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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Valerie's Gift...

Good morning!
Thanks for joining us in our blog hop today!
This hop has no prizes, but I think that if you follow along, you will be blessed with a much better gift - Valerie's Gift...
Our hop today, is meant to give one of our own blogging friends some smiles, and some love.
Our friend, and fellow stamper, Colleen Dickenson, was introduced to rubber stamping by her daughter, Valerie.
About ten years ago, the unthinkable happened. Valerie died in a one car black ice accident, on her way to work. Colleen inherited Valerie's stamping supplies, and ten years later, she's still using Valerie's heat gun!
A short time ago, Colleen entered a "Name that Stamp" contest at Whimsy Stamps, hoping to name a stamp after Valerie. The stamp very much made Colleen think of her Valerie. Whimsy replied that they had chosen another name for that particular stamp, but that they were so touched with Colleen's story, that they wanted to honor Valerie by calling this new stamp (featuring the same little girl) "Valerie's Gift", as they knew what a gift Valerie was to Colleen.
Whimsy Stamps sent Colleen the new stamp, and the rest is history!
When Mary Anne and Olga found out about this, they put this blog hop in motion, in hopes of surprising Colleen.
What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to do a RAK like this for one of our blogging friends.
Colleen, I was so honored to be asked by Mary Anne and Olga to take part in this blog hop. As a parent, I can only imagine the horror of that night ten years ago, and now, the pride of knowing that Valerie will live on forever, bringing fellow stampers everywhere hours of enjoyment. Hugs, prayers, and blessings to you, my friend.

Supplies: Basic Grey Hopscotch Collection, ZVA Pearls, Copic Markers, Copic Spica Glitter Pens, Doily from Dollar Tree.
Next stop on the hop is: Shirley Hotop! Head on over to see Shirley's beautiful creation!
(If you get lost along the way, the entire hop rotation is listed below!)
Thanks so much for stopping by today. If you have time, please drop by Colleen's blog after this hop, and leave her a bit of love!
Start here: Mary Anne
Patti J. - That's Me - You're Here!!!
Have a great day!
Patti J.
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26 comments:

  1. Mary Anne / MA54KJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Such a pretty card, Patti! Thanks for posting a complete hop list, as I did not figure on breaks in the order. Hugs!

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  2. BeckyJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    This is beautiful! Love the colors and pearls.

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  3. Simply DebbieJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    Hello,
    I'm still making my rounds on the snowman blog hop
    gift or no gift....everyone who took the time to prepare for this hop deserves FRIENDS TO STOP BY AND SAY HELLO.
    To me, it is about making new friends.
    I LOVE THE TITLE OF YOUR BLOG.
    I would be honored if you stopped by and had a cup of hot cocoa, visited my blog and even considered following it. I love making friends.
    The card you made is adorable...I love the colors and the little girl steals the show.
    Have A Sugar Sweet Day
    Simply Debbie

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Such a gorgeous image and a great story.
    Your card is beautiful Patti!
    Hugs xx
    Pat

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  5. Simply DebbieJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    I left precious Colleen, a note on her blog...our stories are quite similar, only my daughter beat cancer AND THEN WENT HOME TO THE LOVING ARMS OF HER HEAVENLY FATHER. I had 15 months of the deepest grief I have ever known.
    Thank you for sharing her story.
    HAVE A SUGAR SWEET DAY
    Simply Debbie

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  6. A Consuming PassionJanuary 27, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    Oh you girls have put together so many wonderful cards and projects to surprise colleen.......I think it's just fabulous!!!
    Your card is devine .....love the pretty layout you used Patti!

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  7. craftieodmaeJanuary 27, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    Gorgeous card, you have done Valerie proud!

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  8. Theresa's StudioJanuary 27, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Love your card..a work of art and heart!

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  9. dee marieJanuary 27, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Hi there Patti! This is a stunning creation - I just love your layout and all of your added details!

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  10. Patti P.January 27, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Patti, what a lovely LO and your colors are so pretty. Your post is so well written, but you always know just the right things to say. The doily and pearls are perfect.

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  11. The Other Patti SueJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    This is beautiful! You've showcased Valerie perfectly... beautiful work my friend!

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  12. imsteelefullofscrapJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Precious card i so wish I could color like this!!!

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  13. SelmaJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Your card is so pretty. The colors are so pretty and the layout gorgeous.

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  14. Betty BentonJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    You have created such a beautiful card, Patti! With the shades of aqua and the pearls and doily, it has a very calming feel!

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  15. UnknownJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I am loving this hop, done with kindness and love. Your card is beautiful.

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  16. CheriJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    What a GORGEOUS card, Patti! I love the softness you've created with the colors and the doily. And your coloring is absolutely wonderful.

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  17. BeateJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Patti, your card is beautiful! I love your coloring and the colors you chose, the doily and the darling swirl.
    Hugs and smiles

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  18. Patty Sue 2January 27, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    A beautiful card and a story that touches the heart of every parent. Blessings to you and to Colleen. the other Patty Sue 2

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  19. JustYolieJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Beautiful card, love the colors. Nice touch with the swirly. I'm a new follower.

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  20. LauraJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Very Very Pretty!!

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  21. redwasher1January 27, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Patti, I love the colors of the beautiful card!!! Absolutely stunning in every way!! Hugs, Geri

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  22. ColleenJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Patti,
    I'm still in shock from the surprise, I'm so speechless and my heart is full of gratitude. I had no idea what so ever. Your card is so beautiful. I love everything about it! Thank you so much for such a lovely gift.

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  23. Crissy ArmstrongJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Hello Patti! Crissy here, the one who drew Valerie's Gift! I have hopped through all the blogs and have come back to leave comments. Let me say first of all, that I have never before done a blog hop with tears streaming down my face. But I sure did today.
    What is even more significant that you may not realize, is that I also have a daughter named Valerie. And so I feel there is even more of a connection there.
    The fact that I could be a part in touching Colleen in this way has made me feel so emotional, I can't stop crying.
    I go about my life, not really thinking about small acts of kindness having so much impact in another person's life. When Denise (of Whimsy Stamps) and I agreed we had to name this stamp after Colleen's daughter, we had no idea of the ripple effect it would have.
    There is such a significance to the things we do, whether good or bad. And today I was honoured to see some of that right before my eyes. Thank you for doing this for Colleen, and thank you for honouring and multiplying the small act of kindness from Denise and I. I am really touched that I was able to be a part of it behind the scenes. What a gift you have given not only to Colleen, but to me and Denise as well. Sending hugs to you and your friends.
    Crissy Armstrong

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  24. Joan ErvinJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    OMG, Patti...your card is fabulous!!! The stamp is absolutely precious and you have colored it beautifully!!! The story about Valerie's Gift is sad yet sooo heart warming at the same time...you have touched many hearts today!!!

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  25. CraftinGrannyJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Beautiful card Patti. I can see it was created with lots of love and caring for someone else. Blessing to you my friend! "Hugs" Carol

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  26. Amy JohnsonJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Such a beautiful memory and card! Thanks for sharing this story.

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