Sunday, March 25, 2012

Ain't no Sunshine...

Wow, what a week. I have got to say, I think this has been the most tumultuous week in my recent history, and although there have been some amazing ups, the downs...on Thursday, on the way home from walking Riley to school, I witnessed a dog hit by a car - and was with her as she died minutes later. The past few days have been a little bizarre because of my reaction to the circumstances. The poor dog was one of several allowed to roam free in our neighbourhood, and she stepped right out in front of the car. I've gone from horrified and sad to angry that her people didn't care for her enough to make sure she was safe.

Anyway, off my soapbox. I've written to the newspaper about it, talked to the entire neighbourhood (feels like), and cried buckets. Now I'm ready to be back to myself...well, I think I am.

I made quite a few cards in the last few days, but only one or two that I was happy with. One of them is for the Virginia's View Challenge #3 at Lily Pad Cards, which is to be inspired by this photo:
 

I've had a little pile of rainbow items just waiting for me to be inspired, and I've sifted through my buttons probably a half a dozen times...and yesterday morning I was inspired to make this card:
Supplies: stamps from Market Street Stamps;
Mustard Seed & Barn Door distress inks;
paper from scraps & My Mind's Eye (from Emily!);
buttons from Basic Grey;
embroidery floss in white & yellow

sad, sad little sunshine :( 
I was primarily inspired by the rainbow palette and the use of buttons. The rainbow coloured raindrops of the patterned paper led to this particular stamp set, and -hold on to your hats- WHITE SPACE! Real white space. I'm still a little bewildered about it myself. 

Virginia's View Challenge #3 ends on Thursday, March 29, so I'm hoping to make another card or two for it myself...a cheerier one this time! 

She likes to sleep tucked in :)

Vampire dog! 

Gratuitous Abby shots...they always make me feel better :)
xoxo,
Jessi

20 comments:

Theresa said...

Hi Jessi - I'm so sorry to hear about the dog. How sad. People get ticketed here for not having their dog on a leash.

Anyway, your card is adorable. I love it!!

Have a great day today lady.

Hug,
Theresa

Emily Leiphart said...

Jessi, I'm so sorry you had to witness such a horrible thing! I hope your son didn't see it. That would've been too traumatizing. Good for you for writing to the newspaper and talking about it. I think that helps the healing process. I love all the white space on your card and those adorable photos of Abby!!

walchowDesign said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the accident and hope Riley is not too traumatised by the show! I hope you have healed a little!

Back to your card, love the ray of sunshines with the colourful buttons! Your sun is beautifully stitched and Abby is so lovely!

CinnamonSally said...

Hi Jessi, how awful for you to have to witness the accident and good for you making a stand and contacting the newspapers. Hope you have had a better day, your card is super cute and perfect for the challenge.

Lindsey said...

Your card looks so cheery and yet so sad at the same time! It is a terrific card, though. And yes, it must be hard to stay sad with cute Abby around. :)

Marie said...

Fantastic use of buttons, Jessi. Very creative. Love the 'white space'. Wishing you smiles and sunshine to replace the sorrow.

Jen W. said...

I really want to strangle people like that. I'm sorry you had to witness that but I'm glad she wasn't alone when she took her last breath. How is Riley taking it all?

The card is lovely even with the sad sunshine. I love the little buttons. :)

Jen W. said...

And Abby is so darn cute! Love when they cover their muzzles like that!

JJ Bolton said...

Awwww Jess. I'm so sorry that you had to experience that. How heartbreaking!

Here's hoping for a better week. Hugs!

Annette Allen said...

your card is so amazing...great take on the challenge. I love that Sun. your dog is just too cute..

Emily Keaton said...

Oh, Jessi. I'm so sorry to hear about the low down of your rollercoaster week. Seeing that poor dog being hit by a car must have been devastating. I can understand all of your reactions. Sending you hugs!!

Your sweet button card is so clever--great take on the inspiration. Your stitched sun rays are just perfect! (And your sweet shout-out for that fun raindrop paper gave me the warm fuzzies!!)

I hope this week is a better one for you!!

~Tammy~ said...

Jessi, that story made me so sad and I am so sorry you had to come upon that and witness such a tragic thing!

Your card is beautiful and I love how you stitched the rays!!!!

Abby is adorable!

Anonymous said...

White space beware... you'll become addicted! This card is fabulous Jess! Love your button rainbow and stitched sun!

Virginia L. said...

Hi Jessi, this card is outstanding! I love the stitching and composition! It's just perfect and sunny! I really appreciate you taking the time to make a card for this challenge! I am so sorry to hear that you had to witness a tragic accident :( It will take some time to heal.... Thanks SO much for playing with us at Lily Pad! HUGS!

yyam said...

Love your cute card! So full of sunshine!

P/s: Sorry you had to witness something so terrible. I know firsthand what's like to be with someone till their last breath...my grandmother and my dog. You are so sweet to stay with her till the end. At least she wasn't alone. You have such a kind heart. Hope this doesn't get you down.

kingstonmama said...

I'm sorry you had to witness something so awful. I can't imagine. Your card is lovely and the photos of your dog are so cute. Ann

Jenny said...

So that's just one of the worst things to see Jessi, I really don't understand how people can be so ignorant and foolish about owning dogs :0(
Your card is so colourful and I love the buttons and sewing..... A real homespun feel :0)
Your posts are not appearing on my dashboard it seems. Why can't blogger do its job properly?!
Jenny x

Unknown said...

beautiful card. i love the stitching details and bright colors...great take on the challenge! abby shots make me happy too :)

Lisa Arana said...

oh, how heart wrenching. animals in pain are my weakness... i just fall to pieces. at least you were there to provide some comfort. sending you the biggest hug ever.

I adore your card... full of color and feeling.

Vicky said...

What a lovely card! Thank you for joining the fun at lily pad cards!