Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Butterfly Birthday...CASE Study #194, Seize the Birthday


Hello!

Today, because a few people have asked, a brief explanation of why I needed to pack some bear spray with me to a recent bike race. Actually, as far as racing goes, bringing spray was a first for me; we have carried it on hikes, however, because that's the 'nature' of where we live, just outside Banff National Park.  At any given time, we "know" we share our space with critters; seeing elk herds along the highway, or even in town, taking up residence on green-ways (and leaving evidence of their presence, if you know what I mean), is common. Deer springing from the trees is also a regular sight, but because they're so skittish, we're treated to quick glimpses before they vanish into the trees.  Deer are harmless; the elk are temperamental.  When I've seen them along my walks up Silvertip, which is a windy road to a swanky golf course (I'm not a golfer; the route is just part of my occasional 'work outs'), I give them wide berth. They're big, with antlers...I do not want to be stomped or butted by an elk.  Graceful, elegant, and not to be trusted.

Of course, along with the herbivores, we also have the companionship of bears and cougars, both of which I respect and consider stunning creatures. They also scare the bejeebers out of me.  At this time of year, the bears spend time in the lower parts of the valley, searching for berries and whatever else they feel a need to snack on.  They don't often come into town, although on occasion, a brazen bruin may decide to do a cruise through, to see what kinds of tummy treats are available to nibble on.  Often, at first sighting, the park rangers are called, and Mr. or Mrs. Bear is removed from the premises and released into the wild.  Habituated bears are a danger: to themselves and to us. Sadly, a few over the past couple of years have fallen victim to train and car accidents.

Anyway, the mountain bike race we attended - I don't race, but am an official, or rather, a commissaire - took place in a provincial park, filled with forest trails.  A couple of bears have been sited in the area; one a grizzly, the other a black bear. Even though they're truly not interested in us, no one wants to take a chance of surprising them when they're ambling on, being all bear-like. They can run fast...and I don't think teddy-bear picnics are something we'd like to be invited to. So, to ensure our 'safety,' the Park implemented rules mandating that any 'organized' event requires everyone involved to carry bear spray; aka 'pepper' spray, which looks like this:


Based on the ruckus we were causing, I suspect the bears were well hidden from the commotion, however, at a couple points, one of the volunteers was bringing lunch up to other volunteers who were stationed along the course route.  The aroma of barbecued sausages, I'm sure, was a temptation... Fortunately, the bike races this week - a four day event - my husband is the Chief Commissaire (he won't be racing this event) and I'm a commisssaire at just a couple of the races - takes place fully in town. Bear spray not required. Whew!

Anyway, there it is...I live in a wild life corridor.  I do not trek trails on my own.  Crafting indoors is a very good thing!!

Okay, on to my card, inspired by the oh-so-cool and classy card created by the talented Pamela Ho, and showecased over at Case Study #194

Seize the Birthday is also a destination: 



Oh look what I did...another butterfly...*grin*.  My panel is popped up, but I couldn't get a proper angle shot to show you that, or its sparkle.  The black with the colour is quite pretty...


Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments make my day!

18 comments:

Marisa said...

Lovely case. Love the bright colours against the black! Wow, you do live in the midst of wild life!! Loved seeing the big horn sheep licking salt off the highway as we drove up to Edmonton and the elk were quite elegant indeed. Not sure I'd want to share my back yard with them though LOL. I'll stick to our squirrels and woodpeckers, bunnies, and occasional deer.

Colleen said...

Beautiful card...the butterfly is very striking with the selection of colors! Thank you for linking up to Seize the Birthday!

Anni said...

WOW, the black makes the butterfly pop!
Thanks so much for playing along with us at CASE Study!
Anni

Brenda said...

