenge.
 
Hugs,

17 comments:

Claire said...

Oh Pauline, sending you lots of love and hugs, if you visit my post today I have also written about the awful disease. I can truly sympathise with how you are feeling right now at such a sad, sad time. It sounds like your Mum received some fantastic care and now you need to be positive and move on for her, although I know this will be difficult. This is where crafting comes into its own, its therapeutic and can take your mind off things. You have posted a gorgeous card today. Hugs, Claire xx

Lorraine A said...

I am so sorry to hear this sad news Pauline xxx sending a HUGE HUG sweetie xxx
Your card is gorgeous and sure that crafting is a great healer and will help you get through this difficult time xx

thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday and PTW Challenges
luv
Lols x x x

Wendy said...

So sorry to hear your very sad news Pauline, sending a big hug.
Love your card it's absolutely gorgeous and so sweet.
Hugs Wendy xx

Sue said...

My heart goes out to you Pauline, I am am so sorry to hear about your dear mum.
Your card is gorgeous, I love the sweet image and pretty colours.
Take care, sending you hugs
Sue xx

Tanya said...

I'm so so sorry for your loss Pauline :( My uncle passed a couple of months ago with cancer as well, it's such an awful disease :( Big hugs for you, take your time getting back to normal, there's no point whatsoever rushing yourself, take things at your own pace regardless of what anyone else says hun.

Take care

Tanya xx

ribenaruby said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss Pauline, hoping that you find comfort in your crafting. Such a beautiful card you've made....I'm hoping to be back after a 'big' break, healing thoughts coming your way Pauline, take care. Ruby x

Kat W said...

Such a sad story but I am so glad your Mum received such good care and it's lovely to see you back making cards.
I LOVE everything about this beautiful card - the sweet image, your colouring, and all the pretty embellies...and the fab Frantage :-)

Big hugs, Kat xx

Wendy said...

I'm back again Pauline, thanks for joining us at Totally Papercrafts this week with your gorgeous card.
Wendy x

Debs said...

Oh Pauline I am so sorry to read your news about your dear Mum. It sounds like she was an incredibly strong woman and I'm sure that is what she would want you to be too. Crafting is a good starting point to keep you busy and so therapeutic too.
Your card is simply stunning.
Take care
Debs xx

Heather said...

I'm sorry to here about you Mum Pauline, I'm sending lots of love and hugs to you xxxx

Your card is beautiful, lovely design and colours - your image is delightful and gorgeous detailing!!

Thanks so much for joining us at Simon Say Stamp Wednesday Challenge
hugs
Heather xx

Whisper said...

Thinking of you and your family at this time.

Your card is stunning, and such a sweet image too, Luv Sam x

Crafty Lark said...

Sending you loads of hugs Pauline, take good care each day. You have posted such a gorgeous card beautifully coloured and embellished. xx Flora

Flutterby Trina said...

sorry to read your sad news, your card is beautiful! Thanks for playing along with us at Creative Creations Challenges with our 'Anything Goes' challenge! Good Luck, remember you can enter upto three times and we have a DT call :) Hope to see you again soon xxx

Judith said...

such a sad time for you, and you have produced a brilliant card. Thank you for entering the Creative Creations Challenges with our 'Anything Goes' challenge! Good Luck.

Anonymous said...

I was so sorry to hear about your Mum, Pauline, and I have been thinking of you ever since. I hope your Dad is okay.

It's so good to see you back in blogland, posting your beautiful cards.
xxx

Sandy S said...

My hearts tears for your loss Pauline... wishing you and your family lots of love and hugs at this time...

Your card is fabulous and so very very pretty...

Thanks for joining us at Sentimental Sundays...

Sandy S
~Sentimental Sundays DT

Kara Curry said...

This is a wonderful creation with great details and its perfect for our "wholesale ribbon" challenge. Thanks for sharing your talent in DIY with cheap grosgrain ribbon. Good luck.