It’s Thursday, and time to play at Pals Paper Arts! This week is a color challenge: Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White. Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but I did add a touch of Old Olive for the leaves. Today’s card is very special to me. Would you think I was crazy if I told you that Muffy was my inspiration? Let me say a few things about my card, and then I’ll share about Muffy.
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.
- Serendipity! One of my favorite sentiments from Feel Goods, was inked in Night of Navy and stamped onto the adorable Daffodil Delight pattern from the All Abloom paper stack. At first, I was taken aback by the fact it did not leave a nice, dark image. But the more I looked at it, the more I liked the fact that the little white circles stamped darker than the yellow background. What a pleasant surprise!
- Banner and Blossom! A Night of Navy banner forms the perfect backdrop for a Petite Petals blossom. Of course, a Pearl forms the pearl-fect center! And isn’t the Striped pattern from Sweet Taffy adorable with the Circles pattern!
- Bow-dacious! The new Night of Navy Seam Binding created the perfect double bow!
And now the long story begins…
Although this card is not my usual style, I LOVED creating it. I guess it was because I was thinking about Muffy the entire time. Muffy is my first AKC Champion. After the passing of my beloved rescue, Missy, I knew that our home needed another Boxer. I was fortunate enough to find someone who was having a litter of puppies.
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| Missy the Boxer |
Now I will be honest…Muffy was not my first choice from the litter. My first choice ended up with a breeder in Texas. Nor was she my second choice. That puppy ended up in a show home, too. One-by-one, the show quality puppies were leaving for their show homes. Deemed “pet-quality”, no one wanted Muffy. In fact, the person who was supposed to buy her, refused to take her. She lacked the beautiful head considered to be the sterling hallmark of the Boxer breed. But in my desparation and loneliness, I took her…the last available female in the litter.
When the breeder delivered Muffy, I asked about the other puppies in the litter. Only one male, considered to be the best male in the litter, was left. Half-jokingly, she offered to sell him to me if I would agree to have him evaluated by a handler and show him if he turned out to be the show dog she thought he would be. I jumped at the chance to own such a handsome boy, since it had always been my dream to own a show dog. I rationalized that two puppies would keep each other company and be wonderful playmates. My husband, on the other hand, upon finding that a second puppy would be arriving the next day, exclaimed, “What were you thinking!”
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| Muffy’s 2nd day with us…Brody’s 1st day with us |
I lived up to my word, and had Brody evaluated. Muffy joined us on our journey to the handler. Yes…Brody (Cimarron’s What Were You Thinking) was indeed panning out to be the show quality dog which was predicted. But wait…the handler thought Muffy, with her spunk and sparkle, deserved her chance in the ring, too.
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| Muffy’s first time in the ring |
And so the “pet quality” girl with the horrible head went on to shine in the ring. Over time, the ugly duckling turned into the beautiful swan. Her movement and temperment are excellent. Her neck and topline are beautiful. Her head improved. But most importantly, when she steps foot in the ring, she exudes “presence”. She loves the show ring. She loves to show. You see…no one ever told Muffy she was pet quality. From the moment she set foot in our home, she won our hearts with her personality. “Pretty is, is pretty does”, as my mother would always say.
After being away from the show ring for almost a year, Ch. Cimarron’s Do You Know the Muffin Man, began her journey to her Grand Champion title last weekend with an impressive major win over a Best of Breed winner and a 5 point major winner. Muffy believed she could win…and she did.
I hope you enjoyed today’s card, and I hope you enjoyed learning what inspired me. As for me, my favorite part of the card is the heart to symbolize the love I have for Muff. What about you? Won’t you let me know in today’s comment? And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time…
(Oh my gosh…while I was writing this post, I had the television turned on to Wheel of Fortune. One of the puzzles was “Do you know the muffin man?” )
Stamp Sets: Feel Goods, Petite Petals; Inks: Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy; Designer Series Paper: Regals Stack, Brights Stack, Sweet Taffy, All Abloom; Card Stock: Whisper White, Night of Navy; Tools: Bird Builder Punch, Owl Builder Punch, Petite Petals Punch, Hexagon Punch; Glitz and Glam: Pearls Basic Jewels, Night of Navy Seam Binding
Oh my I just love your puppy stories. I am a dog lover so hearing about your furbabies are the best. I also love your art work. Your cards are wonderful and thank you so much for sharing with us. It looks like you had a wonderful time at convention and congrats on all of your achievements.
