...for those of you looking for some creative inspiration---I will have something to share along those lines tomorrow. Today, I am just babbling about a few changes you might notice....
I started this stamping hobby a few years ago as a release---something just for me. Over the years this hobby had taken me such amazing directions. Lately, however, I have felt that this hobby is taking just a bit too much of my time. I ALWAYS take a month off in the summer to just be with my kids with no deadlines, etc. I will still do that later in July....but for now, I have decided to cut back a bit so I have time to do lots of other things.
Therefore, I have decided to not renew my contract with My Favorite Things and I am also taking a break from the CCEE group. I am trying to reduce the amount of "deadline" creating I have to do from week to week so that I can go back to creating because I am driven to do so. I will continue to design for Gina K and guest design for Stamper's Dream. Hopefully, this will allow me to get a better balance on things in my life. There is so much I want to do besides stamp:
I want to run and play with my kids without having to worry that I might have to work all night to stick to a deadline.
I want to spend lots of time with my husband before he deploys in the fall.
I want to get back into GREAT shape.
I want to stamp---when I want to! (And not stamp when I don't feel well enough, or my kids need me.)
I want to visit my friend's blogs/galleries and see the amazing things they have been creating!
These decisions have been difficult to make---so difficult I have put off making them for quite some time. The MFT girls and the CCEE group are some of my greatest stamping friends and so I definitely feel sad about it. But the fear of losing my stamping friends or letting people down has kept me feeling overwhelmed for too long.
I just wanted to share this with you. I WILL still be around (sometimes more, sometimes less). I will post on my blog but not with the intensity that I have been because I have been on so many design teams. I know that this is what I need right now.....and I hope that you will still continue to stop by and say hello!!!
Special thanks to Kim (MFT)--you know I will always be a MFTer! Thank you for being a true friend and putting me before business! (((KIM)))
PS: My Favorite Things is releasing several new stamp sets on Wednesday night. I will have a peek at one of the new releases to share tomorrow!
Thank you for understanding......and Thanks for stopping by!
87 comments:
Congratulations on your decision. I always wondered how stampers are able to juggle so many deadlines from a variety of companies. Your life will be so rich and fulfilled. Thank you for always sharing and glad to know you will still be stamping and sharing!
It's so great that you are doing this Cammie! You will be so much happier with your family life and that will spill over into your hobby life. I think you are being so brave and smart, good luck with everything and enjoy your family! Oh, and I look forward to hearing all about what GREAT shape you get into! I love reading your personal posts just as much as I love seeing your stamping-related posts.
Good for you for realizing it, and taking action. You will always be one of my favorite crafters, so don't worry about us not stopping by to see what you are working on. Have fun with your family. Hugs to you.
Thumbs up to you!! Family is #1, they grow and change so fast and before we know it, they're off on their own! Get every last minute in with your husband, the fall will be here too fast. Thanks for always sharing not only your stamping but your personal life as well. We'll be here....
Cammie, you are making your decision for the right reasons -- family ALWAYS comes first. You have always inspired me creatively and personally, and with this post you have done it even more so. Even though I won't see you at MFT, I'll still visit you here to see what you're up to!
I wish you and your family many blessings -- enjoy your summer together!!
Big BIG hugs!!
Christina
Big hugs, Cammie. I'm sure these decisions were hard but they were made for the right reasons. Enjoy your time with your family this summer!
and how! you go girl!
Congrats on your decision, Cammie. Your kids are only little once and you can never recapture that time. I will never regret being a stay-at-home Mom and that was before my stamping time. Now they are graduating from college and moving away. Enjoy while you can! Hugs!
good.for.YOU!
enjoy that family time :)
{thanks for the sweet blog comment yesterday re: deployment, btw, wish we lived closer too, you could teach me how to stamp!!}
(((hugs))) & ♥~
rae
Good for you. I'm sure it was a tough decision. Hugs.
Hey Cammie! That sounds like a good decision. Kids are only kids once. This hobby is amazing but if you are always running to meet those deadlines that probbaly does leave little time to craft your YOU. It's sad to see you leave MFT but without the pressure of providing samples on a deadline I'm sure you will have MFT stuff created just for fun.
Have a fabulous summer filled with fun with the kids and DH!
All the very best to you!
The one thing I have always said in my life is that my Family comes first over anything else in my life. It is great that you will take this break and put more time and dedications to your family and like me I love to stamp when I want to stamp, it feels more satisfying to me. And FUN!!!!
