Vol-049-A Series [Premo Sculpey]
1A: Cherry Brandy
2A: Plum Cordial
3A: Forty Year Old Scotch
4A: Apricot Liqueur
This is one of those posts that I am not too sure how to write. It is about beauty, life and loss. It is of joy and of sorrow.
You see, my husband Doug, whom you have begun to get to know as our cameraman, tech guy and business person extraordinaire, is losing his father Erv to Cancer. It is one of those all too common battles, that comes from out of nowhere and turns your whole world upside down.
Only a few short months ago, our kids’ Grandpa Erv was seemingly healthy and enjoying a good laugh and a fun time, playing games after a cozy Christmas Dinner at our place. We were all together this year, with Doug’s Mom Harriet, along with my parents, Ernie and Susan and of course Willow, Fisher, Doug and I. We played a game called Apples to Apples and everyone had commented the next day, on how the usually quiet and reserved Erv, was particularly funny and outgoing that night. It is one of my most delightful memories of being with Doug’s dad.
It is now May and my father in law who I have known since I was 11 years old (but that is another story for another day), lies in an Hospice bed at the hospital, resting as comfortably as possible, waiting for his journey on this Earth to end. Although cut far shorter than it should have been, he has had a happy and successful life and is making peace with what he has been given as his final chapter.
The reason I tell you all this, is that these incredibly beautiful Roses I’ve chosen as the inspiration for next month’s color palette, are part of this story. In a way they are a symbol of the amazing, yet fleeting beauty that life is. The absolute perfection of health and youth, that inevitably fades, wilts and returns to the Earth. The circle of life.
The Cherry Brandy Roses pictured at the top of the page were a gift that we brought to Erv, when he was first diagnosed with Cancer a couple months ago. Erv has always loved flowers. I remember hearing him say years ago, that he never understood why only women got flowers… men love them too. So of course when we heard he was ill, we brought him roses.
I had never seen a prettier variety of roses in my life, and made sure that Willow photographed them before we brought them out to him. The soft cherry pink outsides of the petals… the warm amber insides… the stunning vase shaped curves of the blooms… Nature’s examples of absolute perfection.
Erv’s gentle smile as we handed him the huge armful of flowers and the cute way he said “Purdy”, will always hold a tender spot in my heart. It was one of those moments in life that was a peaceful, loving, yet deeply sad memory that lingers on and won’t likely ever be forgotten. Not a lot of words were spoken that night, but more than enough was said.
It is times like these that force you to step back and examine what is important in life. What you must grab a hold of right now, while you can. To look around you and drink in the beauty that surrounds you in the people you love and the roses you hold in your arms. To be inspired to live a great life, because you never know how long that life will ultimately be.
The three words, ‘Laugh, Love, Live’ seem so important right now.
I hope that this post and the pretty color palette I have put together for you today, inspire you to Laugh More, Love More and Live More too…
The following Vol-049 A-series Cherry Brandy Rose color palette will be added to the Polymer Clay Members Library during the month of June 2012:
- Cherry Brandy (Recipe 049-1A)
- Plum Cordial (Recipe 049-2A)
- Forty Year Old Scotch (Recipe 049-3A)
- Apricot Liqueur (Recipe 049-4A)
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… Cherry Brandy the soft cherry pink found on the outsides of this incredibly beautiful Cherry Brandy Rose variety. Plum Cordial is the plum purple color dusted along the outer curves of the rose petals. Forty Year Old Scotch is the warm amber gold of the insides of these perfect petals. And Apricot Liqueur is the soft pale apricot color found in the highlights of the rose buds.
I just finished making all of my color chips and made 2 additional squares, 1 to put with your color palettes and the other to put with it’s color category. Cindy, you are a great teacher and I am trying to encourage my daughter to sign up too. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all.
~Catherine-R
Yes I am also always amazed at how nature puts colours together in such a beautiful ways, nothing ever clashes, and if I am looking for a colour palette, I just have to look at a flower (of course after I have been thru my Cindy recipes). Thanks Cindy, keep em coming, so beautiful. Love to all. ~Elizabeth-K
Do I think the membership is worth it? ABSOLUTELY – the colour palettes alone are worth more to me. And the effect on my (sad, underdeveloped) creativity? PRICELESS.
