Love is a Verb

I am so proud to introduce my first card as a guest designer for Cinema Saturday.  This is a challenge that I hold dear to my heart because it goes beyond thinking of colour combos and layouts.  It takes it a step farther to find that sentimental element that makes my creation more meaningful not just for me but for the recipient of my creation.

This weeks movie challenge is Dan in Real Life!  Dan’s an advice columnist on relationships but has a hard time keeping it real with his own relationships.  I must admit that I found the movie hard to watch only because it’s so true to life and awkward.  Life really is awkward isn’t it?  There’s no script for us to read off of, we only move forward with what we've learned through experience.  On some level, I’m sure anyone could relate with Dan. 

As awkward as the movie was, it had a great script.  Some of the lines were fantastic!  For example:

“Instead of telling our young people to plan ahead, we should tell them to plan to be surprised.”

“Life... is full of disappointments”

Cara Burns: You don't have to worry because when it comes to sex, Marty is the one that wants to wait.

Dan Burns: What part of that sentence is supposed to give me comfort?

As a mother, that line cracks me up and scares me all at the same time. But I digress; the line I chose to focus on was the one about LOVE.

“Love is not a feeling, Mr. Burns. It's an ability.”  There’s a point in the movie where Dan talks to Marie about this and Marie points out that Dan’s daughter is gifted because she has a strong ability to love Dan.  This dialogue got my wheels turning.  

There are many days when I don’t feel very loving. In fact, there are days, when I think I’d rather be out digging ditches than at home with my kids trying to ‘survive’.  I argue with them (as calmly as I can of course :) because I love them and I’m trying to point them in the right direction.  I listen to them (or at least try to) when they have something on their mind.  I encourage them to keep practicing their reading or spelling or music lessons because I see how their accomplishments give them confidence.  I persist and I dig deeper inside myself to find patience, kindness, and forgiveness because I love them.  After that long thought, I remembered that it’s not only me.  My hubby does the same.

He can be so patient with them in areas that I am not.  He is able to teach them certain things that I don’t think to teach them. Since I’m human and not perfect, he’s takes over the loving and nurturing when I’m completely tapped out. It was with these fond thoughts of my dh that I decided to make him a Father’s Day card.  He may not say the ‘L’ word often but the kids could never doubt his love for them through his actions.

On another side thought, this movie made me realize that I am blessed because I am able to love.  It’s so hard to believe (and so sad) that there are people out there who are unable to love.  While loving my children might not always give me warm fuzzies and goosebumps, it is reassuring and rewarding to see them learning how to love.

A great big Thank You to Brooke and Sankari for giving me this opportunity. And Thanks to all of you for stopping by.  If you haven't done this challenge I think you might be seriously surprised at what can be inspired through your interpretation of a movie.  I can't wait to see what you create!  Happy crafting.

Sorry this is late but there was an issue with blogger or my scheduled posting time.

Paper:  Blue Bayou, So Saffron dp, Barely Banana, whisper white, SU! dp in old olive (various)

Accessories: fiskars heart punch, MS border punch, small corner rounder, New Leaf buttons (PTI), green half pearls.