Cynthia G
Ann, thanks for sharing such a beautiful story. Congrats on Muffin and Brody…they are very lucky to be in such a loving home. I really like your artwork and I thank you for sharing it with all of us.
The first thing I love about your blog is the amazing pieces of artwork you show us. They are not merely cards they are works of art! The second best thing I love about your blog is your heartfelt stories about your human and furry crew. Your talented son your amazing husband your champions the furry children. Your blog makes me smile!
What a fabulous story about Muffy and can see why and how she was your inspiration for this beautiful card! Congratulations to her and to her handler and to her parents and family – she is indeed the beautiful white swan….!
So the ugly duckling became the Swan Princess, beautiful story we can all glean from. Not what we see on the outside, but what is in the heart that counts. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and pics, love all your cards and creations.
I love the story about Muffy – she is beautiful! What a great inspiration she is. Thanks for sharing your story and card with us.
What a wonderful post! The card is gorgeous, and the story makes me want to stand up and cheer!
Really had to hunt for those pearls! Gorgeous composition, Ann!
Beautiful card and tribute to the beautiful swan (Miss Muffy).
Ann – Beautiful card. I love hearing about the pups. What a great story about Muffy. I like that you shared about your first pup (and the great picture of the two of you), as well as the other pictures. It’s always a pleasure to hear how they are doing. This whole post made me smile. Thank you!
Such a beautiful card Ann and love the inspirational story as well.
I always love your cards, no doubt, but today’s story – O!M!G! how sweet and inspiring! Reminds me of a horse story I’ll tell you one day, but today belongs to Muffy!
Love, Love, Love your card. It is a real eye catcher!
And, I loved your story about Muffy, and can’t wait to share it with my granddaughter tomorrow, as I think she will find it interesting. I haven’t had a dog since I was a girl, but I have a beautiful white cockatiel, and she is just a joy. She’s funny, and good company, and I never thought I could enjoy a bird. I am her flock!
I always love your cards, but your dog stories are the best!
I loved the story behind the card. The card is beautiful and so is the inspiration for the card.
Great stuff both the card, story, and the kids! Plus, the Wheel of Fortune puzzle – this post can’t get any better than that! I sure could use some of Muffy’s charm and perseverance! The card is just the icing on the cake!
Chris R. from Iowa
Muffy cetainly inspired a beautiful card. I always love reading about your four-legged little ones and enjoy living vicariously through you. It is very obvious they are well loved.
Love your story and the love it shows. Thank you for sharing!
You go Muffy! A dog just knows, doesn’t she? We “rescued” a six week old puppy from a rescue shelter. She turned out to have parvovirus — and survived! What a great vet we have! She also had worms twice and beat that too. She’s smart and really pretty — part chow and most yellow lab. The training has not been easy, but she is coming along for me. My husband just lets her run free within the confines of her 3 acre fencing, so I am the bad guy.
You certainly can be proud of Muffy and all your dogs.
I love your card — it’s so appropriate and the colors go so well together.
Take care,
Nancy B
You are a proud mom of three great boxers!!!! I can see that you were also a special teacher in your love for your babies. I loved your card as usual but your story more about Muffy and Brody. And always about Lexi. Is Kim still asking “what were you thinking?”
I love the card with the blue and yellow color combination! And I’ll bet Muffy is laughing on the inside about showing them who was a good show dog!!! Good for her….and you for believing in her. 🙂
Such a pretty card, Ann! I always enjoy your dog stories. Muffy is a shining example of what we all can do if we don’t hear we can’t! Hugs to you and the pups!