~Monique-U
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If you would like more information about the Members Library, here are some direct links:
Library Member Benefits and What Others Are Saying
Order Page for Color Recipe and Video Back Issue Packages
Become A Full Member at the Library
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How bittersweet that the greatest beauty of this world is so often entwined with significant sorrow. It can be a lovely bouquet, as in your inspiration photo, or a moving musical selection. I have the great privilege of singing at funerals in our church. Many of our choir members are quite elderly, and some have well-known preferences for service music “when their turn comes up”. These charming seniors continue to sing in the face of illness, personal loss and increasing frailty. For so many in our community, the colour red will forever be assigned to the sadness we carry over the loss of seven young high school basketball players four years ago. I am certain many of us experience pangs of remembrance at a beautiful sunrise or sunset, moments that connect us to our loved ones gone beyond our reach for a time. Looking at the open water brings to mind my Mum, who despite years of travel as a military wife, both began and ended life within hearing of the ocean waves. I believe it is fitting that beauty and sorrow are such close companions on our journey; it is our keen acceptance of both that transforms the daily routne into the joyful celebration of life to which we are called. Peace to all xoxo
What a sad time for you and your family. Prayers are heading your way that you remain strong and remember the good times.
This palette is beautiful. Such soft colors that can be used in many ways including the roses you have taught us.
Andrea
Cindy, so sorry for you and Doug, and the entire family. How beautiful that Erv loves roses. I hope the streets of heaven are lined with his favorites.
Cindy I’m Praying for you and your family. That special moment when you gave him the flowers will be with you forever. Erv is lucky to have you in his life. (((HUGS))).
So sorry to hear this Cindy. My prayers are with you, Doug and the rest of your family. I lost my step-grandfather last september after a stroke so I know how you all are feeling. I used your tutorial on memorial beads and dried many flowers from his funeral. From the clay I made lots of gifts for my family members. Maybe some of the petals from those special roses you gave your father in law can find their way into something special that you all can treasure.
Dear Cindy and family,
Its difficult to find the words to convey my feelings after reading this post. It truly is inspirational. This color palette is so meaningful and beautiful. The Cherry Brandy Rose certainly shows us
the beauty in life and how fast time passes. It is so important to enjoy each day with the laughter that comes along, the love that we can share and living like there is no tomorrow. My thoughts are with all of you and prayers so that you will find comfort in memories past and those you are still harvesting.
Thank you again, Cindy for sharing these moments in your life, they intertwine with happenings
in my life right now as well.
Love and hugs to all of you.
Thank you for sharing this, Cindy – what a sad time for you and your family! This will strike a chord with most of us.
Reminds me how I lost my lovely brother to lung cancer two years ago. We’d always been close, and were planning to go visit our younger brother in Australia. I booked the flights, and we were so excited. But one week later, Frank suddenly developed a backache. Five months later he was gone. We never did do our trip, and it all seemed so unfair at the time … but now I remember all the great times we had together ….. walking for miles along deserted beaches, crying with laughter over nothing, talking far into the night … so many shared experiences. Memories are wonderful things.
And you are so right – it can be a wake-up call! Because these personal losses make us realise that we should make the most of every day we have here on this beautiful earth. Seize the moment, look for the good in everyone we meet (and most people are wonderful) – and appreciate all that this life has to offer. Because we never know when we’ll be called to leave.
Love and light to you all.
ps. What a beautiful palette … thank you!
I am so sorry to hear this news about Doug’s dad. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
My heart goes out to you and Doug. I just lost my dad March 26.
I’m so sorry to hear about Doug’s father. Embrace the good memories and cherish every minute you have left. I, too, lost my father-in-law two years ago and he was the most giving and unselfish man I ever met. Life is tough at times but knowing you have so many special people in your family to help you through this is a blessing. Sending prayers of peace and love.
So very sorry to hear this….you all are in my thoughts and prayers……
So very sory to hear about your Father-in-Law Cindy. It is so hard at times to connect with life when it kicks you in the shins every now and then. We are facing the same thing here with a Mother-in-Law hoping we will be able to share Christmas with her. My prayers are with you, Doug and the family that when the time comes, he will slip peacefully into the arms of the Lord. God bless…..
My heart goes out to your whole family. You are in my prayers
Thank you everyone for your kindness. It is a difficult time but we are learning a lot about life and love, and what is most important, through the experience. We all really appreciate your love and support. It means more than you know.
Cindy , Doug and family I am so sorry to hear the sad news . Enjoy every minute of the time you have with him and cherish the memories; they will be your anchor in difficult times. I pray God gives you the strength and comfort at this difficult and sad time and for Doug’s Dad that he is is not in pain and when the time comes it will be peaceful. On Mother’s Day at Mass the pastor spoke about love and ended with ‘ go home and really look at your loved ones; let them know how much you love them’ So true!
Thank you for the beautiful palette – roses are my favorites and the colors are gorgeous.
What a beautiful palette, Cindy.
So sorry to hear about Doug’s father. I lost both parents to cancer year ago — and years apart — both in the month of May. Cherish the memories and the time you shared.
