You know, ordinarily, I'd be gnashing my teeth regarding the news cycle stealing my thunder, but not today! As much of a peacenik as I proclaim to be, I'm relieved and grateful and know the world is a better place with Osama Bin Laden dead. I felt the same way after Timothy McVeigh (who perpetrated the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995) was executed. I can't explain it without trivializing the issue, but it's as if a weight you didn't even know you were carrying has been lifted upon knowing certain people are no longing breathing the same air as you and your loved ones. And, of course, balanced with that is a profound ache and respect for those who have lost loved ones either in the initial crimes committed or the subsequent search for justice.
Now, on a lighter note, back to your regularly scheduled programming of papercrafting and nonsense...
In my last post, I mentioned that when one door closes, sometimes three more doors open. Yeah, yeah. I know it was kind of a crummy, drive-by tease of a thing to do. So I'll make up for it by addressing what may be the 'elephant in the room' about the door that closed.
Loyal readers may have noticed that one day, about a month ago, there abruptly ceased to be any mention around here of My Favorite Things, a company I designed for, on and off, for several years. I'm usually pretty good about transparency when it comes to relatively big changes (whether in paper crafting or 'real life') I'm going through, because I think if you're going to take the time and make the effort to read my blog on a regular basis -- God bless you; double if you're also one of the ones who comments! -- then I owe that much to you. No one likes an unreliable narrator. Anyway, for those who have wondered or speculated, but have been too afraid to ask, here's my version of the story:
I came back on the MFT design team full-time in January of this year, after having stepped down in September 2009. At that time, I was burnt out with respect to design team work, and needed to focus on other personal projects and my family. By the time I returned to MFT, many changes had taken place regarding the emphasis and timing of obligations. It was a much different design team than the one I had left; certainly much more organized and, judging from the growth and success of MFT, more effective. But I didn't really get that when I returned. To analogize, I thought I was coming 'home,' but the folks had moved from the comfy house in which I was raised to a fancy, upscale neighborhood, and it was no longer acceptable for me to leave my bed unmade or put my feet on the coffee table. It took me a couple of months to figure that out. I either needed to get with the new, and some would say 'improved' program, or I needed to leave.
So, I left. That doesn't mean that I no longer respect and admire MFT, or that I'm not grateful for the privilege to have served on its magnificent design team for so many years. It just means that it's no longer a good fit for me, and I'm no longer a good fit for MFT. From my perspective, it's as simple as that. I harbor no ill will; in fact, some of my closest crafty friends are on the MFT DT and will be for life. And I plan on them being my close crafty friends for life, too. In other words: it's all good. There are designers all over the world who would cut off a digit (pinky finger or toe -- maybe even ring finger? Who knows...) to be on the MFT DT, so there was never a question that there'd be a gaping hole left when I removed my 'talent.' {Hee} In the blink of an eye, I was replaced by someone arguably more talented and definitely more enthusiastic. Leaving also gave me the freedom to take on some new papercrafting challenges that I'm really excited about. So, again, I view this whole situation as win-win.
Now, wasn't that explanation worthy of me leaving you hanging with my last post? Having gotten the scoop on the door that closed, are you ready for me to reveal what's behind door # 1? The picture to the left gives you a hint. On the inside, it's a blank canvas, and walking out it... well, the sky's the limit!
Kind of reminds one of a sketch challenge, don't you think?
Sort of like Julee Tilman's MOJO MONDAY!
That's right, peeps... I'm now one of Miss Julee's fabulous MOJO MAKERS! Every Monday, as you peruse the Mojo Monday blog, in addition to the samples by Julee herself and the other wonderful Mojo Makers (see blog roll on my sidebar), you'll find one by yours truly. I'll also be posting the Mojo sketch and my sample to my blog every Monday morning. Isn't that going to be a delightful way to start off a new week?! (Please nod your head and/or cheer "Huzzah!")
So, without further adieu, here's this week's MOJO MONDAY sketch:
And, feeling festive and celebratory about this awesome opportunity, here's what I did with it:
I used the Lone Penguin (or 'Pedro,' as I called him while I was making this card) from The Cat's Pajama's Salud set. The sentiment is from The Cat's Pajama's Hola Tequila set. Some of you may question Pedro drinking a margarita in a hurricane glass, but I think he's a smartie. Hurricane glasses are larger (bonus!) than traditional margarita or martini glasses, and much less messy. Those wide-mouthed margarita and martini glasses that margaritas are typically poured in are way too easy to spill. Take it from an expert.
Okay, friends! Surely by now you are anxious to head over to the Mojo Monday blog to see what the other Mojo Makers have put together to inspire you to get stampy!
In the meantime, I've got finals this week, two papers due, and a speech to write and deliver to the moms and daughters attending Claremore High School's annual Senior Tea. Whee! I've also got a couple more 'reveals' to make to you by the week's end. Am I a busy little bee or what?! Oh well. It keeps me off the streets...