I not only enjoyed your card, it is so beautiful but I also enjoyed your story about Muffy. She is a beauty for sure.And I can tell that it was love at first sight for the two of you. Have great rest of the week Ann. 🙂
Mary
I had goose bumps as I read Muffy’s story!!! Thanks for sharing. I remember when you got your puppies and they’re turning out to be quite the champions, which I credit to their wonderful home! [your card is a winner, too!]
Ann I am so choked up and smiling from ear to ear with tears brimming my eyes as I respond to your post. What a journey all of you have had. I love your story on Muffy and her brother Brody too. Your love for Missy inspired you to open your heart to two wonderful furbabies. Oh lets not forget the home had room for one more Lexi. Muffy was always a champion to me
Love the card and the meaning behind it doubles how much I love it!
She and her brother came to the perfect home! Everyone needs someone who believes in them to help them believe in themselves!! You are amazing…and you card is too, as always!
A true champion in every way that Muffy Lin!
Oooo, MsAnn , your baby’s are so special , as you are.
Your story was BEAUITIFUL , your such a great mom !!!
And I love that saying , it always reminds me of some one that did. What ever they wanted to do !!!!!
Your card are always so BEAUITIFUL to me !!!!
Thanks for sharing 💗
Hugs frenchie.
Love the card but today I’m in love with the dogs. I have always had a family dog and will feel so sad when my Riley is gone. We are close to retirement age and do more traveling now so I have promised my husband no more dogs. I did cross my fingers behind my back. I have seen pets do such great therapy to the young and the old. Thanks for sharing the story and the pictures.
Who are we to say which dog will be the best in the litter. Sounds to me Muffy has a winner in her owner who took her for love first. Congrats to all of you!
Wonderful story and drop dead gorgeous card!
Muffy has a special proud Mommy in you! Beautiful story and Beautiful Card!. Thank you for sharing both!
Lovely card Ann, and your sweet babies are a delight to read about. Have you ever thought of writing a children’s book. Children associate with animals, and compare how they are feeling to the character’s in the stories. You could have your dear beloved on the cover, as a memorial. Just a thought! I thought of this ugly duckling story today, how she turned into a Swan. How many young children could relate to that today? Just a thought. Smiles!
Your story is truly heartfelt. I love your card and see where your inspiration came from. You do beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.
My first thought when I started reading was that I love, love this card. It is so beautiful, and it is in my favorite colors. However, the story of Muffy’s journey was even more beautiful!
You almost brought tears to my eyes….such a sweet story! And even tho I am not a dog owner (I am owned by 3 cats!) I still love to hear your stories about your dogs.
Your beautiful card is a wonderful declaration of your love for Muffy.
Love your card! It is so vibrant …. And the story of Muffie is great! And – she is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
I love your card and I loved your story. It gave me goose- bumps reading about your journey with Muffy. She is a beautiful champion – inside and out. Your story teaches an important lesson in life, you believed in Muffy and she believed in herself. I’m going to read it to my 11 year old son this morning, I know he will enjoy it and hopefully hear your story about the importance in believing in one’s self. Thanks for your beautiful card and sharing your story.
Sweet and heartfelt story. Thanks for always sharing your life and fur babies with us.
Beautiful card for a beautiful girl.
Your card is beautiful and love the sentiment stamped on the DSP–love it! I also love your stories of your babies, don’t ever assume things because they can certainly change for the better. Thanks for sharing.
I love reading about your pups, Ann, and your work is always stunning! Thanks for sharing so much of your work and life with us!
Loved your story! Card is great too!
The stories about your furbabies are a joy to read and your cards are a joy to look at….
I had to come over from the PPA site. I love your card. The colors are my favorite and what you did with them are just beautiful. Then I get to read this whole story about your dogs. I am a dog lover, couldn’t be without one. Thanks a bunch for sharing. 🙂
Stampers, not stompers. Lol
I love hearing your stories about your sweet babies., and the best part is that I can feel the love shine through. Dogs bring so much love to our lives, and I can’t imagine a house without one, or two… Btw, I was watching wheel of fortune too & remember the muffin man. Lol
I love your cards and all the effort you put into them. Thank you for sharing your art and inspiring stompers like me.