Don’t you just love making the occasional quick and easy card? Even though I am “the more layers, the merrier” kind of girl, I know I do. I LOVE a well-done clean and classy card, and admire those stampers who create those cards with ease. Clean and Simple cards take me outside of my comfort zone. Yet…if I don’t practice designing them, I will never get better at making them. Enjoy today’s attempt! And remember to scroll down to read about Muffy and Lexi’s latest adventure.
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
The finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.
- Pierce! Paper piercing is a perfect way to accent a sentiment. Stampin’ Up! has several templates which make piercing a breeze. The Feel Goods sentiment was stamped in Midnight Muse onto Whisper White and pierced for a little sass. But “Layered Ann” couldn’t leave it alone…she HAD to layer it onto Midnight Muse. But it’s OK…I’m taking baby-steps on my journey to “Clean and Simple Land”.
- Blingy Butterfly! The Butterflies, from Summer Solstice, sport single Rhinestones. Inked in Calypso Coral, Pool Party, and Raspberry Ripple, two of the trio are actually snipped out and popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals.
- Bow! A simple Midnight Muse bow ties it all together.
I think today’s card is pretty clean and simple…for me. What do you think? Won’t you let me know in today’s comment? And if you would like to read about the latest Boxer escapades, continue on for a rather lengthy story…
Muffy and Lexi’s Excellent Adventure – NOT!
What do you get when you mix two bouncy Boxer girls, loose slats on a vinyl fence, and a bunny? It’s the recipe for 1-1/2 hours of nerve-wracking search and rescue for two canine fugitives on the run. (I can only guess about the bunny part, but I know that there is a gang of renegade rabbits who love to torment the furkids, and there were incriminating bunny tracks beside the fence.)
It was Brody who first alerted us to the missing girls when he came up to the patio doors, asking to get in. The Twins are always together…and there was no Muffy with him. I immediately looked, and not only was there no Muffy in the yard, there was no Lexi. A quick glance to the side yard alerted me to the missing slats. I ran to the front door, grabbing leashes and a coat on my way. My husband followed on my heels. As we flew outside, our neighbor across the street opened her door, pointed, and said, “They went that-a-way!” I continued heading up the block on foot, while my husband, Kim, jumped in his car.
I made my way to the elementary school, thinking that as much as Muffy loves kids, maybe she would lose interest in the Easter bunny and head to the school. It was there I was told they were spotted near the city pool…about 3/4th’s of a mile in the opposite direction. I headed back to the house to call the police, and to get my car.
Luckily, because of all of the snow, people were out shoveling. “Have you seen two Boxers?” I would ask. I would either get the finger-point or the head shake. “If you do see them, their names are Muffy and Lexi. Catch them if you can, and call the police.”
For an hour and a half, Kim, I and the police drove and searched. I was in tears at times. I prayed at times. I was desparate. And then my cell phone rang. The police had found one of the girls two blocks from where I was. It was easy to spot the location as I drove toward the site. There were three squad cars, all with flashing lights, parked along the street. “Are you the owner? Is she mean?” yelled a woman from the front door. “Yes and no,” I answered. I hope she didn’t mind that I just went ahead and plowed through the drifts to her back yard. And there she was…Little Lexi, curled down in the snow. As soon as I called her name, she ran straight to me and smothered me in puppy kisses. Once I had her lead on, she greeted the officers with Boxer butt wiggles. One missing dog down…and one to go.
I drove Lexi home to see if by chance Muffy could have returned. I had left the garage doors open just in case she decided to wander back. I will admit that I was worried, since the girls were no longer together. But as I pulled around the corner, there was a blue pick-up parked in the driveway. In the driver’s seat sat a man in a stocking cap. On the passenger’s side sat Muffy.
“She sure is a sweetheart”, the man said. “She came right up to me when I called her.” He lifted her out of the truck, and I placed a lead around her neck.
“Won’t you let me pay you something,” I shouted, as he pulled out of the driveway.
“You don’t owe me a thing” answered the good Samaritan. “I love dogs, and bringing her back safely is reward enough. But I do want you to know that when I knocked on your front door, your other dog opened it up for me.” Yep…in my haste, I had forgotten to lock the front door, and Brody can indeed open it.
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| A remorseful Lexi |
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| An exhausted Muffy |
I just want to say that I love your cards, but as a fellow Boxer Mom, I look forward to pictures of the kids. Am glad to hear of their safe return after their adventure!
