I decided to take the day off work today so I can do whatever makes me happy - since it IS my birthday and all! :) Well, besides getting caught up on some much needed laundry, I'm getting some blog browsing done and a little stamping.
(We have birthday plans for later today, so I'll have to post tomorrow about that.) I received some HANNA stamps from my friend
Donna Baker last week, so I thought I'd try
today's color challenge with one of the images. I also used sketch challenge
#134 (Tent Toppers).

I added Dazzling Diamonds to the puddle and raindrops and then filled in the puddle with Crystal Effects. The green layer is cuttlebugged with the Bloom Dots folder and then machine stitched with brown thread onto choc. chip c.s. My FABULOUS secret sister sent me some really cute stitched felt flowers with rhinestones in center--they're self-adhesive too which is soo nice! The dress is pieced in pink, which is not the color combo, but I thought it needed a little something to break up the green/turq.
I've already had a comment in my gallery that I should join a "Hanna Swap", but I don't acutally OWN any stamps...I made this with images that Donna sent me :) THANKS ANYWAY!! If/when I DO get some, I'd love to join!
NOW...just a note about the sentiment on this card: Donna stamped it - I'm guessing it came in the Hanna set, but it totally reminds me of the song "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me. I decided for today to go ahead and play that for you (on my slideshow at bottom of blog). This song is just awesome and speaks volumes. Here are the Lyrics:
"Bring The Rain"
I can count a million times
People asking me how I can praise You
with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray - Bring me joy,
bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain.
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray-- (chorus)
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
AMEN! By the way, do you see my weather pixie today? It's 61 degrees right now!! :) Woohoo. Wish I could do some gardening. Too early for flowers--they'll freeze again soon. :(