Friday 8 March 2019

Happy Birthday

Hi bloggers!  While today's card is pretty self explanatory, the frame, sentiment and tulip were paper pieced out of a pixie powder background,  I don't usually put much more up on the blog other than the card directions. Today, however, would have been my Dad's 99th birthday.  I lost him at 91, which was still an amazing amount of time to have a parent.   I have always felt so blessed to have had both my amazing parents into their 90's!  I just feel the need to write a little about my Dad today, I hope you will indulge me.   An interesting fact about my family tree is that my Dad was born in 1920, he was the last of fourteen children (twelve were half siblings)   While his mother was much younger, his father was 67 years of age when he was born.  His father (my Grandfather) was born in 1853, which was even before the American Civil War began!   Talk about an old family tree, huh!

When my Dad retired, he learnt to use a computer and enjoyed sending me things that he found, from jokes to funny pictures and everything in between.  My favourite thing he ever sent was the " "Lessons in Life" that was written by Regina Brett when she was in her 90's!   It is sort of a tradition now that I reprint it on the blog every year on his birthday.  I hope you don't mind, but it brings me peace on what would have been his 99th birthday.  I hope you can take something valuable from it with you as I have. Each year I find that something else strikes a chord with me from it. What number from the list do you identify with most?

Here goes:
: 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's OK to get angry   9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?' 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive everyone everything. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 42. The best is yet to come.. 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 44. Yield. 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."  Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves  I think that we all need to take a few moments every day and be grateful and appreciative of what we have.

I love you Dad!

All for now, Sue x






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60 comments:

Muriel said...

Hello Sue and all
Makes me realise how long I have been following your blog when I see your fathers wonderful message to you Sue, it is lovely to see it every year.
Lovely card today, great colours, the flower squares are really fun to use,
Hugs
Muriel x

hazel young said...

Wonderful card Sue. I remember when you first put your father's message on your blog. xx Hazel

BridgetCG said...

Hello Sue, a beautiful card for a day filled with memories. Sending you big hugs, and thanks for sharing this message with us again. It is good to get reminded every year. Have a good day everyone.Bx

Steph Cotterill said...

Loving thoughts coming your way this morning Sue. Had my dad lived beyond his mid 50's out wonderful roll models would be the same age. I like many here that have followed you for many years and feel honoured that you share this personal time in your life each year (as we all appreciate that your private life is personal and private) I too have a story but this certainly isn't the time or place to share.
45 must be the lesson that pulls at me each year, you came along at just the right time in my life, I admire many many people for their amazing talent all created here by you and they share their work thanks to social media. But I've found two amazing genuine friends via you and your blog so I'm really taken by statement 45.
Your dad would be so very proud of the person you are, not only extremely talented at what you do but you also have the biggest heart which has room for everyone good and not so good you told no grudges, and welcome everyone with open arms show me one dad that wouldn't be proud of a daughter like you.
Today's sample is just beautiful Sue, can you imagine the happiness a card like this would bring it would certainly make someone's day like you make ours.
Sending hugs xxx

jean.phillips1 said...

Morning Sue, beautiful card. Thinking of you today on your lovely Dad’s birthday. There are so many things on that list that ring true, can’t pick just one. Your Dad was an amazing man. Love Jeanxxx

kittyedavies47@gmail.com said...

Morning Sue.
I am sending caring thoughts your way today, well every day really.
Thank you once again for posting your Dads lovely message.
A very pretty card today too, thank you.
Take care Kitty.

Barbara Gosden said...

Hi Sue
A beautiful card. Lovely way to remember your Dad, and excellent advice.
B xx

Janice K said...

Good morning Sue,
I think your dad must have been a very wise man as the Lessons in Life are so relevant, thank you for reminding us of them.
Today's card is another beauty, super colour from the pixie powders and a wonderful background.x

ahappycrafter50 said...

Love the tulip.
Both my parents were bornin1920 too. My Dad died at the age of 78 but I still have my Mum who manages to live in her own bungalow , with support. Although she’s a long way from me, I go over to see her every 2/3 weeks when she’s still able to enjoy little trips out. Amazing really.
What a profound set of statements about life.
Jan
Northampton

CraftyCoffey said...