Enjoy your time and cannot wait to see your spur of the moment fun posts of new creations.
HUGS
Although I loved the DT's I was on, the best decision I made to step back and make more time for the family and myself. I'm happy that you are doing what is necessary for you--while we'll miss you on those teams, I know you'll still be creating beautiful things for us to look at. Best wishes for finding time for you again! I know you're not the only one feeling this way right now...you just might have opened pandora's box for others to be brave enough to cut back too!
Hugs,
Amy
I'm sure that wasn't an easy decision, but kudos to you for putting family and more important things first. I love this hobby so much, but only if it enhances my relationship with people. They're more important than the prettiest card I could ever make. Enjoy your blessings!
Cammie, I understand every word you said, as I have been there too. I haven't been on the big teams you have, but have spread myself way too thin in the past by trying to meet deadlines for five teams. You are doing the right thing. We will all still be here for you. We are your friends, and want to to be happy and satisfied, that's hard to do when you are ALWAYS feeling rushed!! I think you will find that your art goes to the next level when you've taken some of the "have to" out of it. Most importantly, God blessed you with the people in your life. They are more important than ANYTHING else in the whole wide world. You will have peace and feel so wonderful about this!! BIG HUGS!
I love you Camster, and there's no way you're ever gonna get rid of me as your friend craphead!!
Sending you BIG HUGS, Cammie! Good for you for making that difficult decision! You won't lose your stamping friends. . .how could they forget about you?! :) I know I never will! Enjoy having more free time and family time! Love ya girl!
HEY GIRLIE, I think you are making a wise decision here. Just hearing that your hubby is deploying ANYWHERE leads me to believe that you need to step back from the crafting a little bit right there! Spend as much time with him and the kids while you can and enjoy having him around because you know that when he leaves you will be picking up all the slack!
SO, relax a little, laugh some MORE and breathe!! I have always said that you should "NEVER EXPLAIN, your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it anyway!" Gina K is supposed to be using that for a stamp set some day!
We don't need explanations from you! We trust that you know yourself well enough to know when to draw the lines and not cross them, so GOOD FOR YOU!
We all love ya girlie! Hugs, Nicole
Just another reason why I love your blog - you are so honest and authentic and I'm so happy for you. I will definitely miss your MFT creations but still love whatever you share!
Good for you !Enjoy your family and craft when you can and want to and not because you must .It takes the fun out of it.
Enjoy !!
hugs,
Congratulations on your decision. It couldn't have been an easy one - more power to you. I still look forward to your blogging.
Yeah for you!!! Kids and family always come first in my book. I just wish I could quit working for my dad and move on. I want so much to be a SAHM and volunteer at my kids' schools. But... it's hard when you work for family to let them go and to tell them no and that enough is enough. Twenty years I've been helping him and it doesn't get any easier. I wish you and your family well and I know we'll see you around. Have fun with those kids and never look back.. you're making a smart and wise choice. Hugs!
Oh my gosh! I am so happy that you were able to not only make a hard decision, but share yourself so openly.
It's a good life!
Terri E.
good for you! It's so hard to make time for yourself and your family sometimes. I'm so proud of you! ENJOY your summer!
A hard & difficult decision for you I am sure, Cammie. I know how much you love to share your talents with everyone but it should be when you want to not because you have to make a deadline. We will still be here to for you whenever you want to share something with us. Life is toooo short not to enjoy each & every day with your family to the fullest. Have fun!
Oh Cammie I know this had to be hard for you, but I am so glad that you will be doing something for YOU and how YOU want to do it!! I personally don't see how anyone can have all that on their plate AND a family to take care of too, or just to BE with! You are so awesome Cammie, I'll still be around ;) to admire all of your awesome work for sure!
Hi Carolyn, I just want to say first that it was soooo great to meet you at CHA Winter. I've been stalking your blog for quite some time and I am always amazed at your creations! I know first hand the demand the "job" aspect of creating puts on you. I wish you and your family the absolute best! I personally think you are making the BEST decision! I will definately be back to read your posts and view your wonderful creations! Take care! Katie
Go for it! You deserve a break and so does your family.
awwwwww......I know those had to have been some really tough decisions for you. I'll miss seeing all your FABU creations during peeks and blog hops, but I'll still be stalking your blog for your fabulous work.
Hugs!!
