I am taking a break from watercoloring cards for the Lesson of the Month, while I eat a peanut butter sandwich and indulge in a cup of hot tea. My three furry helpers have not been much help today, other than the fact they have been quiet. Lexi, who has now gained back 8 of the 10 pounds she lost a few weeks ago, is zonked out in her favorite chair, a raggedy old thing that needs desparately to be replaced…but I can’t, because the dogs love it so much.
Brody is stretched out in front of the fireplace on one of the dog beds, his big boy body spilling out over one end.
And as I look down at my feet, Muffy is asleep in the place of honor, the place once held by Missy the Boxer.
It is at quiet times like these, that I reflect upon my life and what it has become after retirement. Recently I was asked by the incomparable Mary Fish, my Stampin’ Up! upline, to talk to the Pretty Pals about my journey to Senior Manager. I am her first Senior Manager, and she wanted me to talk about how I reached that point. One of the things that stood out to me as I planned what I was going to say, is how important Stampin’ Up! and being a demonstrator is to me. I also realized that I rarely share these feelings. I really should, especially since some of you may be thinking about becoming a demonstrator.
I remember why I joined. I had never heard of Stampin’ Up!, but I bought a Stampin’ Up! stamp set at a yard sale. I had never stamped in my life. But I remember falling in love with the animal images in this set. It was In the Wild. Five years later, it still resides on my shelf.
Being a researcher at heart, I googled Stampin’ Up! to learn more and up popped Mary’s blog. I clicked on the link to her on-line store, and entered a new world of rubber, inks, and paper. I didn’t buy anything then, but a few weeks later, I returned to purchase inks, a set of the Regals it was. A few weeks later, I realized that I needed paper, so I returned to her site. It was then I thought, “Why not join to get the discount?” Upon getting reassurances that I: a) Would never have to hold a workshop, and b) Could quit at any time without penalty, I signed up. That was 5 years ago February 1st, 2009.
I also remember what my goals were at that time. I just wanted to make a good card. I knew nothing about stamping and card making. But I did know that practice made perfect. So I stamped and stamped. At the encouragement of my mentor, Mary, I entered challenges.
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I gained confidence. I discovered that there was a creative, artistic side to me. And I discovered that I wanted to have workshops and classes and share my newly found passion with others.
I love where being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator has taken me. The stamping friends I have made encircle the globe. I have a support system like no other. I am able to surround myself with people who share their creativity with abandon. My life is full and rich.
If you have thought about becoming a demonstrator, now is a great time. The Starter Kit has added value during Sale-a-bration. You get to select $150 worth of products for only $99, with FREE shipping. Plus, if you join today, you will remain a demonstrator and receive all of the perks through June. If you sell or purchase $300 by June 30th, your perks are renewed. Why else is this a great time? The new catalog comes out in June!!! Can you imagine getting a discount on all of the new products?
I would love to discuss the benefits of joining my group with you. Please feel free to call me (319-752-8898) or email me (ann@thestampinschach.com). I would love to chat with you. Or if you are ready to start your own amazing journey with me, visit this page to sign-up today. Until next time…
Congratulations, Ann, on your wonderful accomplishments at SU! I, too, really enjoy and follow your blog. You are *so* talented, and I absolutely *love* your style. I also really appreciate the warmth that you convey as you share with us your experiences and adventures with Lexi, Brody, and Muffy. I’m so happy for you that Lexi is doing well! Thanks so much for sharing!
A wonderful story and I love the pic’s of Brody. He is beautiful and boxers are my favorite dogs.
Congratulations on your journey with Stampin’ Up! Thanks for sharing your story Ann.
A fun read. Thank you for sharing your story with us, as well as your photos and giving us great inspiration.
Ann I loved reading your trip down memory lane with SU. I also joined in 2009 May.
It never dawned on me that was 5 years ago (almost) until I read your story… it seems like yesterday, well maybe not yesterday… but certainly not 5 years already! Where does that time go? hugs.
How lucky for all of us out here in blogland that you went to that yard sale. Thank you for sharing your story. Thanks, too, for sharing the pups with us all. Sweet pictures.
Ahhhh an artist who found her place – and I’m so glad you did, and I found you!
Thanks for sharing. You have accomplished so much in 5 years.
WOW!! what a journey, Ann. That first stamp set is really very cute, one of this days you should make a couple of cards with it just so we can really appreciate the images.
