Hi everyone! Happy Sunday! Happy weekend! How are you?! It's been a week since I've blogged, and it feels weird to have been away so long! Thank you to everyone who sent me a nice note or left a comment about my back being hurt. I spent all last week in a lot of pain. It's the kind of pain that never lets up and it's so frustrating. If you've ever had low back issues, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The thing is, I'm super busy right now too, so I had to keep going. I started stamping standing up which helped (and actually made it easier to go grab things!) and then rested a lot. I think I have turned the corner because it is slowly feeling a tiny bit better. Thanks for the kind wishes!! I am now the expert at Googling back exercises too! LOL.
Something else has been on my mind all week... Today is an anniversary of sorts for me! I don't know if you would call it an anniversary, or maybe a BIRTH day? Today marks one year since I quit my job to become a creative professional! I think about it every day and especially so this week. CLICK HERE to read my post from last year. So today, if it's okay, I thought I would write a little from my heart. (I have a card to share too!)
Last year on this date I was a complete mess and a shambles and scared and yet excited all at the same time. I took a huge leap of faith and quit my job without anything lined up. Me. That was so unlike anything I would ever do. I am a 'low risk' kind of girl in general. But I had reached my breaking point and I had to take action! I struggled for months before making my decision and the one constant was prayer. I have been a Christian my entire life and God has always been a part of my daily life. During the hard times at my job, I had Bible quotes taped to my computer, to my phone, to my cubicle walls....in my planner... Everywhere!! It was how I survived. Prayer.
My faith was taken to a completely different level last year. I never really fully understood when people would say that in their darkest hours they felt peace. How can you feel peace when you are so tormented inside? But that is what happened. After I stopped struggling, and after I surrendered, a complete peace came over me and I knew. I KNEW. That if I jumped off the cliff I would be fine. And here I am, fine. Better than fine. Excellent, happy, grateful, wonderful! I had planned to start my own company and had a million ideas... But God sent work to me. It was as simple as that. HE sent me work. Enough work from enough people to keep me busy all the time. Isn't that amazing? I think that's called a miracle! There is no other explanation. Lots of hustle, much hard work, determination, prayer, and a miracle!
My life is so very different now! In ways that I didn't think of. There are things I miss for sure - my work friends, Starbucks, daily chit chat, and the office buzz. I get kinda lonely here in my studio sometimes because it's so dang quiet! When you've worked in an office with 100 people for a long time, it is really weird to be alone every day!! Buddy is an awesome office assistant, but he doesn't talk much! Things I didn't think of.... Saving tons of money on gas and by not buying Starbucks! LOL. Also, saving money by not doing errands on my lunch hour! Those were bonuses for sure. The things that are the best? Being creative on a daily basis, making my own schedule, and sleeping in! I am not a morning person and it was literally killing me to wake up at 5am every day!! Now I get up around 6:30 or 7:00 with no alarm clock. But, even better, I can ease into the day and not have to experience road rage on the way to the office! Also, now I cook dinner almost every night which makes me feel like a good wife. I am working the same amount of hours as I was before, but now I can work on Sunday afternoon if I feel like it... Or at midnight! My schedule is my own and it's just as awesome as I thought it might be. Truly what I had talked about for years was an integration between life and work. Lifework. NOT work/life. Not a balance, but a life in which work flows with your daily life and vice versa.
I have learned so much about myself in this past year. What matters to me, and what does not. What I have to put up with and what I do not. How strong I am, and how weak I am and that both are valuable attributes. For the first time in my life I feel like I have had time to think, and process a lot of stuff. Stillness was a foreign concept to me before. I have 'kept moving' at a fast pace since I was a young person running from my thoughts and traumas. Now I can ponder and let some things go without worrying about being 'perfect' for work the next day. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but maybe me writing this will touch someone. I have discovered that I was Created to Create and to hopefully uplift and inspire others. That is truly what means the most to me now. How can I be a blessing? It's an extension of the gratitude I feel in my heart for what I have been given.
So, thank you God, and thank you lovely people who have hired me for work in the past year. I love you! I'm grateful and honored and humbled (again). Always humbled. My life has had a lot of heartache and weird situations and I have persevered, and here I am. By the grace of God. Thank you to all of you who have lifted me up for the past seven years here on my blog. What an amazing journey of love and happiness this has been. You just never know what might happen if you believe. XOXO
Okay, so I promised you a card too! This card expresses how I'm feeling today. I busted out some supplies that had never been used and made a cheerful, happy card to share. I hope that things are good in your corner of the world today. The stamps, dies and paper are all from Papertrey Ink! The other supplies are all from Simon Says Stamp - links at the bottom of my post.
