This week's challenge at Pals Paper Arts is "What's Your Signature Style? - Anything Goes" (PPA97) and if you're one of my regular followers, you know my style is bright and bold! I think you also might say my style is clean and classic, but simple and different...a bit unexpected! All that matters to me is that you like my "style" and find it inspiring! Be sure to check out the signature styles of my fellow PPA Design Team members! They're really showing their stuff this week!
If you stop by my blog frequently, you've probably noticed I like making cards with flowers! Today's card features flowers I've made before, using the Floral Fusion Sizzlits die. I love these simple but fun little flowers! They're happy flowers that make me smile!
Speaking of smiles, I used a colorful picture of a grouping of flowers that made me smile as my inspiration for today's card! The flowers made me think of Ellie, our calico cat that loved flowers (she like to eat them, instead of admire them)!
Today's card and post is a tribute to Ellie, who brought me and my daughters 9 wonderful years of smiles! In late January, I had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep, due to renal failure. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and came on the heels of my sister's very long hospitalization and the emotional roller coaster of her illness. I'm finally at a point where I can "speak" about Ellie to others without getting too teary. You'll notice that my post is rather lengthy, but I wanted to share with you some things about Ellie and why she was so special to us!
Anyone in my family would tell you 9 years ago that I hated cats (sorry...but it was the truth at that time)! Like the noted Southern author, Willie Morris, who wrote My Dog Skip (later made into a movie) and later wrote My Cat Spit McGee, I'd always been a dog person! That, however, all changed with Ellie!
My oldest daughter has always loved cats and had wanted one forever! I continually refused for many different reasons, but the real truth was, I was afraid of cats! To me, they were sneaky, unpredictable, and they scratched! When we moved into our present home, our next door neighbor had a litter of kittens and she knew my oldest loved cats. After a lot of begging and promises, I relented and gave in, and Ellie came to us as a small kitten. An agreement had been made that "they" (meaning both of my daughters, ages 7 & 11 at the time) would take care of the kitten. In my book, that meant they did everything for and/or concerning the kitten: feed it, give it water, change the litter box, remove it from places it didn't belong, etc. It was understood that I WOULD NOT touch the cat (I did pet the kitten's head occasionally and, of course, transported the girls to the vet with their charge and footed all the bills). The girls did a great job with their agreement, the kitten and I had minimal contact, and all was well. That all changed very quickly however about a month later!
I had major surgery in March of that year that required me to miss two months of teaching as I recuperated. After coming home from the hospital and being in bed most of the time, I'd wake up to find Ellie by my side. I'd pet her quickly, hoping she wouldn't scratch me, then drift back to sleep and hope she would go away. She didn't. Her behavior of being at my side constantly throughout my recovery continued and never changed. She was always there any time I woke up or turned around. She followed me no matter where I went. Ellie was determined to be my friend and I'm so glad she never gave up! I'm happy to say her determination paid off and it eventually worked! Ellie won me over!
You can see by her pictures (click on any to enlarge), Ellie grew into a beautiful cat! We have more than one cat now (Ellie started it all), but my daughters will tell you quickly that Ellie was my favorite! She continued throughout the years to endear herself to me in so many ways! She would run down the stairs to greet us every time we came home, plop herself down on the rug, laying on her side at our feet, and wait for one of us to rub her tummy. She acted like a dog! She would growl lowly when she heard something outside and run to the front door, as if to protect us, then make a sound we referred to as her "bark" (again, like a dog)!
Ellie had style and grace and loved to show off in front of the other cats! She'd walk the banister at the top of the stairs as if she were walking a tightrope blindfolded! You can also see in one of her pictures that she loved to lounge on the banister too and just hang out! She thought we put the Christmas tree up just for her every year and waited patiently until we were finished decorating. Then, she'd climb to her favorite perch near the top and just hang out, never knocking off an ornament even once during her many climbs!
If you walked into our living room, you might find Ellie sitting on the mantel above the fireplace, looking very much at home between the pair of vases. In our library, she'd climb to the tallest shelf and sleep among the books all day. She loved to "talk" to us every morning before going to school, meowing quietly each time someone poked their head around the corner and "meowed" at her. Over the last few years, I would wake up many nights to find her sleeping above my head on my pillow. She would never try to wake me or take over my pillow; she just quietly snoozed away and let me sleep too. And, she always hung out with me when I made my cards, plopping herself down on the computer keyboard as I worked on a post or laying down in the middle of my work surface. I can't tell you how many Ellie hairs I've had to remove from a card before photographing it for posting!