Supplies used:
Stamps: Salud and Hola Tequila by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Neenah 110 lb. Brilliant White from The Cat's Pajamas, Die Cuts With a View Fiesta 6"x6" pad, Not Quite Navy, Crushed Curry, Ruby Red (SU!); Ink: Marvy Matchables Black, Not Quite Navy (SU!), VersaMark; Accessories: Inside Pinking CutUps die from The Cat's Pajamas, Lemon Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas, Sentiment Flag die from Lil' Inker Designs, Nestabilities - Circles, Pinking Circles, Double-ended Tag Trio, Copic markers, Diamond Dust, yellow brads, 1 1/4" circle punch, Jody's foam boosters.
Thrilled to find you via Mojo! You have a new follower! Cannot wait to see more!
Posted by: Romaine | May 02, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Congrats, my friend! I look forward to ogling your sketchiness each Monday!
This card is fabulous. Seriously. :)
Can't wait to see what's behind the other doors...
Posted by: Christina Fischer | May 02, 2011 at 07:33 AM
I totally get the "no longer a good fit" thing and feeling the need to move on. Yep, I do! :) HUUUUUUGE CONGRATS on being on the Mojo team! Julee has AWESOME sketches! You did an awesome job here, as I knew you would. Bold and bright and gorgeous!!
....I'm trying REALLY HARD to go more bold and bright. You're the perfect inspiration for it.
Posted by: Denise (peanutbee) | May 02, 2011 at 08:25 AM
Congrats, Carole! Door #1 is looking pretty fantastic! Love your bright and festive sketch sample, too!
Posted by: Amy Sheffer | May 02, 2011 at 08:41 AM
I'm glad you mentioned Bin Laden (not that I'm looking for political stuff on card blags), it was a relief to hear he was dead, but I can't get into the partying, that just doesn't feel right. I think you KWIM.
Holey Moley, that penguin is screaming WAKE UP! then three margaritas later fall down.
Where ever you go what ever you do, I enjoy going along for the ride. Life is change and if can't adapt you're screwed.
Posted by: chris v - easily amused | May 02, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Congratulations to you on being a DT for Mojo. That's fantastic news. I can't wait to see all your wonderful creations.
P.S. Yeah to opening doors!!!
Posted by: Lisa Minckler | May 02, 2011 at 09:31 AM
HUZZAH!
Congrats, Carole! Verve is one of my favorite stamp companies, and Julee is so talented. I used to follow your crafting productions, but somehow lost you along the way. I'm glad to "find" you again, and look forward to seeing you clever work again both on Verve's blog, ... and your own!
Posted by: Mary Dinucci AKA seamom | May 02, 2011 at 09:33 AM
What a fabulous and so "you" card!! Love the bright colours! Congrats and can't wait to hear about the rest of your doors!! You can put your feet on my coffee table any day! You rock PPL!
Posted by: Kerry J. | May 02, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Whatever you stamp and whoever you do it for, stamping should be fun... and this card spells fun with a capital F-U-N! I'm so thrilled to have your fabulousness joining the Mojo team (especially if you're bringing the margaritas)! {grin}
Posted by: Julee | May 02, 2011 at 11:04 AM
This is so fabulous and fun, Carole! LOVE everything about it.. Welcome to the Mojo team.. we are thrilled to have you join us!
Posted by: Stephanie Kraft | May 02, 2011 at 11:47 AM
I just this year started participating in Mojo Monday Challenges. Can't wait to see your craftyness each Monday!! Glad you're here!!
Posted by: Lesa | May 02, 2011 at 12:00 PM
oh, we miss you Carole, but totally respect your desicion to leave the MFT family. So glad a door has opened and I look forward to seeing those Mojo Monday creations! congrats!
Posted by: Lisa Henke | May 02, 2011 at 12:29 PM
A warm mojo welcome! Actually, I'm already a subscriber so I am really glad the news is good news. And I have to say, it seems we're having an epidemic of out-growing or being outgrown -- it's natural for the Gen Ys, but for me, late boomer, it's uncomfortable -- except for the fact I'm finding myself in such good company! :)
Posted by: Queen Mary | May 02, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Congrats to you, Miss Carole! We always knew ya were a star anyway!!
Posted by: Leigh O'Brien | May 02, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Love this card it is soooo cute.
Posted by: Tina C from PA | May 02, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Perfect card for an artful "toast" to our newest mojo member. Hugs, Mary
Posted by: Mary Fish | May 02, 2011 at 02:40 PM
You ARE a Busy Bee! And such a wonderful addition to the Mojo Monday team. Congrats, Girlie.
Posted by: alma de la rosa | May 02, 2011 at 02:48 PM
My Birthday Cinco de Mayo!!!and your card could not be better. The colors are fantastic, it is PERFECTO. Love it.
