Life is Like a Balloon Card

Click on the image to enlarge. 

"Life is like a balloon...if you never let yourself go, you will never know how far you can rise."

Isn't this an uplifting quotation? It is perfect for birthdays, graduations and other occasions where encouragement is appropriate.

The base of this card is a light pink blank Recollections card (Michaels) that measures 5" by 6.5".

The background paper is from the Que Sera Sera paper pad by K and Company.

I chose the digital stamp/sentiment "Life is like a balloon" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I used Microsoft Word software to merge and resize the images and sentiment. This was a little tricky, but I think it turned out OK. If I make another card with this image, I might make the girl a little larger.

I hand-colored the images with Copic Sketch markers and Winsor and Newton Promarkers/Brush markers. I cut/embossed the image with my die cutting machine and mounted it on a piece of dark pink patterned paper. I then attached it to the card.

I embellished the card with a balloon die cut from Recollections Signature Glitter Paper and attached it in the upper right corner of the card. I made a paper flower and attached it to the lower left side of the card. The balloon and flower dies are by Sizzix (thrift shop finds). 

I will enter this card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time To Craft Challenge #98
Craft-Dee Bowz August 2019 Challenge
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge #66
The Creative Crafters Challenge #19
Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #282
Sweet Stampers Challenge #35

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Handmade Saint Bernard Feel Better Card

Click on image to enlarge.

I made this card for a special family member who is undergoing some health challenges. 

I used the digital stamp "Bernard" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic Sketch Markers and Promarkers. I used a Spellbinders die to cut out the image.

I chose three layers of patterned paper from the Tim Holtz Wallflower Paper Stash pad for the background. I like the "grunge" look that I got with this paper.

The base of the card is a blank kraft cardstock card that measures 5" by 6.5".

I selected the sentiment "feel better" and adhered it below the dog image.

I finished the card with a brown twine bow.

I am entering this card in the following challenges;
Artistic Inspirations Challenge #216
A Place to Start July 2019 Challenge
Crafting From the Heart Challenge #246
Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #280

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Brave Girls Never Give Up - A Children's Book Review

The Adventures of Lucy Snigglefritz: Book One

Author: Patrick Milne

Illustrator: Stephanie Faye

Publisher: Fayemous Books

Publication Date: September 16, 2013

Age Level: 4 - 7 years

 
About the Author
Patrick Milne is the author of two Kindle books for kids.
 
A Brave Girl Never Gives Up!
Lucy Snigglefritz is a star performer in Amazing Avido's Circus. She is famous for her daring tricks and magnificent performances.

As Lucy grows older, her popularity declines. She is eight years old and could no longer perform the "puppy tricks" she once did with ease.

"You're not as young as you used to be," snarled Avido Padrone.
"No one wants to see an old dog doing puppy tricks."

Lucy is abandoned at the side of the road when the circus moves to their next destination. She is heartbroken.

Lucy's future is not as bleak as it first appears. She wanders into a fire station and befriends Sooty, the fire dog. Lucy discovers her inner courage when she accompanies the fire fighters to a burning house.

My Thoughts
Lucy Snigglefritz...I love the name and I think kids will love it too.
I am a long-time proponent of Kindle books for kids. 

I read this digital book on a 7" Kindle screen. At first, the illustrations and print seemed very small. However, I discovered you can "drag" the image with your fingers and make it fill the entire screen (kids will probably figure this out much faster than I did.)

Lucy is a strong and lovable female character and the story is extremely entertaining. Even though Lucy is abandoned by her owner, she overcomes her difficulties and uses the skills she learned in the circus to save a stranded kitten in the house fire. 

This book touches on the following issues that children may want to think about:

• Animal abandonment and care.
• Age discrimination.
• Gender equality.

 Lucy proves that old dogs CAN do puppy tricks and much more!

