Wednesday, January 22, 2014

In honor of my dear friend Charlene (Bert)


A short while ago, Heaven got another angel, and we lost one here on earth.  Charlene truly was an angel with the purest of hearts, and she will be sorely missed.  Today is her birthday, and the CCEE group (members and alumni) is honoring her and her friendship with what we do best...Cards

In Jan. of 2006, I joined Splitcoaststampers online stamping community and was a "lurker".  After finally gaining enough courage, I uploaded my first project the beginning of 2007, and Charlene was one of the first to comment and encourage my continued participation, in the challenges, as well as some other kind souls.   I had noticed a trio of ladies were challenging each other on a regular basis, just for fun, outside of the SCS challenges, and I thought that would be a fun way to "get to know" some stampers better.  So I contacted Cindy Motherway (Mothermark on SCS ~ one of those encouraging souls), and asked what she thought of starting such a group.  She was on board, so we asked a few others to join:  Frances Byrne (StampOwl), Carolyn King (Cammie), Cindy Haffner (Cindy_Haffner), Dawn Lusk (DawnL), Deb Mills (88 Keys) and, of course, Charlene Merrick (LilLuvsStampin).  That's how the CCEE (Cheers and Challenges Eclectic Ensemble - or encouragers) group was formed.

This was all before there were many different stamp companies, stores, and design teams, and none of us had blogs, so we each spent a good deal of time chatting in the SCS forums.  And let me tell you, we had a ball bantering.  Charlene was one of the best.  Everyone had a good time encouraging and teasing alike.  Some of the original group has left, other encouraging ladies have joined, and it still remains a warm, inviting place to be encouraged and meet stamping challenges, whether it be a new technique, color combination, or sketch.  That's how I got to know, and love, Charlene (or Bert as we called her...another story).

I never had the honor of meeting Charlene in person, but we talked on the phone on occasion, and corresponded through snail mail too.  The nice thing about the internet, is having an opportunity to make many friends throughout the world.  The disadvantage, is the distance.  We were always going to try and meet up, and just this last year I was going to try and arrange it since my daughter was going to college a few hours away.  But my daughter transferred, and it just didn't happen.  A huge regret on my part!!

So, this card is to honor Charlene today:  Her birthday.  She LOVED purple and penguins, and as many of you know...M&M's.  I decided to make a purple feather...in honor of the angel wings I'm sure she's sporting right now.

I colored the feather image (Fine Feathers ~ Waltzingmouse Stamps) with Tombow markers, spritzed it with water and stamped it onto white card stock.  I did the same with the sentiment (no water though), and added some Washi tape stripes along the left side.  That's it...clean and simple

Miss you my friend.

___________________________________________________________

Stamps:  Fine Feathers (Waltzingmouse)
Paper:  White (Flourishes), Black (PTI), Green (Bazzill)
Ink: Tombow Markers
Accessories:  Washi Tape (Bella Blvd and Little B), Corner Rounder Punch (EK Success)

17 comments:

StampOwl said...

Such a beautiful post my friend and it brings back some wonderful memories! Love your card

Benzi said...

Tosh, this is such a sweet post for Charlene. The feather card is just beautiful and I love the reason you used it. I'm sure Charlene would, too. Maybe she's even seeing it and is giving you a big Charlene smile.

Vicky Gould said...

Tosh, your purple feather and verse are absolutely perfect for Charlene!!! Beautiful!

Dawn said...

a Beautiful tribute to Bert!

we did have some GOOD times in that chat thread, didn't we!! (although I remember it having a slightly different meaning, snort, wink)
fun times and memories

wannabcre8tive said...

Tosh, your card is beautiful and Charlene would have loved it.

Carolyn King said...

Tosh--this is an amazing tribute. Seems like such a long time ago I got that email from you and was so honored you thought of me for that group--what an amazing group of ladies! Miss you all! xo

jdmommy - Anne Harmon said...

Tosh, what a beautiful card you have created in our dear friend's honor. She is somewhere smiling at all the purple today!! Thanks for coming back to join in today.

Marisa said...

What a wonderful story, Tosh. Know the names well. The feather is gorgeous! A lovely tribute to her on her birthday :)

Angella D. Crockett said...

So sad....she will be dearly missed by so many! Your card is such a beautiful tribute....very special!!

Joanne (jojot) said...

so beautifully said, Tosh...she was one of a kind and is missed....your beautifully crafted card honors her in color and theme....hugs

Wanda Cullen said...

Loved hearing your memories of Charlene and what a gorgeous tribute card! Love that feather and sentiment!

Darlene said...

Gorgeous and meaningful creation Tosh! I'm sure Charlene is smiling down upon you & the other wonderful ladies of this group who have come together in friendship to honor her. She will certainly be missed!
Hugs from Ohio!

Sabrina said...

I loved reading your write-up, and the card is just so beautiful.
I'm sure I remember hearing about the origin of Bert, but try as I might I couldn't remember. She was Bertie at the Teapot Tuesday tea-parties, too.

Jerri Kay said...

This is so touching Tosh, I feel Charlene is smiling in Heaven and missing all of her CCEE "peeps". A very beautiful tribute to a very beautiful soul. Hugs, Jerri

BJ Searcy said...

What a beautiful story. The card in her memory is just gorgeous. The colors you chose for the card is just beautiful.

TLady said...

WHAT an ABSOLUTELY LOVELY CARD Tosha, AND tribute to your friend!!!! :) You think she's looking down & SMILING??? :) Some people are just LOVELY TO KNOW!!!!!!:)

Carol from La Crosse said...

Beautiful story Tosh and Beautiful projects. Just love them!!

Been following you for years. Thanks for your continued inspiration!

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