Love the pictures of your sweet doggies, I’m so happy to hear that Lexi is on the mend.
Beautiful pictures of the sweet puppies! Yes, quiet time does allow us to think about things and how wonderful of you to share your story! Love the first set you bought and the first card you entered…it really is very pretty! Congratulations on your first five years and your progress up the SU! ladder….and hope you can continue to grow your downline. Pats to the puppies and hugs to you!
Such a beautiful story!
Fun pictures of your furry babies. 🙂 And it was fun to read how you came to be an SU Demonstrator. And you’ve “come a long ways Baby” with your cards. I wouldn’t even think of showing one of the first cards I ever made.
Oh Ann, Mary is also my upline!!! I too am a Hobby Demonstrator and learning more each day, I also am doing challenges to get confidence. I am also waiting to retire and then go full throttle into Stampin’Up! one day. I blog hop to many very talented people, I guess I am trying to find my style or my niche in this world of stamping. I joined about five years ago and then took a year off and then resigned up under Mary Fish this past Nov. The discount alone is worth signing up for! So I too will soak up all I can now as I prep for retirement in a couple of years and hone my skills as a stamper, then I will jump in full force, full-time and hope to achieve a status of you and Mary Fish! Ahh one day I so look forward to! Thanks for sharing all your cards and tips and your life with the three fur-babies! Glad to see Lexie is doing much better!
WOW!!! you are quite the inspiration… 5 years?! i found SU! when the stamps were mounted on foam and i’ve stamping just as long and your cards are phenomenal and i can only wish i had half your talent … your love for your fur babies and trials you have gone through i don’t think the normal person could handle … that must mean you are an angel grounded here on earth to make sure your babies are watched over … thank you so much for the inspiration that you post and blog everyday …
gstringer
I enjoyed reading your story. Very interesting and inspiring.
Happy 5th SU Anniversary! Thanks for sharing your story, thoughts, talent, and Boxer pictures!
You are also talented in putting your thoughts on paper. This is a personal and inspirational post. I’ve enjoyed talking with you and seeing your samples. One day (maybe at convention) I’d love to talk with you about showing dogs and all that goes with that world. I’ll never forget meeting Mary Fish at convention in ’06 maybe? I was so excited because I followed her blog and she was so shy and quiet. I think I embarrassed her with my adoration! Really nice post Ann.
What a gorgeous picture of you, Ann! You are the inspiration to continue. The Gardner’s certainly support a family connection, one that is not always apparent in some ventures. This definitely is a reason that I stayed a demonstrator with them! Wishing you the very best with SU as well as the show dog circuit… you have worked so hard in both. Love to all of the Schach pack….
I’m already a demonstrator as well but I’m just really a hobbyist. I love stamping and I get my inspiration from you, Mary, Brian and several others!! I found you through Mary’s Web site. I follow you faithfully! I know what you have achieved with SU took passion as well as dedication! I’m sure Mary was a fabulous upline to give you the tools and inspiration you needed! I enjoy looking, reading, and learning from you and your blog! Brody, Muffy, and Lexi are such extra sweet bonus’ to boot! Love them Boxers!! 🙂
Dear Ann. Loved reading your sweet and honest story and seeing how practise does make perfect! Your cards are always so gorgeous! You inspire me, your love for your dogs always touches my heart. SO glad that you succeeded so well with SU.
Inky hugs, Pauline
If I weren’t already a demonstrator, I’d sign up with you or Mary. I’ve been following your blogs forever it seems – because every time I look at my favorite samples, they’re either yours or Mary’s. Hugs to the Fur Babies!
Dona S
Austin
It’s nice to hear your story. You have come a long way in five years! You inspire me as you do so many others. Thank you for sharing your gift so freely through your blog. It is nice to hear about your pups, too!
What a beautiful personal post. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your sweet pups with your followers. We ARE interested and inspired! Keep up the good work and remain your sweet kind talented self!
You certainly proved practice makes perfect! I can’t believe you have only been stamping for 5 years– your cards rock now and I can only aspire! I for one am glad you have a blog, and that I found you in blogland~ Thanks for sharing your thoughts and talent with us bloggers. 🙂
That is such a lovely story Ann. I would have thought you were born with a stamp in your hands. (smile) Your threesome looks so peaceful and contented too.