Friday, May 28, 2010

HEROES, PROTECTORS, AND BRAVE HEARTS

If you arrived here from the Smiles for Everyone! blog by Stampin Sher then you are at the right place. I have known Stampin Sher over 20 years, and her blog name really does reflect who she is - a great person with an infectious smile and - she is that special person who started me stamping!

If you arrived here from anywhere else, you may wish to go here to the Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps website to get all the information and begin the Memorial Day Bloghop from the beginning.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me on my blog and please do feel free to leave a comment. For each comment, I will make and donate two (2) cards to OWH for our heroes. I did complete the 232 cards representing the fabulous 116 comments you left at the Spring Blog Hop and am hoping and praying for a new record of at least 125 comments or 250 cards pledged! The reality is I had a total hip replacement yesterday (Friday, the 28th and will be in the hospital over the Memorial Day weekend, (but through the use of modern technology, I can still post for today) and the one thing I will be able to do during my 4-6 week recovery period is make cards. YES! As long as I can craft paper, I am a happy camper.

My Father-in-law, Rolleston Fox (below) was a Navy CB (Construction Battalion) during World War II. The CeeBee's are always the first soldiers to land on foreign soil and would make things ready for the rest of the troops who would follow creating roads, bridges, camps, etc.

My father, Harry Salzman, was not permitted to join the service as they discovered he had a punctured eardrum. When I first heard this story, I asked why that would prevent him from enlisting. The answer: nerve gas was commonly used on the battlefield and while a gas mask prevented the nerve gas from getting into the respiratory system through the nose and mouth, the gas would flow through the puncture in the eardrum and into the soldier’s system resulting in death. My father was heartbroken he could not enlist and decided he would move from New York to California to work in the shipyards. Good thing too, because that’s where my Mom was! I wish I could include a picture of Daddy, but sadly there are none that I know of from that time in his life. Daddy is, above all people, my biggest hero!

I know I have written about this before, but those who support our troops, however they do that, could be called our modern day Rosie the Riveters. And to all who support our soldiers through Operation Write Home or any other way that you might find, I salute you too!

Now I have the extreme pleasure of directing you to a person I consider "a heroine, a friend, and very talented artist". Sandy, our fearless leader from Operation Write Home can be found here at her blog A Colourful World . I am sure you will enjoy her blog very much!

Card recipe: I did all of the words with the computer, printing them in red and navy blue on Neenah solar white cardstock. The other papers are from Gina K in Rocket Red and In the Navy. The lace edges are done with a paper edger by Martha Stewart. On the white punched strip, I have poked my red and blue Copic markers through the holes from the back side. The holographic strip and red heart brads are from my stash.

117 comments:

  1. You have such a beautiful story about your family heroes and I thank you for sharing including your commitment to make cards for each post! I'm the first one! Yippee!!!!
    Your card is absolutely beautiful! The layering of the Red, White and Blue which our theme colors are fabulous. I especially love that you have sparkle incorporated in your card! The message is heartwarming and very true!
    Finally, thank you for participating in this blog hop and I hope you are going to be able to hop while you are in the hospital, laptop? Internet Connection? Feel good really soon!!! I'm sure you are going to be very busy when you come home, crafting!
    Love,
    Sher

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  2. Wow, what a touching story and a beautiful card too. Thanks for sharing and hope the recovery is quick, but full of cardmaking!

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  3. You made me teary talking about your Dad. My dad was career Air Force. I miss him on days like this. That card is beautiful. I love the layered "lace." Get well soon!

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  4. I loved reading your touching story!!! Your card is a beauty! I hope you recover soon from your hip surgery.....and I hope you reach your goal with lots of comments....good luck! ;)

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  5. Very Pretty cards, looks like anyone would be proud to get them!
    Pat L

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  6. Kimberley Martini-YoungMay 29, 2010 at 7:22 AM

    Go SeaBees!! My Husband is one and we make cards together. Hope your recovery is a speedy one.

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  7. What a beautiful post Louise. Love the scalloped and layered edge on your card. I suspect you're going to need all that recovery time just to make the cards for the comments this post will solicit.

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  8. Love your story, Louise---and I'm hoping you have wifi in the hospital so I get to 'see' you today! Heal up!

    Someone said something about the CBs to me the other day....the Marines might be able to take the land, but the CBs know what to do with it!!!!

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  9. Thank you for sharing today! I love the lace on your card.

    xoxo
    Lindsey @ ScrapStreet

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  10. Thanks for sharing your family's history in the military.

    Also, as a military wife, let me say thank you for sharing your creativity to help bring families closer who are separated by duty.