Lovely card today & I like Life Lesson No 17-so true.

Michele

Chris Curry said...

Wonderful card Sue, love it, and wonderful words of wisdom. It is good to have the reminder. I too lost my Dad when he was ninety and consider myself lucky to have had him for that long. He was a true gentleman, kind, thoughtful and caring with a sense of humour. He would have agreed with every word your Dad sent you. Thank you, have a great day .xxx

hollyberry said...

A beautiful tulip for today's card.
I always enjoy reading this message you Dad sent you,on his birthday every year. For me number2 is the one that resonates the nose,although many mean something to me. You know a little of my life"journey" so you will understand why.
Thank you for sharing a little of your life with us,I feel humbled that you do.

June Smith said...

Morning Sue and all Wilsonettes, oh my goodness what a story, you Dad sounds such a wonderful man and what a great ambassador for life, the words he has written are so very true, the world would be a much better place if this was followed more. It brought tears to my eyes to read it. What a wonderful legacy you have inherited from him, I can see now where you get your talent from, your lovely nature and your kindness.

Stunning sample today

Stay safe, healthy and happy, hugs, June Smith xxx

Jean Z said...

Hi Sue, Lovely card and background is beautiful. love Jean Z xxxx

carol edwards said...

Hello Sue, a beautiful card today and beautiful words from your dad. I'm sure these words give you comfort and strength each year. To have had your dad until 99 is so special and I'm sure he'd would have been so proud of you following his words of wisdom. Hugs xx

Marion Scott said...

Hello Sue, a beautiful card, the tulip is gorgeous.
Thank you for posting the Lessons in Life again. It is good to be reminded of them. So many of them apply. Thank you.
Marion S x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue - thank you for posting your dad's wise words again and it is very heartwarming to read his life's lessons each year. Your card today is just beautiful Sue. Sending warm wishes, YvonneMayxx

Tressa said...

Lovely card. I do like this set of dies.

Your dads words you have have posted are always worth reposting occasionally..... very wise.

I was an elderly 68 when I finally became an orphan...losing my mum at nearly 90, my dad having gone three years earlier at just off 97. He is still probably turning in his grave with annoyance at not hitting the 100 and getting his card from the Queen and so upsetting my anti-royalist mother😈😈😈😈😈😈.

Teresa

freedomlass said...

Good morning everyone
I love your card and your message for your dad is beautiful.

Lesley
Be thankful for the day the sun is shining...............

Jackie T said...

Good morning Sue your card is stunning I love it. Thank you for sharing that message from your lovely dad. We still have both of my husband's parents they are both in their 90s. The time with them now is precious. Thinking of you today. Hugs Jackie

Anne said...

My dad was a wise man too, Sue. The combination of your words and the card today are very special as I grew up in Spalding where they grow tulips.

Thank you.

Anne (Northampton)

Cards2Di4 said...

Thinking of you today, Sue. And today's card is beautiful. Love and hugs, Diane (Cards2Di4) xxx

lydia jordan said...

Morning Sue,
Beautiful card. There are several things on the list that I relate to.
Thinking of you today.
Lydia
X

Ann Topp said...

Good Morning Sue. How lovely of you to share your private memories of your Dad on the anniversary of his passing.I have read this a few times now ..... but I still read it again this morning. What a wise man he was. Thankyou for sharing this Sue......along with your beautiful card today. It's lovely. And I love the tulip. I wonder how many people know that the Tulip is the floral emblem of Turkey.....My favourite place in the world. Well done Sue. Sending hugs and best wishes to everyone. Kind regards Ann Toppcards Leeds.

Pussycats said...

Good Morning sue an all
stunning card this morning and thinking of you today Sue. Reading your memories of dad is moving and reading the list reminds us of everyday life.
Sending hugs , Wendy

Crafty Vonnie said...

Good morning Sue,
A beautiful card & your life lesson tribute to your Dad.Yvonne xx

June Horrocks said...

