It’s not a big secret – I’m NOT a fan or supporter of socialized medicine (and I won’t even get started on the Carbon Tax crap) – otherwise known as Government Run Healthcare or the Single Payer system. Our existing system may not be perfect, but allowing lawyers and bureaucrats make my healthcare decisions is absolutely ludicrous!

Now, if those 2 items concern you as much as they do me, call your Congressman/Congresswoman and your Senators now to let them know where you stand (and if you wanted to throw in the Carbon Tax aka Cap and Trade that’d be good too). If you don’t know who your reps are, this link can help. More taxes and bigger Government aren’t the answer – think back to East Germany, Russia/USSR, etc as examples of what NOT to do!  Besides, those who are supposed to be being served by the current Gov. run systems (think Veterans, Medicare and Medicaid) aren’t happy and don’t have access to the services they need as it is…anyway that’s all for now.  Have a great day!

Straight from Vicki’s blog, Pink Cat Studio is releasing these new digital stamps to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation in honor of Ethan Wieman. Little Ethan passed away on June 12th from Neuroblastoma Cancer. Ethan was a true cowboy, loved horses, balloons and knock knock jokes. By purchasing these digital images, you will help brighten the day of a sick child as the money that is raised, will go toward making one of their dreams come true. You can follow this link to Pink Cat Studio to contribute to this worthy cause in Ethan’s memory and to read about this remarkable little boy.

This is truly a wonderful cause and program.  I thank God every day that my little one is healthy and my heart goes out to every family facing health challenges or the loss of a precious one.

Lauren and Heather are also offering a chance for some fabulous blog candy and/or Pink Cat Gift Certificates if you purchase these digital stamps and create a card with them.  I think I may make a few cards for our local cancer center to give to patients receiving treatments. Let’s brighten someone’s day shall we?

for Father’s Day that is! I made 2 for Yasha from me and 1 from Nadya.  His favorite was Nadya’s – as it should be.  If he ever gets a desk to call his own at work, her card will be proudly displayed there.

The yellow textured CS and cardbase is from Bazzill, the glitter mat is from DCWV – the glitter mat stack, the navy “ribbon” is Not Quite Navy (SU) run through my Fiskars paper crimper and the textured dots are Very Vanilla (SU) run through my Big Shot using my Cuttlebug Swiss Dot folder.  The photo was staged in my living room: wardrobe, tools, and creeper provided by Yasha (unbeknownst to him) backdrop is a navy blue sheet – beautiful baby was a collaborative effort.

The 2nd photo was completely impromptu – I was gathering laundry and left the closet door open.  Nadya found Papa Red’s boots that Nana gave to Yasha and put them on – then decided to walk to  the laundry room.  I couldn’t resist taking a few photos and incorporating one into the card.  Nadya “autographed” the sentiment page herself, then I trimmed and mounted it.

For the “sentimental” Father’s Day card from me, I used Stampin’ Up’s Thoughts of Father set – which is retiring June 30 – so if you want it – get is NOW!  I used Confetti Cream CS and some really cool cork paper from my stash as well as my Nestabilities (Large Labels) and my Copics.  The card base is from Bazzill.

Then, for fun, and because I wanted to enter this week’s Stamp Something challenge (using black, white and 1 additional color) I created a 2nd card.  It was cross-inspired by this card and an e-card at American Greetings. The black base is from Bazzill, the CS is Whisper White matted with Real Red (SU).  I really wish my printer ink didn’t bleed on Whisper White – anyone have any suggestions on a quality CS that won’t run with printer ink?!?!? I love Whisper White for  Stamping, but printing isn’t working as well for me.  I printed the outside Sentiment on my HP C6180 and Photoshop CS3 (font is Passions Conflict) – the heart is colored with my Clear Spica to add sparkle.

For the inside top of the card, I stamped Dress-Up Hanna in Tuxedo Black on Whisper White and colored her with copics and my Spica pens.  I used my Oval nestabilities to frame her and matted her on Real Red CS. 

The sentiment was generated in Photoshop CS3, just like the cover. I added sheer red organdy ribbon for depth and femininity.

I had a lot of fun making this card – and he at least smiled when he opened it. We may be old and married, but it’s still fun to catch him off-guard occasionally.

I’m off to do laundry today – yea!  I updated Nadya’s bathroom  yesterday, so I’ll try to get some pics taken and uploaded to show you.  She selected the theme and loves her new space.

Have a great day!