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  11. Thank you for your post! Have a great weekend! I am now following your blog too!
    Jessica Lynn
    http://www.jessicalynnoriginal.com

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  12. What a lovely card and story. I hope you make your goal. Coming from a military family I just want to thank you and everyone this weekend.

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  13. Hello everyone! My name is Chuck, and I am proud to be the husband of Louise.
    I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the surgery went very well and quick, only 1 1/2 hours for what normally takes up to 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The bad news is that there are no computer hook-ups, nor WiFi, at the hospital. So louie will not be able to join you today, unless I can figure a way to transport the messages to and from her. I'm working on it :)

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  14. Beautiful card.I like all the border layers. TFS

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  15. Beautiful card and hope you get well quick! In the meantime, have lots of fun stamping for all of us!!!

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  16. That is awesome that you are donating to OWH for your comments!

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  17. Wishing you a speedy recovery from your surgery! Great story you shared. Your card is fabulous!

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  18. Thanks for sharing your story. Your card is beautiful. I love the borders.

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  19. Louise - Just saw Chuck's post...what a wonderful husband to try to get you to "hop" despite lack of wifi in the hospital. Thank you for sharing your story and being a part of OWH! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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  20. Very touching story thank you for sharing with us...

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  21. Wow, I love the way you added some punch to the border punching, lol, with the pens. I've got to try that. Thanks so much for supporting OWH and our troops!

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  22. May the Lord bless you with a quick recovery and minimize your discomfort. And have fun making lots of cards during your recovery!

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  23. Ahhh Chuck....That was so Nice of you to let us know...Here's to speedy recovery Lousie :)
    Love your card! I hope your record gets broken, but take it easy making them all :0)

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  24. You must be the one that Sandy mentioned who would be part of the Hop, even though she'd be 1 day post surgery in the hospital!! WooHoo for you! Hope that things went well and you are already up and walking a bit. I'm doing my part to make sure you've got lots to do during your recovery! LOL! Love the card that you created. Best Wishes than Thanks for your support of OWH
    R/

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  25. Oh my gosh! Speedy recovery to you! Happy to contribute through commenting! Please make two cards for me!

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  26. Thanks for sharing your family stories!! Your Memorial Day card is beautiful--love the scalloped borders & the sentiment is really nice!! Hope you have a speedy recovery!! I love that you have challenged yourself to make 2 cards for every comment--that's neat!!
    God Bless,
    Sarah :)

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  27. Best wishes on your recovery, Louise, and thank for all you are doing for OWH.

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  28. Great card - love all of those layered scallops!

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  29. LOVE THE SCALLOPS!! And how generous of you!! Create away!!

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  30. What a great card. I'm sure a solider will really appreciate it!! I hope you heal quickly!!!! :)

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  31. I love the leave a comment and you'll donate a card for everyone left! Awesome!

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  32. I've always been in awe of the CeeBees. Thanks a ton for your father-in-law. I hope you make, meat and surpass your goal!

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  33. My family has a long military history as well including myself. I thank you as a VET for all your love and effort to reach out to those who are serving this great country today. I hope your recovery goes smoothly and hope you enjoy reaching your goal.

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  34. Great story thanks for sharing it and your generous donations!!

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  35. great cards on your blog and glad to see u finished the cards for the spring hop early in the month so you had a break before this hop... LOL

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  36. Louise, thanks for posting such a touching story. I sure hope your recovery is quick. Many thanks for your dedication to Operation Write Home. Think of all the lives you've touched!

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  37. Thank you for sharing your family's story with us. Your card is beautiful, I love the red, white and blue scallops!

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  38. Beautiful card! I hope you have a quick recovery! I have to have both of my hips replaced in the near future!!

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  39. Love your card - the red, white, and blue border punches really make it pop! Hope your surgery goes well! At least you'll be able to craft during your recovery..good luck on meeting your goal!!!

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  40. Great card! Thanks for sharing your photo and story!

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  41. Hi Louise Sweetie...
    What a beautiful story you have shared and then to make cards for each comment left to you. You are truly an inspiration to me. I will trying my luck at making a few and sending them to OWH.

    I am your newest follower. I cannot wait to see what you share next. Please stop by and say hi. I would be so honored if you signed up to follow my blog as well.

    Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

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  42. Beautiful card! I marveled at your completed cards from the last hop! Hope you get to make more this time! Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!

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  43. I love that triple-layered border you made... good luck recovering from your surgery - thank goodness it's your leg that's out of commission and not your hands! (I had a hand-problem that kept me from making cards for three months this year, and I've never really caught up again. Ugh!)

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  44. I wish you much success with your surgery. I hope you have a lot of time to make cards.

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  45. OMG sorry to hear about your hip replacement but I did want to keep you busy making two more cards-hehe...I love all the borders on your card...pretty!