Hi sue your card is so beautiful I love tulips so many colours in the fields and garden centres
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful dad with us he the words you shared are a comfort as you say
My brother is in the last stages of Parkinson’s and dementia he dosnt know me but I go to see him honour my mum and dad who loved us so much he’s 75soon I’m 81 soonthank you so much for your lovely words
Love always dear friend june Horrocks xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all you do, love your Dad’s life rules and oh so true, love that you are keeping his memory alive and share it with us, hope your day is filled with happy memories that bring a smile to your face send you gentle hugs Elizabeth Bennett

karenlotty said...

Your dad and his message are amazing and I am glad you print it every year
This year and probably most years number 2 resonates with me Having had my MIL’s funeral this week and it being the 10th anniversary of my son passing and the 20th anniversary of my sister passing my head is full of doubt
xx

Lovely card too! I have all of the ingredients so will definitely be trying this one

Crafty Cruiser said...

It would have been my dad’s birthday today too - he would have been 96 but died at the age of 71 to the dreaded cancer. He would have agreed wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by your dad Sue and we can think of them fondly today.
Doreen R

BenteS said...

Lovely card today.
Thanks for sharing the message from your father with us!
So wise and beautiful :))

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Thank you for sharing.
VΓ©ronique L

Fluffycat said...

Hi Sue, a lovely card and I must say that I am really pleased with all the cards that I have made with the Flower Squares. They are so easy to work with and give great results however you treat them.
My dad was born in 1920 also, sadly we lost him just before his 83rd birthday. I printed off Regina's lessons when you first posted them and I re-read them occasionally just to remind myself and I think each lesson is appropriate at different times.

Frances

Jan on the Fosse said...

Hi Sue
I was so lucky when I won this Tulip flower die. I have made my Easter cards using it and two spring birthday cards too. I just need the Rose die and then I have both sets.I am always happy with the results. Thank you so much.
Jan x

ursula said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you today Sue, a difficult day for you, but praise too that both your parents lived such long lives....This card is beautiful, I love the basketweave die..luv Ursula xx

Snuffy Snoo said...

Hi Sue
It’s lovely to remember your Dad on his birthday, and I always read LESSONS IN LIFE when you post it....it really does make you think! I’ve loved hearing about your Dad in your previous posts over the years! πŸ’•
Beautiful card as well!!
Much love
Sam
xxxx

Eunice Astle said...

Beautiful card and wonderful advise from your Dad!! I have just recently lost my partner and alot of what your dad said is how he lived!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sue ...... Thank you so much for sharing ' Lessons In Life ' - VERY meaningful, and thought provoking!
May you be comforted by the love your dad had for you, and continue to treasure the wonderful times spent with your parents.
The tulip card is truly beautiful .....
God bless you
Jersey Pauline XX

Suzzette Yandle said...

Happy 99th Birthday to Sue's Dad. Thank you Sue for sharing part of your Dad's family tree. I am a genealogist and it is always an interest to me to hear about others' life. I can feel the love you shared with your Dad. "The Lessons in Life" that your Dad sent you are words of wisdom. I printed this up from your posting it several years ago and read it from time to time. The number on this list that strikes a code with me today is #17. It is time in my life that I need to start thinning my possessions realizing my boys probably will not want what I have and I have no grandchildren to pass things onto either. It's a sad time for me to do this.

Your card design is lovely. It reminded me that I wanted to share with you a tip I found and used regarding those itty bitty paper pieces for paper piercing that have wings. The tip is to place a piece of "Cling" wrap over the die cut after cutting and before removing the tiny pieces from the die. Press the "Cling" firmly and release the die cut pieces from the die. All the pieces then will stick to the "Cling". Yah! No more fly aways bits. It really worked for me. Makes me so happy.

Rose in Chester said...

Hi Sue,
I can remember the first time I saw the "Lessons in Life" that your Dad sent you. What an amazing man he was, and his father before him. You must be very proud of your parents/family. I'm sure today is not the only time you remember your dad, but other times, too.

