A week ago I had planned to unveil my delicious Stampin’ Schach Blog Candy when tragedy struck my family. With the death of Missy the Boxer, celebrating was the last thing on my mind. A week has passed, and today marks the 11th anniversary of when we adopted Missy. Your kind words have helped to heal, and although a void still exists, I have reached the realization that I still have many reasons to celebrate. These are symbolized in my blog candy:
- My First Year Anniversary as a Stampin’Up! Demonstrator occurred February 1st! Since paper is the traditional gift for first anniversaries, this blog candy contains over 75 six inch by six inch card stock squares!
- The unconditional love of Missy the Boxer for almost eleven years. There was no buddy like my buddy. Therefore, I have included an unmounted “Snow Buddies” Hostess Level 2 set from the last Holiday Mini.
- A “perfect” 34 year career as a teacher. I have loved every minute of it. Since it was a “plum” job, I have included a new “Perfect Plum” Stampin’ Write Marker!
- A blog whose readers and followers are tied together by their love of stamping and papercrafting. To symbolize this tie that binds, I have included a roll of Certainly Celery Ribbon from last year’s Sale-a-bration Ribbon Bundle.
- Virtual friends whose words have comforted me. What could better represent this than the 2009 Level 1 Hostess Set, “Comfort Food”!
- Valentine’s Day! Real Red Classic Ink to symbolize red roses.
- I have also added a few cute brads, some silk flowers, and bling simply because I wanted to!
In addition, I am also including this card, which was selected as a Clean and Simple Favorite a few months ago on Splitcoast. I feel that it’s sentiment, from Vintage Vogue, is very appropriate in light of my recent life experiences.
And so, “Donut Be Sad”, come “Celebrate” with me! Starting with today’s post through next Thursday’s Pals Paper Arts challenge card post, please leave a comment. At 10:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 18th, I will use a random number generator to select a winner from all of the comments left during this time span. The more you comment, the greater your chances of winning! The winner will be announced on “The Stampin’ Schach” on Saturday, February 19th. The winner will need to email their address to me.
Remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, please do not hesitate to email me. I am always willing to answer your questions! And by the way, did you notice my newest badge under my signature? Another reason to celebrate, and to purchase your Stampin’ Up! products from me. Until next time…
I want to thank the blogger very much not only for this post but also for his all previous efforts. I found http://www.stampinchic.com to be greatly interesting. I will be coming back to http://www.stampinchic.com for more information.
Oh yes, I visited you via Mary Fish and you were telling us about the bad news. I know how you feel and welled up with tears. My oldest is a huge fur baby and 11 1/2 and this summer I adopted a basset hound from a rescue league. I love your blog and hope to spend many happy hours with you. I have lost two fur babies in the past and it is hard. Maggie was 17 1/2 when she died. Anyway, thanks for sharing your creativeness – you are amazing!
Chris R. from Iowa
ckrobinson01@hotmail.com
wow! this card is absolutely gorgeous! Glad to have found you!!!
Congratulations on your anniversary, Ann! I enjoy seeing your work every Thursday.
Thanks for sharing all your beautiful work and your tips. You have done so much in only one year! Congratulations on all your success!
i am so very sorry for your loss of your dog,your companion, your friend. I too, am a dog lover. I do not know what I would do if I did not have my dog in my life right now. She is so much company to me and a true friend. She lifts me up every day. I hope your heart will heal. Celebrate by adopting another dog from a shelter. I did and she is a diamond in the rough!!!!
Ok, I cried again at just the mention of your boxer’s death. I am so attached to my own little Gracie, I can’t imagine how hard it will be when she is gone.
Congratulations though on your 1st year anniversary. Judging by your blog I would have guessed you to be an “old pro”. Your blog is awesome.
Ann, so sorry for your loss. I look at my wee canine friend sleeping in her basket by my feet and would find it very hard not having her here.She’s my constant companion.