So I think this stamp set came out last Summer! EEK. I hadn't even used it yet! PTI released a new color a couple of months ago - Green Parakeet. LOVE! I used that as my starting point - the stamp set and the green paper. I die cut a Bandana Cover Plate out of crisp white paper and layered that over the green cardstock. Then I used my MISTI stamping tool to stamp the cherries onto white paper also. The MISTI really helped get the stems lined up just right!
I like how this ombre 'enjoy' word die came out! I die cut it from white paper and then used my finger in the ink pad to add ink to just the bottom of it! I might do this again! It looks really fresh. Also, it made it match the cherries! I used two colors of pink and two shades of green to stamp my images. I stamped my sentiment in brown also, instead of black because it was softer.
A pretty bow of Lawn Fawn Cord adds just another little bit of pink to the card! And, you know it.... I added a couple of enamel dots. I think that's my signature move now!
This coming week is going to be VERY busy! A new SSS Card Kit launches on Thursday and then a brand new top secret release is coming from SSS on Friday, with a blog hop on Saturday. I promise you will not want to miss that! When I'm not blogging, I hope you will keep up with me on Instagram! I try to post something every day there! You can also find me over on the Simon Says Stamp Blog (posted a birthday card yesterday!). Until we meet again, I send you love and good wishes. XOXO
SUPPLIES:
Wow, what an inspiration. I'm looking forward to the day when I can do the same and work from home. It's a work in progress and I'm getting there. Good on you for taking that leap of faith!
Posted by: Rochelle | 08/04/2016 at 06:14 PM
I loved reading your post, Wanda, and your gratitude touched my heart and your enthusiasm made me smile! Giving God the credit makes your story even more amazing.
I share your delight in creating daily and wanting to be a blessing to others. I admire your courage and love your creations!
Whenever you get too lonely in your stamp place you could write to me. It's pretty quiet on my blog lately and I would love it!
Posted by: Cindy Beach | 07/16/2016 at 09:31 AM
WOW - what an amazing story - I never knew!!!! How awesome that you took a leap of faith and found peace in the process! Congrats!
Posted by: Lizzie T | 07/16/2016 at 06:39 AM
Wanda I am so happy for you! Hooray for your 1 year anniversary of following your heART! :) blessings and hugs! Jill
Posted by: Jill Norwood | 07/11/2016 at 05:51 PM
Wanda, I admire your courage in taking such a huge step. I'm so glad the Lord provided for you and pray that he continues to provide. I'm thankful to have such a creative artist to inspire me and others. Congratulations on your anniversary!! Hugs...
Posted by: Brenda Lee | 07/11/2016 at 05:17 PM
Oh, you definitely made the right choice, and you were always meant to be a "creative professional"! Looking forward to being inspired and please take care of your back and the rest of your creative soul! Hugs!
Posted by: donna mikasa | 07/11/2016 at 01:58 PM
Wanda, YOU are one of the Sweeter Things in Life. I only "know" you on FB but I'm so glad. I enjoy your regular posts; you are a wonderful witness for the Lord. Your love for Him, your husband, your art, and California (!) are so fun to read. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. May the Lord continue to bless you as you follow His will. And congrats on your anniversary!
Sharin
Posted by: Sharin | 07/11/2016 at 11:01 AM
Wanda, congrats on your fabulous journey. I have loved watching everything you have done over the past year and can't wait to see what the next one brings for you! Your work is simply amazing. Hugs.
Posted by: cheiron | 07/11/2016 at 10:46 AM
Wanda, sorry to hear your back has been giving you a hard time. I'm a 10 year back sufferer so I can totally relate. Glad your on the mend. I'm so happy for you. I can't believe how quickly time passes, I remember how nervous you were last year, such a big step. I'm so glad you took the leap and that everything has fallen in to place for you, most important your happy. It's certainly not easy to run from our past, nor can we ever run far enough to escape it. I'm a true believer that no matter how painful we do take something out of that experience that makes us stronger, whether we realize it at that very moment. They are part of who we are, good or bad. God is wonderful!! He's always with us, sometimes we're to busy in our own minds especially during dark times to take a breath and ask for help and guidance. Believe me It's taken me 45 years to realize it myself. Thanks for sharing your talents and inspiring everyday.
Posted by: Lisaerica | 07/11/2016 at 09:58 AM
Congrats on your "anniversary" of stepping out of the boat and onto the water! God is so faithful, thankful that you shared your testimony! May you find His favor throughout this next year as well. It truly is an adventure following Jesus.
Your card is so cheerful and beautifully arranged, love it. Every time you post I'm inspired. Thank you!!
