Black and White for Dilly Beans

Happy Friday!  You all know what that means, don't you?  Another new challenge at Dilly Beans.  Our challenge this week is Black and White and we do have a new rule.  From now on you MUST use a Dilly Beans image to enter.  Don't dispair, Megan will be offering a BOGO sale over the weekend so for every digi you buy, you get another FREE!  (Deets in the SHOP this weekend.)  I've made a fun birthday card using #465 Witch Hat Skull Stack. I've embossed the whote mat with a Tim Holtz folder, brought out the MS Drippy Goo punch and used some Tim Holtz washi tape for the first time EVER!  WooHoo!

The sketch is from The Very Sketchy Challenge for May on the Smeared and Smudged Forum.  I've actually used the Scrapbook Sketch and turned it a notch, but it suited my purposes better. 

I printed the image 4 times, fussy cut and layered up a storm.  The sentiment circles are a combination of Spellbinders and Cuttlebug.  The team had a ball with this one so be sure and check out the fab work by my DT sisters and don't forget the SALE this weekend at the SHOP! 

I'm also entering this in the Creative Moments Lots of Layers Challenge, Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes, the Nutcrafters Monochrome Challenge, Left of Center (using the LOC theme), Created With Love You Lift Me Up (Layers) Challenge and DL Art May Linky Party.

A Couple of Challenge Cards

Every week I try to enter challenges other than my DT projects and rarely get the chance.  Today I managed TWO and they couldn't be more different. 

Simon Says Stamp

 

 

The first is for the Simon Says Take a Picture Challenge using some fab DP from Crate Paper and and adorable Digi and Sentiment from Birdie Brown.  My friend and Dilly Beans DT sister Jen turned me on to her Blog (she finds all the goodies!) where there is a Freebie challenge each month.  These were the April Freebies and are still available HERE.  The image is colored with Copics using shades from the DP.  Added some Primas and a gingham bow as well as an acrylic circle on the lens.

 

SDC 100: Anything Goes Challenge

 

 

 

This one might take a bit of explaining.  LOL  I love the new format at the Stampotique Designer's Challenge.  Although the challenges are weekly, you actually have all month to enter so if you miss a challenge you like you can do it any time during the month.  WOOHOO!  I call this piece "Recurring Nightmare".  I bought this hilarious stamp Underwhere because it totally cracked me up but then thought "What the hell am I gonna do with it?"  I mean a dude in his tighty whities isn't exactly the most versatile thing ever, but I just couldn't resist.  Been having some discussions of dreams lately and started thinking about common recurring nightmares.  This is my version of the one where you all of a sudden find yourself in public and realize you're not dressed.

 

 

Here's a close up of Underwhere by Daniel Torrente.  His quirky stamps are some of my faves!  Behind are Heads (a "must have") and 3 Smiles. 

 

 

The sentiment stamp actually reads "I'd wish I'd worn panties" in Carol's Collection.  It's also Stampotique but since he clearly did not forget his panties (thank GOD!), I cut and spliced it to be more appropriate. The laughter in the background is computer generated. This is what happens when I have too much time on my hands.  I think the whole thing is hilarious, but I'm easily amused.  My hubby didn't get it. Even after I explained it to him he still sat shaking his head.

 

 

Great Minds

Well, how about that?  Great minds do indeed think alike.  Two of my fave Wednesday Challenges came up with similar themes this week.  Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge is Song and Dance, and Whimsical Designs is Song Inspired.  I can do that.  I immediately thought of this cute little rubber cat stamp with a Boynton image that I bought before I ever even started crafting regularly because I've always loved them.  I wanted them to be dancing on a keyboard and tried out my new Cuttlebug folder but it just didn't have the feel I was going for.  I searched for free piano key clip art and came up with this background.  Too cute! "You make Me Feel Like Dancing" is an oldie (circa 1976) by Leo Sayer and because you are my friends, I won't link you to it.  LOL  Trust me, you don't want this one stuck in your head.  Anyway, the kitties were colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  Added a couple of music note brads and metal hearts and there ya go.   They be doin' the "Happy Dance".  Hope you are too and your Memorial Day weather is conducive to outdoor fun.  It sucks here.  Bummer!

A "Blast" From the Past for the Smeared and Smudged Freebie Challenge.