I love that every item in your blog candy has a personal meaning to you and thank you for a chance to win it. Happy Anniversary to you too!
Ann, so sorry for your loss of your special boxer. It is always hard to lose a pet. Congs on your celebration and thanks so much for the chance to win your blog candy. I love your blog and ideas. Linda
Hi Ann….What an honor to Missy! Thanks for all the inspiration and great creations….and the chance to win such yummy treats!
Hugs to you….Cindy
The Medallion is one of those stamps that I really didn’t think much of at first but I have seen so many great samples with it that I must buy it soon. I’m sorry for your recent loss of Missy. When we lost our yellow lab Tawney after 14 years, we grieved for 3 years. Pekoe, a beautiful Brittany, came along and healed the hurt for the next 13 years. When he went to doggie heaven I told my husband we just couldn’t grieve like we had over Tawney, so we adopted Katie, the most wonderful Havanese from heaven. Having Katie hasn’t made us forget the others, in fact she reminds of all the love we have shared with our pets throughout our live and we know we have been blessed again and again.
Didn’t realize you’ve been a teacher for 34 years. No wonder your blog is so fun to read, and your creations are absolutely perfect. Hard to believe you’ve only been a demo for a year though. Guess it was a natural fit as your talents are inspirational. So sorry for your loss…but this too shall pass. Hang in there! Thanks for the chance to win some awesome candy.
Leslie said …
I am very privileged to be able to celebrate first hand with you. I have known the “Beloved Missy” since you brought her home, and while losing her is painful, she had a life she would never have had without you. She got to experience the greatest love and care that she could ever have hoped for, despite her grim beginnings. Not only was she a miracle in your life, but you were definitely a miracle in hers.
Hard to believe you have been a demo for only one year. Your creations are beautiful and yet, I don’t feel intimidated when I try to CASE them. I cried when I read about your loss. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet.
So hard to lose a pet – enjoy your blog
Claudia
Ann,
Just found your blog. Love it! I am sorry to read of the loss of Missy. They do get to be like family. You do such a neat job with your cards.
Ann,
Just found your blog. Love it! I am sorry to read of the loss of Missy. They do get to be like family. You do such a neat job with your cards.
Beautiful Ann….just beautiful!
{SMILES}
Ann, what a sweet gift from a sweet person! Congrats on your celebration, and so sorry for the loss of your beloved Missy. 🙁
((HUGS))
Ann, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Missy the Boxer. Pets are truly part of one’s family and I can only hope that all the wonderful memories of your buddy will help comfort you at this time. 🙂
Ann,
I forgot to add that the card included in your blog candy is beautiful! Simply stunning!
Inky hugs,
Janet
Ann, I just love your designs! They are always so inspiring and creative. My heart went out to you when I heard about the loss of your beloved companion. It will get easier with time. Mine was 17 when I lost her. Hang in there!
The verse on your card is fitting for all phases of the difficult time in our lives! Whether person or pet we should celebrate their lives!
Ilene B.
A loss of a pet is such a tough one to take, because of their unconditional love. Although it’s us that do the formality of adopt them, they’re the ones that ultimately choose us. Your blog candy is a great way to commemorate the life of Missy . . . each time the item(s) get used, they’ll think think of you and Missy! Hang in there!
Awwww just look at this little gem.. isn’t Missy just the prettiest little thing? Notice I said ‘isn’t’ rather than ‘wasn’t’.. our Asti is still an ‘is’..
shucks I’m waffling again.
A few days since I’ve been on over here, what with work etc, but I’ve missed a treat! Stunning works of art, and the medallion stamp card is just stupendorous! I’ve got this stamp, but not used it yet.. is’t that tragic.
Much love to you and yours,
Love Jo xx
Congratulations on your Anniversary!
Best of luck in the future
I am so sorry about the passing of your beloved pet. Love and memories really help to cope.
What a wonderful tribute to Missy! It’s tough to loss a furry friend but the fond memories you have of her will live forever in your heart.