I would not want to run into a bear or a cougar either nor an elk! I think they are all beautiful creatures but they are wild and not to be trusted for sure!! And the more we encroach into their territory the more we will come across them. So the bear spray aka pepper spray is a necessity! I didn't know that the spray was pepper spray though! lol Yes, Carol I live under a rock at times!! Now onto your card, I LOVE IT!!! I love the inspiration card too, and actually "copied" this card for a birthday card for one of my sons. lol I love the inspiration you got from this card. Your butterfly just pops on that black. I love all the wonderful colors you have used too. And of course having the layers popped up make it look even more awesome! I'm swooning for sure! Hugs, Brenda

~amy~ said...

We have bears in my neighborhood but luckily they've only come out when we're asleep!

Love the contrast of the black and the beautiful colors on your butterfly!

Darnell said...

Ah, the world can never have too many butterflies or too many Carol cards made with butterflies! This is a stunning take on Pamela's beautiful inspiration card! I can picture how glorious it looks IRL! Bears are a small price to pay for living in Paradise, but do be careful out there! Hugs, Darnell

Happy Dance said...

I'm in total agreement with Darnell about you and your beautiful butterflies. And this one is exceptional. I rarely think to use black, and to put it behind your butterfly was brilliant. This is just beautiful! We have critters in the city too. Living by the lake, we have coyotes, deer and foxes running through our neighborhoods. The wolves and bears pretty much stay up north of us...I've seen both while out and about, and they're best seen from a car while driving by or in the distance. My niece, who lives in Rhinelander, videoed a MOOSE. Never seen one in Wisconsin before! Bev

Diane Jaquay said...

The butterfly looks stunning against the black background!!

Monika Reeck said...

another stunning butterfly...Carol I think we have the same something in common...I LOVE BUTTERFLY image too bad I have no die cute machine also I better stamp all the butterflies LOL aaannnddd I have that Happy Birthday Stamp too it is from hero arts right yay...we have similar stamp sets too sweety...now I am off really tired helping my Husband buying sofa and etc for His Mom...she will sleep at our home for six month...maybe I will make card but dont know if I can...but big HUGS for you my friend , I never forget you....

Shannon J said...

Oh those bears scare the bejeebies out of me too!! Beautiful, majestic...from a distance. Close up, I'm sure all they are thinking is "mmm, lunch"!!! You keep that spray with you at all times!!! Now, beautiful, majestic butterflies, well, that's another story! WOW, this is gorgeous! And the colours on the black background are so eye catching. The card just sparkles, Carol, literally and figuratively!!

Kim Heggins said...

Miss Carol..thank you so much for your bear spray explanation...you are just the best my friend and your card, what a stunner! I love your gorgeous butterfly against the black background, so striking. Wishing non bear days for your future race officiating.

Dana said...

Oh wow!! Awesome take on the CASE card!! The butterfly is gorgeous!! And wow! Hope you stay safe in the woods! lol!! My mom and friend were camping in New York at a state park and had a bear episode..... at night.... luckily it wasn't bad! And they made it home ok and had a good story to tell!! lol!

Geri said...

Boo Boo bear is THE only bear that I like! As for the big kitties....well, I'm thinking that Tigger would be okay as well. It ends there!

Awesome job showcasing that magnificent stamp! I really need to know what you used on the wings to achieve this amazing solid opaque coverage! Tough to do on black cs, but you nailed it here friend!

Anita in France said...

Like you, Carol, I love all that wildlife ... just from a safe distance ... for example not from the inside of a tent when mommie and baby are ambling by just a couple of metres away!! 'The black with the colour is quite pretty' ... what?? The black with the colour is stunning, gorgeous, striking ... another beautiful butterfly Carol card, my friend! Hugs, Anita :)

Kim S said...

Good luck avoiding the bears!

I love that bright butterfly surrounded by all of the black. It's a great use of the die too!

Greta said...

Truly gorgeous card, Carol! I love the forest & mountains, but never want those beautiful creatures near me! I can't imagine living where you do with them so near. Hope the races all went well!

Glenda J said...

Wow! This butterfly is amazing. Great job. Thanks for playing along with Seize the Birthday!

Wida said...

Bears! EEK! i had a baby bear cross in front of me one night while in Castle Rock colorado. 1. Glad it was a baby 2. glad I was in my car! I love your card so much. Can you share how you colored the butterfly?