There's a new Challenge on the Smeared and Smudged forum called Freaky Freebie.  They provide the stamp, you provide the project.  Woohoo!  Keep in mind this is an "alternative" group so don't go giving me a ration of shit.  It's all in fun and pretty tongue in cheek.  The stamp is Anita from the Chicks Dig Guns set from Smeared Ink (the Freebie that was offered) , colored with Copics, the peace sign is computer generated.  The lovely blood splatter is Smeared Ink rubber, the flowers, Prima.  The sentiment is a sarcastic variation of the 70's quote "If you love someone, set them free.  If they come back, they're yours if they don't, they never were," often attributed to Richard Bach who wrote "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", but not really substantiated.  Oh my, this is really taking me back!  Some variations say "they're yours forever", yeah, I like that.  Are ya getting misty?  Not this chick!  She's not getting mad...she's getting even.  Peace!  

This is another one for Left of Center using the LOC theme, don'tcha think?

Don't forget, you've got all weekend to comment for a chance to win some of the new Steampunk Roberts Family Portrait stamps from SBS.  Please scroll down.

Simply Steampunk Release Day and a Chance to WIN!

Welcome to Release Day for Simply Steampunk Challenges.  This is a special day because not only are we showcasing the new Roberts Family Portrait Stamps (in the fabulous Steampunk style), but you have a chance to win one of the images simply by commenting.  In fact, each of the DT members will be giving away one of these fab new images, and there's a chance to win THREE at the Simply Steampunk Challenge Blog, so be sure to comment on them all for more chances to WIN!  I have the beautiful Rio.  Isn't she just gorgeous?  I've set her in a webby frame done with my Cricut.  The flowers are prima but I couldn't resist adding a sparkly spider for a little spooky twist.  I think she'd be wonderful for any girlie project, don't you?

Here's a closeup of the fabulous image.  I couldn't resist giving her red hair.  LOL  There's just a subtle hint of creepiness with a friendly little spider and web and you could win her just by leaving a comment.  Use her in a Simply Steampunk Challenge for a chance to win MORE.  You can find the current Frame it challenge HERE, there's still time.  This isn't a Blog Hop per se, meaning you don't HAVE to comment on all of the blogs to win, but I've got the roster here for your convenience.  Lots to see and be inspired. 

Oh, and don't forget the fabulous sale going on at SBS this weekend.  Now's the time to grab your faves (Steampunks included at 50% off!  WooHoo!)

 

Please leave me your email in your comment.  You have through May 27th. I will do a Random draw on Tuesday, May 28th for the fabulous Rio.  Good luck and enjoy your weekend.

SSC

http://simplysteampunkchallenges.blogspot.com/

Corinne

http://wishuponascrap.blogspot.com/

Aletha

http://ajsalternativecreativeendeavors.blogspot.com/

Donna

http://donnamundinger-popsicletoes.blogspot.com/

Emily

http://emilyshroom.blogspot.com.au/

Jenny

http://jenniferds.blogspot.com/

Kay

http://kaym74.blogspot.com/

Lisa

http://distinctivelmnts.blogspot.com/

Louise

http://louisescraftycards.blogspot.co.uk/

Guest DT Irene

http://irenescardcreations.blogspot.com/

May Freebie Challenge at Sparkle and Glitter

Just sneaking in for the May Freebie Challenge at the Sparkle and Glitter Blog.  Rick St Dennis MFA has kindly provided two fabulous images this month, one on S&G and one on his darker Blog, Airless Chambers.  Of course I planned to do both, but life got in the way.  I bit off more than I could chew with my Singing Zombie project and fear it will have to wait for another day.  I did manage to come up with something for the lovely Paris High Fashion Hat Lady.  My wall hanging started with a papier mache heart which I covered with Parisian DP from GDC.  The Eiffel Tower was cut on my Cricut, embossed and popped.