I love your blog and your cards. Keep on Stampin’!
Your friend and fan,
Angie
What a nice way to celebrate the memory of your beloved Missy! I loved reading all of the stories about her over your past blog posts. Thank you for sharing a little of her to the rest of the world! We are huge dog lovers, but because we are stationed overseas have chosen not to have one due to space constraints. I can’t wait to move back “home” and finally add to our family.
Jamie
okicrafter@yahoo.com
People that don’t own dogs just don’t get it, but it sounds as if they are coming around and realize that they are just like our children. I have had many “Buddies” and it never gets easier when they have to go, we just have to remember that they are in a much better place waiting for us as they did in life. I am so sorry for your loss and know that time will ease the pain.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!! I hope you had a love-filled day of sweet memories.
What a generous blog candy giveaway!! You’re the best!
Congrats on your 1 year Anniversary with SU!
Awwwww, I’m so sorry about your furry friend. It’s so tough to lose a family member.
I wanted to tell you that I find your card very inspiring. They’re always so classy and elegant. You have a natural talent for this.
Like others have commented, I never would have known you were doing this for a year! It’s amazing.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win some blog candy. That’s very sweet of you.
A lot of people would just wallow in their sadness over this loss. You know that feeling good comes in giving to others. Thanks for your wonderful blog. Take Care!
Ann I am so sorry for your loss. Its so hard to have our loving pets for so many years, they become like one of our kids. I lost my Darla a yr ago and a month later my daughter knew how sad I was and told me She had a friend that needed to find a home for her 2 yr old Boston terrier. I took her into my home and I just love her. It was the best thing I could have done for myself. Bella will never replace Darla but she has been a wonderful comfort. Oh a happy note I love your card, it just beautiful.
Dear Ann, I still get tears when I think of your loss. Pets are such dear members of our families and we know that we will always have a hole in our heart when they leave us. And yet we continue to add to our family by adopting another pet because what is life without them? My pets happen to have fluffy white feathers rather than fur, but they have been with me for 25+ years and are truly like my children. Bless you for carrying on in Missy’s honor and thank you for the chance to win such lovely Candy.
Hugs, Barbara in SC
Ann, while I don’t have pets I can tell you back in December my daughter came home with a kitten, the cutest little thing you ever saw. We just couldn’t keep it, my husband is allergic. We had named her SMOKEY because she had this beautiful coloring. A friend of ours came over and we asked if he could take it and he did. Now we had only had her a month, but when she was gone, I was very sad. Every time I fed her she would claw her way (and I mean claw I have the scars to prove it!) up my leg into my lap and up onto my shoulders. Thank goodness we found her a good home and we can see her whenever we would like, but to get back on track….it was a loss for us in a way and we were very sad and empty so I know how you are feeling. You are a classy woman and you deserve to mourn your most precious friend…Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.
I am sending you some hugs from NY…
Always,
Terry~~
I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet friend..your tribute is beautiful. I think your artwork is beautiful as well!!
I’m so sorry to hear about Missy, losing a four-legged baby is so hard. I still get sad thinking about my Belle.
I also feel your pain. We had a cat for 14 years, and I still can’t walk past the pet food aisle in the grocery store without thoughts of her! Supposedly time heals — I guess I’m now aware that she’s in a better place, but the pain is still there! I love your work! Thank you always for sharing!
I just joined your blog one week ago but I still cried when I read about your loss last week. Pets find a very dear place in our heart.
I just love your valentine card. The card has elegance, simplicity and is stunning!
Keep up the great work. My dog Bailey sends her hugs to you in comfort.
Patty M.
So glad to see your celebrating !!!! I am sure Missy would have wanted that to…
Just remember all the good times and all the joy she brought to you and your family…
Hugs
Darlene-Joy
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is never easy, but she will always live in your heart.
I can’t believe that I just now found your blog. I love it! Thanks so much…I can tell you’re a teacher at heart.