MY RATING:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I borrowed this book with my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Thank you for reading my book review. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote - A Review

A Christmas Memory

Author: Truman Capote

Illustrator: Beth Peck

Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers

Publication Date: First published in 1956. Audio book published October 28, 2014



About the Author
Truman Capote was born in 1924 and died in 1984. Based on his own boyhood in rural Alabama in the 1930s, A Christmas Memory was originally published in Mademoiselle in 1956 and later was included in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

"As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes.”  
Truman Capote remembers a cherished Christmas in the 1930s. Young Truman is 7-years-old and lives in a home with a family of distant and elderly cousins in a small town in Alabama. 

Truman's best friend is his cousin Miss Sook Faulk. She is in her sixties but is child-like in her ways. She calls Truman "Buddy", in memory of a boy who was formerly her best friend. The other Buddy died in the 1880s, when he was still a child.

Sook's first Christmas tradition of the season is making fruitcakes. When Sook happily exclaims, "It's fruitcake weather," Buddy knows that Christmas is not far away. Even though they have very little money, Sook is able to collect all the ingredients she needs to make delicious fruitcakes. Queenie, their beloved dog, is their constant companion.

“It's bad enough in life to do without something YOU want; but confound it, what gets my goat is not being able to give somebody something you want THEM to have.”   Cousin Sook

 Sook is good at stashing away a little pocket change  but there is no money for gifts. Sook and Truman make handmade gifts for each other. They decorate a Christmas tree with handmade art work. 

Favorite Quotation

“My, how foolish I am! You know what I've always thought? I've always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord. And I imagined that when He came it would be like looking at the Baptist window: pretty as colored glass with the sun pouring through, such a shine you don't know it's getting dark. And it's been a comfort: to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling. But I'll wager it never happens. I'll wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself. That things as they are, just what they've always seen, was seeing Him. As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes.” Cousin Sook

My Thoughts
This is a classic Christmas story that is appropriate for children and adults. The theme of this story is friendship and love, the greatest gifts of all. Young Truman cherished his handmade gift from Sook and the wonderful times they spent together more than anything money could buy.

The last two pages of the story are poignant and heart-wrenching. Like life itself, time moved forward and things changed. I don't usually like stories with sad endings (especially when dogs are involved), but the end came in a way that accentuated the love and joy that Truman remembered from his past.

This was the last Christmas that Truman and Sook had together. Truman was sent off to military school, poor Queenie was killed by a neighbor's horse and Sook's health declined. But the memories lived on. 

Highly recommended for all ages. 

MY RATING - 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI - I purchased a print copy of this book from the quarter shelf at a Friends of the Library Sale. This book includes a CD narration of the story but I have not listened to it.

Thank you for reading my book review. Please join my family of Followers and share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. 

Ugly Christmas Sweater Card

Christmas sweaters are fun for people of all ages. Ugly Christmas Sweater parties have become popular over the past several years.

My card was designed to bring a smile and a bit of joy to it's recipient.

These are the materials I used to make the card:

A blank kraft cardstock card that measures 5" by 6 1/2".

Background cardstock from "Snow Village" Paper Pack by Pink Paislee LLC (2014).

The digital stamp "Corgi and Bess - Ugly Sweaters" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic Sketch markers. I made some snow in the background with light blue ink.

I used Dymo embossed labels for the sentiment "Let It Snow".

I finished the card with a piece of multi-color ribbon.

I will enter this card in the following challenge:

Weekly Christmas Card Challenge #2

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Decorated Fire Hydrant Holiday Card

Tis the season to be jolly!

This handmade card features a dog wearing his holiday hat and scarf standing beside a decorated fire hydrant.

I used the following supplies to make this card:

A blank red card that measures 5" by 6.5". (Recollections)

Striped cardstock from Recollection's "Christmas Noel" paper pack.

Decorated Fire Hydrant #01098 wooden stamp from Stampabilities.

Dog clear stamp from Hampton Art Christmas set #SCO591.

Sentiment "Be Merry!" from Hero Arts Bottle Brush Christmas Tree clear stamps #CL803.