Posted by: Gisela | May 02, 2011 at 03:21 PM
welcome, welcome, welcome Carole...it is wonderful to have you with us....your card is amazing, luv the fun colors and style...hope your week is marvelous girl! If you ever need anything let me know, I will surely help if I can.
enjoy *~*
Posted by: teresa kline aka va.sunshine | May 02, 2011 at 05:23 PM
Congrats on Mojo Mondays! Love your colorful card for this week. Looking forward to more updates. Take care and good luck getting everything done this week, Miss Busy Bee! Robin
Posted by: Robin Barwacz | May 02, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Oh so happy to see you on Julee's team! Congrats!!!
Posted by: Sue Kment | May 02, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Salt on the rim...you bust my buttons, girl! ;0
Posted by: Amy Rohl | May 02, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Amen. You don't have to explain it to me.
Posted by: Lydia Fiedler | May 02, 2011 at 09:25 PM
Hey, we did switch teams...ok, that didn't sound right!!! :)
Way to go girlfriend, Julee is da bomb! You will rock this like everything you do!!! Congrats!
Posted by: Wendy Bond | May 02, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Woo Hoo, so happy to see you on the blog that makes my Monday's bearable!! Congrats and I look forward to seeing all the fun and fabulous creativity you will contribute to this wonderful group!
And amen to your comments about Bin Ladin!
Posted by: Stef Perry | May 02, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Door #1 looks great to me and that mojo-alicious card is fabulous!! I can't ignore a bright, beautiful card like that!! LOVE IT!!
Posted by: Tori Wild | May 03, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Congrats on your new gig!! Super cute card!!
Posted by: Jessie/knightrone | May 03, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Looking at door # 1 I couldn't help but think maybe you were going to Munchkinland!!! LOL Congrats, Carole!
Posted by: Ree Donnelly | May 03, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Congrats Carole! You'll be an awesome Mojo Monday gal!
Hugs
Karen
Posted by: Karen | May 03, 2011 at 07:33 AM
LOVE how bright this card is, Carole! Totally Fiesta-like! And congrats on your new gig!
Posted by: Tammy Hershberger | May 03, 2011 at 09:45 AM
YAY!!! My favorite stamper on my favorite sketch challenge team!?!? It's most certainly a win-win FOR ME! Because that's the important part, right? hee hee Seriously, huge congrats dear Carole - sounds like a couple of very wise and wonderful decisions! Hugs to you!! Oh and I loooooove your super fun Cinco de Mayo card!!
Posted by: Libby | May 03, 2011 at 09:47 AM
"HUZZAH" LMAO I'm assuming that is a REAL word??? LOL
Carole... NOT sure why it took all that 'splainin.. perhaps I'm SLOOOOWWWWW but I never ONCE figured that you leaving MFT was a bad blood kinda thing... You are ADORED by MFT Junkies, DT members and of course Kim!!! NOW... about the MOJO... YAY!!!! I'm thinkin that since I get updates via email I won't have to go searching tryin to remember the exact blog addy for you etc... yes you are in my reader bar thingie but really... WTH IS THAT???? LOL
I LOVE AND ADORE YOU!!!!!
Posted by: KelliJo | May 03, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Congrats Carole ... can't wait to see what you come up with!
Posted by: bonnie weiss | May 03, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Your designs are fabulous no matter where you are! I love the colors on this card!
Posted by: Colleen | May 03, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Carole!! This is fantastic -gorgeous colors & fun image!! Welcome to the Mojo team - excited to work with you :)
Posted by: Debbie Carriere | May 03, 2011 at 09:04 PM
Congrats Carole!!!! I am a huge fan and know that you are going to be a great addition to the Mojo team.
Huge Hugs
Nicky Manel
Posted by: nicky manel | May 03, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Congrats Carole. Fabulous card, love the colours and fun theme.
Posted by: Nina | May 04, 2011 at 09:57 AM
i'm super exited for you Carole! i love this new sketch and your fab card!
Posted by: gabbe | May 04, 2011 at 01:12 PM
SUPER fun card...welcome to the mojo makers :)
Posted by: Maria Gurnsey | May 04, 2011 at 02:37 PM
First off...your card is just so fun and happy with the bold and beautiful colors! Secondly...congrats on becoming a Mojo designer! I'm a huge Verve fan and am a regular player in the mojo challenges and look forward to seeing your creations!
Posted by: Wanda Cullen | May 05, 2011 at 11:53 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! So excited to hear this GREAT news and all your new changes, I love your work:)
Posted by: Noelle McAdams | May 06, 2011 at 09:20 PM
I have been meaning to come here and comment on this card for over a week. (Surely I didn't already and have forgotten it. If so, consider my age [50-ish] before you think I'm crazy. LOL.) This card rocks! I love the vibrant colors and design. I had never seen your work. Therefore, it is great to see you over at Mojo Monday!
Posted by: Tammy E. | May 11, 2011 at 06:50 AM