Posted by: Natalie H | 07/10/2016 at 10:18 PM
Inspiring post, my sweet friend! There are no such things as "coincidences" when we accept that we are daughters of the Heavenly Father! I love that He gave you the courage to "jump" and has blessed you. As I have moved closer to making my crafting a "ministry", I have been brought in touch with so many other crafters who love Jesus, and am inspired by the blessings of this community . . .big hugs!
Posted by: Janice Rosenthal Rock | 07/10/2016 at 10:09 PM
Hi, Wanda! Congrats on your anniversary! My two- year anniversary will be this December for when I quit my job as a nurse. And, talk about back issues...oh I hear ya!:-) My back is much better now, thank goodness! I hope your back improves very soon! Your card is absolutely lovely! Take good care and thanks so much for the wonderful inspiration!
Posted by: Maria Patrick | 07/10/2016 at 09:27 PM
Congratulations Wanda! (I'm still plugging away at my j-o-b, and still jealous!) Thanks for all of your lovely posts!
Actually, I just scrolled through more than 2000 dies at Simon Says Stamp, trying to find the bandana one, with no luck. Can you please send any more info on it? Name? Manufacturer?
Thanks!
Posted by: Judy Gudeman | 07/10/2016 at 09:06 PM
You are AWESOME! Congrats on all you have accomplished in just ONE year! I am so glad you jumped!
Posted by: Wanda Reynolds | 07/10/2016 at 08:08 PM
Happy Anniversary, Wanda! You've blossomed and flourished. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs and Fabulous cards. Try some Aleve for your back.
HTTPS://paulettesrpettypapercrafts.wordpress.com
Posted by: Paulette Still | 07/10/2016 at 07:35 PM
Happy Anniversary. It's amazing what God will do if we step out in faith. Kudos to you for trusting in Him. Your beautiful designs have given me so much inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Posted by: JoAnneR | 07/10/2016 at 05:11 PM
I'm so happy for you Wanda and truly inspired by your story...your work makes me happy and I love seeing your sweet creations! Best wishes and happy BIRTH day.
Melis
Posted by: Melissa | 07/10/2016 at 04:52 PM
Happy Anniversary! One year goes by so fast...seems like I just read your last year's post. Congratulations on following your heart and letting God lead! Those are when the best things happen!
Posted by: Simply Sandy | 07/10/2016 at 04:13 PM
What a wonderful testimony! Happy for you! Would love to know how to get started like you! I love being creative and card making! I have a blog I need to post more on! It's been a long time! Best wishes for much success in all your future endeavors! God Bless you!!!!
Posted by: Betty Sue | 07/10/2016 at 04:07 PM
So happy that you made the decision to do what YOU needed to do. Life is too short to live in a way that we are not fully happy within ourselves.
Hope your back improves soon.
Posted by: Teresa Doyle | 07/10/2016 at 02:49 PM
As I sit here in bed with back issues, I had to laugh (even though it hurts) because of the irony. I am so glad you are starting to feel better. I know how frustrating it is, and I hope I get some relief soon as well. Thank you for sharing your heart and story with us, I am beyon thrilled for you that everything has worked out so well for you. Thank you also for sharing what your faith has done for you. God bless you and continue to help you on your journey. I look forward to your posts every day and I thank you for inspiring me.
Posted by: Maureen Hayes | 07/10/2016 at 11:40 AM
Congratulations!!, really glad to hear that you are feeling better, back pain is truly on fun at all. This card is absolutely lovely!, love the soft colors! Congrats again on your anniversary and best wishes for the future. :)
Posted by: Jamie | 07/10/2016 at 11:39 AM
What a lovely post and beautiful card! Such a courageous adventure, so happy it is working for you. I am a firm believer in doing what you love and loving what you do! YAY YOU!!!
Posted by: Donna Phelan | 07/10/2016 at 11:13 AM
Thanks for this heartfelt post, Wanda! Changes are hard and I am so glad that you took a leap of faith and made changes--for the better! In Chinese language, "crisis" literally means "dangerous opportunity". I am thrilled that you seized it and made it work. Way to go, girl!
Posted by: Virginia L. | 07/10/2016 at 10:12 AM
Wanda, Congratulations on your anniversary. God is amazing! I'm glad you have found peace when you surrendered to Him. You have your dream job crafting, creating, and sharing your thoughts on your blog. You're an inspiration to all. Always look forward to seeing your posts. They make me smile.
Take care of yourself and hope your back feels better. Would like to meet you for lunch this week if possible. I'm back to work July 18th after recovering from my golf elbow surgery.
XOXO, CJ
Posted by: CJ | 07/10/2016 at 10:11 AM
So very happy for you 😊
Posted by: Jenn shurkus | 07/10/2016 at 10:01 AM
Wanda, first, Congratulations on Courage, second, Amen on your surrender and finding peace! Third, like others, I'm reading your post with coffee in hand and I so wish we were across from one another and could just talk! I would assure you that your blog and your creativity and your work touches me and blesses me and makes a difference to me! You are indeed, a star fish thrower! I hope that some day we will meet and share a cuppa.
