Monday, July 2, 2012

Celebrate Freedom Blog Hop - Day 1

It is my honor to participate in the Celebrate Freedom Blog Hop, sponsored by Lisa at Honeybearz Designs

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA
While I have always honored our country's liberties and celebrate Independence in its national birthplace of Philadelphia, eighteen years ago on July 1, 1994, personal freedom took on a whole different meaning for me.

NOT looking like this!


On that day, I mustered the strength to leave a marriage that was unkind and abusive. It was a hot 95 degrees then too ... and I wore a hot (very hot!) pink sweatsuit to prove it, I guess ... as I packed up half our worldly possessions, and moved myself and my daughter Emily into our own safe place, and a new life.

The separation and divorce were a struggle ... it took a revolution to be free. It took strength and determination. And ever since then, Independence Day means a great deal to me personally, and I celebrate it loud and proud.

This year, I'm celebrating by making what I think is one of my very favorite cards, and I'll show it to you here. 

Here's the outside, and supplies listing:


This is how it looks, opened up.

I think my card turned out pretty spankin' good, if I do say so myself. This tri-fold shutter fold technique doesn't always work with your design ... but I think it does here. 

Come back tomorrow when I'll show you a few more cards that I made for the holiday. 

Now, what's a blog hop without a little candy? 

Well, I happen to have an extra copy of what may one day be a collector's copy of a magazine.

Yup, I bought a copy before I remembered that I also subscribe. (Duhhh!)  Anywhooo... did you know "Scrapbooks, Etc." is ceasing publication with this, its August 2012 issue?  Dang it all ... I enjoyed it!  The copy I send to you will be the just-bought issue, not this dog-earred ratty/read copy.  

To win it, please be a follower of my blog, and leave a comment here. Please be sure that your comment provides a way for me to contact you when you win.

I hope you've enjoyed this hop. I'm the last stop (phew! You made it!) ... but if you've just happened upon me here, why not start at the very beginning and see what other projects might trigger your crafting mojo.  Here's the line-up, with not-to-be-missed projects and some more blog candy:



Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

Michele ~ http://michelescraftroom.blogspot.com/

Maria - http://JoyfulStamper.blogspot.com/

Ashley - http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com/

Madge- http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/

Tahi - http://tahisscrapcorner.blogspot.com/

Diana - http://daisylovecreations.blogspot.com/

Miranda - http://www.nanasscrapspot.com/

Jessi http://mylifeinartscrafts.blogspot.com/

Ellen ♥ CardMonkey ~ http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/


Update:  I completely forgot. I wanted to include a song that was my Mantra that summer so many years ago on Independence Day. Here's a YouTube video featuring the original artist, Martina McBride, with lyrics.  "Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong, it's Independence Day..."

For all of you who may be needing extra strength today, this is for you:



P.S. I will be linking this post to a Red-White-and-Blue Challenge for "A Homespun Affair," the new online magazine. Check it out!  



DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey you crazy Monkey!!!! This is the card i have been waiting for. can you say uber talent? gee wiz! great job. love it!
{love love}
Scrappin Madge

Jennifer McLean said...

I'm sure glad to here you're an independent kinda girl!! That card is gorgeous, love all the folding which allows for surprises when unfolding. Happy Upcoming Independence Day my dear friend.

Of course I'll always enter your blog candy giveawys, does this come with sweedish fish?? Hehehe.

Oh, and if you want to try and win one of my new art locket necklaces and another bookmark (since hubby stole your first one!) then go to this blog,

http://skylarinc.blogspot.ca/2012/07/jewelry-and-bookmark-review-giveaway.html

...she's doing a feature on my etsy shop and I provided stuff for her giveaway.
xxoo, much love from the red & white!
Jenn

Miranda said...

FABULOUS! I love your card! I've yet to brave a tri-shutter card! Love your story of liberation!
Miranda :)
www.nanasscrapspot.com

Georgiana said...

Great card with a fabulous fold. Happy Independence day!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana
Carson's Creations

Maria Matter said...

absolutely stunning Ellen! fabulous patriotic design for this style card!!
Thanks too for sharing your story, brings a whole new light to Independence Day! Wishing you an extra special one!!!
hugs & blessings

TeenaBugg38 said...

LOVE your card!!!!

teenabugg38@gmail.com
teenabugg.blogspot.com

Star said...

I remember your Day of Independence well---how hard you worked for you and Em to be free! I am so proud of you! The card is great----thanks for sharing.

Lucy Kelleher said...

Ellen - I just love your Independence Day Card -- your images work perfectly for the tri-fold shutter! TFS

Lucy
http://www.love2createitall.com

Lady Fair said...

Great card, great use of papers and die cuts. Thanks for sharing your personal story of regaining your independence; so many women stay in abusive relationships, and I wish them the strength that you found that day. Bravo to you!

lflinesatcomcastdotnet

Charo said...

Brave woman, I salute you!

Unknown said...

awesome card ellen!

Unknown said...

Awesome card and cheers to your independence :D

D- said...

I love love love this card. You did a terrific job. TFS.
dmcardmaker at aol dot com
(email follower)

jengd said...

GREAT card Ellen! Fabulous way to use the series of cut images!

Ashley Nicole said...

I love this card. Truly the master of cards or should I say truly the Card Monkey lol. So happy you were able to stand up and be independent.
Ashley

Daisylove Creations said...

FANTASTIC Card!! Love how you put together the whole series of these super cute images, just fabulous!!
TFS :0)
Diana
daisylovecreations.blogspot.com

Jessica Kephart | A Homespun Affair said...

Oh Ellen!! My what horrific things you have been through!! I am so glad that you were able to get strong, and make a fantastic life for you and your daughter. YOU INSPIRE ME in ways you can never know. Thank you so much for sharing your story. OH And linking up with us at A Homespun Affair!! lol sorry, I almost forgot after reading your story. You are on my heart, my friend.

Jessica

Anonymous said...

WOW this is an AMAZING card what a FABULOUS job you did..

Thanks for joining the challenge @ A Homespun Affair
www.ahomespunaffair.blogspot.com

Heather - AHA DT Member
www.iheartippity.com
www.papercrafteranonymous.com

Raquel said...

Thank you for the adorable submission to A Homespun Affair July Color Challenge!

~Raquel AHA Design Team

kraftykaboose.blogspot.com
ahomespunaffair.blogspot.com