Hello Everyone. . .
Before I begin my post tonight I have to pay tribute to a remarkable young woman who lost her brave battle with stomach cancer this past Monday. Katie Renz was diagnosed with this horrible disease about a year ago and it took her from us much too soon. Katie turned 40 this year and leaves behind 3 kids (two very young twin sons) and her amazing husband Kevin. I've been following Katie's battle for almost a year, and I have been overwhelmed by her spirit and courage. She has truly been an inspiration to me as has her husband Kevin who was always there for his beautiful, sweet wife. They both faced this disease head on with incredible courage and grace. I can't tell you how many times I cried reading some of her posts and what she was going through. I have actually cried several times over the past couple of days thinking about her. As I wrote in my last comment on her blog, this world is a dimmer place now without Katie's light. If you weren't aware of Katie's battle or her blog posts, you can find her blog HERE. Rest in peace dearest Katie. . .
The post tonight will be shorter than usual because I'm really effected by Katie's passing. It just feels odd to me to do the post tonight in my usual manner.
I don't normally use a lot of digital images but this one is certainly an exception. For those of you who are always looking for "manly" images, this would be perfect. The digital image is from "The Digi Doodle Shop". Judy Thompson is the owner and she delivers amazing customer service. I've gotten several images and you'll be seeing more of them soon in future posts. You should go take a look at what she has to offer there. These are very high quality images. I colored this one with my colored pencils and oms. The pumpkins were created by lots of masking. The pumpkin image is by There She Goes. I placed the image a little cock-eyed to add a little more interest.
Here I've made another one of my "scene" cards for Autumn. The tree and fence are by the ever so talented Mark at Deadbeat Designs. Right now Mark is doing his "6 Tags of Texmas" on his blog HERE. The fence is actually double stamped on top of the first image to make it a 4 rail fence instead of a 2 rail. The pumpkins are from Tapestry Stamps. The leaf stamp is one I cut from a vine stamp from some set long ago. I colored them in with various colored Stickles for lots of sparkle. The background was created with sponging using Distress Inks.
The last card for the post is just a quick card I made to include what I call the "Ruff Report". I "babysit" for various neighbor's dogs from time to time, so I create a report for each job to let the owner know what went on during their absence (the times I was there, feeding times, etc.).
This is made with various scraps of paper left over from another project. I created the "leather collar" by running the paper through my CB with a CB folder, rubbing it with Versamark and embossing with clear embossing powder to give it a glossy leather look.
OK, that's it. Sorry for the mood downer of this post, but I just admired Katie so much and the blogging world has truly lost a wonderful blogger. Please keep her family in your prayers as they navigate the next several difficult days.
Pic of the Week
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| KATIE RENZ 1971 - 2011 |
Hugs, Curt
"God, please help me be the person that my dogs think I am."
43 comments:
Beautiful tribute tonight to Katie. I'm sure she would be pleased. I didn't have the privilege of knowing her. By the time I began my term on Clear Dollar Stamps, she had gone on leave with her illness, but she seems to have had a positive impact on anyone she came into contact with. Thank you for being such a warm, caring person. Great projects...hugs!
I followed Katie's journey, too, and while I am so sorry that she is gone I take some consolation knowing that she is no longer in such terrible pain. my heart goes out to her husband and boys, I can't imagine their grief and loss. She was a shining light and she will be greatly missed. I wish they would hurry up and find a cure for that devastating disease. No one should have to suffer as she did and leave behind a loving family.
BTW, love the cards.
I too, followed Katies blog.
I am saddened by her passing.
Fitting pic of the week.
Cards are wonderful, and I caught the use of the word 'cock-eyed', as dared by a blog we both follow!
Hugs~
Oh, dear Curt. I first "met" Katie through your blog. And I checked on her often over the past ten months. Your tribute to her is beautiful. What a great loss for her family to bear. Her light shone so brightly. We have indeed lost an amazing woman. Thank you for introducing me to her.
Amen! I love your post! I'm thankful for all my fellow bloggers! The love and strength all have shown, the support. Where else in this world do we find a better group of people! I love your beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing! Hugs! Leah Ann
Such a beautiful post about Katie. She was a remarkable woman that touched so many people on her short stay here.
