Hello friends!
I hadn't blogged in a couple of weeks and even forgot my password.
It's been coming for awhile. Thinking about wrapping up this adventure, and finally deciding to make it official. No real reason, except the need to find more balance in my life and realize that time and energy are not limitless for anyone.
I began this blog on August 9, 20007 when I barely knew what a user name was and HTML were strange letters that I knew nothing of. I wrote on my first post (find it here) that learning was the purpose for my blog and said, " I want to learn to be a better stamper, and that means making cards and making them better! I invite you to watch, and learn and grow with me."
And so we have journeyed together for the past ten years. You've seen our family grow, remember when Emily did Guest posts for me? Now she's married and the Mom of a sweet two year old daughter. And then we got our puppy, Josie? (here, and here, and HERE) I could go on about the memories I've shared here, of my Mom. My Stampin' Up! business, and the design teams and being published. I am so grateful for your faithful visits and comments, patience and friendship. Stampers are the most wonderful of people and it's been fun to be part of the big crafty world.
I will no longer be posting regularly and I wanted you to know. Instead of spending time with posting and photo editing, I'll be able to take more walks, or spend time cooking or on the lake, with family, and grandchildren, yes, and even Josie! I do however, plan to keep on stamping! For those of you who follow me on Instagram (stampspaperandink) I will still be on there.
And I'm thrilled to say that after 1,665 posts mostly of my original card designs, I may now allow myself to make some repeats and CASE other's cards that I love. I'm looking forward to stamping with the supplies I already have and USING them up!!
Just so you know, I have a plan for future cards as I make them. I plan to donate many to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, and I invite you to do the same. I love writing notes on the inside to encourage children and teens who have been through so much.
I am tempted to keep writing on because this is a hard step for me, but prolonging it doesn't help. Please know that I hope you have also laughed, learned and been inspired here. And that I will miss you. Please pop in and leave me a note sometime! Hugs~
Be yourself.
Find delight in your craft.
Make something beautiful!
I totally understand this decision, Cindy, but it's still kinda sad! Of course I'll still look for you on Instagram, and hopefully you'll text me some pics of what you stamp?? I love that we've been friends for 9 of your 10 years of blogging! Can you believe it's been that long?? HUGS,
Susan
Posted by: Susan, aka Soozie4Him on SCS | July 16, 2017 at 04:47 PM
Oh yes, Susan, we have been friends for these many years and we're still going strong! Of course i will send you pictures once awhile!
Thanks for writing.
Posted by: stampspaperandink | July 16, 2017 at 09:27 PM
As a not new stamper, I've relied on other's to show me the way. I've even figured a thing r two on my own. But, I do want to say, Thank you for all the cards , laughter we shared (in your posts, and just for being such an awesome person). It's been fun. But, I do understand what your saying. It's time for you and your family to reconnect. Believe me, I understand. I wish you only the best life has to offer and joy in your life! God bless you and yours, and again, Thank You so much for sharing and teaching me. I'll treasure our short time together.
Posted by: Gloria Sperring | July 17, 2017 at 10:52 AM
Hi Gloria,
It means so much to me to hear from you! It has been fun, and I've loved feeling as though I was helping and connecting here. You are so welcome and I will treasure this note from you.
Posted by: stampspaperandink | July 17, 2017 at 10:58 AM
Aw, I will miss your posts....didn't always comment, but always loved what you created! I totally understand about TIME....enjoy it!
Posted by: LeAnne | July 17, 2017 at 02:45 PM
Oh Cindy, I can only imagine how hard this decision was to make. But, I am so very happy that we "met online" and share a love of stamping and family and fur babies. I am honored to know you and although I don't have Instagram (I know, I'm behind), I will certainly keep in touch by email and a friendly card or note now and again. Please be sure to send me your new address (I think you said you were moving?) If that wasn't you, then it was my old brain playing tricks on me (again). The very best to you and your family sweet friend. Enjoy your time with your loved ones. XOXO
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | July 17, 2017 at 05:15 PM
LeAnne,
Thanks so much for writing! I will be stopping by to see your posts often, as always. Maybe I will have more time to comment too!
Posted by: stampspaperandink | July 17, 2017 at 06:24 PM
Hi Bobbi,
Loved your sweet sweet note, thanks! Yes, I am also so glad to have "met" you and kept up our friendship online, thanks so much for the well wishes.
Your frequent comments were such a blessing! I did move a little over a year ago, my new address will be coming in a private e-mail.
Posted by: stampspaperandink | July 17, 2017 at 06:28 PM
Hi Cindy! I popped over here to thank you for your lovely comment on my card and I was stunned to read this post. But....I totally understand. Your creativity and designs have always been an inspiration so I must find you on IG. All good things must come to an end, right?! Enjoy the freedom of creating on your own timetable and finding pleasure in friends and family!
Posted by: Nance Leedy | July 30, 2017 at 07:43 PM
Hi Nance,
I surely enjoyed reading your note, thanks for popping in and for your kind words. I'm enjoying my hiatus from blogging, I'm spending more time actually making cards and that is a good thing. I also have a bit of time for leaving comments and I like that.
I'd be happy if you looked me up on Instagram, I am stampspaperandink on there.
Posted by: stampspaperandink | August 02, 2017 at 09:15 PM