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Monday, March 7, 2011

Unintended Inspiration

No, I didn't fall of the face of the earth...I've just been caught up in my own little corner of the world...it's the safest place to be, with people who I know love me unconditionally, who are happy to see me, who encourage and support me.  A little "snafu" with a swap and some unkind words on a forum that's important to me sent me retreating to my place of comfort...my family, my home, my crafty room. 
I was reminded today that life can be short...unpredictable...uncontrollable when my daughter and her husband lost their beloved dog, Gus.  Gus chose to do something he had never before done...to run into the road.  He was hit by a car and killed.  Gus was a sweet boy...truly their baby, and he will be missed.   
He will be buried tonight, at our home, and I'm doing the only thing I can think of to help them out...I'm making a great dinner for them.  Pork roast, potatoes, corn, salad and homemade bread.
I've also been reminded that inspiration many times comes from places or at times that we would never imagine.  Many people ask me what inspired me to name my blog "This Pink Rooster"...I always say it's an interesting story.  A little over a year ago I lost my job.  Several days later my mom asked me to take her and friend to an antique mall about an hour away to pick up something that her friend had purchased.  I didn't want to.  I had literally not had one minute alone since I was told I would no longer have a job, and I just wanted to have some time alone to deal with it.  My mom wouldn't take no for answer, and I finally, reluctantly agreed to go.  In that antique mall...over an hour away...I was mesmerized by this set of canisters.
They were a little pricey...but I was so drawn to them...and despite the unemployment looming in my future, they came home with me.  I've never regretted that decision...they've been an image that means something to me...that has inspired me.  
Losing Gus inspired me back to the blog...for a reason that I don't quite understand...but I appreciate it. 
If you've hung in through this post, I'm also sharing my contribution to this week's Make It Monday challenge at Papertrey Ink.  The challenge was all about distressing, and I have to say that distressing is one of my absolutely FAVORITE looks!  I've teamed up some October Afternoon Modern Homemaker paper, Nestabilities Blossoms and a PTI sentiment with twine for this fun look.  The twine reminds me of brightly colored, striped birthday candles, and I just love what it adds to this card!  To meet the challenge I've distressed the card base and all paper edges including the blossoms. 
Thanks so much for visiting and for your sweet comments.
Have a great afternoon!

37 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful card, love that background paper and the different colour bakers twine :)

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  2. Oh my goodness Sue! I wondered where you have been and have missed your posts, both on the forum and on your blog. Many many hugs to you! So sorry to hear about Gus. That is so heartbreaking. On a bright note, I love your card, and the combination of old and new. The bright colors on the vintage background look amazing. And I can see why you had to have those pink rooster canisters. They are beautiful! Such a great story behind them too. My thoughts will be with you tonight as you say goodbye to Gus. Hope to see you posting more soon. You are missed!

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  3. I am so sorry about Gus ...... that is such a hard thing. My dog did that when I was a little girl and I still carry that with me today. But you being the good momma you are ....... you are doing what we do best ...... get in the kitchen and feed people!!! And you should be so happy that I do not live near you or you might see me repelling down from a tree with night vision goggles locating those babies !!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the canisters!!!! And well the card is so happy, I was a roller skater kinda girl when I was a young whipper snapper!!! Come back to the MB and blog world ....... you have been missed!!!!

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  4. I am so sad to hear about Gus! It is heartbreaking to lose a dear friend, especially so suddenly.

    On a lighter note, I love your card (I'm a big fan of October Afternoon papers). You did a great job with the challenge!

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  5. Oh, Sue. I am so sorry to hear about Gus. We don't have any animals, but I have seen how awful it can be to lose one. They're truly like family. :( I'll keep your whole family in my prayers.

    I love your card. It's very cute and I love the image of the little girl on the paper. It fits in so perfectly with the card.

    I'm sorry you had swap issues - been there, done that. Sometimes it IS best to step away for a bit and recompose. I hope you have a lovely rest of the week and that things, tonight, go smoothly for your daughter and her husband...and for you,too.

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  6. So sad for your family, I know that losing a pet is so hard to deal with. On top of unkind words on a forum and losing your job - wow - not a good start to your year. Its great you could pick yourself up and get back in there with this beautiful card.

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  7. I am so sorry to hear about your forum incident and the loss of your grandpuppy. We missed you. Those canisters are to die for.
    TFS
    Ang

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  8. So sorry to hear of your loss - a pet is truly man's best friend. Love your story of the pink rooster! And love your birthday card too!!

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  9. So sorry to hear of your loss.
    Your card is really pretty. I reaaly liked reading on how you got your blog name.

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  10. So sorry about Gus!

    Your card is fuN! I love the three colors of twine and the beautiful papers!

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  11. Sue, I'm very sorry to hear about Gus! We had that very thing happen to us in November with our little Linus. Such a tragedy and I hope that you all have many memories of Gus that help.

    You created a wonderful card ... you always do ... thanks for sharing! Hugs to you!

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  12. And I wanted to tell you the saying from Penzey's on my refrig:
    "Love People.
    Cook them tasty food."

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  13. I am so sorry to hear about Gus. It is never easy to lose a pet but this had to be even harder because it was so sudden and unexpected. I am also sorry to hear you were made to feel bad in a forum. I hate it when that happens. Your canisters are very cool, glad you bought them. Your card is great too!

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  14. Sue,
    So sorry to hear about Gus.....so tragic and sad and I will pray that you all find strength. I love my dog Phil just like he was another of my sons so I can't imagine. I'm glad to see you back, I have missed you!! Beautiful card, beautiful stories you have shared....thank you.

