I haven't fallen off the face of the planet!

Let's get business out of the way first! I have been super busy designing and having a great time within the digital community in the last few months. I would like to congratulate Karyn C. on being the grand prize winner of $150 in PayPal cash for my 2 year anniversary contest!!! Also, may I extend my congratulations to Michael for winning the $20 SBB Gift Card and to dgoody for winning the free 8x8 Shutterfly book! Happy scrapping everyone!

Also, I am pleased to announce that today is the GRAND OPENING of a brand new digital shoppe, MY LIFE AND SCRAP!! I decided to take on a new shoppe and I am really excited about it! Stop on over and take a lookie, there's a tonne of challenges, a great gallery and some beautiful stuff in store! Use code MLASblog for 50% off your order this weekend! We even have a February collaborative kit called PURE PASSION

It's a beautiful kit and so much fun to work with! I even made a layout with it here:


But now, on to more important and sad news. On February 4th, at 1:42 pm, my dear father lost his 3 year battle with cancer.. just 6 days after receiving the terminal diagnosis. My heart is heavy.... I flew out January 30 to St Johns, and spent his final 5 days with him in the hospice, by his side the entire time. I wish things could have worked out differently, I really do... but I am just relieved that he is no longer in any pain. He fought and fought up to the final breath, but this wicked disease had it's way, and now we are left with only memories.
It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, I made this page:

.... and now he's gone. I don't think the full extent of everything has quite hit me yet, but I know that it will be difficult not to be able to call him up and hear his voice, to say hello and hear his latest jokes.
You can view the obituary here: http://carnells.com/notices_details.php?id=1499

Here is a poem I wrote the night after he passed away:

Softly and gracefully - on the wings of a dove,
You broke free from the pain - into the arms of love.
With grace and strength - just like in life,
You escaped from the struggle - released from the strife.

Not for a moment - would my heart ever ponder,
That the first man I loved - would be here no longer.
You taught me to dream - to hold my head high,
To keep my feet on the ground - and reach for the sky.

You helped me to laugh - when hope had been broken,
And gave me a voice - when words couldn't be spoken.
You gave up so much - so we wouldn't be without,
And showed me what faith - was truly about.

You embraced each day - with an open soul,
To receive the love - that made you whole.
You were tender and loyal, stubborn and kind,
Not wanting for a moment - to leave us behind.

And now we have memories - to hold in our hearts,
To carry us through - the time we're apart.
Until the day comes, I can hold you once more,
May you rest with the angels - beyond heaven's door.

Written in love, to our dear Dad, and Poppy... by your daughter, Kari