Parting thoughts . . .

. . . for 2008, that is. Happy New Year! I've been in an introspective mood for the past couple of days. When I reflect back on the year that is ending, it's a lot to absorb - an interesting leg of my journey.

My card tonight was inspired by this card on the The Best in Life blog. I loved the colors and the textured piece Heather used to back her butterfly, which I love, too. Do you suppose her butterfly was cut with a die? If so, I'd like to have it. There's always something, isn't there? LOL. For my card, I used a butterfly stamp from Close To My Heart's awesome March Stamp of the Month set, Butterfly Wings.

Materials & Tools: White Daisy, Black, Ocean, Breeze (retired), and Sweet Leaf cardstock; Basic Grey Urban Prairie 6x6-inch paper pad; Black and Ocean ink pads; Black marker; March SOTM Butterfly Wings, Simple Stitches, and Say it in Style stamp sets; Black mini brads; Black Bitty Brads; Cuttlebug w/Forest Branches embossing folder; Round sponge.

As planned, Bjorn and Mathias are here. We had a nice supper, played games, read books, watched some television, and did a lot of cuddling. They're still awake but quiet and no more apt to see the clock strike 12 than I am. We'll have more fun tomorrow.

With intentions of stopping back on the first day of 2009, I'm going to leave you with a quote. I read Ann Landers' newspaper column throughout my growing up years. She addressed people's problems directly and with common sense and humor. I liked her style and most likely, learned a lot from her. I'm guessing these words were penned for a New Year's column:

"Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall and smile more. You'll look 10 years younger. Don't be afraid to say 'I love you.' Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world."