Thanks for sharing.
How sweet of you to make a card for the pet owners and an update-such a wonderful idea.
I always enjoy your posts and projects.
Sending you a big hug sweetie.
Yes indeed a very sad story. I have only just recently followed her blog and her courage was remarkable. I do feel for her young family and husband. May they be given strength as they pick up their lives.
Loved all your cards again Curt. Take care
Crap. I can't believe I never thought of doubling the fence! Brilliant!
Oh, I'm feeling just terrible about Katie!!! I haven't been visiting like I should and although I'd promised myself I was going to stop by several times recently, I didn't. I wish I would have just put what ends up to be "not so very important at all" matters aside and just dropped in to before this tragic news! What a beautiful lady she was and I so admired her strenght. My prayers to her wonderful family -- her children, her sweet husband, and all whom she affected with her courage and love of life!!!
Curt, as always, your cards are just lovely; however, seeing Katie's picture at the end does tend to take away some of the usual appeal -- I'm so sorry!!!
Thanks for letting us know about Katie!!!
Curt, so sorry to hear about your friend Katie. Cancer really sucks!
Your cards are gorgeous as usual. I really loved the Ruff Report. The band on there so looks like a collar.
Great tribute.......
Wonderful tribute to Katie Renz Curt...I have followed her blog long before her illness and like you, I too have cried for her and her family...for some reason I thought she would kick butt with her cancer (ugly word), but it got the best of her....it just breaks my heart for the boys to lose their Mama...whew...gotta stop!!
Your cards are very creative as usual...sure wish I could get my mojo back.....I also follow a little girl named Kate that has a brain tumor (cancerous...there is that ugly word again)....she is the sweetest little thing...was 5 when she got it, and is maybe 7 now..a little trooper...I am praying she will beat it.....well, thanks for such a nice post and take care!!
Touching tribute, Curt ... the world has indeed lost a very sweet soul.
Curt this is a beautiful tribute! I have followed Katie like so many others and find solace that she is now pain free and watching over her beautiful family. Such a tragic loss for our creative community, and I certainly understand how it impacts our creative process. All the same, you have come through with beautiful cards that shd would love! (and I think your Ruff Report is the cutest!)
A beautiful tribute, Curt. Thanks.
Lovely tribute to Katie. A lot of tears have been shed throughout the crafting world. She was such an inspiration and so amazingly brave throughout her battle. It is very sad, but at least she is no longer suffering. I feel for her husband and children.
Love your 'manly' Thanksgiving card. Great papaers and fabulously colored image.
The doggie report card is awesome! Love the 'collar' and adorable paper.
Such a lovely tribute to Katie. My thoughts are with her family.
Great cards Hugs xx Jersey U.K.
Curt
So sorry to read about the loss of your dear friend, she was a gentle soul and will be missed.
My father died of this horrid disease at age 56 when I was 27, far too young for both of us. The only way I got through it was to remind myself of a choice....have him here alive but in unbearable pain and suffering or have him on the other side, where he might be, free of the suffering and agony that no doctor or medicine would cure of help. My choice was easy.
Blessings
Sande
Sande
Curt
I have not followed Katies journey but am sad for her family, and our blogging community. You have written such a wonderful tribute to her.
Your cards are (as always) so creative. Your tree and fence give me an inspiration.
Only you would think to do a ruff report for the "parents" of the animals you baby sit. Such a clever and caring person you are.
Lovin' your pumpkin carrying vehicle.
Hugs
Myrna
What an awesome tribute to Katie! She will be missed! Your cards are awesome! Have a great week! Until next time! Happy Craftin'!
It was a very sad day indeed when Katie was finally set free from her suffering, which she gladly did for her family. No more pain but she will always be looking out for her "boys".
Lovely cards, Curt, it is so hard to create when we are upset but you did wonderful, my friend!
Hi Curt
So sorry to hear about Katie, my thoughts are with her family & friends.
Gorgeous cards as always, great car image, luv the colours, the tree is a fab image, hope you ok, hugs sue,xx
Really wonderful cards!
So sorry to hear about the loss of Katie.
So terribly sad about Katie. My thoughts go out to her family. I do like your 'Ruff Report' card. It's a fabulous idea. Your truck card is amazing too. Love the colours.
