Sunday, September 8, 2013

You are Amazing...CAS-ual Fridays #114, CAS(E) this Sketch #44, Curtain Call: Back to School

The Tour of Alberta bike race winds up today in Calgary.  Kim's card from yesterday sparked a wee flame : I'm going to put on my 'big girl pants' and head into the 'big city' early, take the LRT for the first time to get downtown, brave the crowds and watch the race's finale. The bonus (there has to be one, because highway driving, crowds and a rather unfamiliar city = just a tad anxiety-inducing)  is that I'll get a glimpse of my husband in his official's role, coming in ahead of the riders who'll be competing in the final sprint.  I've never seen him on the back of a motorcycle, so this should be quite entertaining!  Fingers crossed I manage to navigate my way to where I need to be to see all the action!

Because I'm a wee lots bit giddy, I'm sticking with a 'cas' post!  The mix of excitement and nervousness, along with the 'oops, how did I miss the house-cleaning this week' guilt, will lead to babbling, so...on to my cards.

Across the hall from us, now that we're housed in the high school (and btw: my role is still being defined. I think the 'powers' are getting closer to figuring it out. Whatever. Admin assistant with some twists is how I view it.), is a classroom where a group of incredibly patient, gentle (yet firm), thoughtful, heart-warming ladies work with students who have special needs.  They provide their young charges with support, encouragement, direction, guidance, and infuse all they do with respect, dignity, a sense of belonging and yes, love! I've seen these Educational Assistants work magic daily over the past couple of weeks, as well as in previous years, when, back in my teacher-days, I taught in the same classroom we're currently in.  I've had the privilege of teaching special needs students, and in so doing, received support from the EAs as well.  It takes a really remarkable person to undertake such a role, and these women are, every one, remarkable.

Two back-to-school themed challenges - CAS-ual Fridays #114

and Curtain Call,

combined with CAS(E) this Sketch #44


- inspired me to make four little 'post-card' sized cards to let them know I think they're amazing!  Embossed, then watercoloured (practice, practice!!) images are from TAWS Learning Curve, paired with a sentiment from Paper Smooches.  I'm planning to add little magnets to the back, just in case they want to post them somewhere as little reminders of just how fabulous they are!


They're all kind of the same, kind of different.  Hope the EAs will like them.

Thanks so much for dropping in; you've added sparkle to my day!







16 comments:

Shannon J said...

Actually, Carol, YOU are amazing!!! What a sweet, thoughtful gesture to recognize such incredible people! YES, you are one AMAZING person and friend!! And, um, AMAZING colouring too! You have definitely found your inner Picasso! Holey moley the shading is *expertly* done!! Good luck with your adventure today!! I will be glued to the TV later on to see if I can get a glimpse of Andy, and maybe of you too!!!

Leigh Penner said...

Oh, I'm sure the EAs will love these-- they're so sweet & fabulous!
Thanks so much for playing along with CAS(E) this Sketch this week!

Betty said...

I would like them, they are super cute. Thanks for playing along with us in the CAS(E) this sketch! challenge and hope to see you again.

Stacey Schafer said...

these are super cute! way to flash some TAWS!

Katie Ann Brooks said...

These are fabulously cute! Love them!

~amy~ said...

I hope you had a GREAT time today...hope you'll share pics:)

Your card set is wonderful...they are going to LOVE them. Awesome coloring!

Kylie said...

Your card set says it all - Carol, *you* ARE AMAZING! Love the cards, the colours, the colouring, the sentiment - all of it! The idea of attaching magnets to the back is such a fantastic one. Who doesn't need the occasional (or more) reminder that they are, indeed, amazing?!

Tracey McNeely said...

What a fabulous idea, I love your postcards Carol and I am sure the EA's will too. You had the perfect weekend for all the events. Thank you so much for joining us at the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge!

Anonymous said...

The bold colours against the gorgeous watercoloured images makes these so cute! Thanks for joining us at CAS-ual Fridays ;-)

Kim S said...

How did it go with the big girl pants???!!

I love these cards and so sweet of you to make them for the EAs- it will mean so much to them! I love your arrangement of stamps and how beautifully each is watercolored! Thanks for joining u at Curtain Call!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

LOL! I love your story about the anxiety-inducing trip you had to take-- I hope all went well and that you were able to see your hubs!

LOOOOOOOOOVE these cards! They are perfect for those teachers! What a blessing they are to their students and your school! And you are blessing to them for lifting them up (I totally know how difficult that job is-- sometimes my heart would be so "big" for those students that I would do the worst thing possible for them- not let them do their work! I know! Horrible teacher!)! I pray that these teachers would be reminded daily of their "awesomeness"!!!!!!!!!!

As for your job- I love that you are still in limbo of a title. Isn't that how it is?! And then they tell you in the middle of the year you should have been doing something different- LOL! Maybe that has only happened to me!

Hope you have a fab day:) Many blessings <3

Geri said...

...how can they NOT love them? Your kindness and consideration of others shines through in your posts. You sincerely care about people...something our society seems to have forgotten. You're an amazing woman Carol, with talent and creativity that you so willingly share with others. I'm convinced that a wee piece of you travels with each card that you make!

These are MAGNIFICANT! And what a clever idea to attach magnets so that they can be displayed for all to see! Beautiful coloring too.

The EA's definitely deserve recognition for their talents with the children and you are the perfect person for that job! They are going to LOVE these!

Amy Kolling said...

These truly are amazing! I love the idea of the magnets....because it is artwork after all. :) Thanks for playing along with CAS-ual Fridays!

Jen W. said...

Your watercolouring on these cards is gorgeous and I love the magnet idea! Such sweet and meaningful gifts. :) Thanks for playing along with CAS(E) This Sketch this week!

Will you email me when you get a chance? I've been wanting to respond to some of your comments but you've got your Blogger comments set to No Reply.

LilJen1@northrock.bm

Greta said...

Oh so cute! Hope everything went well, Carol!

Leigh Ann Baird said...

Adorable! I like the idea of magnets on the back.Thank you for playing with us at CAS-ual Fridays!