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  15. Wonderful card! Your blog is on my list of favorites and I love all that you create. So sorry to hear about your misfortunes but glad that you sound positive.

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  16. One...I always absolutely adored the name of your blog.
    And now seeing those canisters and how they inspired it...
    I would have bought those canisters too.
    Two...I'm so sorry for your daughter's...family's...loss.
    It hard when someone we love leaves us...
    whether a person or an animal...
    we still love them.
    Three...your card is gorgeous.
    Love that background paper with the colorful dots...
    adorable!

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  17. I'm so sorry that it's been rough! I did enjoy the story of how you named your blog, I have always wondered where the name came from!

    Your card is so adorable!! Love the distressing you did!

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  18. So sorry to here about gus.Pets truly hold a special place in our hearts.For me the best thing that I could of ever done was to go out and get another puppy right away.

    I don't blame you for bringing those canisters home!! I don't even have one rooster in my home,but there is just something about those roosters that I just love!!

    I always love the creations that you share with us, and this is no exception.Love the papers and the way that you used the twine!

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  19. Oh Sue! I hope that the unkind words weren't on a forum that I know! You are too sweet for that! And I have been a witness to what I have named "Swap Riots"...people sure can be skeery when it comes to getting their "share", eek!

    Sending hugs to you and your daughter and son-in-law. What a great Mom you are...sounds like you had a really great teacher in your own. Those cannisters are awesome! Now I have another reason to hope for summer...flea markets, garage sales, yippee!

    And did I tell you that your card is AWESOME! I am hoarding every scrap of that OA line!

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  20. So sorry about Gus. Losing a pet is never easy. Hope to see you around blogland and the forums soon.

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  21. I'm so sorry about Gus. I'm sure your home cooked meal and sharing time together is a great comfort to your family.

    On a lighter note...Wow. I really love this happy and colorful card. It's screams fun!

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  22. Wow - I came to your blog after seeing your adorable card on the PTI page. I love how you used multiple colors of twine to match the papers! Charming and sweet! As i read your blog post I was so sad to read of the loss of your daughter and son-in-law's sweet Gus! My heart goes out to your whole family! Big Hugs! Love the pink rooster canisters and how they inspired the name of your blog. Adorable! I hope all goes well with your job situation in the future. Whenever God closes a door somewhere he opens a window - may the spring breeze blow blessings into your life!

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  23. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Gus! I know your daughter will appreciate the meal and your comfort during this time!
    On another note, I've missed you on the forum! I was so happy to see you contributed to the MIM, and I love your card!

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  24. I'm so sorry to hear about Gus. Hugs to all of you. Thanks for sharing about "Pink Rooster" and how you were drawn back to your blog. You have friends here. Hugs again.

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  25. Sue I am so sorry to hear your news! I know that is so hard when they are like family members! On a happier note those canisters are adorable! And then your card? Super cute! I love it!!

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  26. Sue, this is so heartfelt, thanks for sharing...I'm sorry you had a bad experience on a forum...I'm surprised that people choose to air negativity when the stamping community should be supportive, positive and uplifting...glad you are back and sharing this amazing card!! I just picked up these papers and you are inspiring me to mix them up like you've done here ...fabulous :)

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  27. I am so sorry to hear about the hurt you suffered from the unkind words, and I am deeply sorry about the loss of your daughter's dog. I just can't even imagine...

    I hope that you look at this sweet card you created and see a little bit of happiness and sunshine...because that is exactly what it is!! I love the colors, and the cute mix of baker's twine you used!! ♥♥♥

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  28. Totally vintage-fab! I know it is a small consession for some downer days but your card is lovely and I hope getting crafty was a much needed injection of joy into your days. Your card is amazing and incredibly inspiring to me. Thank you for that!

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  29. What a wonderful card. Takes me back to my childhood...

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  30. I'm so sorry to hear about Gus. I've missed you at the forum and I'm sorry to hear that you've stepped away because you were hurt. You're a wonderful person, Sue! Your card is beautiful. OA is perfect for a distressed look/card. You did a fab job. I love to read about how the canisters inspired you to name your blog.

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  31. I love your card - it reminds me of all things sweet, candy, parties and even people. I hope you and your family have a good day! Lots of love for Gus.

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  32. Love the card -- sorry to hear about Gus though. :( And I love reading about the canisters!

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  33. What a beautifully written blog entry. It was very touching. It's so tough losing a pet.
    Your card is perfection! I really love it and welcome back to blogging :)

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  34. Sue my heart goes out to you and your daughter and her husband for the loss of Gus. What a tragic accident. Nothing I can say will ease the pain.
    I'm also sorry about your swap/MB experience. Some people just don't have the ability to be kind. They deserve our pity, not our time and our emotional interest. Let it go and move on.

    I was delighted to see the reason and read about the naming of your blog. Fabulous find!

    Oh and your card needs to come to my house! Can I give you my mailing address? I think it is the cutest card I've seen in many, many months.

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  35. I am sorry about Gus! May God help your daughter and the family to cope with this terrible loss.

    Your 'story' about the blog title was very touching. And inspiring!

    Loved your fabulous card and all that distressing.

    Hugs,
    Smita

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  36. Mom,
    Thank you for including us in your wonderful blog during this extremely hard time in our lives! You truly are the best mama anyone could ask for! And thank you to everyone else for your kind and endearing words for our sweet Gus! It is always nice to know that there are many others who can relate to your situation. It makes you feel less alone in your world.

    Love you (and your creative mind) Mom! xoxo

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