I have nothing but tears for tonights post. Your words for Katie are what most of us are feeling ~ thank you for the beautiful photo to go with your words!!! xoxox
Yes you did a wonderful tribute, I to followed Katie, quietly. I know SHELL that designs for CDS too...
Wow I can only imagine the masking, nope I would never do it... amazing !... the second card is a light sweet card... but the ruff report is perfect !... you and your kind heart and all of your great ideas...
oh by the way, a big old nasty deer jumped into the entire side of my car tonight !... talk about downers !... jugs to you... May your heart be filled again with happiness...
Hi Curt, I just learned about Kate a few months ago. It is so sad for those left to miss her. Try to find comfort in that she knows all the secrets of the world now and her spirit can be so many many places all at once.
You must have felt her as you wrote that beautiful tribute to her.
Your cards are wonderful. I adore that truck and what a fantastic idea to give "Ruff Reports" Love that!!
Hugs to you,
Linda
What a heartfelt tribute to Katie - sometimes we struggle with why God takes the good from us too early but I am sure heaven is a better place since Katies passing. Love your 3 cards this week - off to Digi Dodle to check out their images and love the Ruff Reports.
What a heart break for Katie's family what a wonderful tribute to her.
Love your 3 cards this week, very colorful.
Thank you, Curt, dear Curt, for doing what I didn't know how to do and for speaking what my experience has been since the day she died. I too have cried so many times. When her last battle was so hard for her, my heart and soul cried for her and her family. Your tribute to her is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to share with you. A very very beautiful tribute. Bless you for keeping Katie's presence with us.
Hi Curt,
The image you used from DDS is totally awesome, as is your loving story of Katie. Thank you for your inspirational card and story.
Regards
Katie was an inspiration to so many people for so many reasons!
Great work as usual Curt!! Hope you are well!!
Oh Curt! What a wonderful heartfelt tribute to Katie. Blogging has brought so many wonderful crafty people together. It's so great how we all pull for each other and are there for each other.
Your cards are wonderful as always. I love trees and fences and you created such a wonderful scene. Your Ruff report just makes me smile and I'm sure the recipient gets a big kick out it too. What a great idea!
Hugs, Carm
Terribly sad about Katie and so hard for her family now that she is gone - I guess we can figure our cards are in tribute to her -
I love your two fall cards Curt - and that dog card is adorable with that sweet patterned paper!
I didn't know Katie so I went over to see her blog now, it is so very sad that she has left her family at such a young age. Your tribute to her is lovely,,perfect xx Sending you a HUGE hug xx
Your cards are gorgeous :-) I really love the idea of the dog report :-) I am sure they are appreciated :-)
luv
Lols x x x
Incredibly touching post and great cards. What a beautiful picture of Katie Renz. Providing her photo really turned her from words on a page to a person.
Great cards Curt!.... I was here yesterday but could not leave a comment... I visited Katie's and spent a while visiting her blog and crying.... Thanks for sharing .. and for stopping by my blog!
what a beautiful tribute to your friend. the world is a sadder place with her loss .....hugs
Lovely cards my friend.
hope you Jay & your boys are grand x
Love Teen xx
ps I dont have Picasa but am away to go look it up when i get caught up on blogger. x
Hugs Curt. I feel the loss also, but you said it perfectly.
Thank you for sharing your creative cards even though you are grieving. Take care,
Hugs,
Gina
Curt, thank you for making specific moments in blogland for Katie, her talent, her caring ways, and everyone who knew her in cyberspace. What a lovely reference photo you have shared of Katie!
Lovin' that dog care card collar.' mt23stamper
Keep Looking UP!
Hi Curt,
Nice to visit your blog. It's been a while! But so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Katie. How heart breaking...
The clip of you walking your dogs is cute! They are well behaved. We just had a pack of Papillon pups - Leo, Lilly and Eagle. I really wish I knew how to use my camera better! They are cute little babies! 4 weeks old now and eating puppy food already! Barking, playing, whining and starting to chase.
Renovating my master bathroom - DUST EVERYWHERE. Posting on my other blog. Don't look yet, you'll see the old fashioned red wallpaper with roses! ;)
Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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