Velvet Chandelier

I never tire of my B Line Design Chandeliers {Thanks Susan for introducing me to their fabulous images!}. This is a wedding card for a whipper snapper of a gal. She is magnificent and I truly appreciate her {hi T!}.

Who can resist that magnificent chocolate brown velvet? I added a touch of bling on the top and bottom of the chandelier...

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stamps: b line designs ink: versafine vintage sepia paper: fabriano accessories: velvet from rabom, bling

For those of you that have followed me through this blogging journey you know that I'm a huge fan of inspirational quotes and stories. I received this from my good friend in Oahu {Hi I!}. It is super long but when you have a couple spare minutes, I believe it will be worth your time.

........I appreciate the time that you take to read my blog........

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, 'Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.' Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

'Jack, did you hear me?'

'Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,' Jack said.

'Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it,' Mom told him.

'I loved that old house he lived in,' Jack said.

'You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stopped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life,' she said.

'He's the one who taught me carpentry,' he said. 'I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important ... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral,' Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture ... Jack stopped suddenly.

'What's wrong, Jack?' his Mom asked.

'The box is gone,' he said

'What box?' Mom asked.

'There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

'Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him,' Jack said. 'I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.'

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. 'Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,' the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. 'Mr. Harold Belser' it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

'Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life.' A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

'Jack, Thanks for your time! - Harold Belser.'

'The thing he valued most was ... my time'

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. 'Why?' Janet, his assistant asked.

'I need some time to spend with my son,' he said.

'Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!'

'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,'

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Thanks for your time!!!

Comments

Amy Rohl said…
Hi Amy,

So happy to have found your blog! Thanks for stopping by mine and leaving a comment. I love your style!

amy/rohla
Lauren said…
So nice and simple. TFS!
Anonymous said…
OMg Amy I seriously just teared up reading thats tory thats soooo sweet!
thanks for sharing
Lisa Carroll said…
Oh, Amy... this card is beautiful! You do such FABulous work with those chandelier stamps!

And wouldn't you know... I made a chandelier card of my own, and posted it today as well! We both used velvet ribbon - HA! Check it out!

And that story... oh my. I teared up reading it, too. Such a powerful messgae! One to remember Every. Day.

Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into your blog, Amy, and for sharing your lovely creations with us. We are all inspired by you! :) Hugs!
Allison Rankin said…
Always happy to see that chandelier stamp!
Catherine said…
What a great card.

and thank you so much for posting that story on your blog and i'm sure glad i took time to read it. It's such a wonderful story and makes us realized how simple hello or time to talk to someone can mean so much to someone else. Love it!
Carolina said…
What an elegant card - love it!

Thanks for sharing the story and the 7 items to keep top of mind!
Anonymous said…
Classy wedding card ... love it.
Jenn said…
Your card is simply beautiful. LOVE the velvet ribbon! :D
Julia Aston said…
I'm glad I took the 'time' to read this Amy! thanks for sharing!
Lovely & thought provoking post.
Thanks for making me think!
Steph
Angie Tieman said…
Oooh, this is gorgeous! I can't believe I hadn't seen this when I posted about you and chandeliers before going to bed last night! Too funny! I am loving that big yummy, velvet ribbon!!!