Tuesday 18 November 2014

Phew ......I do like cutting it fine!

Hi Everyone,

I have a quick share today which is an entry I've managed to make for the Chocolate Baroque monthly blog challenge.   As most of my friends know we're having a particularly tough time of it in this neck of the woods because two weeks ago today my Mum had her second fall in 2 days and unfortunately broke her right hip so most of my time has been spent at the hospital since then as the Alzheimers is making Mum's care particularly difficult and the hospital do not have the staff to give her 24/7 attendance.  When I've managed to stay awake after late meal times every evening I've been so glad to retreat to my craftroom but it's been a bit heavy going so I'm really pleased I managed to complete this card almost at the last minute (challenge closes tonight).

I'm not going to give any 'how to' details today as I have the unenviable task of dropping in on a couple of nursing/care homes in preparation for doing battle with social services so here's my challenge entry.


It was early, raining and very dull when I took the photos so they're not very vibrant and the dusky mauve pearl contrast card looks grey in the pics but never mind.  I found this quite a difficult colour combo but am quite chuffed with the end result and the little bits of white highlighting on the baubles (and touches of white splatter on the inked base card which was intended, lol) just lifts it a bit.



I hope everyone has a more pleasant day lined up than me (visiting potential nursing homes & then Mum) and I just remembered it's mine and OH's 42nd Anniversary today .................. we both forgot until OH remembered late last night, lol!

Hugs
Lesley  Xx

17 comments:

Hazel Agnew said...

Happy Anniversary Lesley! Well done for getting into your craftroom, more than I've done so far this week. Love your beautiful baubles, they are so delicate and detailed. Different colour scheme that really works. Xx

Deborah Wainwright said...

Very very happy anniversary very pretty card and hopefully you will a home that is just right for your mum xxx

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful card! Happy Anniversary! I am so sorry to hear your mom is not doing so well and all the additional stress you are facing with having to do the follow up to get her proper care. Sending hugs to you.

judith@poppy cottage said...

A very beautiful card Buddy, gorgeous background, and the baubles are lovely. The lilac matting and bows adds a delicate touch. Thanks so much for making a Herculean effort to get this card finished in time and for entering the Chocolate Baroque Challenge. Good Luck today in your trek around the care homes, I wil be thinking about you, and all the best to your lovely Mum, Judith xx

judith@poppy cottage said...

Oops, I forgot! Happy Anniversary to you both, big hugs, Judith xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Such a gorgeous card Lesley, I love the colours and the sentiment. Good luck on your Care Home quest, despite what the papers say there are some good ones out there.

Sue xx

massofhair said...

Happy 42nd Anniversary Lesley, what a wonderful milestone, sorry you won't be in too much of a celebrating mood after your day looking for a good care home.

Beautiful card, loving the colours and bauble shapes very much. Glad you managed to spend at least a short time crafting, results are awesome.

Hugs:-) xxx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Lesley, your design is gorgeous, I love the Harlequin ornaments in the challenge colours (and they are one of my fav designs.. but I have many favs sigh...). Sorry to read about your Mom and how busy you are. I hope life settles down for you. Happy Anniversary, Shirleyxx

Aquarius said...

Happy anniversary to you both. I'm pleased you are managing to get some time in the craft room while things are being difficult for you - a little crafty therapy does help at such times I know and you've produced a beautiful card. I hope things settle for you soon. Take care - hugs!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Lesley. Stunning card. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to make your project for the Chocolate Baroque Challenge.
Florence x

snazzyoriginal said...

Happy Anniversary Lesley although I don't expect you are much in the mood for celebrating. Dementia alone is tricky enough but combined with a hospital stay it becomes a nightmare. I ended up sleeping at the hospital for over two weeks as my Mum didn't understand what had happened and even with the best nursing care the staff simply don't have the resource to give the reassurance and support with the ordinary things that dementia sufferers need. The hunt for a nursing home is exhausting , so much to ask and think about but there are some really good ones about and I was very pleasantly surprised by how helpful and supportive both Social Services and my Mum's OT were in getting Mum settled. Essential really if you are faced with this situation for the first time and with us the odd 500 miles between us just complicated everything. I also found Age UK's website and helpline really informative about how everything works with funding etc.
Love your card, the colours are so unusual and effective especially with the White highlights and so pleaded you could find a little time for yourself, so important when you are run so ragged.
hope you get things settled soon. Much love and hugs xx

Julie Lee said...

What a beautiful card, Lesley! You are such a professional! Your work always looks elegant and well finished! I love the colours you've chosen for this one. Happy Anniversary and I do hope you find the Care Home that is right for your mum. My oldest and dearest friend's mum was in a wonderful care home in Nottinghamshire. She was not only well cared for, but valued as an individual too, even though her vascular dementia made her care a challenge! Such places do exist so never lose heart. xxx

Words and Pictures said...

So sorry to hear about your Mum's hip - it sounds as though you and she are having a really rough time of it... will be thinking of you.

In the meantime, it's a great card - the fiery background is so fabulous, and I love how you've layered up the baubles.

Sorry I've missed so much, but I'm looking forward to getting back in the swing of visiting.
Alison xx

Helen said...

Love your card, Lesley, it's beautiful! So glad you are able to snatch a few minutes here and there to craft . Wishing you all the best with your search for the best solution for your mum, I know from experience it's not easy (or cheap!) Hope social services help and aren't too difficult. xxx

Ruth said...

So glad you took some time out of your circumstances for some 'art therapy' because it's a beautiful card! A very Happy Anniversary to you both and I hope the stressful times resolve soon. Look after yourself.. Hugs Ruth xx

sam21ski said...

Lovely card Lesley and so pleased you are making time for yourself in your current circumstances. You need to look after yourself so you can look after everyone else xxx

Sally H said...

Happy belated anniversary, Lesley! Hope your day wasn't too traumatic. Visited a fair few nursing homes ourselves for Steve's Mum a few years ago - not an easy job, but hopefully she will get settled in quickly.Your card is a stunner! Love the colour combo - beautiful stamping too x