I colored the images with Copic Sketch markers and watercolored the background with Zig markers. I embellished the card with Stickles glitter glue and Ranger Glossy Accents.

Challenge:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes

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Kindle Books for Kids: Jump! by Julia Dweck

Jump

Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Brian Allen

Publisher: Sleepy Sheep Productions

Date: September 1, 2014

Grade Level: PK - 3


About the Author
Julia Dweck writes children's stories for digital and traditional publication. Her stories span the spectrum of humor, fantasy, and edutainment in rhyme and in prose. Julia's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read about and what makes them giggle.

"When You Believe In Yourself, You Can Jump With Your Eyes Open."
A timid Jack-In-The-Box toy was frightened and confused when he accidently jumped out of his box. He felt disgraced outside the safety of his familiar box.

As Jack was looking for his box, he met a new friend named Barker. Jack and Barker embarked on many "jumping" adventures. They jumped a skipping rope, they jumped on a trampoline and even jumped out of an airplane!

Jack learned that you must take a leap of faith if you are going to move out of your comfort zone and discover a whole new world.

My Thoughts
"Jump" is a charming and refreshing rhyming picture book for young children. It is published for the Amazon Kindle and the formatting is excellent for young readers. The full-screen horizontal illustrations are colorful, entertaining and humorous. The illustrator did an excellent job portraying the personalities of the characters in this story.

Jack shows children how much fun it can be to get out of everyday routines and take some risks. Life is full of adventures when new faces and places are explored and investigated.

Jack and Barker exhibit a poignant bonding and connection. They bring out the best in each other and have a ton of fun on their journey.

Ms. Dweck provides some valuable teaching tools at the end of the story. There are true facts about amazing jumps, scrambled words from the story and instructions on how to write a simple story using two characters, a setting, a plot and a solution.

"Jump" will entertain, inspire and educate young readers. This book could be used for independent reading or incorporated into a language arts class. It would also be a charming read-aloud selection for pre-school children.  Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I borrowed a digital copy of this book with my Amazon Kindle Unlimited membership.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

My Dog Has Cancer

The past week has passed in a blur. We recently got the news that Buddy, our beloved Labrador Retriever, has an aggressive lymphoma cancer.

We have never had a dog with cancer before. We were completely blindsided by this diagnosis. We knew something was wrong when Buddy seemed to be easily fatigued and fragile. These symptoms manifested themselves in a very short period of time (about one week).

We took Buddy to our veterinarian last Monday. She detected multiple swollen lymph glands. She did some blood work and reported that Buddy had an aggressive form of canine lymphoma cancer.

We were shocked and devastated. We didn't want to lose our beloved pet but we didn't have the funds to provide him with traditional chemotherapy treatment.

On Wednesday, our veterinarian called and said she found an experimental drug trial at Texas A & M University that Buddy might qualify for. This program is testing dogs with lymphoma cancer.  I was cautiously optimistic that this program might be able to help our dog. We made an appointment at the Small Animal Clinic at Texas A & M University for the next day.

College Station is about 70 miles from our home so my husband and I started out early in the morning. We had a 10:30 am appointment to see a veterinarian who would evaluate Buddy's condition. The doctor and student assistant that saw Buddy were very friendly and explained all of our options for treatment.  We soon discovered that Buddy DID qualify for the clinical trial program.

We were sent home with medication and a large journal that I will use to keep detailed records of Buddy's treatment. We will take Buddy to the clinic once a week for four weeks and then every other week for as long as he is in the program.

We have hope. I will report Buddy's progress on our "Buddy's Canine Lymphoma" Facebook page. We would love for you to LIKE this page and support us in this journey.

This is a video slideshow of Buddy's first trip to Texas A & M Small Animal Clinic. Buddy is an Aggie!

Have you ever had a dog with cancer? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.


Kindle Books For Kids: My Dog's Got Fleas by Julia Dweck

My Dog's Got Fleas

Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Mark Aardvart

Publisher: KiteReaders

Date: January 11, 2013


About the Author
Julia Dweck writes children's stories for digital and traditional publication. Her stories span the spectrum of humor, fantasy, and edutainment in rhyme and in prose. Julia's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read about and what makes them giggle.