Have been out of touch due to the wife’s back surgery, but happy to read how a good samaritan and the WB Police helped you all out. Good people in West Burlington!
Chris Pickerel
You make beautiful cards but oh wow those are BEAUTIFUL dogs! I have a bull dog / boxer mix, and as our children grow up and don’t need us quite so much the dogs ARE our babies. I would have been frantic if Dozer was missing. I’m so glad it was a happy ending for you. You are very lucky, someone was. Looking out for you that. Day! : )
In a way, I am going backwards in my blog searches…and I read the first part of this episode with the Lost Girls…what a riot but I would have been just as crazy as you were…our ‘kids’ are so very special to us! So happy all turned out well. Your card is sooo lovely and the butterflies look as though they were made of gossamer! TFS each story about the babies…and your fabulous creations!
I am just catching up on my blog friends today and I have to tell you how happy I am that Muffy and Lexi were found safe and sound! What a harrowing experience for you! It really is frightening to find your babies missing! Just last week my son forgot to shut the door tight enough and apparently one of the dogs jumped on it and it opened and out went 6 of them! I got the frantic phone call from him at work and drove the 15 miles home like a crazy woman! We searched for about an hour and found 4 of them a few blocks away. As I was walking through the neighborhood calling their names, my cell phone rang and it was a woman and she had the last 2! She found them running out on the main road and put them in her van. They must have found a stream to wade through as they were both wet! They were very happy to see me and I couldn’t be mad at them, I was so grateful that this wonderful woman went out of her way to bring them to me! The only one who stayed home in his bed and didn’t run out was Rocky, our Toy Fox Terrier. Let’s pray that neither you nor I ever have to experience this again! Your card says it all, the best things in life aren’t things at all!
Oh my! They really are stinkers aren’t they? I read the post with the card for the police before I saw this one. You write such a great post that I could almost see them running and you searching frantically!
And by the way, your card is great too. 🙂
Oh such a sweet ending to a stressful day. So glad all is well.
PS: haven’t had time to comment but I’m just catching up in blogland.. got a break at (5a.m. third shift coverage) on my audit in Kentucky. Can’t wait to go home!
Happy Easter
hugs.
Oh Ann, what a scare you had! SO glad the lovely ladies are right back home where they belong! 🙂
Beautiful card. Person never knows what we can do when we go outside of the box.
Sure glad that your babies are home safe and sound. They had quite the adventure.I know that must had been a fightening experience.
Pays to have good neighbors
Take care and hugs to you and your babies
So glad the girls are safe and back home, I could just imagine what you were going through. Give them great big hugs and kisses, they need them.
Lovely card, you do CAS beautifully!
I am so glad for the safe return of the girls! Had a few situations like that myself and just glad yours had a happy ending.
What a heart wrenchihg story! I love to read about your babies and their antics. Just last week a stray showed up on my back deck. I still have her and cannot locate her family. She is a “sheltie” and so sweet. What to do? She may have a new home here as I cannot stand to give her to strangers.
Your CAS card is very lovely. I too have a hard time with that style. TFS
That’s a great card, Ann. You do CAS with style! But the story trumps the card. As others have said, your storytelling is superb. I could imagine the scene with the police cars, and really marveled at having a police department that would devote all those resources to missing dogs. How fortunate you are. And then, of course, I LOL’d at Brody answering the door. What a hoot!
Stunning CAS card. Ann, you are the master of ALL. Loved the story about your fur friends and glad they are safe!
That is a beautiful CAS card! I enjoyed reading about the latest adventures of your babies and agree with one of your other readers . . . you should write a book! Glad you found them safe and sound.
Oh Ann what a horrible day! Your card is very fitting for the furkids. When the two dogs were not together I got really worried that this story wasn’t going in the dirrection I was hoping. Then you found both of them safe and my heart was still beating fast but there was a big smile on my face. So glad your little furkids are safe.
Love the stories about the girls. Glad they are safe.
Ann, I always have loved your cards, but you seriously should write a book. =) I was got up with emotion as I read your story.
Hi Ann! Wow, what a beautiful cas card! I love the pretty butterflies that look like they are flying off and the added paper piecing. Such a simple thing that adds great impact! I really love your cas designs as much as your normal style. You are truly an artist!
I feel for you with your runaways and how scared you must have been. How thankful your Brody told on his sisters, the police, and good samaratian. Those pics tell the story, don’t they. Loved the part about little Lexi scared until she realized it was you and she was safe again. Ah, true love! I have a runaway at times and his brother tells on him as well. He likes to pick 3rd shift hours though, so driving around at 2am trying to find a solid black dog can be challenging. We had to get the invisible fence for him but it still gets a break in the line now and then and off he’ll go. Like you, we have happy endings and those are the best! They don’t realize how many gray hairs they give us, huh!