I can't find any lessons in there that I don't wholeheartedly applaud.

Now to your card, it is absolutely lovely, just my colours too.
Hugs, Rose

Lisbeth said...

Hi Sue. Lovely spring card today, pity the weather is not behaving in a spring-like fashion to go with it!
Great words of wisdom from your father, you were lucky to have known him. My father died when he was 47 when my brother and I were only 11 months old so we never know him at all

Lisbeth

CraftyJo said...

Lovely card x

Pat L said...

Hi Sue
Thank you for sharing the lessons of life on what would have been your dads 99th birthday and for me lesson 21 about not keeping things for special occasions is so true, today is special as no one knows what tomorrow brings. Like Lisbeth my dad died when my brother and I were still babies
Love the card, tulips are my favourite flowers so this was my first purchase from your new collection. Would love to know the colours of pixie powders you’ve used

Love and hugs to everyone
Pat

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow!! Such amazing inlay and frame!! Fabulous card!
Love especially the quote "Believe in miracles" :)

Crewe Trish said...

Hello Sue
Lovely card. Thank you for sharing your dads wise words each year. They always bring a tear to my eyes. Number 17 means something to me after having to go through both my mums and brothers houses after they died I have vowed to start decluttering my house so when I die my children wont have to. Number 37 about childhood I have the most beautiful granddaughters I want them to grow up confident, believing anything is possible and know that they will be loved no matter what

CCM said...

Lovely card and wonderful "Lessons in Life".Thanks for sharing again the message from your father with us! Thinking of you today,Sue.

Deb E Isle of Wight said...

Beautiful post and thanks for sharing 'Lessons in Life' today. The anniversary of my father is coming up this weekend so your post hits a chord. Treasure the memories and make more for future generations....

Littlelamb said...

Remember when you first posted this Sue and I copied it. Still have it. Thank you for reminding us. Thinking of you today. Lovely card.

sued99 said...

A beautiful card. I love reading this message every year and wish that more people would live by it.x

Maria said...

Lovely to read about your dad and once again reading "Lessons in Life".
Remember when you first posted it. Nice tulip card.

hugs to all, Maria x

Betty McAlister said...

Hi Sue. Thank you for posting your lovely dads Lessons in Life again. It's lovely to read them every year to remind us of the important things in life, so easily forgotten in the fast pace we now live in.
Beautiful card to celebrate his memory on this his birthday xx

Karen M said...

Hi Sue,
Gorgeous tulip on a lovely card,wonderful reminder of your Dad,it is lovely to read it again,makes you think!
Thank you Sue
Best wishes
Karen M

Judy Hollers said...

Dear Sue, thank you so much for sharing about your Dad. I know your parents were special and are greatly missed. I also know that they raised a wonderful daughter—YOU! The first time I read "Life Lessons" was when you shared it on your blog a few years ago. I love reading it and am thankful for all the wise advice it offers. Thinking of you.
Hugs, Judy Hollers
North Carolina

Pauline Austen said...

Thank you Sue for reminding us of "Life lessons". I've been reading them since you first shared them with us; but I never tire of them. Dads were always a great inspiration despite the fact that we didn't always listen.
Such a lovely card. Thank you Sue. Hugs xx Pauline in S.A.

Clai01 said...

Thanks for sharing Sue xx

Rosie said...

I don't mind at all!

Anonymous said...

I see this different each year you post it. A good friend once said you cant make people love you, so if they don't move on. Good advice. Hugs WINTERWARM. xxx

Helen Brown said...

Thanks you so much for sharing, Sue. What a lovely lady you are! Number 34 is my number 1 - because for me everything else flows from that undeserved love of God.
Thank you too for the beautiful cards you post each day. God's richest blessings, Sue.
Love Helen

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, beautiful card today, love the red tulip and the background is lovely.

Barbara V

Glenharon said...

Dear Sue,
Sending my hugs to you lovely lady today as i know how much you loved both parents and how much you miss them. I hope that your daddy is having a lovely day with your mum wherever they are.
Crafting hugs
Norah (Glenochil)