What a generous way to remember your pet! Your blog is inspiring, and I thank you for sharing your time and talent. And I’ve taught 34 years, too! It’s a great way to spend your day!
It’s always hard to lose something that you love. By celebrating Missy’s life, she is never truly gone.
What a precious face…I love the photos you post of Missy. I know you are missing her and love how you have honored her life. She was as lucky to have you as you were to have her. I can feel your love for her in your posts. Hang in there, it DOES get better. Awesome blog candy!
Wow! I love love love this card. Seriously Ann you have such a talent. It amazes me. Sorry to hear of your loss.
You go girl! Celebrate Life! Thanks for sharing your talents. I love reading your blog and seeing your creative ideas. Anne in MN
OH,my goodness! I have just started following your blog and was looking at some past things and saw your story about Missy. I cried and cried and cried. We have a lab that got hit by a school bus. It will be two years in March and he is still with us. I can’t imagine life without him. my sister-in-law has a cockapoo that is in poor health. He has tumors on his back leg and they want to remove the leg. He has diabetes and arthritis. We all love that dog and I know his days are numbered. It will definitely be hard. Well enought sad things, lets get to the happy. What a blog!!!!!! You are good. Thanks for sharing your talent and thanks for the opportunity to win CANDY.
Anne Allen
When a master loses his/her pet it’s like losing one’s arm. I received a card with the following verse when we lost one our Lil’ darlings: “I heard somebody define heaven as a place where, when you get there, all the dogs you ever loved run to greet you” May you remember all the joys Missy brought you and you lose your sadness along the way. I love all your works of art.
Ann, you are so clever and your love for Missy the Boxer has always been evident! Thanks for the “celebratory” post! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Our Bernice is 9. I can’t imagine how hard it will be to lose her. It is very generous of you to give away when you are still sad. I hope that soon you will be moving ahead but with just a little hole in your heart, not a gaping one, like now.
Hi Ann,
I´m so sad, too, that your beloved dog has gone. I can imagine how you and your family feel, our dachshund Tinka was 13 years old, when she has to go. Until yet we can´t deceide to have a new dog.We are often thinking of her, the funny things she made and the joy of having Tinka in our family. But this was the past, we all have to look forward.
Thank you for getting the chance to win your super blog candy. These are really a lot of celebrations.
First of all your loved Missy.
Being a teacher for such a long time. My daughter, I told you, has arrived today in the States and on Tuesday is her first visitation at school. She get the chance to help and learn how to teach. She is very excited.
Valentine: I think this is a special day to say “thank you”to our favorite friends and “I love you” to our partner.
And I have to say a great thank you because I learn a lot from you in your blog.
hugs and smiles
Conny
P.S. The american address still exists.;)
I thought of one thing you forgot to put on your list of things you can celebrate: Your amazing artistic talent. Your work always inspires me. I pray you will be comforted during this sad time. Blessings!
Hi Ann,
I know that time to time you will still cry about Missy. But I’m glad that you have decided to honor her life & what she meant to you. I have a 10 year old Maine Coon cat. She is my baby. I keep telling her that she must try to live as long as she can. Her sister passed away at 5. It brings a smile to my face to remember her. I appauld you for finding reasons to celebrate not only Missy’s life but your own as well!
I love your site & your beautiful work. Thanks for sharing it with us! Amy
I feel your loss. I too have lost a boxer, over 40 years ago and still can recall some of his tricks and what a wonderful “shadow” he was. His name was Shadrack and if asked he could say “momma”.
it is so devastating to lose a pet because they are truly a family member. I hope you will find comfort in the memories of Missy soon. Thank you for taking the time to think of us by offering such wonderful candy. I love the description of affection you describe for each item. Hugs~Donna
Ann, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious, Missy. I lost one of my dogs a few days before Christmas and started the new year finding out my other dog has cancer andher days are numbered 🙁 It’s so hard to say goodbye but we have those sweet memories to hold on to.
