How Bright is your Corner?

Happy Monday, Stampers!

I hope all of you enjoyed the warm and sunny weekend and that you had a bit of time to stamp something pretty!  My weekend was filled with stamping, but also with reflection on the events of September 11, 2001.   As I watched coverage of the various memorials last night, I wondered to myself... what can an ordinary, everyday, non-heroic person like me do in the face of such evil, sorrow, and despair?  As I thought about it,  this song that is sung in Sunday schools and churches of many denominations came to mind.  The idea it conveys is very simple... we can all make a difference wherever we are. Not a very profound thought, but one we need to be reminded of every once in a while.  The words to this song "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" were written in 1913 by Ina Duley Ogden, a teacher.  These are two of the verses:
  
     Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do
     Do not wait to shed your light afar
     To the many duties ever near you now be true
     Brighten the corner where you are.

     Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear
     Let not narrow self your way debar
     Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer
     Brighten the corner where you are.

We who love stamping and card-making already know that our stamped creations are terrific day-brighteners, so I challenge you today to think of one or two friends who could use a lift.  Then take a few minutes to stamp and send a card to them.  Will this change the world?  Will it make the world a safer place?  Sadly, no.  But think of the impact this can have as many, many people join together to lift up their friends and relatives.  The world will definitely be a happier place!  This will happen again this year on World Card-Making Day, which I'm celebrating on Sunday, October 2nd.  Check your email inbox for an evite coming soon!

Now, to brighten your corner, here's a card for you!

This is a card we made at one of the stamping parties this past weekend.  It is a simple card that is quick to put together with the new Beau Chateau designer paper, the new Designer Frames embossing folders, and some Pink Pirouette Taffeta ribbon.  The rooster is stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla. It is all built on a base of Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock.   You can add any sentiment you like to the inside and send it off to brighten someone's day. 

Here's a list of the "ingredients:"

the rooster stamp is from the Countryside stamp set, 120495
Beau Chateau designer paper, 122357
Pink Pirouette taffeta ribbon. 122981
Designer Frames embossing folders, 123130 (set if two, one oval and one rectangle)
Soft Suede card stock,115318
Very Vanilla card stock, 101650

Thanks for stopping in today, stampers!  Don't forget to come back tomorrow for more stamping inspiration.  Now I'm off to get a couple of cards ready for the mail.  I know they'll bring some smiles!
Susan