I don't know what it is about Freshly Made Sketches but recently, it seems like every time I sit down in advance to make a card, I am in need of a sympathy card, in this case for my uncle's family.
I've always thought that there should be a novel based on my father and his siblings. They grew up very, very poor in the 30s and 40s in small town South Dakota - their father leaving the family when they were quite young - but they all turned out so well. Sadly, two of them died way too early. The oldest brother, who just died at 85, was a paratrooper in Japan and when he returned was scouted by the Chicago White Sox, but at 26 was considered too old. He eventually owned Jerry's Own Hardware in Lemmon, South Dakota while serving in the fire department for 25 years. My father was the next brother. He is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic's Hall of Fame as a football player. He also coached Huron High's basketball team to an unbeaten season in 1958 (an accomplishment on par with the movie Hoosiers). He was a teacher, coach and was principal of my high school when he died at the age of 45. Funny story - he served in Korea (playing football!) and when he returned he had a choice between playing in the NFL and teaching - but teaching paid better!!! I don't know as much about the younger brother. As a child, I loved his fun-loving nature and laugh. I do know that if I search his name, I find lots of sports accomplishments in the 1950s. He owned the Ben Franklin in Lemmon, but died in his 50s.
Of course, you didn't come here for my life history - here's my sympathy card. I always seem to gravitate toward gray and yellows for sympathy - I love the soft and elegant look.
your card is lovely - and as a midwesterner too i enjoyed your story of your dad.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and elegant card!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your story,Kim! Thank you for sharing! Sorry though,that your father was SO young when he passed away!! :(
ReplyDeleteYour card is fantastic! Love the grey and yellow.The flower in the back looks so pretty with the shading!!
Sorry to hear about your uncle, Kim. This is a beautiful sympathy card. Love the subtle greenery in the background and the whimsical font of the sentiment. I enjoyed reading about your dad and his siblings---they sure did live in different times didn't they??? They sound like interesting and good people. Sorry to hear they passed away so young. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really beautiful card, Kim. The shading on that foliage adds so much depth. I, too, am glad you shared about your family. I know they will appreciate this work of art.
ReplyDeleteYour card is gorgeous.....subtle and elegant! And I love family stories. You are right.......your father and his brothers are a lifetime movie in the making! So sorry about your uncle but it sounds like he had a great life!
ReplyDeleteSo GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your story Kim and am sorry for your loss. This card is simply beautiful. I love the colors and the peaceful feel.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Kim! And gray and yellow are perfect combo. Family story is always interesting! Sorry for your uncle...
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting family history! I enjoyed reading about your stories.
ReplyDeleteSympathy cards are always so hard to make but I've got to say this color combo of gray and a bit of yellow is quite soothing and perfect for that occasion. The subtle shading on the leaves is the perfect touch.
That's the second amazing story you have shared with me this week. (Prev one by email!) I love reading them. Love this card! Simply perfect! Love the vellum scallop and the colouring on the fern image. Hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your family story, Kim. And I really love your card - the colors are beautiful together and the subtle coloring of the foliage really packs a punch.
ReplyDeleteThis card is lovely and a good inspiration for sympathy cards. Your writing about these family members is touching, thank you. There's a question I have, is that a stamp for a maidenhair fern? It's lovely as you've colored it...where did you find it? A beautiful design.
ReplyDeleteThis is so soft and pretty, Kim! I love how you've shaded the leaves. And I love how you've shared your family story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful card! I love those neutral colours with the pop of yellow. Of course I love that butterfly! Seems lil slots of sympathy cards were needed this week. I love the story about your dad and your uncle. I'm so sorry he passed away so young. Sounds like you have such wonderful memories and stories from his life.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful story to read Kim. I also did a sympathy card for this challenge and was amazed at the things I found out about my cousin that I didn't know until his eulogy was read. It's kind of healing being able to talk about it and also inspiring. Your card is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis card is stunning, Kim! LOVE it! Beautifully soft and very elegant.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your family story too!! They sound like amazing people and what a wonderful way to give tribute to them. I'm sure he touched the lives of many as a teacher - too funny that teaching paid more than the NFL back then!
I love the bit of family history. It's a bit crazy how much pay in the NFL has changed, huh? Teacher was probably way more rewarding anyway.
ReplyDeleteYour card is gorgeous. I've looked at it a million times and fall more in love with it each time. It is just perfection.
My condolences on the loss of your uncle, Kim; he sounds like quite a fascinating man. The history of your father and his brothers is intriguing, and I agree: the challenges they encountered - and obviously rose above - would make for fabulous reading. A novel: most definitely. With your flair for writing - engaging, captivating - I think you have the ability to re-create their story. While penning a novel may not be on your 'want to do' list, do keep it in mind. You have the knowledge, the skills, and the passion. Your card: classy, elegant, soft, heart-warming...This will be treasured by your uncle's family, in the same way we treasure the one you sent to us. Thank you!
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Loved reading about your father and his brothers, Kim, and it sounds like there'd be enough stories for a series of books. :) So crazy to hear that teaching once paid better than football! How did the world go so wrong since then?
ReplyDeleteAs for your card, it's gorgeous. Love the soft leaves behind the butterfly.
Your family history is very interesting and would make a great novel. It sounds like your grandmother must have been a very strong and nuturing woman in the most difficult of times. Your card is stunning. I LOVE the way you embossed and gave the foliage some 'gentle' shading.
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