Backstory: I knew it would happen some day. But I never dreamed it would happen on the road, 6-1/2 hours from home, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. My laptop has passed away. I knew it had not been feeling well Friday evening, as I tried to get The Paper Players winners post written. But I thought it would feel better after a good night’s rest. However, it took a turn for the worse during the night. It would turn on…but that was it. I could not connect to a thing. I could not access my pictures. I could not access my blog. I could not even connect to my email. I could not resuscitate it.
“Why? Why? How could you do this to me!” I lamented. “I have a post to write. I have pictures to edit and upload. And it was a good card, too…..” Even Muffy got into the act, stepping on her latex fish and howling in anguish.
Feeling both helpless and hopeless, I went down to the front desk. Why? I don’t know. Did I think the sweet woman at the front desk was the IT Fairy, who would wave a magic wand and make everything alright? Or maybe she would lay her hands over my laptop, and declare, “Computer, heal thyself”. What was I thinking? Maybe I just needed a sympathetic ear.
“My laptop won’t work, and I have to get a post done, and”…and that is when the tears started. At that point, a young man who was waiting to check-in (and probably taken aback a wee bit by my mascara stained face and the fact that I looked like his grandmother) asked if I would like to use his laptop. With trembling lips, I said I couldn’t possibly…and he said he insisted. So we sat in the breakfast area of the motel, and through the tears, I began to write.
The pictures today are not the best. I saved the one I had uploaded to The Paper Players before Muffy and I left Iowa, and attempted to edit it. But you know what, I will never forget this post, and the young man who sat with me and helped me make the best of a bad situation. There are still good people in the world today…and I met one in Manitowoc….
It’s Sunday, and time to play with The Paper Players! This week, Anne Marie has a color challenge for us: Blackberry Bliss, Baked Brown Sugar, Always Artichoke and Cajun Craze. What a perfect quartet of colors! I opted to design a rustic holiday card using the Ornamental Pine stamp set. I hope you enjoy today’s rustic creation.
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ by 5-1/2″.
- Blissful in Blackberry! Inked in Blackberry Bliss, the Ornament, from Ornamental Pine looks quite elegant…especially when sporting a single pearl!
- Crazy in Cajun! Cajun Craze makes a lovely ornament nestled within Always Artichoke needles. Don’t you love the little Linen Thread bow?
- A little joy! The Joy sentiment, from Endless Wishes, is the perfect size to fill up the lower left corner of the card. I just LOVE the Endless Wishes stamp set. It is absolutely perfect for the season!
It seems appropriate to end today’s post with this single word, before I start weeping with joy because of the kindness of a stranger. As always, your comments are important to me, and I would love to read what you think about today’s card. 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…
(Muffy Update: Muffy earned 1 more point Saturday towards her grand!!!)
The Paper Players Design Team
So sorry to hear about your laptop, Ann. 🙁 How nice that you were able to get some assistance from a stranger though. It is always reassuring to be reminded that there truly are good people in the world. Your card is beautiful!
I love the story as much as I love your card. What a wonderful young man he must be. I love the colors against the kraft background Ann, it makes them even richer. The little gold bows are perfection
Hugs
Jaydee
What a sweet story. I’m glad your dilemma had a happy ending. BTW I love the card in your post. It is definitely my style. I may have to be a copy cat. 😉
Computer problems are the worst! SO happy that young man came to your rescue!
Your card is fabulous! It is elegant! I love everything about it! XX
Ann,
He was a nice kid to help you out like that, but you do NOT look like a grandmother!
Chris P.
Lovely card! So sorry about your laptop, but so happy for the chance for you to be helped by an understanding angel.
These things always happen at a bad time, don’t they? I do love your pine branch card with the ornaments. Very clever.
Can you let me know the colors of card stock you used on this card. It is beautiful.
Lisa
Through all the trials and tribulations it still turned out beautiful. How resourceful of you…
Angels are always amongst us, and waiting to help. Your young man came at the right time, and so gladly as your card is absolutely stunning and needed to hit the air waves. Ann I think of all your cards this one stands out for it’s extreme beauty. Thanks for sharing and not giving up. Check your laptop again, because you might have been a victim of solar flares as they were happening at that time and several satelites and programs were affected. Just saying.
I love it when I open an email and the card has that kind of take your breath away, I don’t know how else to describe it. I most often get that with your cards. Love, love, love it. Sorry about your computer, but thankful you found someone that was willing to come to your aid.
Ann I love your card…. the colors are so rich. … and what a great story of the friendly stranger! (is that an oxymoron?)
I also just love this set and purchased it to make my cards this year. I have been playing around with several different colors… and it looks fabulous in most! Hmmmm going to be tough picking one.
hugs
Awww, what a kind stranger to help you out. 🙂 I love this card! I’m so sorry about your laptop. Computer issues are the worst. Hugs.
Oh my goodness that is totally delicious – makes my mouth water! What a blessing your stranger is! Please don’t give up on your laptop – take it to someone who may be able to save it or at least all it holds. Hooray for Muffy, especially for the wailing, I’m sure it helped : )
You are such a blessing to so many people it is only fitting that another stepped up to be a blessing to you! Thanks you for the inspiration here because I have this set on the way and could not image what I will do with it for card class in Oct. Now I have my answer and love you card and the pic looks great to me! Hugs!