Fleas With ATTITUDE!
Have you ever had a problem with fleas?

If you have a pet, your answer is probably "YES!"

A young boy takes his dog to a veterinarian and is told that his dog is covered with RARE fleas.

These are no ordinary fleas. Each of the fleas have a unique personality and occupation.

There is ArtFlea. He is an artist who likes to draw and doodle atop a purebred poodle.

There is GleeFlea. She sings inside the shower and tub and is the director of the flea glee club.

There is a super hero flea named WonderFlea. He is stronger than 1,000 fleas and wears a long red cape. 

Some fleas are not very nice. There is BreadFlea. He is a nasty flea who is always plotting evil schemes.

The vet comes up with a plan to rid the dog of these rare fleas.
Where did they all go? 
Where are they living now?
You will get a good giggle when you discover who is itching at the end of the story!

My Thoughts
I have several pet dogs so I can definitely relate to the problem in this story. Children know that fleas are pesky parasites that need to be avoided at all costs.

The fleas in this rhyming story are very different. Each flea has a talent and plays a role in the flea community. Children will relate to the different kinds of fleas and will recognize the good and bad behaviors that exist in any social  setting.

I really like the way the story ends in a humorous manner. The fleas are not killed with harsh chemicals, they just find a new, unexpected home. 

The color illustrations are awesome and add a great deal of value to the story. Mr. Aardvart took a somewhat difficult subject (fleas?) and created original and unique animated illustrations that will delight readers of all ages. The formatting is very professional with full-screen color illustrations and four lines of text on each page.

This book will appeal to children on many different levels. A dog and a group of charming fleas. What more could you ask for?
Highly recommended for children and the entire family.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I received a complimentary digital copy of this ebook to read and review from the author.

Please take a look at The Hunger Games Accessories Giveaway Contest that I am running this week. Just follow this blog and leave a comment for a chance to win.

Share your Comments on this book review in the space below. I would love to hear from you!

Kindle Books For Kids: Cat or Dog for President by Julia Dweck

Cat or Dog for President

Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Bill Bruning

Publisher: Kite Press

Date: October 29, 2012

 

Dog or Cat?

A father tells his child that two men will run for president. A race? The child says his cat and dog are pretty fast.

 

This story features a dog and a cat running for president. The two pets are very different but they both seek to win the same prize. They hit the campaign trail and try to convince the voters that they are the best candidate for the job. However, they realize that they should be working as partners instead of against each other.

 

My Thoughts

Children love to learn about politics during an election year. Many schools have school-wide elections with authentic-looking ballots so children can learn about our government and how our leaders are chosen.

 

This story features a dog and a cat running for president. Many children will have a preference for a cat or dog based on their experiences with family pets. Dogs and cats are different but they are both great pets.

 

This rhyming story is a great way to teach children about politics and have some fun with the comparisons. How are dogs and cats similar? How are dogs and cats different? How are Democrats and Republicans similar? How are they different?

 

I read this book on my Kindle Fire HD and loved the color illustrations. I used the landscape orientation and the illustrations filled the entire screen. There are two lines of rhyming text on each page and you can enlarge the type by tapping on the screen.

 

This story offers an opportunity to have some fun with the presidential election. Will kids be able to choose? Dog or cat?

Wait! Maybe they won't have to choose after all.

 

Highly recommended for kids of all ages.

 

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

 

FYI ~ The author sent me a complimentary free copy of this book to read and review.

 

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Children's Book Review: Henry's Heart by Charise Harper

Henry's Heart: A Boy, His Heart, and a New Best Friend


Author and Illustrator: Charise Mericle Harper

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Date: November 22, 2011






About The Author
Clarise Mericle Harper has created lots of books for children, including the popular Fashion Kitty series and the Just Grace books.

