It Takes Courage to Walk the Path

When was the last  time you tried something new? I mean, really stepped out of your comfort zone? It takes courage to take risks. Then again, if you never challenge yourself, you may miss the thrill, the empowerment, the satisfaction of trying something new. It could be a new crafting technique, travel, a new relationship, or going back to school.
Courage is the optional Twist at the Path of Positivity challenge blog. I created this card using an image from one of this month's guest sponsors, Beccy's Place. It's called Nell on a Bicycle. And like Nell, I've started riding my bike again around the neighborhood (minus the bare feet and pearls). It feels great - fresh air, exercise and talking with neighbors.

I also tried a new (to me) fun fold while creating my card. I cut my cardstock into a triangle and then measured out the card size, folding one point down and the other point in.

I added patterned paper to each "half". After coloring Nell with Copics (shown below), I adhered her to the top half of my card so that it would swing up easily. I also added a couple fun phrases and some adhesive-backed pearls. I wrapped a piece of cardstock around the card to keep it closed.
The sentiment inside describes Nell to a "T".

My girlfriend's birthday is coming up soon. Nell could be her twin in spirit, because that girl is Sassy, classy and still kickin' assie. She is always ready for adventure outside of her comfort zone.
The Twist this month at the Path of Positivity is for inspiration and fun. As  long as projects are encouraging, inspiring or positive, they all qualify for this month's prizes:

• A $10.00AU gift certificate to Beccy's Place for the person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
• ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.


Good luck and happy crafting!

Be Brave on the Path of Positivity

 Thinking about my experience of caring for my husband throughout his run with ALS, I realize how many emotions and challenges I went through -  fear, strength, humility, patience, hope, faith, loss. But in the end, I discovered a reserve of Courage that helped me stay beside him until his passing away. Being a caretaker for a dying loved one is extremely heart-breaking and difficult. Because this post is for the Path of Positivity, you can click on my personal blog, "Living with ALS", for a closer look at the everyday saints who take care of their spouses, siblings, parents, children, until the very end.

You may not know that the Sunflower is the national symbol for ALS Awareness: 

"The Sunflower," (Shirley Hoffman Schmezle) explained

“stands tall and strong, ever hopeful and ever reaching higher.

Sunflowers grow in clusters and support each other

as they grow, just as family, friends and

community offer support to those who live with ALS"

  https://livingwithlougerhrigsdisease.blogspot.com/2019/06/courage-under-fire.html

My card today is for all those courageous caretakers who choose to love those with ALS until the very end, forced to watch them slowly leave their lives. I used a free digi image from Beccy's Place, one of the guest sponsors at the Path of Positivity challenge blog this month along with Scribbles Designs.

After coloring it with Copics, I framed it with a paper doily, then used a piece of leftover patterned paper that lets the colors of my image pop. I embellished simply with a sticker sentiment, a dir-cut butterfly and 2 tiny flower jewels. Inside the card, it reads: Be gentle with yourself. You're doing the best you can.

This month's optional Twist is Courage. The challenge runs until the end of the month. Crafters don't have to use the Twist, but I hope I have inspired you to create something that will help others' find their own courage. Here are the prize details:

• A $10.00AU gift certificate to Beccy's Place for the person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
• ONE image (value of $5 or less) from Scribbles Designs, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch based on all qualifying entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

Happy crafting!

Take Courage while on the Path of Positivity

This month, the Path of Positivity challenge blog takes you down the path of courage. Are you a courageous person? I don't think of myself as particularly brave. However, I have been known to do some things that make me appear courageous. I'll tell you a little secret...
Half the things I do that seem courageous are because I'm totally clueless as to what I'm getting myself into!
Leaving home at 18 and joining the Army to make $328 a month, 2000 miles from my family and committing myself to three years to the U.S. government? Not courageous, clueless! Sometimes it's better to be clueless about what lies ahead than to know every little thing that could and probably would go wrong. I don't know that I'd even get out of bed if I had to deal with all my fears, known and unknown, each morning!
But my canvas reflects the inspiration I get from nature. Who am I to fear what's ahead when the trees offer such courage in the face of a long cold winter? If they can put their fears aside and face the coming change with a burst of brilliant colors, waiting courageously for new life in Spring, then who am I to hesitate. That's why my favorite color is October, and October is my hero!
I created a 12x12 mixed media canvas using "Wisps of Autumn," a lovely image from the Path of Positivity's guest sponsor, Sparkle & Sprinkle.
Sparkle N Sprinkle is the sole sponsor for this challenge:  They are offering up three prizes for this challenge, which will be:

• Three digital images for the post or project that the DT deems most inspiring of the bunch.
• Three digital images for a person chosen in a random draw based on all entrants.
• Three digital images for a project or post that best displays the concept of courage in a creation meant for a breast cancer survivor (since it is breast cancer awareness month).

There will also  be:

• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital Stamps for each person chosen as a DT Delight.
• One digital designer paper (made to order in a few different ways) from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles for one lucky voter who leaves a comment.
• One digital sentiment for every single person who enters the challenge.

Have you stepped along the Path of positivity? It is a unique challenge blog designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time! This month's guest designer is Julie O. from http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com. Go check out the wonderful project she made for this month's theme of COURAGE!