I printed the gorgeous image twice so I could add some dimension to her hat (which unfortunately doesn't show in the pic).  The feather is a found one from my morning walks.  I tried using Flower Soft on her fur but it didn't give me the look I was going for so I cut and trimmed some marabou to drape around her shoulders.  She's colored quite subtly with Copics and the long earrings are metal tassels from Tim Holtz.  (OOh La La!  I'm tellin' ya, I'd KILL for that ensemble.)  There's a bit of tulle and some gems here and there to gussy it all up further.  Now, I'd best get this published and loaded to the challenge, but not before I thank Rick for his fabulous images and this fun challenge.  Be sure to visit his SHOP to see the huge variety of images available and subscribe to his newsletter to find out all the scoop (and maybe get some freebies ;D)

Dilly Beans DOTS!

It's another Dilly Beans Challenge and we're going Dotty!  I chose the funky #250 Framed Zombie Girl 1 for my project because her frustrated expression just cracks me up (besides the fact that the background already has some dots,  LOL)  She's with Copics according to the ancient DCWV dotty DP I found.  Her hair is paper pieced and I've added a dotty bow under her skullie barrette.  The sentiment is a Cuttlebug die and the question mark is a little joke about my phone.  It keeps cutting out on me so I end up walking around the house saying "Hello?" until the garbling stops.  Sooooo frustrating!  All this is mounted on a dotted embossed mat and I've got to stop now, 'cause I'm seeing spots.  Hope to see you at Dilly Beans! 

I'm also entering this in the Southern Girls Spotty Dots challenge, Left of Center (LOC theme), DL Art May linky Party, and Card Mania Spots and/or Stripes.

Halloweenie 5 for Simply Steampunk

This little guy just melts my heart.  He's Halloweenie 5 from the Classic Collection Steampunks, my second showcase piece for Simply Steampunk.  The buggy Dp is from an MS 8x8 stack and I've used Glossy Accents on the giant beetle.  The web frame is also MS from a Punch Around the Page set and if you look closely, there's a bejeweled spider climbing up the flourish (read piece of scrap left on my messy table from????)  WooHoo, I recycled!  It was actually the sentiment (done with my Dymo) that made me go in this direction.  Didn't want anything too sissy and what little boy doesn't love bugs?

He's colored with Copics and I've fussy cut the frame and popped it for dimension.  His sweet, shy expression is what really gets to me.  Wouldn't he make a fab Father's Day or birthday card for your fave little man?  Or perhaps an "I'm sorry" or "Missing you" card?  In any case, he's hard to resist.  Please visit Simply Steampunk for more inspiration throughout the month and don't forget our Frame It Challenge runs through June 6th.  I'm entering this in the Left of Center Challenge (LOC theme), Shopping Our Stash Tool Shed Challenge (MS punch around the page set), the Artistic Inspirations Cards for Men Challenge, and That Craft Place Makes for Men Challenge.

TOFF Inspired by Music Challenge

The current challenge at Octopode is Inspired by Music and with all the hoopla about The Great Gatsby, I came up with this wall hanging.  Been dying to use one of the fab newish Flappers and this is Coco.  I searched the web for some music from the era and did a digital collage with Coco on top. (Sooo happy that the image comes in png form as well as jpg).  The keyboard and dark music is from a Graphic 45 Curtain Call 8x8 pad, the notes, Cuttlebug dies from scraps, and the "All that Jazz" Computer generated using the Theater font.

Coco is colored with Copics and I used maribou feathers for her skirt and adhesive pearls for her jewelry.  Isn't she gorgeous?  Not exactly sure that this is dark enough for the Smudgy Antics Fur and/or Feathers Challenge, but I added the real feathers with that challenge in mind.  Wouldn't you seriously LOVE a dress like that?

I'm also entering this in the Creative Inspirations "Inspired by Anything Goes" (in this case The Great Gatsby) challenge and the DLArt May Linky Challenge.

Two for the Price of One!

Ok, folks,  the "B" Team is up for the second week of  our Emergency Embellishment Challenge for Macabre Monday at HDH and I have to say it wasn't the easiest one I've ever done.  The idea is to use only ONE kind of embellishment (Preferably your fave, although this late in the game, so beggers can't be choosers.)  You may use multiples of that embellie, but there should be no other kind.  Ummm...yeah...easier said than done.  I've got lots of faves, but every time I had an idea, I found myself wanting to add so I actually went with the image I planned for the Wicked Wednesday "Show Us the Future" Challenge and made an ATC so it could do double duty.  The Fortune Teller I've used is from The Octopode Factory.  She's part of the Whimsical Circus Set.  Ok, it's not totally creepy, but check out that big honkin' eye in her turban.  I say that's mega creepy and wonderfully fitting for my "Emergency Embellie"  Don'tcha think?