Oh my! I hope everyone is OK after their big adventure. Whew! What a relief , to ind them safe and sound. I know what you mean about clean and simple. I am not good at that either.
Beautiful CAS card. I think you did a great job. I like adding layers also and have a hard time with CAS.
wow ann what a story!!!!!!! i know you must have been going crazy. omg. and how great of the police to get involved. here, they would not. mine got stolen for 3 days. meh! said the police. they were returned one at a time in the middle of the night days apart manicured etc. awful so i know what you went through. i am SOOOOO glad the way this turned out. SOOOOOO glad for all the pups. and it is hard to punish them because you are so glad to see them with the puppy kisses you received and your good Samaritan. your card is lovely ann and your story just tops it off. it is a heart jerking story but with a totally happy ending, praise the good Lord! xox
Such a beautiful cas card Ann-I am not good on those ones either-I love layers and dsp-wonderful ending to a scary few hours-and Brody can open the door? That is really impressive
I love your card! I forget about piercing. I just love the new blue they came out with. It looks so sharp on your card with the white.
What is the song, “Girls just gotta have fun!” or whatever it is! That was some adventure. They were getting pretty close to some higher traffic too. I know where the pool is and the school. I knew it would have to have a good ending but I was worried along with you and your readers! Love a happy ending! So cute that Brody opened the door! I am still chuckling over that. So glad all is well with your exhausted family! Brody is either a tattle tale or had his sisters best interest out to save them from the cold, cruel world. So, glad he told on them! Hugs to Brody!
Chris R. from Iowa
So glad that it turned out well for your girls. The neighbor kids opened my gate letting my greyhound girl out once, and I was frantic. It also ended just fine, but I can feel your angst.
Beautiful card – I love the simple style! Thank you.
Sue
Your card is gorgeous! I think you are so talened you can do any style. I do love this one.
I’m so thankful you found your babies, I can only imagine what you’ve been through. Take a deep breath now.
Hugs!
Great story, you should write short stories! Nice card too.
OMG, thank goodness they are okay. And poor you and Kim I can’t imagine how scary that must have been.
The card is beautiful!! I love this set!
Oh and I received my ‘extras’ for my paper pumkin…thank you 😀
First of all, fabulous card! Secondly, goodness how scary for the girls to go off like that, I’d have been worried sick. Thank goodness you got them back okay. It was funny about Brody opening the doors though. I bet he felt all virtuous being the good boy who stayed at home!
Great card!
Thank goodness for the happy ending on the girls’ adventure! B
What an emotional day Ann! I am so happy all is back to normal I sure was on the edge of my chair reading. I love happy endings too!
Your card is so beautiful every little touch makes this card what it should be (so beautiful)! Nicole
Beautiful card Ann!! Glad to hear the girls are safe and sound back home and I hope they don’t go on anymore adventures!
Beautiful card, Ann. I think you are great at CAS, personally. Glad Lexi and Muffy are ok… I have to say, you are a great story teller! I was loving your account of their adventure.
I love “tails” with happy endings! Sounds like you live in a wonderful community.
Love the card too; you did good AGAIN! Hugs
I love today’s card! And I’m so glad your “girls” are safe at home! My heart really got to beatin’ as I read your post! And it was delightful to hear about all the helpful neighbors you have! That just doesn’t happen everywhere! Thanks for sharing!
OMG, those poor babies. How scary for you and that they got separated. You called the police? And they responded? Wow. Glad all is well. It was those bad bunnies fault!
The first thing I thought upon seeing today’s card was that it was, indeed clean and simple for Ann! Thanks for the doggy capers! What a story and glad it had a happy ending!
Oh my gosh. As I was reading your account of their “adventure”, even though I knew it must have a happy ending, my heart was pounding. I can certainly imagine your fears and panic. I am so grateful that your babies were returned home safely. It’s nice to hear of good Samaritans. Love your clean and simple card!! Glad all three of your babies are safe and sound.
Whew!!! And how are mom & dad? The girls really have their big bro watching out for them!!! Glad all turned out OK…Oh, and the card is WONDERFUL!!!!!
Beautiful card . . . And a heartwarming story – so glad it had a happy ending!
