Search This Blog

Monday, May 28, 2012

Calendar Girls~ Memorial Day...


Hello Friends,
First of all I'd like to wish HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY to my American friends,
secondly it is the 28th and, as such, it is CALENDAR GIRLS time!
I think I made it just in the nick of time...;o)

Who are the Calendar Girls? From the words of our 'founder' (Jeanette aka Forest Rangeron SCS) We are a group of bloggers who want to have a place where friendships blossom, creativity abounds, and encouragement prevails! In keeping with that dream, this blog group has been created so we will have a place to interact and enjoy being fellow bloggers.

This month Calendar Girl hostess is none other than Barb ♥ (swap hostess with the mostest - aka barbaralynn on SCS) She challenged our group of galZ with the following  May Challenge:" Memorial Day--a day of honor, remembrance, family picnics, parades, flags placed at cemeteries, concerts and the unofficial start to summer! So the challenge this month for the Calendar Girls is to ink up a patriotic stamp, get out the red/white/blue paper and DSP to post a card that shouts respect to your country and those who have served in the past. I would also like you to note in your post on the 28th what is in your plans this year or what typically has been part of your celebration in the past years on Memorial Day.
Paola--my challenge to you is to also show us your Canadian Patriotism with a card that reflects the colors and images that you are proud of. Barb (Miss May) "
Memorial
A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something,
usually a person (who has died) or an event.
 The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque.
Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars.
[From Wikipedia]
Today, is an extremely important date for me as each 28th of May we pay respect and commemorate some beloved members of our family who departed toward a better
and most peaceful world....
May 28th----is the day when I lost my paternal Grandfather ...I was only 8 yrs old...
yet I remember well all the wonderful walks through daisies and poppy fields and the awesome stories he used to tell me as  he shaved, using a special shaving mirror encased in wood, complete with a lil drawer for his shaving kit. That mirror has been sitting in my living room for years now...took it back with me during one of my trips back 'home' many years ago...
May 28th----is the day when I lost my favorite maternal uncle, a man whose gentleness and kindness and love for kids and everything that was nature made quite an impact in my life. Again, during another of my trips back 'home' we decided to surprise my Mom...and he came back with me to Canada and it was a most joyful eventful surprise for all...I didn't say ANYTHING to anyone, not even to my dear hubby! :o)
May 28th----is the day when I lost my first handsome precious,adorable grandchild.
He turned 21 yrs old in Heaven, two days ago. I think often of my Alexander and love to talk about him...but as this time of the year approaches I also became very melancholic....it's like a misty cloud takes over me.....no matter how much I try not to feel overcame by emotions....I miss my first grandchild soooo much still, but know that God had special plans for him and know he is most happy being my sweet angel watching over us from above the wonders of the heavens...
May 28th......is when memories come most alive....when I pay tribute to several members of my family at once...May 28th...an unforgettable day.
I had Barb's approval to interpret 'Memorial' my own way....therefore my card , for this month's challenge is ment to reflect my thoughts for my loved ones, embracing both the colors of the Country where I was born in, and the colors of the Country who adopted me when I was a teenager. The two star - mostly in green , white and red - Italy's colors , are a tribute to my nonno and zio while the biggest star in  Canada's colors, is in honour of my beloved grandchild.
Three bright stars shining inside my heart forever....   ♥ ♥ ♥

Did you noticed what I used to create my background and part of the stars??
I ♥ recycling...

~~~* Sending blessings to all! *~~~
Paola

12 comments:

April said...

Such a poignant post!

Your card is a wonderful portrayal of your feelings! Bravo!, my friend.

Michelle said...

Great memorial, Sweet P.

Love your card, and how it represents you!

jimlynn said...

Paola, this is such a beautiful post! Very special hugs to you, my friend!

Beautiful and bright....love all the stars on here and so much meaning behind them. Just gorgeous.

Lynn

:: BlueInks :: said...

I so love your pretty card! The use of the stars and the layout are just perfect. You recycled so well.

I am glad that you can see the light on May 28th. A lot of people would dread the day.

Hugs!

Terry Ladwig said...

WPSistah, thank you for sharing your stories...very touching.

Your card is great representation of you in many ways....from the colors of Italy to the maple leaf in the center of your star! Great job!!

Barb said...

Paola--I love your card. Your memorial to your family members is just perfect on our American Memorial Day!

Thanks for joining us in this wonderful challenge!

Darlene said...

Beautiful card and a truly beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing pieces of your life & your heart!!

Margaret said...

Looks like lots of fun. Great card and layout.

Carol W said...

Oh my goodness you are a clever lady and I love how you recycled...great job on this card and wonderful memories or your special angels. Love how you photoed the card in your plants as well...This is so well done and such a striking card...(as usual)...Great job my Sweet friend...great job....

Judy McMullen said...

Awesome card, Paola! Your inspiration brings so much meaning to this beautiful creation. What a wonderful tribute to your loved ones as well as your birth country and your adopted country. It is so very, very beautifu and touching!

MiamiKel said...

Oh my, I'm so choked up reading your post - I read it word for word and am just teary eyed! What a beautiful tribute and great memory, and even more incredibly creative card! Wonderfully crafted! Blessings! 0x0x

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Oh Sweet P, what a gorgeous card (I love those stars!) and what a touching memorial. Your words are a beautiful reflection of who you are and what others mean to you! Hugs!!!