HEY FRIENDS! I’m starting with a personal update. Two weeks ago, Mom and Dad moved to assisted living so my job as primary caregiver has come to an end. Mom’s hip is now as good as it’s going to get, but she is still a significant fall risk and needs 24 hour supervision. She needs more care than we could provide so it was time to make other arrangements. They’re doing well — still adjusting, but enjoying their new surroundings. The staff dotes on them and they’re loving the attention. I’m slowly decompressing from the stress of caregiving so I’m spending more time in the studio. I have a rather large stash of holiday stamp sets to work through so watch this space for updates!
I’m starting with a simple card that features one of the images from the Christmas Cycling stamp set by Penny Black. No coloring video today — I’m easing back into coloring plus I was trying out a new-to-me marker paper (more on that below).
I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.
Today’s Project
Featured Supplies
- Christmas Cycling by Penny Black [ SBC ]
- Premium Marker Paper by OLO [ SBC ]
- Zig Zag Stackers by Penny Black [ SBC | SSS ]
- Copic markers (see list below)
As some of you know, I have full set syndrome. In this case, I have a full set of Copic markers as well as a full set of OLO markers. However, I rarely use the OLO markers. Don’t get me wrong — if I were starting out today with alcohol markers, I’d probably invest in OLOs instead of Copics. But I just haven’t had time to get familiar with my OLOs so they sit on the shelf while I color away with my Copics. However, I recently noticed that OLO has its own brand of marker paper. Now I prefer X Press-It hands down, but it has a funny grayish cast that not only clashes with other white cardstock but dulls the colors a bit. As a result, I don’t use it as often as I would like in card layers. The OLO Marker paper is bright white and more visually appealing than X Press-It on a card layer. This was a real selling point for me. I still prefer X Press-It for its blend ability, but the OLO paper has so far been an acceptable substitution. You can see it in today’s project.
That’s all for today!
Supplies
COPICS: R20, E31, E35 (dog); YG03, YG17 (hat); BG000, BG01, BG02 (sweater); YG03, YG17, B32, B34 (present 1); B32, B34, B37 (ribbon); R46, YG03, BG000, BG02 (present 2); BG000, BG01, BG02, B32, B34, B37 (present 3); YG03, YG17 (present 4); BV20 (shadow)
[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]
Hi Nancy, this is Ruth Grace. I don’t know if you remember me from the good old PhotoScrap days. I took many of your classes, which I loved. I miss them, you, and the store.
I’m writing you today to let you know I’m glad your family decided finally to put your parents in the assisted living home. It was time. I remember we had many talks about caretaking for our parents. There were several of us and it was a comfort to talk to others who understand our challenges at times.
I had to put my mother in an assisted living home 2 yrs ago. She just celebrated her 102nd BD on 10/20. You might remember us from Demo Days. I took Mom to some of them. Mom is Japanese (I’m only half as my father was American).
I went thru a difficult time (guilt) putting her in an assisted living but my daughter and friends helped me get thru it. I finally learned it was the best thing for both her and me. The home is a small single level home w/8 residents (at full capacity) with loving aides and had company all day long and the best part is that it’s only 10 min from my home so I see her often. And now I have a life, and not looking at my watch to get home to relieve the person staying w/her. I can go to more lunches w/my friends and my husband and I can go on trips now.
I only write you as I know what feelings you might be having and it will take time to adjust to your new lifestyle. Also, it will take time for your body to adjust as well. Take care.
I look forward to seeing more Christmas cards in the near future.
Of course I remember you and your mom! Thank you for reaching out. You’re right — it was time to do this. I don’t feel guilt — at least not right now — because I know that I did everything I could to keep them in their home. But this last fall was just too much and to be honest — she was just going to keep falling and injuring herself. She fell three more times while she was in the rehab. This is what’s best for them and me. I’ve spent half my marriage and all of my retirement taking care of them. Now I can reclaim my life and know that they are together and somewhere safe. Your mom is so sweet — I’m glad you were able to find a place that is a good fit for her.