Facts and Fun
Henry's heart is very chatty. Here are some facts that he shares with us;

• The heart has two parts
• It is mostly muscle.
• The heart is a pump - without it the blood can't move.
• It is about the size of Henry's fist.
• The heart is on the job 24/7 because it can't take a vacation from circulation.

Readers learn about the many ways the heart functions within the body, and how what we see, hear, and feel can directly affect our heart rate.

What happens when Henry falls in love? We learn that a new puppy is just what the doctor orders to get Henry's heart in tip-top shape.

My Thoughts 
I chose this book because this weekend  marks the two year anniversary of my father's death from congestive heart failure (October 14, 2010). I think it is extremely important for children to be educated in the functions of the heart and the things that are necessary for good heart health.

This book teaches us about exercise and eating the right kinds of food. It also confirms that love and positive relationships can influence our heart health. It is very important for children to learn and LIVE the information in this book.

I love the way the author included the lesson of  responsible pet ownership in this book.  I {{{HEART}}} this book and I highly recommend it for children of all ages.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I checked-out this book from the public library.

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Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. 

 

 

Mo's "Love Is All Around" Challenge

I made this card to enter in Mo's Challenge #147 - Love Is All Around.

This is how I made the card;
(1.) I started with a blank white greeting card that measures 5" by 6 1/2".
(2.) I glued a piece of Bazzill Basics "Coolcantaloupe" cardstock to the top of the card. I used Elmer's Craft Bond Acid Free/Photo Safe Rubber Cement for my adhesive.
(3.) I layered three pieces of patterned cardstock to the background.
(4.) I used "Que Sera, Sera" Adhesive Borders from K and Company across the top and bottom of the card.
(5.) I attached a piece of burlap to the card with glue dots.
(6.) I chose the digital image "Bella Hearts Bronte" from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop. I printed the image on kraft cardstock and colored it with Prismacolor pencils.
(7.) I mounted the image on a piece of the Bazzill cardstock and attached it to the card with glue dots.
(8.) I embellished the card with a pink hat and red hat sticker.

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Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Mo's "In The Doghouse" Challenge

The dog days of summer have arrived in Texas.  It is too hot to spend much time outdoors so I got my craft stuff out and made this mixed media card for Mo's Challenge #145 - In The Doghouse.

I am also trying out to be a Guest Designer on Mo's Design Team. The competition is stiff but I am giving it my best shot.

I am a self-taught crafter and I have had so much fun making cards over the past couple of years. I am very humble and honored to participate in this contest.

This is how I made this card:

(1.) I started with a blank kraft greeting card that measures 5" by 6 1/2".

(2.) I layered coordinated patterned cardstock, cork, burlap and corrugated cardboard on the card. I used rubber cement and glue dots to attach the elements to the card.

(3.) I used the digital stamp "Bronte and Louis" from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop. I colored the image with Copic sketch markers. I highlighted the hair with a white gel pen and used chalk to tone down the white background.

(4.) I embellished the card with three punched flowers.

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Mo's Hugs and Kisses Challenge

You think dogs will not be in heaven?
I tell you, they will be there long
before any of us.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

The dog is the only thing on earth
that loves you more than you love
yourself.
~ Josh Billings

My little dog -
a heartbeat at my feet.
~ Edith Wharton

I made this card for Mo's Challenge #144 - Hugs and Kisses.

This is how I made the card;

I started with a blank hot pink card that measures 4 1/4" by 5 1/2".

I used a piece of pretty patterned paper with hearts and swirls for the background.

I layered a piece of corrugated cardstock, a piece of yellow cardstock and a piece of black cardstock on the card.

I used the digital image "Bronte Kisses" from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop. I colored the image with Copic sketch markers. I used a black Prismacolor pencil for the hair. I cut out the image and mounted it on a red/pink label.

I embellished the card with a piece of vintage handmade lace.

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Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

I See Spots Greeting Card

Today I made a handmade greeting card for Mo's Challenge #130 - I See Spots w/Mo image. The card must have some round shapes or dots on it. I found some background paper with blue/brown dots. I also used an image with a round chocolate chip cookie on it.