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  46. What a beautiful card you made Louise! Now you have 2 more for me ;), keep up the great work you're doing making beautiful cards for OWH, they are so appreciated! I enjoyed reading about your family today too - Happy Memorial Day weekend~

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  47. I enjoyed your post and your beautiful card! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend! ;o)

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  48. As promised, while sitting in my doctor's waiting room yesterday for my 6-week post-op check-up, I thought of you having your hip replaced at that very moment! I'm sure all went well and I know you'll be up 'n at 'em in no time! Rest well my friend and take care during your hospital stay!
    Your card is lovely and I really enjoyed hearing a bit about your family history too :) TFS!!

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  49. Thank you for your comments on my blog and....your inspiration!!

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  50. Great card! Love that "lacy" border. I never thought of using a border punch like that. Also, that's awesome that your Dad wanted to help his country so much that he willingly moved across the country to do his part.

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  51. Beautiful card, TFS! Now get to work on those two cards, lol! Happy Memorial Day!

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  52. Hi Louise! Hope you feeling good and healing well. I'm so impressed you got all those cards done from the other bloghop. Take care and thanks for your support of OWH.

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  53. Lovely cards and a great remembrance of the men in your life who served their nation proudly. TFS

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  54. What a neat fact about the ear! I had no idea!!! This blog post is so touching and beautiful. I am glad I took the time to stop and really read your post!
    Gorgeous card and wonderful sentiment!

    Have a blessed Memorial Weekend, and easy recovery.

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  55. What a great card. Thanks for sharing about your FIL and dad.

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  56. Hoping for a speedy recovery, but not so speedy that you don't have plenty of card making time on your hands. :)

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  57. Such an interesting story. Get well fast. Thanks for all you do for our troops.

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  58. Beautiful card...I wish you a speedy recovery.

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  59. Hi Louise,

    Great to see your beautiful card and read about your family story. Thanks for sharing.

    You did a great job to complete the 232 cards. Now another commitment to make two cards for me. Thanks very much!

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  60. I always enjoy the bloghops on OWH. It is a wonderful group and I enjoy being a part of it. Thank you for your part in the group.

    Kathy
    Pass It On
    http://kathypassiton.blogspot.com/

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  61. What a legacy! Thank you for sharing and caring

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  62. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story and your great card. Have a Happy Memorial Day.

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  63. Love the story of your Dad. Love the lacey look of your card. Thks for sharing.

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  64. What a lovely card! Thanks for sharing your card and the story of your dad.

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  65. What a great card. I hope your recovery goes smoothly and you have enough cards to keep you busy.

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  66. Beautiful page and stories about your loved ones. I never knew that about the nerve gas.

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  67. Thank you for sharing your stories. I love how you layered the border punch on your card. Good luck on all the card making!

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  68. i hope you are recorvering well! i love your card and the thoughts about your father. what an interesting story!

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  69. What a lovely card, and a beautiful dedication. Thank you for supporting our troops!

    ~Courtney~

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  70. Wishing you a speedy recovery on your surgery. I love the layered lacy borders on your card. I am totally going to case that.

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  71. Hoping you are resting and recovering! Good luck making all the cards :)

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  72. Said a prayer!! Hope you are recovering well!!

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  73. I love Martha Stewart border punches. Your card is awesome with the lacy look of the red, white and blue layers. Great job! Thank you for sharing your family stories with us and have a quick and painless recovery.

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  74. I hope you heal quickly and with as little discomfort as possible...

    Gorgeous card! And what a great post!!!

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  75. Thanks for sharing about your dad and dad in law.
    My dad, had to totally stand on tippy toes at the recruitment office to get in WWII --Navy...he was just 5'3"...and still had to argue with them to let him in!

    My husband was a Sea BEE...in the early 60's just before Nam. But he did work on bases around the world including the South pole, which he volunteered for, knowing it is not a place people ever get to see. He was at Byrd Station McMurdo (spelling) Sound.

    Nice cards, and I loved hearing your stories...My dad, RIP is my hero also...because he was so patriotic, and so upset by what the Nazi's were doing that he literally had to FIGHT his way into being accepted as an enlistee...he got a nickname in the service...Popeye...cause he was scrawny(short) but had great upper body musculature, and was a boxer and a "tumbler" (gymnast) in HS...and the Golden gloves.

    miss him telling stories of those days.

    God bless and be well,
    Susan

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  76. Oh and speedy recovery to you, I am part bionic also...one knee, and the other one is soon to follow.
    Susan

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  77. Lovely artwork! Thanks for sharing!

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  78. What a beautiful card! I love the red, white, and blue scallops! Thanks for making all those cards for our soldiers!

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  79. Got to get you making more cards, they are beautiful. Thanks for the details on what you did & used.

