It's inescapable. And after hopping on my soapbox in mid September, but not published until end of October as
Halloween Mojo, I have really been tested. Heading off to Auckland (3 hour drive) for a 3-day weekend with Andy Skinner (UK) & Tracey Weinzapfel (USA), I detoured via the Emergency Dept to catch up with dad, who had been admitted that morning after many chest pains. Turned out some of it had been another heart attack, and he died Saturday night. At 94 he was still driving, greeting nurses by name every shift, and discussing articles I read to him out of NZ National Geographic. I got to do the Friday and Saturday classes, but skipped the evening ones, and Sunday class. Then mum took a turn for the worse, and we were expecting a double funeral. But no, she rallied somewhat. In the meantime I also had a hectic period at work, so my time and inclination to make art was minimal. I did NOT lose my mojo, nor did I do much creating, I was immersed in other aspects of Life. Mum died 5 weeks after dad, and I am creating this journal spread between death and funeral, a week ahead of this publication date.
So I apologize that I didn't visit and comment on all the pieces entered in October's challenge.
And here's a reminder that run fast, fly high, but seek immortality in other ways, because the Grim Reaper will get you.
One of those ravens diecut for the last post has carked it.
Seek immortality in celluloid - aided and abetted by a Lego packet with a batman character in it. It was on my desk, need I say more!
You can tell I used plenty of die cuts - from
Seth Apter, Spellbinder, Sizzix,
Elizabeth Craft.
The soulful face came in a package from
Teesha Moore, stencils from Andy Skinner (seems discontinued) and
Kaisercraft. The flying pig is from
Silver Crow Creations, and various other stamps in the background from
vivalasvegas stamps, Third Stone stamps. I guess I've been buying Treasure for too long - some of these are no longer available.
Leave us some love below, and show us your dark makings
here
Oh my goodness Squiddy!!! I know your parents were what we would call "a good age" but it is still a tremendous strain to lose both so closely together. I am not surprised you didn't have time(or inclination) to craft or mooch about in Blogland. I truly hope your journaling helps you deal with this chaos, and that the year ends for you with much love and happy memories XXX
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina, as I've found in the past, Life drags me along no matter what it has thrown at me or how I feel about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Squiddy, your post rocks. What a great tribute to your parents. Crafting can be a great relief and release during difficult times. The watercolour may be salted with tears but you gotta keep on keeping on. Hugz
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