Hello stampers and happy Thursday. For some reason my heart is full today and a little bit sad. Always remember is the theme of my card and it happened quite by accident. Let me tell you the story and set the mood.
Always Remember
My card started with the idea of having a window in the front and layering the vellum poppy accents around the edge. When the card was almost finished I decided that the flowers needed colour, it was just too washed out looking for my mood. I wanted a small sentiment for the outside and “always remember” was perfect. The problem was, I wasn’t sure what to put with it in the inside. Then inspiration hit. It didn’t need anything more.
This is the perfect card to always remember what our soldiers did for us. So many of them were so young, children really, who had no idea what they were going into. The horrific slaughter they would witness. The atrocities they themselves had to do in the face of war. Many, many, many of them gave their lives or their limbs.
Poppies really aren’t peaceful, they are symbols of loss, of war, of death. And yet. Those beautiful, bright flowers also keep growing and blooming and are witness of a hard won peace. Always remember.
War Cemeteries
Three years ago I visited several war cemeteries and it was a profoundly moving experience. In May I hope to be back in the Netherlands. May 4 is the official holiday here (their Remembrance Day) and the entire country will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian troops. If you want to read a moving story of how the Canadian war cemeteries are maintained and honoured by Dutch citizens, check this out. A Canadian veteran tells the story of his experience here. This town of Holten is just minutes away from where Gerard’s sister lives!
Reading the stories of Canadians who served in various wars makes it real and also makes sure that we always remember! I hope that you take the time to check this out and also share with your children and grandchildren. As time passes it is even more important to keep this truth alive. Here is a great link to get your started.
Always Remember Card
Blog posts don’t usually drain me like this, but I am just heaving a huge sigh. This is heavy stuff, but I am so happy to be able to share the honour that these children and this nation bestows on soldiers who died so long ago. It really is true that Dutch people today still love Canadians so much. They have always remembered!
I first adhered the striped patterned paper from Peaceful Poppies to the front of the card and then I used a stitched circle die to cut out a “window”. In the inside of the card is another circle with contrasting paper from the same suite. The vellum elements were coloured with mossy meadow and poppy parade Blends.
The stark simplicity of the sentiment suits the purpose of this card. I am hoping to some kind of fundraiser for our veterans using this suite of products. I am hoping that we can make a ton of poppy cards that I can take with me to Holland so I can give them to both soldiers, their families and also to the local Dutch people who have maintained the cemeteries there.
Feeling Deeply
I can now tell you why my mood was sad to begin with. When I create I often watch Netflix and the show I was watching involved a mother who was a drug user and her own daughter had to report her so that her three year old sister would not be in danger. Yes, it is only a show, but I know this happens in real life and I can just get way too involved and feel so sad for those who do have struggles like this in their lives.
Good thing those sad feelings culminated in this great card! I really am happy with it. It evokes just the right feeling that I want to express to those receiving it. Making a card is like writing a blog post or cooking a meal, you have to feel it in your heart to make the magic happen!
Thanks
Thanks again for joining me today, it makes my heart happy to see you here. I love your comments, your silent footsteps and of course happy mail. Thanks if you have ordered online from me and thanks to my team members for their love and support. My tribe is awesome and please know, there is a place for you too!
Product List
Hi Jackie, it is a wonderful pretty set and the card you made is awesome.
But may I make a small correction? May 4th is our Remembrance day with a special service in most of the city’s and not a holiday. May 5th is our Liberation day and officially a holiday.
This year is special because of the celebration of 75 years with freedom and for sure always remembering all the fallen American, Canadian, Polish or from which country they were who helped our Dutch country to be free again.
We must not forget all the sacrifises they made, so the cemetaries are honoured overhere for sure.
So in May you will be back again. I’m not sure if you’re still here and otherwise have a safe trip home.
Hi Jackie;
My daughters and I have been to Holten cemetery for their May 4th ceremonies, as well as in Markelo, at dusk, at their monuments there. It’s incredibly moving, and amazing to see the crowds that attend to honour the soldiers who gave so much. As I wandered around the cemetery, as well as the ones at Groesbeek and on the island of Texel, I am left in awe at the young men whose lives were lost before they even really began. I think the thing that just causes me to almost stumble, and to weep (yes!) is that these men – and women – gave their lives so that our parents, Jackie, could have freedom! Our parents were liberated in those days, and then found their way to a new life in Canada; worked hard – very hard!! – and found hope and success in their new home. And now you and I are here, a DIRECT RESULT of the sacrifices made by so, so many young people!!! Those who never returned, and those who returned but were never the same. I am so very humbled.
A contingent from Chatham will be attending the ceremonies. Markelo has a special connection with our Chatham pipe band, who will be there. Jenny and Ellen have stayed with host families in their Markelo homes and experienced the mourning and very deliberate remembering of May 4th, and the joy and celebration of Liberation Day on May 5th.
We will never, ever forget! Because of them, I am here today!
Let me know if you’ll be doing any stamp-a-stack workshops for these cards. Count me in!!!!
What a beautiful tribute Marilyn, and I agree completely. I wept as I wrote this post and researched it. There will definitely be some kind of stamping event to raise money and awareness and also to make cards to bring with to Holland.
Dear Jackie,
I have been following your blog for awhile and your posts from Holland have really spoken to me (some more than others) as you know I am also from the Netherlands. As I read this post, I had just received a message from my cousin in Friesland that his wife had passed away. As I said to him, it is bitter-sweet, as she has suffered from lung disease for a long time (on oxygen), but now he will miss his soul mate of 60 years. But we know she is enjoying her saviour in heaven.
I am glad you are discovering and enjoying your time with Gerard in Holland. And I also love watching your card videos. The card today is simply gorgeous, and with your permission I would like to copy it (or close to). Thanks also for sharing your heart and your faith. You are a breath of fresh air. Hugs from Fergus
So sorry for your loss Ina. The next time I am in Fergus for a few days I will contact you and we can have coffee together. Feel free to copy anything I post here, that is why I share.
I enjoy reading your daily posts. Very interesting.
Thanks so much Glenda.
I love this card idea, so pretty 😀 Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks so much for commenting Holly.