Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Up, Up & Away!

My youngest son started middle school this week. He isn't one who handles change or the unknown very well. He wants to know what is going on, what will happen next and how he fits into the picture. Truthfully, I am much like my son. I am a planner and I like things to go like I plan. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work out that way.

Stampin' Up threw many demo's a major curve ball last week when they made several changes to their Independent Demonstrator Agreement. Maybe you heard about it, it was kind of hard to miss, lol! All demonstrators wishing to remain active need to sign the new agreement. Well, these changes were not part of my plan. The changes would affect me in several ways, not the least of which would be having to quit the Cornish Heritage Farms DT. They would also mean major changes to my blog.

I have been a demonstrator for nearly 5 years. I have made cherished friends during that time. I have a downline that I was just beginning to build. I started my blog as a way of sharing my passion for ALL things stamping and paper crafting related, not just as a business tool. I was happy with my life as it was.

Stampin' Up however, was not happy with things the way they were. And now they have placed a fork in my road. Which way should I go? I am sure for many it was a no-brainer. I'm happy for them! For me, it has required a lot of thought and prayer. In the end, I am just not able to comply with the new rules. I don't 100% agree with them.

The road ahead is now marked with lots of ???'s. Yet, I have a peace that it is the right road for me. I am excited to continue on the DT for CHF. I look forward to teaching with no limits. I will continue to blog as a means of sharing ALL the things I love. I can't wait to see what lies ahead even if the unknown is sometimes unsettling.

So, here is a card I made that expresses some of my feelings about the road ahead.

Embrace life. I plan to!
I hope you will continue to join me on the journey.

Supplies: SUO, chocolate chip, old olive, white cardstock; Tall Tales DSP; chocolate chip ink; modern label punch; 1 3/4 circle punch; Sweet Centers stamp set; machine stitching, dimensionals

7 comments:

Char in So Cal said...

XOXOX IT!!!

Char in So Cal

ChristineCreations said...

Hugs my sister! Well said, from your heart and spirit. I'll be here to watch you fly no matter what you create with! I know it's not been an easy decision, but I know God will continue to use your creative giftedness!

Cheryl said...

Terrific card, Tracy, and it expresses just what you said! CHF is such a wonderful new opportunity for you and they are so fortunate to have you on their DT!

Jacynthe said...

Your card is so beautiful and SU! will miss a great demo!! I am sorry you had to make that decision and hope you'll do well with your other creative adventures :) I'm a die hard fan of yours and I'll keep coming SU! or not!
Have a blessed day!
Jacynthe

3treescreations@gmail.com said...

Gorgeous! Love the colors and paper!!

Kristine Reynolds said...

Such a tough decision but I'm sorta glad you're staying with CHF 'cuz I am looking forward to getting to know you and see all your beautiful creations!

Anonymous said...

What a tough decision to make! I am an SU demo as well, and one who has been thinking seriously of blogging (haven't taken the plunge yet, lol). This definitely did throw me off a bit. As of now, I have not yet decided what I'll do. Sounds like you made the right (albiet hard) decision for you, and the fact that thought & prayer went into it is a good thing to hear. I wish you good luck in the future! :)

Crystal L.