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  80. Beautiful card! Thanks so much for sharing your family story too!

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  81. Here's to 125 comments! You are awesome, I love your challenge to your self. And your card is so nice. Thanks for the info about the ear...so interesting, how we are sheltered. Thanks for supporting OWH. Hope you are feeling better soon and have a speedy recovery.

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  82. Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories, and memories. Enjoying the blog hop too!

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  83. All of these memories remind me also of my Father and my hero who was wounded in WWII. Thanks for sharing your family's story with us. I love the simpleness and yet the beauty of this card with the red white and blue edge punches. Thank you for participating and for your card pledge. Hope your recovery goes well from the hip replacement.

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  84. Loved your card. Good luck with your hip replacement and have fun making all those cards!

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  85. Great Job. Hope you meet your goal.

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  86. Beautiful card. Thanks for sharing.

    Linda D.

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  87. The layered scallops are so pretty! I hope you have a quick recovery and make lots of cards. :o)

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  88. Love the card as I do the Martha Stewart punch!! I use it all the time. Wishing you a quick recovery on your hip. I have bad hip problems too, so if I can sit and do cards, I'm a very happy camper!! Thanks again.

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  89. I hope you are doing well and recovering from your procedure. I think it is wonderful that you are challenging yourself to make so many cards for OWH.

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  90. Here is my comment, to add another two cards to your donation box! :-) What a great challenge for yourself, I think I might have to do that also... Great post!! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  91. Wow, add two more to the stash of cards to make! I will have to try to do that also! Wonderful card and story! TFS! Good luck with your hip replacement and don't do too much too soon!
    Stephanie
    SeaSteph's Creations
    scrappinscout451@yahoo.com

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  92. Beautiful story and great pictures. Good luck reaching 125. Take care and happy card making.

    CJ

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  93. Beautiful post about your family. Thanks for inspiring me with your card

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  94. Great work for a great effort!!

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  95. Great card and a wonderful family history. Thank you for all you do and good luck in your recovery. Depending on the drugs you are on...you may come up with some very creative cards the next few days hehe.

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  96. Oh my GOSH Louise those scalloped edge punches are fantastic like that! I love it! Best of luck with the new hip - I hope that your recovery is fast and easy and that you also get to enjoy some great card time!!!

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  97. What a beautiful card! Love the sentiment and LOVE the punch you used!! TFS :)

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  98. Thanks for sharing the beautiful card, the family story and your pledge to make more cards for OWH and the people they serve. I loved your earlier post too on Rosie the Rivetor. I'm sharing that link and this one for sure. Good luck with your recuperation and thanks for stamping in all our names who commented.

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  99. Wow! What a cool commitment! Hope you get a ton of comments! And I love your card! :)

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  100. I loved reading about your family!!! Maybe when you get better you can post us a picture of your father!!! (Good luck with your recovery)!

    Your card is gorgeous!

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Happy Memorial Day!
    God Bless our Soldiers & their families!

    ~Ola
    okj83 at live dot com

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  101. Wonderful card Louise! I love that MS border punch! Thank you for sharing your family's history in the military and I wish you a very speedy recovery!
    Hugs, Tammy

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  102. A quick recovery to you -- and it is great you have plans while you're sitting around healing.

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  103. Well, that's an interesting tidbit! I never knew that. I love your lacy layered strips on the side of your card!

    Corinna
    www.myscrapbooklife.com

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  104. Get well soon Louise you "Rosie the Riveter" you. Thank you for the cards you did for me at the last blog hop. I was surprised how fast you got all of them done. I love the edge punches layered that way on your card. I think I will CAS that this afternoon.

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  105. Here's another comment for you to add!!

    I use to know a couple named Salzmann in NJ.

    Pretty card! Thanks for joining the Hop.

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  106. Only 15 more comments to go! I just love your card with all of that beautiful edge work! Sorry to hear about your surgery, but with the way technology is now, you should be better than normal soon! Thanks for offering this challeng!

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  107. I'm still trying to finish all the blogs so girl you go with all those fantastic cards.
    Stampin hugs,
    Jeanine

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  108. Love the lace! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

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  109. Love the card! You are a trooper - pledging 2 cards per comment. I have three blogs on the hop that I pledged to make a card per comment - WOW! Thanks for all you do for OWH & supporting the men in women in the armed forces. Wishing you a crafty and speedy recovery.
    : ) Susan [sbartist.blogspot.com]
    sbartist1107 at yahoo dot com

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  110. Beautiful card!! Loved your story, very touching! Hoping for a fast recovery!

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  111. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and enjoy all the card making time! Thanks for sharing your story and your cards.

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  112. Awesome card. I love your use of the border punch. Best wishes for a as pain-free as possible recovery.

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