This is how I made the card;
(1.) I started with a pre-made kraft card that measures 4" by 5 1/2".
(2.) I chose "Baby Boy/Stripe" patterned paper from Heidi Grace Designs (Fiskars) for the background.
(3.) I used the digital stamp "Bronte and Louis" from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop. I printed the image on kraft cardstock and used a Nestabilities die to cut it out. I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils. I highlighted the image with a black gel pen and a white gel pen. I used the white gel pen to make some faux stitches around the edge of the image.
(4.) I embellished the card with a "Smile" chipboard sticker and two punched paper flowers.

This is the second week that I have used a non-traditional hair color. This week I made the hair black with blue highlights. What do you think?

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

All My Favorite Things

The theme for Mo's Digital Challenge this week is "All My Favorite Things". I love this image of the litte boy/girl getting kisses from the pup.

This is how I made the card;
(1.) I started with a blank pre-made greeting card made from brown kraft cardstock.
(2.) I used the paw prints patterned paper from a "Cats and Dogs" scrapbooking kit that I bought several years ago.
(3.) I used a Nestabilities die to cut and emboss a rectangular piece of coral colored cardstock.
(4.) I used the "Bronte Kisses" digital stamp from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop. This image comes with three sentiments about dogs so I chose the one by Edith Wharjon. It says, "My little dog ~ a heartbeat at my feet." I colored the image with Copic sketch markers. I tried to make Bronte look like my own little brindle "tiger-striped" dog named Tiger.

(5.) I embellished the card with two silver glitter hearts from Martha Stewart and a chipboard paw print sticker.

Thank you for taking a look at my card ~ Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: The Mystical Wood

"The Mystical Wood", by Simon Jenner, is a story about a boy and his dog. Max gets out of the yard through a hole under the gate and the boy runs to rescue him. The boy learns some very valuable life lessons as he searches for his beloved pet.
This ebook is available from Amazon and can be read on the Kindle and all of the Kindle applications.





About The Author
Simon Jenner is an independent author who lives in the United Kingdom with his wife and son. He has worked as an accountant for the past 20 years.

A Boy and His Dog
This is an exciting adventure story about a boy in search of his lost dog. The story is written in rhyme and has some repetitive text that children will love. The boy opens the gate to leave his yard and falls down into a magical kingdom. He meets a wizard who warns him,

"Little boy, oh little boy, what business have you here?
This wood is full of monsters and other things to fear."

The wizard gives the boy a magic green bag with three boxes inside. The wizard tells the boy that he can use the bag to help him find Max.

The boy walks through the woods and meets a dragon, a giant bumblebee and a T-Rex dinosaur. Each of these animals threaten to do great harm to the boy. The boy is brave and uses the magic green bag to barter with the monsters and go safely on his way.

Did the boy find his dog? You will be happy to discover the fate of Max at the end of this story.

My Thoughts
I found this book absolutely delightful. The color illustrations by Pierrre Fihue are wonderful. They add a great deal of excitement and suspense to the story.
The boy faces some very real dangers in the woods but he never gives in to fear. His determination to rescue his beloved pet is his only concern. This book will entertain young readers and teach them some valuable lessons about life.
I am so happy to see new books for kids being written for the Kindle. The  Kindle Fire has a color screen so this will make children's books very appealing to parents. I believe the future will be very bright for authors who write ebooks for children and young adults.

If you would like to learn more about "The Mystical Wood", please view The Mystical Wood [Book Trailer].

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Celebrate Card Challenge

This week Mo's Design Team is celebrating Mo's 100th challenge. The theme of the challenge is "Celebrate" and three lucky winners will be chosen at random tonight.