Thank you for the chance to win your blog candy-hugs to you and your family!
Elizabeth
I love how you were so mindful of the different symbols that mean something so heartfelt for your anniversary and recent loss. Fill the void in your heart with loving memories.
Ann,
May you be comforted by the loving memories of your beloved pet. They are such wonderful little people! Your talent is so wonderful! May the good wishes help sustain you during your time of sorrow.
Sandra R.
What a wonderful person you are. Not to mention warm, so very creative and amazing. I love what you stamped on your beautiful card. “Live happens, love helps” Oh so very true.
Mary
Thank you for the offer and Congrats on your anniversary. I love to see your creations and see your posts on this blog. I pray that God will bless you through this time of grieving. Hope you have a great Valentine’s Day!
You are one amazing talented and beautiful person!
Ann, I am sorry for your loss…nad very grateful for your ability to see (with clear eyes) the good that you had and the good that will surely come to be. Thanks for all that you share of yourself.
I agree with Marsha…I am an avid fan.
Sorry about Missy and I am glad you are celebrating her life.
Ann, I read your blog with tears running down my face. I have been in your position many times and totally understand your pain. Bless you for sharing your talent, your story, and a little bit of your life with us. Hugs, Barb
Ann – I am a big fan of your work. Thanks for posting such inspirational ideas. I am sorry to hear about the passing of your “best friend”. Our pets are our family members and it is so sad when they leave our lives. But they will always stay in our hearts.
Thanks Ann! You are such an inspiration, in cardmaking and in life!
Ann, I do not post often but read your blog daily. Thanks for sharing your life with us. I miss Missy with you, I have two Schnauzers that are older ladies and it pains me to think of loosing them…each day is to be enjoyed as I know you did with Missy. Happy Valentine’s Day! Pam {hugs}
Ann, I found your blog only a few months ago and I love everything that you have shared. I look forward to every post that you send. I had the impression that you have been a demonstrator for years – your work is absolutely gorgeous. I appreciate how you present your projects with all your tips, helping to add success for the rest of us.
I’m so sorry that your Missy has passed on, it leaves such a void in our lives to loose our dearly loved pets, my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope that your Sweet Missy and my Sweet Snickers have met up in doggie heaven – I’m sure that they would get along great.
Thank you for offering such a wonderful and generous blog candy. The card that you are including is delightful.
Deb :o)
So sorry to hear about your dog. So hard to lose someone you love. Your card is a beautiful card.
It’s always so sad to loose a pet this way. They become part of the family so fast. Congrats on your one year anniversary and the chance to win some blog candy.
Dear Ann, I always enjoy your blog; your posts are always so well written and your family’s loss of Missy touched me. Pets are such a gift to us! Thanks for the blog candy!
Oh, Ann, your blog candy is wonderful, but your reasons for choosing each item are even more incredible. You never cease to amaze me with your wisdom, advice, love of life, and your deep love and caring for all that you do. Congratulations on your first year anniversary with SU! and your 34th year teaching. I bet you are an absolutely incredible teacher! And, you cheered me up in your time of need. Now, that’s an amazing person!
Anne,
My heart goes out to you in your time of loss,but I am celebrating with you the joys of having your beloved Missy in your life and those beautiful memories that will sustain you in your grief process.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations with us here on your blog. You are a very gifted artist and teacher! And of course ,I love the blog candy! Thanks for the chance to win!
Inky hugs,
Janet
I am so sorry for your loss. I know from personal experience you will always miss Missy, I hope soon your sadness will be replaces with wonderful happy memories of her. Your talent as a ‘stamper’ is awesome!