If you're a pet owner, I know you understand and share our grief. Fortunately, we have so many wonderful memories that hopefully will always bring us more smiles than tears. Ellie brought us so much joy and taught me so much! We miss you dearly and loved you so much, sweet Ellie! May you rest in peace!
All supplies are Stampin' Up!, unless otherwise noted:
Card size: 5" x 7"
Stamps: Three Little Words
Paper: Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White card stock; Soft Suede stripe - Designer Series Patterns Stack Neutrals
Ink: Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
Tools: Big Shot, Floral Fusion Sizzlits die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, Small Heart Punch, Paper Snips, Scoring Board (Scor-Pal)
Extras: Designer Buttons - Brights Collection, Designer Buttons - Subtles Collection, Early Espresso brads - Brads Neutrals Collection, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive
I loved reading about your beautiful Ellie - pets are wonderful friends and have such an impact on our lives! I am so sorry you lost her - but glad you had her around for so long! And I love your style - bright, bold and fresh! This card is terrific and is definitely you!
Posted by: Linda Callahan | 06/09/2011 at 06:17 AM
A beautiful card, very happy! Loved reading about your wonderful cat Ellie and her life with your family, you were each lucky to have each other, it was meant to be.
Posted by: Nancy Lempinen | 06/09/2011 at 06:51 AM
I ALWAYS love your style, Margaret, and really love that you shared with us about Ellie. I am not a cat person either, but somehow, Pumpkin has managed to stick around for 17 years!! I know my time with her is limited so I am trying to be a good mommy to her although sometimes that cat hair is quite TRYING!!!
Thanks again for sharing your special friend with us!
Posted by: LeAnne | 06/09/2011 at 07:15 AM
A perfect Margaret card with its bold, graphic design! Your cards are also clean and classy, usually with a button or two...and this card is no exception. I LOVE your work, Margaret! I am sorry for the loss of Ellie. As a pet lover myself, I know the joy they bring to us...and the pain of saying good-by.
Posted by: Ann Schach | 06/09/2011 at 08:30 AM
Margaret, I guess I'd become a cat lover, too, if I had Ellie! What a wonderful story. I'm glad you have so many memories to make you smile. I love your card! That flower die is ON MY LIST! Probably because of YOU!! Thank you, Margaret, for your inspiration.
Posted by: Patti MacLeith | 06/09/2011 at 11:06 AM
I'm glad you're past the mourning stage for Ellie, and are remembering the happiness she brought you. I have a sweet kitty too, and know the special comfort and friendship a cat brings to one's life.
Love your cheery flower card!
Posted by: gailanne | 06/09/2011 at 11:51 AM
I love the buttons.... this is such a great card... and thank you for sharing the story about Ellie. I think that losing a pet is one of the hardest things.... A day that burns into one's memory.
Posted by: Mz. Cookie | 06/09/2011 at 01:55 PM
Beautiful card ... always love the colors you use! But I have to admit, your story of Ellie was so touching and hit home with me. My mother also disliked cats for the same reasons that you stated. My daughter always wanted a kitten but we kept telling her we couldn't because we already had two dogs. While my mom was watching the local news one morning back in 1997, they showed a kitten that was up for adoption. She called me and said if she were ever going to get a kitten for Bethany, this was it. To make a long story short, she adopt the kitten for Bethany and agreed to keep it at her house. She named her and Angel and feel in love with her that first night. Unfortunately, my mother passed away in 2006 and Angel now lives with us full time. She is still my "live" connection to my mother. We love and adore her so much and she keeps the whippets in line. Margaret, I am so glad that Ellie gave you so many wonderful memories to cherish! Sorry for the long comment.
Posted by: Pam Giudici | 06/09/2011 at 02:39 PM
Very clever use of that punch, Margaret - you've got me thinking and that's always dangerous! Love the color combo too!
Mike
Posted by: Mike Funke | 06/09/2011 at 03:51 PM
love the card (especially the buttons)
thanks for sharing your cat's life -- glad you have some sweet memories
Posted by: Sandy in VA | 06/09/2011 at 05:48 PM
I enjoyed this so much. We are cat lovers too. You know calicos are typically one-person cats. Sounds like Ellie picked you. She is very beautiful also.