I love your work, but even more I love your attitude. I have learned myself that some times we are so busy saying yes to opportunities we forget what we are saying no to in the process. Stamps will lay there and wait but people won't. We can't stop time and it's easy to miss out on a lot of precious moments while we try to "do it all". Life is too good to miss, enjoy every minute of it ;)
Good for you and most importantly good for your family! Your words are better than any creative inspiration you have shared with me.
Good for you Carolyn. Hard decision but one that in the end will be the best thing for you and the kids. I know I will still see you around. :0) Hugs
Cammie, you know we love you and are honored that you share your creativity with us, but always family comes first. Kudos to you for making such a hard decision and blessings for sharing it with us. That's why I come to your blog over and over...of course for your wonderful creativity but also for those glimpses of YOU and how you juggle the multiple hats we ALL wear.
Good for you Carolyn! Sometimes we just need to step back to enjoy it as much as we'd like. I'm not into nearly as much as you are and I'm thinking that I'll be glad to not have to "worry" when one of my DT commitments is done at the end of June! Have a SUPER summer!
GOOD FOR YOU!! I'm very proud (and inspired) that you are thinking of yourself (something that we mom's don't do enough of!) and your family and what meets those needs!!
Ya know....a friend is trying to get me to do a sprint triathlon (problem....don't swim great/hardly at all and don't run....) but my biggest thing was "when will I train (even at this late date?)....but if you can be willing to cut back on doing something that you love so that you can find the time to do things that you want, then I have no excuse to cut back on some extra "sure, I'll do that" so that I consider this new challenge...
Inspiration comes in so many different ways....sometimes it is a card/creation....sometimes it is just taking a stand for yourself and showing others that they can do the same!
Thanks Cammie~
TFS! Enjoy your time with your family. This is something that I am learning to balance too.
Cammie, I will always stop by to say hi, I totally understand and I give you a big applause because I think you are doing the right thing. I started a blog a year ago and I can't remember the last time I posted, (maybe Jan for the Autism run). As a SAHM with a 7 year old and a 3 year old and married to a soldier with crazy TDY'S and schedules and wives coffees and everything else life trows I find no time to blog everyday. Family first, specially hubby time (sacred). I still create in my studio time permitted (maybe 2-3 times a week for maybe 1 hr tops)but taking pics and posting doesn't happen because I have no time, the time I would have to spend blogging I use for running or working out. Maybe in Aug when the kids go to school I will have a bit more ME time to dust my blog....maybe not but I am ok with that ;) Good job Girl!
Good for you, Cammie! Great decision. Stamping should be FUN, not an obligation. Enjoy your family time and relax!
Fabulous decision! Family comes first and kids grow up waaaay too quickly. Enjoy your free time and know we'll still be here to see your amazing creations :P
Cammie family always comes first and I totally agree with the direction your life is taking you! You go girl! I know it must have been very difficult decision to make but all of your blogger friends will always be there for your hun! Sending you lots of love!
Hugs~ Kim
((((HUGS))))) that had to be a tough decision, but way to go!!!! I hope that you truly get to enjoy life during the summer and your family!!!! ((((((HUGS))))))
Good for YOU, Cammie! And good for all of us -- we know you will continue to post great stuff when you can, and I think it is fantastic that we can all keep things in perspective! Way to go! Have fun this Summer and always :^)
Julie
It's reassuring to know you have a clear focus and strong grsp of your priorities. I knew I admired you for a good reason. This faithful reader will be right here waiting for your return. I applaud you, my dear.
I applaud you for knowing and realizing your limitations and doing something about it. That balance is the struggle that we all face and it sounds like you are taking a step in a better direction. I am excited to see what you will create when it is just for you and not for a design team! Enjoy your time!
You and your family come first and your decision is a good one! Creating shouldn't be stressful! I have missed you! Get caught up, relax, and enjoy your summer and your family!
Family and God should always be top priorities in life. Making a hard decision such as you just did will be good for you. The stress of deadlines and commitments effect the rest of your life and relationships. Life is too short to waste it on less important things. Enjoy your time with the kids and hubby before he leaves. I'll still visit every time you post no matter how often or seldom that might be. And besides, if you aren't so busy, maybe we can meet in Salado one day. :)
Good for you Cammie!!! Stamping is supposed to be a fun part of our busy lives! Enjoy your family and I totally "get" the before deployment quality time - take it and enjoy the kiddos with your husband! All of your stamping friends will still be here! I know it was probably a hard decision for you, but good on you for making it! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Good for you! Stamping should be a joy - not a deadline that you need to make. Enjoy time with your family - they are what really matter! Stamp for the fun of it!
