Freshly Made Sketches #34 & The Paper Players #95

Hello friends, here it is Monday already! I used the sketch from Lesley for the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #34 and Ann's color challenge at The Paper Players (PP95) to make this card for my dear friend Patrice.  I have had the privilege to work with Patrice for the past 7 years.  We instantly became friends and have shared so many fun times and memories (some not so fun too).  We worked side by side for many years and many long hours, but we also shared some very funny moments and lots of laughs.  I have learned so much from her professionally and personally. Patrice and her wonderful husband Tom have taught me about some of the finer things in life like good wine, good food and travel.  Patrice also introduced me to Brighton jewelry, Harry and Davids, Williams and Sonoma, the Black Market White House store, and talked me into starting Stampin Up (she is my upline) which has been the best, positive, fun experience (my husband might say she has been a bit of a bad influence on my pocket book - LOL). 

Sadly, I will be saying goodbye to Patrice soon as she is moving to a different  state for another job. It will seem so odd not to see her practically every day :o(  but I wish her the best and wanted to thank her for the role she has played in my life for the past several years.  You know the saying about friends for a reason, a season and a lifetime?  Well, I can tell you that we have definitely been friends for a season and I hope that continues to a lifetime friendship.

It was hard for me to make this card without tears popping up - so I kept it pretty clean and simple  I apologize that my photo isn't top notch this time but I hope that you can still see all the elements that I used.  Thanks so much for stopping by  - have a wonderful Monday, and remember to tell your friends how much they mean to you.  Hugs! 

Supplies (all from Stampin Up!):  This card uses a mix of new, retired and retiring (May 31st)products.  Cardstock - Poppy Parade (retiring), Baja Breeze and Whisper White.  DSP - Pocketful of Posies (retiring) and Summer Smooches (new).  The large flower is made from the Blossom Builders kit (retired from Occassions Mini) and a Bright Button (current).  The small flowers are from my stash of retired products.  The strip of yellow ribbon is brand spankin'new and will be available starting June 1st . The Thank You banner is made with the new Bitty Banners Framelits dies (available June 1st) and the Bitty Banners stamp set.  I used Baja Breeze ink on it (sorry it doesn't show up very well in the photo).  The circle behind the large flower was made with Baja Breeze cardstock and the 2 1/2" circle punch.