Hi, I'm Torrey. Welcome to Left Field, where creativity runs amok and imagination is ALWAYS more important than knowledge. Shoes are not allowed but ties are optional. This is a repository of snippets from my life out here in Left Field. One never knows what shiny bits of creativity will be found here... cards, scrapbook layouts, photography, poetry, recipes, ponderings, rantings and musings. It could be anything! Life in Left Field is always changing, always real, always ...interesting.

April 24, 2013

Circle of Life

My brother-in-law recently lost his mom. Although it was expected, and they had known it was time...it's still difficult to say good-bye. Her name was Mary. She had 18 children, 42 grandchildren, dozens of great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. That's impressive. What's even more impressive is that she sent birthday cards to every single one of them...faithfully...year after year. Amazing.

I know my brother-in-law is hurting. I wish I could reach out to him and comfort him because that's my nature.

But, I can't.

There is a giant rift between us, fueled by his hatred for me. Deep-seated loathing because (years ago) I suggested that perhaps he and my sister would be happier were they not together. They have had a tumultuous, unkind, and destructive relationship pretty much from the beginning. I so want for them both to  lead happy, healthy lives...but separately, not together. Over the years, he's effectively ostracized me from his family...from his children...from my sister. I can forgive him for this...but I will never forget. I've tried to make amends in the past (several times) -- to no avail. But now, I've pretty much given up trying to fix things between us. I've accepted the fact that our relationship is irrevocably ... broken.

Despite all this, I decided I really need to send a condolence card. I refuse to let his feelings and behaviors dictate how I act (or don't). So, I made this card specifically for him...even though I'm addressing it to him, my sister, and my nephews.

Life is short.


I made the background panel by applying drops of alcohol ink directly to watercolor paper which I die cut into shape. I cut the olive inner frame from white cardstock which I hand-inked in the same manner. I adhered the frame to a piece of transparency film and then adhered the tree and heart diecuts on top of the transparency. I used foam tape to raise this whole assemblage off the background piece.

Ingredients:
Majestic labels (Sizzix Framelits)
Tree die (Memory Box)
heart die (Sizzix Framelits - Princess)
embossing folders (Cuttlebug)
alcohol ink (Ranger)
ribbon
cardstock
watercolor paper
transparency film
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1 comment:

  1. JanRApril 25, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    You're absolutely right, life is too short. I think it's wonderful that you're being the "bigger man" here. ("Bigger man" certainly isn't the best description of what I mean but I thought it was more polite towards your bil than saying "adult".) It's a lovely card. I hope your bil realizes that your sympathy towards him is heartfelt and maybe, just maybe, it will help him heal.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment! It is always wonderful to get virtual pats on the back!! I truly appreciate every comment...they are little bits of love.

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