I've made a sort of tent using some card stock I'd spritzed within an ounce of it's life with Dylusions, colored Madame Marichka (I googled famous fortune teller names) with Copics and there ya go.  I kinda dig the dimension here and I'm obviously chatty this morning (even before coffee, LOL).  So you've still got a week to see if you can use the appropriate restraint for our Emergency Embellie Challenge and a couple of days left to see the Future at Wicked Wednesday.  So what are you waiting for?

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Challenge using the LOC theme.

Anything Goes with a Dilly Beans Image

This week it's a little something different at the Dilly Beans Challenge Blog.  Our theme is Anything Goes, but you MUST use a Dilly Beans Image to play.  We offered Freebies throughout the year on the Dilly Beans Facebook Page and of course, if you haven't already visited the SHOP, now would be a good time to snag a few of your favorites for a chance to win MORE.  I've used the fabulous #343 Frida Kahlo digi, along with her quote from the #365 Artist's Quotes set.  I've been playing around with my sprays and such and tried an emboss resist technique using a background stamp from Rubbernecker.  First I stamped with Versamark and embossed with opaque white powder.  Then I sprayed with yellow, orange, red, and pink Dylusions.  I really love the way it came out.  Frida is colored with Copics and I've added a little detail to her flowers with a gel pen,  I'm hoping this will qualify for the Mix It Up Challenge at Whimsical Designs, (Baby steps, but I'm trying to be a bit more adventurous.  LOL)  Be sure to check out the Challenge Blog for more inspiration and we hope to see loads of Dilly Beans goodness this week. 

I'm also entering this in the DLART Thankful Thursday Flowers Challenge and Simon Says Stamp Flower Power Challenge.

A Sweet Altered Gift Bag.

Here's a little gift bag I've altered using the aldorable Little Lavinia from the Classic Steampunk Collection at Simply B Stamps.  I thought I'd show her sweet side, coloring her up with the candy colors of the background from the 8x8 Sweet Stack from DCWV.

Isn't she the cutest thing EVER?   She's colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  Her lollipop is a brad.

I've added a lidded google eye to her eyeball balloon to make it more whimsical than creepy and used it as part of the computer generated sentiment. 

A Sizzix die cut completes the sentiment and the lace border is an MS punch topped with a ric rac one from EK Success.  Be sure to stop by Simply Steampunk Challenges for more fabulous inspiration from the DT.  We showcase images all month long, and don't forget our current Frame It Challenge HERE which runs through June 6th. 

I'm entering this in the DL Art May Linky Party and the Forever Friends Pastel Colors Challenge.

The Altered Alice, Chapter 27 What a Wonderful Dream it Has Been

"`Who cares for you?' said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by this time.) `You're nothing but a pack of cards!'
At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon her: she gave a little scream, half of fright and half of anger, and tried to beat them off, and found herself lying on the bank, with her head in the lap of her sister, who was gently brushing away some dead leaves that had fluttered down from the trees upon her face.
`Wake up, Alice dear!' said her sister; `Why, what a long sleep you've had!'
`Oh, I've had such a curious dream!' said Alice, and she told her sister, as well as she could remember them, all these strange Adventures of hers that you have just been reading about; and when she had finished, her sister kissed her, and said, `It WAS a curious dream, dear, certainly: but now run in to your tea; it's getting late.' So Alice got up and ran off, thinking while she ran, as well she might, what a wonderful dream it had been."
-- Chapter 12, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
 

I've created  a Wonderland scene using a number of the fabulous stamps from our sponsor, Stampotique.

Chapter 27 will be the last regularly scheduled challenge on The Altered Alice. Due to pressures of work, health, and family activities, Lynne is not able to keep up with running the challenges any longer. We will continue to have Alice posts and Linky tools so you can show us your Alice and perhaps some blog candy now and then, but it will not be in formal challenges. Please continue to subscribe and to share your Alice artwork!

Just as our very first challenge was sponsored by Stampotique Originals, we are ending with a Stampotique challlenge! They are offering a $30 gift certificate for one lucky winner, and their design team is going to play along! Be sure to visit their Stampotique Designer's Challenge blog where you can play every week! There is something to please everyone at Stampotique Originals! I like the symmetry of ending as we began.

