Phindy's Place is Closing

Nana & Earl

Life is about change, about beginnings, and endings...

Phindy's Place, a wonderful digital stamp shop is closing. You have just days to pick up some wonderful images that you'll happily use for years to come.  I am saddened by this. I've told this story before, but given this news, I am going to repeat it.

In the fall of 2008, my mother became ill, and the doctor told us it was no longer safe for her to live by herself. What she wanted most in the world was to stay in her own home. After much discussion, my husband and I decided to make this possible. I resigned from my job and moved in with her. My husband continued to live in our how as he was working over two hours away. This was a challenging time.

I have long been a crafter- sewing, scrapping, stamping...it all took "stuff" and space. During this time I discovered "digis", and it opened up the world of card making. This lead me to Paper Craft Planet, no also closed, where I discovered some very talented artists who decided to dabble in digital stamps. I also "met" some very wonderful people, and, in fact, we have met and become good friends, a wonderful support network, all because we shared a passion for crafting. I applied for a few design teams and was delighted to have been chosen.

I was on Phindy's until she decided to stop the weekly challenges. Phindy is an illustrator by
profession, and her images are stories in and of themselves-charming, sweet, nostalgic, sentimental...all words I use to describe her style.

Life is full of twists and turns. Our PCP group traveled that road together for quite a while. Family circumstances changed, people moved, jobs changed, interests changed... But for those years, I had my "Phindy Phamily"- thank you, Phindy.

In 2010, my mother wanted a pet of her own, one to cuddle with, one to comfort her. Our two small dogs lived with us, and though one was very attentive, I think a cat was what the doctor ordered-a cat with its soothing purr. So, together we went to the animal shelter ---so many cats, but my mother wanted one that had been declawed-it's not something she felt good about having done to a cat, but if there was one out there who had been declawed, well, that worked. We've had a few too many upholstered piece destroyed by claws. We were introduced to Earl ( I have no recollection of his shelter name). He was skidish after his months in the wilderness so to speak. He was handsome, a "Snow Shoe". He came home with us. My mother was in love, but within a week of his coming, he demonstrated one of his skills which may have been his near on doing. Earl opens doors...and so he did. We discovered the front door open and Earl gone. My mother was devastated and literally mourned. Her spirits were low, and I feared she would give up. I shared the story with my Phindy Phamily. They were all so kind, offering words and prayers of support. Remarkably, a few days later, when I had given up hope of ever seeing him, again, I glanced out the window of my mother's room- there he was. Not certain I could easily get him, I just left the room without a word. I approached him slowly, oh, so slowly and then knelt down and called him softly and he came! My mother wept with joy! I recounted to story to my Phindy Phamily and shortly thereafter, this beautiful image showed up in my email- my turn to cry! My mother was tickled and she showed all of her visitors the image she inspired. It was a magical gift.

My mother died in 2011- an ending. I miss her everyday. Earl continues to thrive and hasn't attempted to go outside since that fateful day-he's doubled his weight, literally. Why risk a good thing! He does open doors from time to time, but only interior doors.

I will miss Phindy's Place, but happily, I have acquired just about all of her wonderful images. If you want a little magic to show up at your house, head over to Phindy's Place today...you'll be glad you did.

Challenges I plan to enter:

• Fan-Tastic Tuesday - W, E2, Must Be Square #26 Anything Goes
• Party Time Tuesdays W, 3E (2E anything goes wk) - PTTYDD #163 Anything Goes
• Through The Craft Room Door W, 2E - Always Anything Goes