And I think the card is so cute! Cherry was my mother's maiden name so I love all cherry stamps and the PTI set is so cute! Thanks for such a cute card using it!!
I always love what you do with the SSS Stamp kits too so this is going to be a good week for me -- can't wait for the end of it and your upcoming posts!
XOXO, Mary
PS, sorry I don't post a comment with every creation you share, I'll try to match your efforts! It's the least I can do! You Rock Lady!
Posted by: Queen Mary | 07/10/2016 at 08:48 AM
Loved reading your post (and Mark's response). Thanks for including me and your blog readers on your journey. Praying for you has blessed me, too. I got to know you through your amazing talent and blog, but the way you reach out to others is what makes you a friend. I had faith in your success from the beginning because you have such a great eye for design and your work ethic and professionalism are stellar.
Today's card is lovely. I love the colors and that unusual die cut. Glad you're back to posting!
Posted by: Julie | 07/10/2016 at 08:19 AM
I adore your letter Wanda ~ it really hit home with me & is so inspirational. I just quit my part-time/work from home job as of June 1st. It was quickly becoming a full time/high stress job & I struggled with the decision for about 6 months. I have worked in the crafting industry on various design teams for 15 years or so and was finally getting paid. My struggle... Why would I quit a job IN the industry I love? Well ... one Sunday morning I work up and felt that God was telling me it was time to make a decision. I gave myself permission to move on & wrote out my resignation letter. The job was becoming all admin work and not creative. I was told many times that I wasn't getting paid to create & that kind of hurt my heart. Although I was pretty good at the admin stuff, I craved the creative side. Now I feel like I will have time to actually create for my teams & for myself, give 100% for volunteer activities, and spend more time with my husband & family... after all, those are the things that really count! I feel like your story was very confirming to me... sometimes we need to make decisions with a leap of faith. Thank you! xoxo
Posted by: Kendra L Wietstock | 07/10/2016 at 08:12 AM
Thank you for sharing your story. It's inspirational to hear others have a diificult time in the work place and take a risk to do what they love. So touching... Thank you for letting us in. And Happy Anniversary!!
Posted by: Jenna | 07/10/2016 at 06:39 AM
Congratulations! Wow that year went so fast and you were so busy! I had no doubt regarding your success as YOU are so amazingly talented! You bring way more than talent to this world, through your kindness, wisdom, and humor! You should hear that and take it to heart! I am the one that is blessed more than anyone here as I see you everyday, adding to people's lives, especially mine. I get to see the fruits of all your hard work! Thank you for that!! I love you always!
Posted by: Mark | 07/10/2016 at 06:04 AM
Definitely a touching blog for me. My mom and I starte a blog about 6 months ago and have been working on creating enough items for a booth. This told me we were headed in the right directions. There have been a few signs lately. Thank you. And bless you.
Love the card. So adorable!
Posted by: Amy Myrick | 07/10/2016 at 06:00 AM
Totally awesome Wanda!! Thank you for sharing!! You are an inspiration! Congrats and I wish you many more successful years!! As for the back pain, take it easy, please. Chronic back pain is no joke!!
Posted by: Kymona | 07/10/2016 at 05:38 AM
Wow, hard to believe it has already been a year - congrats on that milestone, Wanda! And cheers to many, many more years ahead of craftiness & enjoying life! Hoping you feel back to your normal self real soon.
Posted by: Susi | 07/10/2016 at 04:47 AM
Love to you and good wishes right back at ya! Happiest new-job Anniversary! So happy to see you happy! Lets pray your back will continue to heal my Sweet. Praise God for His blessings upon you and thank you for sharing your note, your Light is Shining!
Posted by: Patti Willey | 07/10/2016 at 03:44 AM
This is just gorgeous! I love these beautiful colors--the pinks and greens, and those cherries are STUNNING! A big WOWSA today!
Posted by: Michele K. Henderson | 07/10/2016 at 03:41 AM
Oh Wanda..Love what you all wrote....YOU sure touched me..I am crying....
You my friend are such a Blessing to me..and the World..love your sweet ... gentle and kindness filled heart...
So good to hear that your back is getting slightly better too!
sending MUCH LOVE,
Holly.
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 07/10/2016 at 02:06 AM
Sitting having my breakfast, reading your blog post and smiling. I am so glad things have worked out for you. To be truly happy within yourself is a blessing. Your card is beautiful - crisp and bright. Have a lovely Sunday.
Posted by: Lynne | 07/10/2016 at 12:44 AM