Collage of Life

32/32” Collage of photos

My mom’s Celebration of Life is this Saturday. There’s a lot of work organizing such an event. Getting the venue, inviting guests, flowers, food, music, slide show, logistics for the guests coming from out of town, writing the obituary, preparing my own speech, and so much more.

But the most time-consuming project was this photo board I put together. I’ve made a lot of collages over the years, but nothing like this. How do you sum up 76 years of someone’s life in one 32″ x 32″ space?

I struggled with what to build the board on, how to make the photos stick, making copies (on my crappy printer) so I didn’t have to use original photos, let alone sorting through hundreds of photos and choosing the best ones that reflect her happiest times and places.

It was a massive project that I took very personally, all for two hours that it will be on display at the service! I just love her so much and I want to make it the best I can.

I’m looking forward to celebrating her life and memories with my family and friends, sharing stories and tears. Then, I can start thinking about how I am going to get on without her.❤

46 responses to “Collage of Life”

  1. Timothy Price Avatar
    Timothy Price

    It’s well worth the all the work. The collage is wonderful. You and your mom look alike.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks Tim, it was a labor of love!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. janetweightreed10 Avatar

    Well done you. This is not an easy task at all…but it would appear that you are handling it beautifully and the board looks to be so lovely. I hope that you will be able to completely relax afterwards with dear friends. Sending love and my best wishes for the coming Saturday…..I will be thinking of you XX

    Liked by 2 people

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much Janet, it was a good project for me at this time, good to stay busy. I am looking forward to sharing all the memories with family and friends this weekend! 😊 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      1. janetweightreed10 Avatar

        You will be in my thoughts…XX

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com Avatar

    Dear heart, you have made a most beautiful homage and loving 🥰 gift for your mama. Sending love! May her celebration of life be so filled with all
    this love you continue to flow to her!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you sweet Ka, I really appreciate your kind words, lot’s of love!❤

      Like

  4. hitandrun1964 Avatar
    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Gigi, it was worth all my work!😊

      Like

    2. hitandrun1964 Avatar

      I don’t doubt that for a second. Everyone who sees it will love it and it’s a wonderful tribute to your mome.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Eric Wayne Avatar

    I think you succeeded in capturing a sense of her 76 years of life and suggesting all the chapters and episodes that made it up.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Eric, it was way more challenging than I realized but the final product is something that I am proud of, I think she would approve! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  6. aquinoaa2272 Avatar

    It’s a beautiful collage and I’m so sorry for your loss. You both look so similar. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you, I never saw a resemblance but other people say it often, she was so pretty! 😍

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Mister Bump UK Avatar

    oh, man, that’s gonna be such an important reminder. Beyond the celebration.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Indeed, thanks Pete, it’s been an emotional journey, lot’s of memories!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. EclecticMusicLover Avatar

    What a lovely photo collage, and a wonderful tribute to your mother, Tiffany.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Jeff, I think she would be happy with it!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. memadtwo Avatar

    A true labor of love. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      It really was a lot of work, all made with love! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Adan! ☺

      Like

  10. mistermaxxx08 Avatar

    Bless you, respect you, prayers 🙏 for you, incredible what you have shared. Love is the foundation of your gifts

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks Max, yes, love is the center of it all, it has to be. ❤

      Like

  11. Aud Avatar

    Such a beautiful tribute, Tiffany. Sending you strength 💙

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Aud, I can use a little extra love and strength these days! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Antique Works Avatar

    I was so moved and inspired by your collage and the event you have planned that I cried.

    I believe God will honor you Tiffany and bless you with his love and grace to go on.

    Let us know how things go.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      You are so sweet, thank you! The day was beautiful, I am blessed to have so many amazing people in my life that support me. I will never take that for granted. ❤

      Like

      1. Antique Works Avatar

        You’re welcome. ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Warren Richards Avatar

    Having the strength and courage, a celebration in of itself! A lovely share and collage!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you very much Warren, it was an incredible day, and now I am exhausted! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Warren Richards Avatar
  14. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar

    You did well with the collage, Tiffany. I hope the ceremony went very well. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Gloria, it was a beautiful day! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  15. suzannesmom Avatar

    So sorry for your loss, Tiffany!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. kawaiicreator Avatar
    kawaiicreator

    Beautiful artwork of your beautiful mother. Thank you for sharing 🙏 ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much! ☺

      Like

  17. Dawn Pisturino Avatar

    Your mom was beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thanks Dawn, she really was! 😊

      Like

  18. Jill Kuhn Avatar

    Looks like lots of special memories! I hope your mom’s service went well for you. It is not easy… sending hugs 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar

      Thank you Jill, it was a beautiful day! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Andrea R Huelsenbeck Avatar

    Oh, Tiffany. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mom. The collage is wonderful. A beautiful remembrance of a life well-lived.

    Liked by 1 person

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