I made this birthday card using the digital image  "Bella Carrying The Cake" from Mo's Digital Pencil Store. I colored the image using Copics Sketch markers.
I distressed the edges of the image with Tim Holtz Distress Ink and stamped the word "Celebrate" at the bottom of the card.
I embellished the card with some flower stickers and a vinage pink ribbon.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Mo's Sketch Card Making Challenge

This week Mo's #98 Digital Challenge is a sketch challenge. The design team made a sketch that I must use to make my own card. A picture of the sketch is shown below.
This is how I made the card;
(1.) I used a striped pre-made card with a matching envelope.
(2.) I used the digital stamp "Bronte's Kisses" from Mo's Digital Pencil Store. I cut the scalloped circle from a template and distressed the edges with "Old Paper" distress ink. I colored the image with Prismacolor markers and Copics Sketch markers.
(3.) I added the dark green and pink paper to the card and then attached the image. I found a pink circle with the word "Love" on it to attach to the upper right corner.
(4.) I embellished the lower edge of the image with some punched fronds (Martha Stewart) and flowers.


I really like this image. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog. A kiss on the forehead can make everything better.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood

If there is a special dog in your life, this is a book that you will treasure.

The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood, by Nadine Rosin, is a true story about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, senior canine care, and an empowering new look at the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away.

This memoir tells how Buttons and Nadine lived, loved, laughed and cried together for 19 years. Nadine loved Buttons like an child, and Buttons was one lucky dog!

About The Author

Nadine M. Rosin has been a student of alternative healing for over thirty years and is a certified holistic pets/toxic-free living consultant, pet bereavement facilitator, and public speaker.

A Young Lady And Her Dog
In 1984, Nadine's cousin said, "You're going to be twenty-nine next month, you've got no kids, no husband, and no prospects. How 'bout I get you a dog for your birthday?"  That is how the journey began.

Nadine and her cousin traveled to Waggin' Tails, the only Cockapoo breeder listed in the Yellow pages. When Nadine walked into the kennel, a small mixed-breed female puppy almost leaped out of her cage and burrowed her entire front end up the sleeve of Nadine's coat. This little pup whined and cried the entire time that Nadine was looking at the other dogs. It was obvious that Buttons had chosen her new mother.

Nadine treated Buttons like a real daughter and they did everything together. Buttons seemed to understand Nadine's reluctance to commit to a loving relationship because of an abusive mother and a difficult childhood. Buttons was there to help Nadine when her long-time boyfriend left her broken-hearted and depressed. Buttons was there for Nadine when she was forced to move multiple times in search of employment.

When Buttons was eight years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. The vet gave her six weeks to live without amputation, chemotherapy and radiation. Nadine refused to accept this diagnosis. She launched a holistic regimen that included cleansing Button's body of all toxins and giving her body the nutritional support it needed to heal itself. Within a few months, Buttons was cancer-free and went on to live many more healthy years.

When Buttons was 18 years old, she suffered a stroke. Nadine nursed her with medication from the vet, natural foods and supplements. Nadine was planning a party to celebrate Button's 19th birthday. Buttons died one week before her birthday.
Nadine describes how she prepared herself for the inevitable death of her dear daughter and the emotions that she felt during the final days. She tells how she had the body cremated and later spread the ashes in some of their favorite places. Nadine tenderly tells how she communicated with Button's spirit after her death. She explains how she grieved and how she was able to eventually work through her grief.

My Thoughts
Disclosure: I am the mother of six beloved dog children. I usually don't like to read "sad dog stories", but this book was a celebration of life and living. Nadine and Buttons had a bond that does not end with death...Love never ends.
Nadine has a wonderful writing style that makes the reader feel like he/she is right in the story. There is never a dull moment in this book.
I seldom shed tears while reading a book, but I admit that I broke down when Buttons died. I felt like I had lost one of my own beloved pets. The joyful news is that Button's spirit still lives in Nadine's heart and always will.

Nadine Rosin has a very interesting web site/blog that offers readers more information about holistic pet care.
This is a book that every dog parent should read. It is an inspiring, moving and remarkable piece of work. The book is available in paperback at Amazon and in digital format on the web site.

Disclosure: Nadine Rosin sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

Are you a dog parent? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.