Celebrate Life . . .

Today I have a canvas to share that I made with an incredible amount of love, along with shedding many tears for my beautiful mother who is in the end stage of alzheimers.    All that she was is gone.  I will always remember her for the simple pleasures that she loved.  The smell of a flower from her garden, a gentle breeze blowing, the sun shining,  and the birds that once gathered at her bird feeder.  I wanted to capture the simple things in life that she loved . . . flowers from her garden, a key to unlock the front door of what a one time was her home,  butterflies that could always be found in her garden and most of all the simple gesture of a smile.  She had the most beautiful smile and was always so happy.  Her laugh was contagious and her smile would always brighten up anyone.   I know for myself I take life for granted when it comes to the simple pleasures of life.  It has only been through my Mom that I have come to realize that I need to be thankful for the little things in life.  Celebrate each day and enjoy life and live in the moment.  Simply put . . . Celebrate Life!

I was inspired by a couple of challenges when I created this canvas.  The May Epic Anniversary Challenge at Scrap Around the World, with a beautiful moodboard created by Helen Tilbury.  I drew my  inspiration from the the word celebrate,  the colors, the bow and  the doilies on the presents.  The background of my canvas was created using the Tim Holtz doily stencil and I included a couple of crochet doilies.   Many layers and lots of mists, paints, inks and embossing.  I love the gold on the bottom of the balloons and used some Stampendous Shabby Pink Embossing enamel with the little flecks of gold.

I was also inspired by the May challenge at Berry71bleu, Simply Pleasures and their moodboard.

I was inspired by the beautiful flowers and butterflies.

A few closeups:

I hope that everyone enjoyed the long weekend!  The weather here was beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by!
 . . . Debbie