 

 

Here we have the Mad Hatter and Caterpillar sitting a top the Mushroom Forest. Most of the Wonderland Stamps I've used are from designer Janet Klein. The perfect Wonderland sentiment here is from Amy Wilson Wellenstein.  Couldn't leave out the Alpha Beads, now could I?

 

 

A startled White Rabbit looks on.

 

 

 

 

And of course I couldn't forget the star of the show Alice, without whom there would be no story.  As you all know, I'm usually a digi stamp gal, but I've long been impressed by the fabulous quirky designs, superb quality, and ease of stamping I find with Stampotique Originals.  I've used Memento Ink for stamping and colored them all with Copics and was thrilled that they came out perfect the very first time I stamped them.  I'm so thrilled that they are our sponsor.  Thank you, Stampotique!

 

 

This is a tent card with the windows cut with Spellbinders Labels Seventeen. I added an additional frame in front to allow for more depth.  The lovely DP's are Kay&Co.

 

Anything goes, so show us your best! We will begin on Mother's Day, May 12 and end on Father's Day, June 16. Your last day to submit projects will be Friday, June 14. Multiple entries are encouraged but each must be on a separate post. For our last challenge, only Wonderland projects are allowed!

Besides the rest of the Altered Alice team, we have the honor of one of the Stampotique Designers joining us today.  Please welcome Sue Davies and give her some love. Happy Mother's Day to all. 
 

 

__._,_.___

Jezebel's Mother's Day Card

So Jezebel asked me earlier in the week what I wanted for Mother's Day.  I told her that what Mommy really wants is to pick up her baby girl and give her huge hugs without her flailing about and screaming like she's being murdered.  "You sure you just don't want some more chocolate and pretty flowers I can arrange?" she asked, "Or how about a card?"  "Yes, that would be nice, Jezzie, but you asked what Mommy really wants, didn't you?"  "HHmm... yeah, I guess I did," she said.  "Well, then Mommy, will you make me a card?  Of course you'll have to keep your eyes closed when you make it so it can be a surprise."  "Oh, okay, Jezzie.  I'll do that" (Cats can be so gullible, LOL)  So this is it. 

She picked out this very apropo stamp from Just Some Lines called Jessie Hugs  a Cat, suggested the sentiment and told me "I love you Mommy, but this is as close as you're gonna get."  Sighh...  At least I can enter it in the Just Some Lines For Mom Challenge, the Outlawz CAS Challenge which this week is Hug a Pet, Totally Papercrafts CAS Challenge and the DL Art May Linky Party.  Perhaps I'll try some tuna fish.

Dilly Beans Celebrations

Happy Friday!  It's a new challenge week at Dilly Beans and we're celebrating.  What you ask?  ANYTHING!  You can choose a holiday, birthday, anniversary, whatever your heart desires.  Now you'd have thought this would be an easy one for me, but actually not.  Too many fun choices at the Dilly Beans Shop but this sweet #156 Framed Girlie (scroll down the page to find her) caught my eye. I colored her with Copics according to the fun celebratory DP I found in my stash, framed her, and added a bow done with ribbon I'd curled myself.  "WooHoo" was added with my trusty Alpha Beads.  I guess she's celebrating the new challenge.  LOL  My teamies came up with some fab inspiration so pop over to Dilly Beans and have a look.  What are you gonna celebrate this week?

Wicked Wednesday Sun and Surf ATC Challenge

Just under the wire at Wicked Wednesday again this week.  The challenge is Sun and Surf and I had a hard time making up my mind.  I finally decided on a new image from ADFD called Aloha Petals.  I looked up some beach pix on the net and used the png form of the stamp to put her on it.   There was no sun in the pic so I sponged a bit of Scattered Straw in the corner and colored her with Copics.  The mat and title are from Graphic 45.  I wish I were there.

Stephen King Knightmare

It's the second week of the Stephen King Knightmare at Haunted Design House.  I'm a hug fan and have done a number of cards in this theme, Carrie, Pet Semetary...and had planned to do IT this time but it was already well covered by several of the Minions.  What to do?  Draw on an oldie but goodie...CHRISTINE!   Found this groovy pic on the net.  Came up with the sentiment, myself (she's a 1957 Plymouth Fury, in case you were wondering).  Cropped a book cover image and set it in a frame for the license plate. 