Good for you, Cammie!! The kidlets are little, and living at home for a quick l'il blink of time ... then they're gone on to their own lives.
Remember that cross-stitch sampler verse:
"Cleaning and scrubbing
can wait 'til tomorrow
for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep,
I'm rocking my baby
and babies don't keep."
Just swap out the cleaning and scrubbing for "stampin'" and "craftin'." Lord knows I sure did!!!
We'll be here to 'ooohhh' and 'ahhhhhh' over your amazing projects whenever you post!
Commitments can be overwhelming. If you know in your heart this is what you want to do, then it's the right thing. We'll be here visiting whenever you decide to post. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration your cards and projects bring.
Your family comes first and I hope you enjoy the time with them and take time for yourself as well.
I can certainly relate to you hun!! You need to do what's best for YOU! Take care of yourself and I will still enjoying following you! :)
I certainly think your priorities are in the right order! I will come to your blog regardless Cammie! In fact, now you'll have even more fun stories about your kids!! I love reading those! have a great summer with your family!! Hugs, Harriet
I'm glad you were able to share with us for so much for so long. Stamping and creating should be fun - Enjoy the time with your family, and we'll still see your fab creations.
I understand, family comes first! Sometimes doing the thing you love so much gets old! I little break never hurts! Have fun!
The kids definitely have to come first. My husband thinks I have trouble balancing crafts and family (though he's totally wrong) and I'm only on 1 design team!
I'm glad you'll still be around, and glad that you got to a decision and point in your life that you like.
I understand and respect your thoughts, Cammie... Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Good for you! What a release to give yourself permission to relax & enjoy your family! Now, go forth & play, play, play!
((applause)) and ((hugs))
You go, girl....enjoy life and go back to the simple pleasures of stamping cuz ya just love it!!!!
Good for you, Cammie. I was an independent demonstrator for 5 years and began to feel the same way - all my stamping was preparation for a demonstration or class, not for the fun of it. AND Family is way tooooooo important. All my kids (6) are grown and starting families of their own and I am still amazed how fast the time went by and how I wish I could do things over to spend more fun time with them when they were little. We love your artwork but glad you are taking care of what is really important.
Seeing what time you posted that note, I say good for you! Enjoy your life!
Good for you! Time goes by so fast and kids grow up way to fast, I think it is great that are taking more time for yourself and your family! Go, have fun and enjoy life!!
Sharri
I've been too busy to stop and comment on all your wonderful artwork, but thought I'd take a minute today...and I see I'm far from being one of the first to comment to this post -lol. I admire you for making this decision, and as tough as it might have been for you, I don't think you'll regret it and I know your family will be happy about your prioritizing. I'm not on any design teams, only have two kids at home now, and still don't have time to do all I'd like to (including a LOT more stamping!). We'll all be around, so when you do have something to share here, know that you'll have people eager to see/hear what you've been up to. ;) Enjoy your summer and your family, Cammie.
Oh, Cammie Toe. You couldn't get rid of some of your stamping friends (*ahem!* clearing throat...) if you tried! You will be greatly missed on the MFT DT, of course, but I understand and respect your decision. You need to do what's best for you and your family. We'll always be here for you! :)
Good for you for making a tough decision. SOmetimes you just have to let some things go and focus on what is most important in your life - your family & yourself! We will all be here to pop in and check things out whenever you have something to share. We're not going anywhere! I will miss seeing so much of your fabulous work but I hope you enjoy your newfound 'freedom'!! xx
Congratulations on making a difficult decision. What you wrote made perfect sense, you need to do what is right for you and your family.
I commend you on making this difficult decision! I often wondered how you managed to keep it all together when it seemed you were being pulled in so many different directions!! You will be in my prayers for I know this had to be a VERY difficult decision but I also know it was the right one!! Your family will so enjoy having MORE of you around them instead of in your studio working on a deadline. I will continue to follow your blog and be inspired by your postings!! Enjoy your summer and your family!!! Those online friends (who love you) will be here when you get the urge to share your creativity!!! Take a deep breath ... you deserve it!!!!
