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.
 | |
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…