Posted by: Nancy E | 06/09/2011 at 05:57 PM
A beautiful card and wonderful story! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Christyne | 06/09/2011 at 06:30 PM
Oh Margaret, your writing style is just as clean and effective and your paper-crafting style. Love your flower card but really loved reading about your Ellie. My heart goes out to you as it is so hard to lose a furry member of the family. They say cats pick their owners too and I would say Ellie sure picked you! What a beautiful cat she was too--gorgeous markings. Thanks for sharing her with us. Hugs, my friend.
Posted by: Nance Leedy (Canopy Crafts) | 06/09/2011 at 09:03 PM
Oh Margaret, you have so been thru tough times lately. I am so sorry to hear you lost your Ellie!!! I got tears reading about her!!! I am so glad she was in your life. As an 'old cat lady' they sure do pick there owner. 3 of mine only let me love on them when they are on there 'owners' lap. I have had 2 cats that are more like dogs than cats and then there was Yogi, who was more cat than dog. lol They are so fun!!! Ellie was gorgeous!!!
Now, this is a Margaret Moody card and what I picture before I click on your blog. I so admire and love your style. You described it perfectly. I try to copy you sometimes, and I just can't do you justice. Your card is a stunner and I absolutely love those flowers and colors. You know how to add detail perfectly!!! Hugs,
Posted by: Carla Bazhenow | 06/10/2011 at 04:32 AM
There could be no better HOMAGE to Ellie. Elegant with a hint of adventure...love the flowers. I read your blog through tears as I know how special Ellie is and forever will be. Ellie Moody touches us all. So glad to have your talented creations back. Inspiration sometimes comes from heartache and loss.
Posted by: Nancy Chambers | 06/10/2011 at 08:33 AM
I love flowers too! Pretty and colorful card. I like how you used the heart punch for the leaves.
Posted by: Renae Lyon | 06/10/2011 at 09:22 AM
What a beautiful post about Ellie.
Your card is gorgeous - I always love your bold, bright colors!
Hugs, M
Posted by: Mary Fish | 06/10/2011 at 03:51 PM
Gorgeous card, I love the beautiful flower inspiration photo too. Beautiful story about your cat also.
Hugs, J
Posted by: Joanna M. | 06/10/2011 at 04:11 PM
Dear Margaret. What a gorgeous card. Love it. And thanks for sharing your story.. You have a beautiful heart.
Inky hugs, Pauline
Posted by: pauline | 06/10/2011 at 11:01 PM
Love the story of your wonderful Ellie...I have 2 cats and know how you must feel. It is hard to lose a beloved pet. I have one who sleeps above my pillow a lot of the time and when he isn't there he is snuggled right up against my side. That does make it harder to get a good night's sleep. LOL But I love my cats and we spoil them completely.
Love your card!
Posted by: Carol Parcell | 06/12/2011 at 03:06 PM
that sure is a beautiful story about your cat. i am a total cat person, but can't have any as my husband is allergic. the many things cats do just bring a smile to my face. thanks for sharing and so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: lisa montgomery | 06/12/2011 at 08:36 PM
This is really beautiful! Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Pesc | 06/13/2011 at 06:57 AM
I must tell you I really loved that card, but when I read your tribute to Ellie I was so very, very moved! I am a convert too. I am so very sorry for your loss and very grateful to read your post. May your heart heal soon.
Posted by: Sherrie Peters | 06/13/2011 at 07:59 AM
Beautiful card and I love your blog...just discovered it and immediately subscribed to it! Your cat story brought tears to my eyes as we have had to put down two of our cats due to renal failure as well...such a sweet kitty story.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawm2M_sSay017_FC4ZkydgVqOJZ5D40FPBQ | 06/13/2011 at 08:08 AM
What a beautiful story about Ellie. She had a great life and gave lots of love in return. I understand your grief. I have 3 cats and 2 dogs and love them all so much. Hang in and just keep thinking about the great memories. It is hard to go through and Im sending hugs your way ! Love the picture on the banister. Thats great. She was a beauty !!! Take care.
Posted by: Joanne | 06/16/2011 at 06:55 PM