Masculine cards

We have a neighbor that we are very proud of. He got laid off from his job and decided he would get his GED so that he could better himself. His self confidence was very low and he didn't think he would ever be able to get through the classes. He persevered and after 2 months, he passed all of his tests. I am so very, very proud of this man. He graduates on Sept 2nd at the local community college and we plan to be there applauding him. He deserved a card make just for him to celebrate and this is what I came up with. It is the set "Take Pride" from TAC and the paper is from Creative Memories and SU. I am happy with the way it turned out.
While I had these papers out that appeared to be manish (!) I decided to make my dad a card as his birthday is Sept 17th. There just aren't many stamps that work for a man, but I had this "Ship Collage" stamp from TAC and the HB stamp from TAC(Free with $30, but is no longer available) and thought it would work perfectly. What you can't see is that I stamped it with Stazon black and then sprayed it pretty generously with silver glitzy mist that I had bought at a stamp show quite a while ago and never used. I was so impressed with Sara Paschal's use of her glittery mist that she made up and used that I thought I would try it. I think the ink would run if I used water based ink tho. Did I do right in using Stazon with this?
Sorry I haven't updated in so long. I really haven't felt all that great. I am having problems with the left side of my back (my right side that was operated on is wonderful) and can't bend and stand that good right now. I have an epidural injection scheduled for Wed. the 27th (what a birthday present!!!). Maybe I will have some relief and can be more prolific.

Thanks for checking in on me. I will say that I am keeping up with every one elses blogs tho.
Cheryl