Cammie - GOOD FOR YOU!!! Family and YOU come first, and I think you are making a very wise decision. As you've stated, you will continue to create, we will continue to love what you share with us, and life will continue on, even with change. Enjoy your decision, have no regrets...stamp when you want, play when you want - do NOTHING once in a while (I know - that's a really hard one). Cindy
I admire you for doing what you feel is right for you and your family. I know this must not have been an easy decision for you. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT :)
Life is way too short to miss all the special moments....... I've been there too and slowing down feels SOOOOO Good!!!!!
I am sure that you won't lose any of your stamping friends, you're a beautiful person and slowing down will not change that!
Hugs,
Vicki
I totally agree with your decision. Family should always come first. When you get overwhelmed with stamping and designing, it no longer is a fun hobby. Enjoy your husband and children!
Yup, family first. Life is too short to be in the house stamping every day. :) Enjoy each day doing all of the other things that you want to be doing. I am on your blog newsletter list so when ever you post I will visit. Have fun Carolyn.
Mary
Cammie, I applaud you making this difficult decision - I so feel your pain as I have been in your shoes before. Regardless when you get around to blogging, I'll be here to see your AMAZING work!
All the best!
Difficult decisions to make, Cammie,
but you will never regret your decision to spend more time with your children and DH.
Enjoy!!
Karen x
Oh Cammie!! I am so happy for you in the decision that you have made for yourself! You are going to feel so much better and so is your family :) Sending you {{{HUGE HUGS}}} your way! We will always be here for you :0)
so glad to hear you have your priorities straight! Family First! you go girl! Hang out when and IF you have the time...we will still be here :) Cher
hilly77@comcast.net
If there is one thing I have SLOWLY learned is that we can't do it all! Your kids are only young once and we and your husband just need that quality time. This is the first time I have had any real free time in my adult life and I am enjoying it. Stamping will still be here!
Carolyn, I totally understand where you are coming from and where you are going! Congrats to you for making that decision! I've gone back to work full time and find it difficult to find stamping time with trying to get my family time in each day. That must come first. Stamping just has to wait. Luckily I'm not too busy with stamping anymore.
I've missed visiting you daily but working has slowed down my bloggin' each morning...lol
I will pop in when I can for sure though!!
You are not only a wonderful person, awesome and talented stamper, but you are a very intelligent person and one that knows the importance of family! I respect you for that and I am very happy for you. I know you will be around when I need to call you names and buzz something you have done wrong! Which by the way, I look forward to doing! Snort!
Love ya!
Cindy
I know that it is so incredibly difficult, and relieving to step down from a team. You are an awesome stamper and person and I know that whatever direction you take everything will turn up roses :) Hugs-Jd
I admire you for having the courage to do this. You will never regret spending extra time with your husband and children. God will bless you for making this decision. Thank you for sharing your life and talents with us.
Cammie,
Good for you! Stamping will always be there..time with family and friends you just cannot get back. I know I enjoy it and at times believe we all struggle with the perfect balance.
You have been wonderful as a MFT designer! Because of your amazing creations I have made quite a few MFT purchases :o)))
Enjoy time to stamp when you want to, not because you NEED to!
Hugs!
I congratulate you for being "brave" and making the decision of putting your wants first. I am sure lots of us feel bad about saying no, and then just feel bogged down by everything.
Enjoy your spare time and I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing what you want to share when you feel you have to :)
Thank you Cammie for all you do - now its time for more you time :)
Hi Cammie!!! I am so happy for you that you made the best decision for yourself! As a mom of 3 boys, the youngest will be a senior in high school next year, the time goes FAST and you and your family will be so glad you made this decision!!!! I'm sure it wasn't easy! I will still be stopping by to see your amazing creations!!!!
Hugs!!!
Remember
God 1st
Family 2nd
Work 3rd.
I will miss seeing something everyday, but am so glad you listened to your heart.
You are such a wonderful example of balance!!!! Your post is definitely striking a cord with me and helping me to remember that I have only a couple precious years left with my almost adult kiddos!!! I think sharing these perspectives and life changes is so encouraging to all of us trying to balance everything in our lives!! Thank you sooooo much!!!! And I'm THRILLED to be able to work with you on GKD!!!! HUGS!!!
I am not in any design team however since baby #3 arrived I have found it hard to juggle everything! So I can totally understand your choice and think it is wonderful. Enjoy the "distance" and have fun doing other things. :-D
I so admire your decision and hope that you have a really BLESSED summer with your family! It is so much more fun to stamp when you don't "have" to!! Kudos to you!
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