Both sentiment and plate were printed right on the car pic, then I printed the car again and cut out the words and plate to add a little dimension.

The car pic was an odd size so I added an extra panel and tire (embossed with the Cuttlebug Herringbone folder) to make it fit nicely into a business size envie.  The cool skully car key was a serendipidous find at my LSS.  If you know the story, the tag on the key is pretty chilling.  Again, computer generated and laminated with my Xyron.  Might be a nice "congrats on your new car" card for some young man, eh?  Okay King fans, we're waiting on you.  I know you're out there, but please do mention your inspiration in your post.  For example, check out the Minion's takes HERE.  There's still a week to play. 

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center (LOC theme because I can't believe I actually didn't use a digi stamp although the image Is digital), Simon Says Stamp and Show Inspired by (Stephen King) Challenge, Paper Creator's Crafts For the Boys Challenge, and Moving Along with the Times One for the Guys Challenge.

Dilly Beans For Mom Challenge

 

Oooohhh, this is the second post of the day, so please scroll down for the new Simply Steampunk Challenge card.

It's coming up, so this week's Dilly Beans Challenge is For Mom.  Megan has  some adorable new mermaids in the shop and I chose two that looked like Mother and daughter, #558 Ahmea and the little #560, Kiki, colored them with Copics and added them to a background I'd saved from some packaging, I think.  I loved the colors and knew I'd use it some day.  The ocean flora was cut from a felt coaster from M's that I blinged up with glitter and mica flakes and added glitter flowers as well.

I've had the metallic letters forever, too.  Thought they looked like sunlight hitting the water and added a bit more bling for the Whimsical Designs Bling it Out Challenge.  Fussy cutting the images was a bit of a challenge, but I love the way their hair and tail fins curled.  Inside it says "As wide as the ocean, deep as the sea".  There are more adorable examples For Mom from my teamies HERE.  Take a look and come play along.

Im also entering this in the Alphabet Challenge F is for Fantasy, the ABC M is for Make it Sparkle Challenge,  and the Crafter's Cafe Mother's or for a Female.

Simply Steampunk Frame It Challenge

This month at Simply Steampunk our challenge is Frame It.  We're showcasing the Original Steampunks Line and I've used the adorable Little Witch. 

She's colored with Copics in purples which seem to show up blue in my pic for some reason.  She's already framed beautifully in the digi but I've added a Spellbinders Floral Oval and Labels Seventeen as well.  I love the lacy edging of the Oval and the Label is nice and large for layering on a 5 x 6 1/2 " card.

The sentiment is in another metal embellishment frame with a computer generated sentiment overlaid with a purple skeleton leaf.  I hope it will brighten someone's day "just because".  Please visit the Simply Steampunk Challenge for more fabulous inspiration from my teamies.  The challenge is monthly so you've plenty of time to play long.  Come join us.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Happy Mail Challenge, Left of Center (both LOC and use a digi), Live & Love Crafts 50 Shades of Lilac, the As You Like it Favorite Die or Punch Challenge (their very FIRST Challenge so go check them out), The Perfect Sentiment Make it Feminine and the Outlawz Paper a la Mode Anything Goes and the Crafter's Cafe Mother's or for a Female Challenge.

Took the Weekend Off

Well, since Saturday was my birthday, I took the weekend off.  No crafting, so now I'm struggling with DT stuff all due the end of this week.  Basically, what that means is I've nothing new to show project wise so I'll share a few b-day pix.  Jezzie and Goliath gave Mommy flowers and chocolate.  Here Jezzie  is making finishing touches on her arrangement.

Dinner at Wente Vineyards, just 5 minutes away from our house.  New dress.  Not quite as fancy as last year, but I love the colors (and so did my man).  Great food and wine!

I KNEW I shouldn't have taken Christmas down so early!  LOL  Santa was a little late this year.  I'm a collector, and here is my newest from Stone Soup Santas.  Aren't all the little critters adorable?  I especially love the little fawn.  Thanks to all for my birthday wishes.  You truly made it a special day.