When Things Don't Go Your Way

What do you do?

Several weeks ago, I took a big risk.  Sadly, it did not pay off.

It took me several weeks and several drafts before I can even blog about it.

Now, I'm glad I took the time before I hit "Publish," because it gave me time to put things in perspective.  When we don't get what we want, when we fail at something, when things don't go the way we planned, it's natural to feel sad, disappointed, devastated, and discouraged.  But after the initial shock had worn off, we still need to figure out what to do next, how to pick up the pieces and move on.  I think that was the hardest part for me -- getting up after I've been knocked down.

So I took stock of my blessings:
1.  My family -- my husband and my son, my parents, sisters, and in-laws, who love me unconditionally and support me fully

2.  My work, which is fulfilling, despite being a great source of stress; for being a source of financial security for me and my family, and for being my excuse allowing me to have my papercrafting/scrapbooking/cardmaking/hobby-baking hobby

3.  My hobby, and this blog, which are sources of joy and calm when things are swirling out of control; for the quiet time I get when indulging in my creative pursuits that lets take a step back and evaluate what really matters

4.  My readers, who view and read my blog to see what I've shared.  I hope what I share and what I create gives you inspiration.  Please know that you inspire me to blog, and to keep creating (every chance I can).

And I realized that I have all that I need to try again, to take more risks, the same risks, different risks, to face challenges, and to overcome them.

I'm writing this post and sharing this, first for myself, because I know that there will be many, many more times in the future when things will not go the way I planned, and I need to remember all these so I can get up and try again.  I am also sharing this to maybe inspire someone who is trying to overcome a hurdle that life threw their way.

I don't know if you can tell from the picture below, but the card stock has this beautiful sheen to it.  It makes a very pretty card.  Making this card definitely lifted my spirits, and I hope that whoever receives this card will feel the same way.

And lastly, the sentiment, which I felt was very appropriate:

I really don't know what the "end" is for me and my "risk," but I am hopeful that everything will work out for the best for me and my family.

Thank you all for looking, and I hope you have an encouraging day!

Eventful

The past few days were very eventful for my husband and I.

Last Wednesday, we found out that the house that we'd rented in the past was for sale.  We really loved that house, and since buying a house had been at the back of our minds, we decided to go for it.

Last Thursday, we contacted an agent, a mortgage broker, and made arrangements to view the house.

Last Friday was my lab tests, and after I recovered, we met with our brand new agent to draw the papers to make the offer.

Last Saturday, we went to our childbirth class, and we got a phone call from our agent.  Unfortunately, it was not good news.  It turns out that we made the offer a few hours too late -- the seller had accepted an offer on Friday afternoon (during my blood tests).

Since it was a whirlwind thing, I was not hit by the disappointment until Sunday afternoon, when I started thinking about the house and where our baby's room will be... :(

Our agent offered to look for other houses in the area, but we really just made a quick decision to buy because it was THE house that we wanted for so long...

For right now, my husband and I are benching the idea of buying a house and focusing on getting ready for our baby, who is due to arrive in 9 weeks.

I made this card because I keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that we will still have a chance at the house (somehow).

I made the flowers using a 1 inch circle punch.  I punched 8 pieces of 1-inch circles, folded them into threes, and glued them together to make a flower.  Pretty neat, huh?

I used these products from Stampin' Up:

Faith in Nature stamp set (Hostess, Wood:  122490; Clear:  122492)

Calypso Coral classic ink pad (122939)

Pool Party card stock (122924)

Island Indigo card stock (122923

Whisper White card stock (100730)

Everyday Enchantment DSP (Sale-a-bration:  126154) 

Textured Impressions Stripes embossing folder (123128)

1" Circle punch (119868)

Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755) to attach each petal, forming the flower

Glue Dots (103683) to attach the flowers

Snail adhesive (104332)

Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) to pop up the sentiment

You can buy all these products here.  Click on "Shop Now" on the upper right corner to start shopping.

Thanks for looking, and have a great day!

Mojo Monday 229

I stumbled upon this really great blog featuring card sketches and sketch challenges made by talented paper crafters -- Mojo Monday.  It has been around for around 5 years or so (since 2007), and I can't believe I've heard/read about it from other bloggers and at SCS, but haven't really looked into it, until today *sheepish smile.*  It's such a great site, and a great way to stimulate your creativity and inspire you when you're drawing a blank at creating cards (thank you, Julee Tilman).

The sketches are designed by Julee or one of the Mojo Monday Design Team members, and it's a very welcoming site.  They encourage anyone to participate, and use any materials (stamps and supplies) from any company.  Read more about Mojo Monday here.

Because they're so welcoming, I felt very comfortable in jumping in and joining the fun right away.

This is the Mojo Monday sketch for this week:

This is the card I came up with (I modified the sketch a little bit):

I used these products from Stampin' Up:
Word Play stamp set (Wood:  120308; Clear:  120651)
Rich Razzleberry classic ink pad (115658)
Rich Razzleberry card stock (115316)
Daffodil Delight card stock (119683)
Whisper White card stock (100730)
Rich Razzleberry DSP from Brights Designer Paper stack (117155)
Daffodil Delight DSP from Brights Designer Paper stack (117155)
Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon (1146156)
Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch (122464)
Stampin' Dimensionals (104340)

Snail adhesive (104332)
Mini Glue Dots (103683)


All these products are available here.  Click on "Shop Now" and enter the product numbers from the supply list above.

Thanks for looking!