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.
Okay, enough mushy stuff. Are you ready to see this week's Mojo Monday sketch? It was designed by the delightful Debbie Carriere - take a look:
