Year in Review

So I got some good news via email this a.m. I made "Honorable Mention" in the Fancy Pants DT search. And I'm THRILLED! As I said, when I saw the amazing entries in online galleries, then browsed the galleries of the winners, I was FLOORED. Amazing entries. So to be recognized among the talent feels great. Some day I'll get there!

So I thought of what I have accomplished this year in the scrapping world. I am so proud of being a KI Memories "Celebrate Life" finalist. And for those of you who know me, you know I am a KI FREAK. Always have been, always will be. What I'm the most proud of though is that I finally FOLLOWED THROUGH and entered something. (And sorry for all of the ALL CAPS references. Too much java, I guess.) I created an album that I'm proud of. Using product that I'm passionate about. And ended up being a finalist, talking to Kim and Ira Sabel on the phone. That's big. REALLY BIG for me. At least one page of my album will be in their new idea book. That's too cool.

And then recently I was contacted by none other than the amazing Amy Howe to do a few projects for the BasicGrey newsletters. Now those of you who know me know how much I worship that line as well. HEAVY USER. And that somehow Amy (or someone close to her) noticed my work? Wow. I'm BEYOND HONORED.

A few other highlights:

~Even though ProvoCraft was only a one-year term, I was asked to return for another year. I've worked on some cool projects for PC that I will be able to reveal at a later date.
~Several pubs, including some contract work.
~I continue to teach for my LSS, and have a great relationship with them.
~I continue to design for Sassafras Lass, and just got some amazing stamps from their new designs. COOL STUFF.

So I say all of this not to brag, because that's not me. I say it because I think it's important to look at where you've been, to plan where you are going. And while I'm not on some of the teams I've mentioned, I am making some strides. And I need to remember the positives. Hopefully someday I'll be a good fit for another manufacturer, as that is my main goal at this stage. This is just a pep talk for me. Thanks for listening!

On a personal note, I got 90% of the Christmas stuff put away. Wow, that's a big job. When Bill dragged out the tree, I was amazed at the mess. But I do love a real tree! Now to put the house back in order for company tomorrow night. We have the neighbors over, and my sister is joining us as well.

Did the layout of the girls yesterday. Did you notice? I MIXED LINES! Now that is one big newsflash for me. I am so anal about sticking to one line, and I actually wanted to pick up the blues in Em's coat. Also, newsworthy with this layout . . . someone said it was nice to see ME in a layout. Should I tell her it's not me? Or let her believe I'm as beautiful, young, and thin as Emily? It'll be our little secret, OK? ;)

I think Jen is doing better today, and she slept well last night. Well, after she fell asleep at 11:30 p.m., that is! She has been sleeping in, and napping, so her schedule is shot. Today I'm going to have her skip her nap and try to get her back into some semblance of a routine. Going back to school is just around the corner. (Sad. Seriously sad.)

I sat down this morning and submitted about 40 layouts. It's been so dang long since I've had the time to do that. I'm not sure it's a great strategy regarding getting pubbed. Especially since mags are looking for summer layouts, rather than the winter/holiday stuff I've been working on. But that's the way I do it. I scrap for now, not for calls. So far it's worked well, and I'm not willing to do it any other way. I'm still in this to preserve memories, not as a career. I've got one of those already!

So have a great Saturday. And thanks for stopping by!