Hugs,
Sharon
I am so sorry to hear about Doug’s daddy. I will be praying for your family in this hard time. When you can please tell us more about him.
We are all given such a short time in this world. Some suffer great pain and embrace their passing over. Others live life to the full and are healthy and happy when they breathe their last breath here on earth.
It is always such a very sad time for the family especially when sickness and suffering comes to them.
So Doug, Cindy and all the Leitz clan. You are all in our thoughts, we hope this gives you some comfort to know that we feel your pain.
This lovely rose will always remind you of happier times together. Thank you Cindy for sharing your sadness with us all and for the wonderful colours you have blended together for our June palette.
My lovely father passed away some years ago on a bitter cold winters day. We planted a flowering cherry tree in his memory but sadly it was too cold for it to survive and it died.
This was nearly too much to bear and my sister and I stood and cried looking at the blackened withered branches. We waited till spring and replaced it. ( I swear I heard my Dad chuckle as we patted down the soil). At this time of year it is a mass of dark pink blossoms, a reminder of the circle of life.
Doug, your photo of this rose would make a great picture for your calendar (if you decide to make one) it has such a beautiful array of colours, perfect. It has inspired me to make a beautiful set of rosebud jewellery…………cheers xx…………
Woops………… as I read your post Cindy, tears blurred my vision. After reading it again I must apologise to Willow who took these amazing shots.
It certainly is a beautiful rose and you have captured it’s very essence Willow. I know your grandpa is very proud of his talented granddaughter. ………..cheers……
Thank you all very much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. Yesterday afternoon, my Dad passed peacefully, and is now in God’s hands. We were so very grateful to be there with him and my Mom, as he took his final breaths here on earth. We held his hands and rubbed his head to let him know how much he was loved… a great man that will be forever remembered.
Dear Doug & Cindy; your father was so lucky for your loving attention in his last moments, before making his transition to the other side. If you pay attention to certain details, you will know he is still with you in Spirit, and when he is present. My parents left the physical world many years ago, but I know when each of their Spirits are present and am so grateful I became open to that knowing.
I am a fairly new subscriber and a new PC’er, but have learned so much from you guys.
May God’s grace be upon your family during this time.
Sarah
Doug, I am so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. I will keep you and the family in my prayers. So glad you all could be with him.
My deepest condolences to you and all your family, Doug. What a precious gift that you all were able to spend those special moments, accompanying your Dad on the final chapter of his earthly journey! Take strength from one another and accept any offers of help in the days that follow. Your friends want to share and help you deal with the overwhelming pain and loss you are feeling… Let them!! God bless and prayers for you all xoxo
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you have of your father. Prayers and blessings to you and your family.
My condolences, Doug to you and your family. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that
his journey’s end was peaceful and there is no more pain where he is with the Lord. Prayers for all and hugs.
I’m so very sorry. Prayers headed your way.
Cindy & Doug,
So very sorry for your loss… very difficult time for you I am Sure. My dad passed fifteen years ago and the thoughts are still tender. I pray for your peace now that he has found his.
.
One of the things that I will encourage you to do is to find a small journal and as memories flood your minds right now take the time to write them down. I have found it to be a precious book that will be passed down for generations so that they too will know of his kindness and share in the wonders of his journey here with you all. I have done the same and treasure it to day. I also had the time for him to record his own life story in his voice.
Prayers for you and yours shaill flow to the heavens from our bended knees morning and evening.
Hugs Karonkay
IN HONOR OF DOUG’S DAD – ERV AND TO THE LEITZ FAMILY
” I Wanted to Be a Rose”
I began as a teardrop bud at birth,
God planted me to watch me grow,
The petals were my years of life,
Soft fragrances and colors bright.
I understand the thorns that grow,
To surround and protect a lovely rose,
God planted me to watch me grow,
I wanted to be that beautiful rose.
God’s love is pure as a tiny raindrop,
As you know, I needed many in life,
I was happy it rained with Gods pure love,
Protected from the thorns of strife.
He planted me to watch me grow,
I know I am God’s beautiful rose.
Dixie, that is beautiful. Did you write it? Clever girl!
I did, I kept thinking about Cindy telling us about the beautiful roses they gave to Dougs Dad and how much they influence our lives as well as others. So glad you enjoyed it.
Dixie you are amazing, thank you so much! This means a lot to all of us that you would put your heart and soul into such a beautiful poem. Your love and kindness is very touching. We will make sure that the rest of Doug’s family sees this as well. Love ~ Cindy
So glad you liked it, when we bear out hearts the soul shines through…..you have such a beautiful soul Cindy.
very sorry to hear of your loss. it helps to have a venue to express… and teh colors are gorgeous