Another gorgeous Schach creation…I can’t wait to get this set next week…I have been very excited to see what creations people are sharing…and yours is as always on the top of my list…the pearls really pop on the ornaments…So sorry that your lappy has died…never fun (just like crazy car trouble) and never the right time….hope you get past this and back on track soon. Strangers can be sooo wonderful! Here is hoping that Muffy does great at the next stop!
Omg how awful but there are generous and kind people in this world!! Too bad you didn’t take a picture with him so we could put a face to his name. Now for your card it’s great!!!! As usual love the colors!
Your Card was what brought me to your blog. Your story is what kept me there. Thank you sharing a great story and a fabulous card.
A Demonstrator from California!
Wow! What a story. So sorry to hear about your laptop, but thank goodness for the kindness of strangers. And what a gorgeous card!!
That was some adventure you had! But it ended with a good outcome..your card is gorgeous! And it’s good to know there are still people out there with kind hearts that help others. The card is even more special with the story that goes with it!
Gorgeous card. This set is definitely on my list to order.
Love that card!!!! And yes, there are still kind people in the world. I’m so glad you found one.
Go, Muffy, go!!!!
What a beautiful card you made with the colors. So sorry about the computer. I know all too well how it feels when one dies. The first couple of times I thought the world had ended……but life did go on. 🙂 Ann, you really need to write a book. You are such a wonderful story teller. 🙂
OH NO….I am so glad that your story had a happy ending, even though it means you will need to get another laptop! SO happy there was someone to help you out! I am happy that you used these colors for something other than fall….a beautiful, out-of-the box creation!
Love your gorgeous card! Way to go Muffy for earning another point and helping your mom feel the pain! We want to see the card you make for your computer rescuer! That was so amazing of him to help and goes to show there is some good in this world! Safe adventure back home!
Chris R. from Ioea
This is gorgeous, Ann! I love the beautiful ornaments and the peartls and linen bows and the perfect embellishments. What a wonderful story. It really is so nice to know that there are still wonderful people out there. Hugs 🙂
Love that you made a Christmas card with these colors. It’s perfectly rustic and oh-so-you! THank goodness for the kindness of strangers and the good people of Wisconsin!! Hugs to you today, my friend!
Stunning Card! I love it!! Congrats to Muffy and you on another point. Thanks for sharing your experience with a kind stranger! Lisa
Hugs! What a sweet post and a beautiful card you have shared. Thanks again Ann for sharing your life with us.
Beautiful card Ann, as always – great reminder that there are still good samaritans out there…
Stunning Ann, and for once, reasonably simple. Your cards are always over the top lovely.
You have enabled me to get these two stamps, I’ve been thinking I needed them anyhow.
A very lovely card made by a very lovely person!! The card is just beautiful! I truly believe there are more good people in this world than not! I’m glad he was there in your “time of need”! 🙂 Remember . . . around every dark cloud there IS a silver lining! In this case, the kindness of this young man!
I just got this set in the mail on Friday. Love how you did this. I love to read about your dogs. Sometime when I visit your site I only look for the dogs. LOL
A gorgeous card Ann, you really rocked it with the stamp set, I love the pine branch so realistic looking and the ornaments hanging from it just perfect.
How about the young man who came to your rescue, who said chivalry is dead, I don’t think so, bless his heart.
Congrat’s to Muffy too!
Really beautiful card, Ann and I loved the story…so nicely written…a reminder of what is possible!
Beautiful card Ann! And a beautiful story about the kindness of a stranger! There truly are a lot of good people in this world, we just don’t hear about them as much. What a blessing this young man was for you!
Your card is beautiful, Ann! I will be using this stamp set soon and, as always, you have inspired me! I am so happy to hear that Muffy had a good show! That makes up for the catastrophe of your laptop’s demise! And I do love your story of the kindness of strangers! There is so much good in this world left, but we so rarely hear about it. Thanks for sharing some with us.
Ann, your card is just beautiful, as is your story. There are lots of good people in the world.
Lynn
Another absolutely lovely card, Ann. And it’s wonderful to experience the kindness of strangers…makes one feel so full of joy. I love the colors and simplicity of this card.
Beautiful as always Ann. So sorry for computer troubles; I’ve been having a few of my own lately. Thanks for reminding us that there are still good people in this world! Hugs to Muffy !
Ann,
Your card is beautiful. Love the colors.
So glad you were at the right place at the right time and met such a nice and helpful person.
Congrats to Muffy!
Safe trip home.
Lisa
Love the card, love your story…life’s challenges can be a bit much sometimes. I’m glad someone was there to help when you needed them.
Computers! We can’t live with them, can’t live without them! My heart goes out to you over the frustration of having yours die and losing all your beautiful photos. So glad you found a Good Samaritan to help you get this post out. The card you made is stunning! I love that you used Autumnal colors to make Christmas ornaments…and gorgeous Christmas ornaments! It’s a wonderful card! Hugs!
Ann, this is STUNNING! You have used the challenge colours so beautifully. Love your story about the kindness of a fellow human. x
A lovely card, as always! Blessings to you for sharing the kindness of this stranger and to him for keeping our faith in the small things that mean so very much!