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry you lost your baby, you and your family have been in my thoughts all week. Our girls K.C. and Lucy (Great Dane/Lab Mix and Golden Ret) have also kept you in their thoughts. I know you know they feel our pain too. We lost our two cats this past two years and it still hurts to think about them, but I know they are safe and without pain and their delightful memories bring some relief. I know time will ease some of your pain, but please know how many of us share in your sorrow and are with you in spirit.
wow! this card is absolutely gorgeous!!! it is just what i needed today ann…we had a huge disappointment for my 12 year old so this card cheering me up will make the world of diff to my getting back my mojo equals my mommyitis!!!! I am still with you and missy…xox
Sorry for the loss of your pet, but you can be comforted by the memories. I loved reading your descriptions for each item in your blog candy. I enjoy your blog each day.
Wonderful post – and life lesson! And I can’t believe you have only been a demo for a year – whew – you are on the fast track for sure and have accomplished so much! Oh yes and then there’s that wonderful artistic talent……
Godbless you. 🙂
Your work is outstanding.
I can’t believe yo have only been a demo for a year! Surely you will earn the Rising Star award!I love your blog and your cards.
Dear Ann, I think it’s wonderful that you are going to remember you sweet puppy this way. We lost our family dog last year and it was so hard. XO
We lost our sweet 17 month old dog in September. I know how you feel. Dogs are so wonderful, the best companions ever! Thanks for sharing such great blog candy.
What a way to celebrate the important things in your life. Congratulations to you! Love the picture of Missy and all of the stories about her.
cindyb
I celebrate with you in having had a wonderful pet which touched your heart. I have had several wonderful dogs who have passed and they left a special place in my heart. The two dogs I have now will never replace the ones that have passed but have their own unique way of making me smile.
I am an avid fan of your blog.
Hugs
Remember Missy is standing right beside you. She will always be at your side to guide you through troubled times. Keep the good memories alive and laugh at the little things she did to make you smile. The love will always be in your heart as well as Missy’s.
Thank you for this opportunity to win a fabulous candy blog. Missy would want you to celebrate her life. Many blessings!
Ann — I am a big fan of your blog and cards. Your work is stunning! I am so sorry about the loss of your dog. As a fellow dog owner I can only imagine how much you miss her.
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I have 2 cats and I know how hard it would be to lose one of them. It is great to celebrate your dog’s life as well as mourn the death.
Thank you for the chance to win.
I still am teary eyed as I read your blog. I am such a softy for our furry friends. I love the picture of Missy such a cutie. i am so glad that you are on the “mend” as they would say. Love your blog it is always such an inspiration. I keep thinking only a year at stamping? What a natural!
I love the card! Sorry about your family member.
We have had cockers for a very, very long time and out last one passed on this past year. We still have tears now and again as you very well know, our dear pets become part of our family. What a beautiful face and head your beloved had. I can see why the many years of smiles and biscuits for sure. Congrats on a very happy indeed accomplishment. Your work is always stunning and very inspirational. So sorry this month has been filled with many conflicting emotions for you.
Stay well,
AnnMarie
Ann,
I have been following your blog for a long time! In that time, I have seen some beautiful work and have heard many wonderful stories about your beloved Missy! I have the privilige of having the same name! It is a long story on how I got that name but I love that name better than my real name!
Anyway, I truly appreciate all you do! And for letting us be a part of your wonderful family! God Bless You!
Although it is absolutely devastating to lose a pet, I find that it helps to always keep more than one with you at all times. That way when you lose one, the others close in around you and help you remember with joy and love, rather than sadness. Then, when it’s right for you, you can always fill that extra spot with another pet, and keep the circle going. It is important to remember to never try to make the new pet be the same as the one you lost. That will never happen, and only sadness can come from trying. Celebrate the new pet’s own unique personality. And try to adopt! Your blog is amazing, your cards are wonderful, the way you teach about your cards is appreciated. I cannot believe you’ve only been a demonstrator for a year – from your blog I just assumed you’d been doing it forever. Thanks for all of it, and the chance to win.
Ann…you are such a class act in every way. I applaud your resiliency and graciousness in this time of mourning turned celebration of your long time family friend. {Hugs}
Avid Fan,
Marsha 😉