Elisha
Nice card and yes, for you it is clean and simple, but for me it still takes too much time! Glad the dogs adventure had a happy ending! Phew!
Wonderful card; wonderful story! I felt just like I was there with you while you searched, prayed and worried about your furbabies…..
Oh Ann, what a scary adventure. I am so glad it had a happy ending. Brody deserves an extra treat or two for being such a gentleman. First he didn’t run off and then he answered the door. What a sweetie.
Your CAS card is a delight.
Love your card. So clean looking and yet so elegant looking at the same time.
OMG, I can imagine your heart racing as you discovered the girls missing. I’m so glad both are now safe in the comfort of their home. Brody opening the door made me smile. I guess he doesn’t ask who is there first :).
Oh Ann, your story of Muffy & Lexi, and Brody opening the door made me laugh out loud – not until the end of course. I’m glad it had a happy ending and you have a wonderful way of sharing their adventures!
Your crisp, clean card was a treat too!
I think you do “clean and simple” fabulously well!!! You have just the right amount of detail to make it interesting and pleasing to the eye.
I am so glad your girls are home safely! I can only imagine how thankful you are to have them back 🙂
Inky hugs,
Janet
I love adventure stories with happy endings!
OMG…I am so glad your ‘girls’ are O.K. You have to be careful…those Easter bunnies are all over right now. I am glad it was a happy ending.
OMG #2…Where’s the pearls? I am relatively new to S.U. and I was just telling my niece that I would love to see your pearl stash! We both love pearls and I think this is the first card that I have seen with out one. Unless, you cleverly hid then. =)
You’ll get me every time with a story about the family!! And what a story too! Over here the Police would never come for some escaped dogs you would have to ring the Council (but they wouldn’t come either!)So you are very fortunate.
So glad it all ended well. Had a laugh at Brody opening the door to let Muffy in! hehe. Vx
Thank goodness they didn’t get hit by a car. Bless their furry hearts! I’m glad they are home safe and sound. Love the card too. Best Wishes for a Happy Easter.
Well, they are now the most famous boxers in town! So glad no harm came to them, Ann.
Love this clean and simple card. The layout is delightful and the addition of those sweet butterflies gives the card great movement and visual interest while keeping things simple.
I bet Muffy wasn’t the only napper in your house! You must have been exhausted!
Beatiful CAS card, Ann! I really need to get my paper piercing skills better! And your puppy tales are funny even when they are NOT! Why do I think that this won’t be their last adventure? Just love them!
Oh Ann what an adventure! I’m so glad their both home safe and sound. I was a bit worried at the part when they were separated! And that Brody! To think he can open the door too! He’s so clever! Now that is a welcoming committee!
I love all your cards including this clean and simple yet elegant card BUT I love the pup tales the best! :0)
So thankful that your adventurers are ok…what a scare!! So glad that big brother Brody alerted you and stayed put! Love your card, as always.
Ann, beautiful card. Glad your puppy tale had a good outcome. Hope the rest of your week is calmer!
I loved your card, Ann. I have to remember to use all those great templates I have for piercing. It adds such a nice touch. Your boxer story has touched my heart! I have tears running down my cheeks right now. I was so scared for you. Thank goodness it all turned out well in the end. You must live in a very small town and have a very caring police force to have such a response to a “lost dog” call! Keep those kids under lock and key for awhile and let your heart rate come back down to normal ~ and ours, too!
Love your card. It is great to to a CAS cards now and again. So happy all is well with the girls. I bet that fence got fixed right away. People can be wonderful. In fact most are but we only hear about those who aren’t on the news. Loved how Brody ans. the door. Relax today and recover from all that excitement.
What a wonderful card – and really quite CAS for you : ) I think what I love the most is the juxtaposition between the sort of masculine ribbon and sort of feminine butterflies. Makes me think of when I wore suits to work but insisted on crazy socks : ) You are so very multi-talented – don’t know how you do it all. The boxer story, although you made it sound almost kind of fun, I know the horror you were living. Thank GOD and police and good samaritans and even Brody for the good outcome. So funny that he opened the door! Have you taken a deep breath and slowed down your heart yet?
Oh, Ann – this card is delightful! I love the crisp clean look of it and the butterflies add such a wonderful spring feel to the card.
Wow, your tale of Muffy and Lexi’s adventure sure had my heart in my throat. I am so glad everyone is back home safe and sound. I hope that is the one and only adventure the girls have. And so cute about Brody answering the door to the gentleman who found Muffy. Sure hope he doesn’t make a “habit” of it. 😉