Apr 29 2008
Good News, Bad News
Whether news is good or bad is all relative, isn’t it? Well, I have some news and I’ll leave it up to you to determine if it’s good or bad.
As some of you know, last summer my son had brain surgery (obviously bad news). He had some issues with his eyes immediately following surgery and in time, the condition corrected itself. About two months ago, the condition resurfaced and we have learned that unless it corrects itself once again (which is highly unlikely at this point), another surgery is the only solution. Although this surgery will be by far less serious than the last, it is still another surgery. I have been hoping and praying that my son’s eyes will improve, but with each doctor’s visit, I have sat there in disappointment as the doctor tells me there is no change. So with all of this going on, along with the daily challenges of life, I had been considering cutting back on my design team work. I wasn’t sure how I was going to go about this, but I have felt it is something I need to do. I just can’t concentrate on things at home and split myself here and there between my teams and give them all the attention they deserve.
In the midst of my pondering of what to do, I received an invitation to join the Cornish Heritage Farms design team. After giving this an enormous amount of thought (it was in no way an easy decision), I have decided to leave all of my teams and work with CHF. Although I am very excited to join CHF, I am sad to leave my teams I’ve been with for so long. They are all wonderful and I will miss them terribly.
I will still be using stamps by My Favorite Things, Lizzie Anne and C.C. Designs (and Inkadinkado… although that one wasn’t a “team” so to speak). I just won’t be designing “for” them. I’ll be designing for CHF. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone there and becoming part of their fabulous team. :) So….good? Yes? I think it will be great!
Now onto my card…
Birthday Blessings
I needed a fairly quick birthday card so I took a few moments to make this one for my sister-in-law. I used Nature’s Silhouettes from the Kim Hughes collection at Cornish Heritage Farms. Using all Ranger Distress inks, I inked the stamp in Tattered Rose, then rolled the edges a bit in Worn Lipstick. I added a few tiny butterflies here and there, sponged the edges with Brushed Corduroy ink and then distressed a little. The sentiment, stamped in Brushed Corduroy, is from CHF’s Script Essential Expressions from the Mona Lisa Moments Collection.
The patterned paper was all scraps I had lying around. I can’t bring myself to toss that Wild Asparagus paper by My Mind’s Eye (and I have a lot of it).
One more thing…some of you have mentioned that you’re receiving multiple copies of my blog updates (via email). I’m not sure what’s up with that or how to fix it but I’ll look into it. Thanks for letting me know!
Thanks so much for stopping by! And thanks for listening to my ramblings. I hope you’ll come back, and have a nice day!
Cardstock: Prism Natural Smooth Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye Wild Asparagus “Friends Forever” Gingham and Floral; “Dad & Me” Brown Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms “Nature’s Silhouettes” and “Script Essential Expressions” Ink: Ranger Distress in Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick and Brushed Corduroy Accessories: Karen Foster Earth Tones thumbtack brad, large oval punch, sewing machine/thread, sponge, edge distresser. Card size 5 ½” x 4 ¼”.
Sorry to hear the news about your son. I will be thinking of him.
As for your DT choices, we all need to make difficult choices, but in the end it is our own well-being that must come first.
I love your work and you will be an asset to CHF! Keep up the great posts!!
Bev
I respect you for your decision, Michele. And I’m very sorry to hear about your son’s problem.
Michele - I didn’t know about your son. Anything like that with our kids can be so frightening. I’m sure you must have been disappointed (to say the least) that another surgery for him is imminent. I’m sending you a big cyber hug and I promise to add him to my prayer list. Congratulations on joining CHF - what a super wonderful company. You’ll be a real asset. I’m sure Christine will miss you. Beautiful card - of course anything you do is beautiful. (((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))
Michele, I hope your son will be ok and put your faith that it will happen. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers…
I, too, understand your decision to resign from your design teams as you need more time for yourself and your family. I wish you only the best!
I love this card as it is so soft and serene looking.
Pinky
You KNOW I wish you all the best — but I will miss working with you! Family always comes first, and I know this was a hard decision for you. You will be a perfect addition to the CHF team — your creations (like this one) are always gorgeous!
Big hugs to you!!!!
First, a (((hug))). I know it’s not easy seeing your child hurt and I will be praying for him and you as you work with your doctor. Your family comes first and you have to do what’s right for you and them. Your work is lovely Michele and I’m glad you will still have the opportunity to share it with us. ~Patti
I’m so sorry you have to go through another surgery with your son Michele!!! I’ll be praying for you both…. just like the last time!
Your card design is stunning!!! Love the shabby look and warm colors! So glad you decided to join the CHF team!
Your son with be in my thoughts and prayers and I totally understand, priorities are priorities. I look foward to seeing your work with CHF.
Michele, I’m sorry to hear about your son’s condition. I had no idea. Surgery is difficult at any time but always harder when it’s our children. I’ll be thinking of you all.
Best of luck with CHF! I look forward to seeing your wonderful designs!
Your card is very pretty. I love that stamp and the colours you used are gorgeous!
I hate to hear about what’s going on in your life and I send many hugs not only to you but to your son. I hope that all goes well.
Your card is beautiful as usual!
Sorry to hear about your son’s surgery’s and having to leave all of your other design teams, but I’m glad you’re taking the invite for CHF. Family needs to come first always. Please also keep us posted on how your son does as prayers will also be going up for him too.
Sorry to hear about your son. Good vibes coming your way.
I don’t know anything about DT work but sounds like you made a good choice. I like what I see at CHF.
Really like the flower image on your pretty card. tfs
Bev J.
Wow Michele, I didn’t know about your son but I will pray for him and for you and your family. That is a tough decision but I am sure you have made the right one. Designer or not, you are an artist and I look forward to your projects. This card is no exception…it is gorgeous! I love the pinks…beautiful vintage feel to this…just beautiful!
Bless your heart! Of course we’ll be praying for you and your son. As for your design team work, I think that it will be a good decision for you. I’ve heard that they are fabulous to work with, and you won’t need to feel so “split”. You’ll be able to plan your time a little better and have that extra peace that you’ll need if you end up facing the surgery with your son.
Be joyful!
Congratulations on your DT decisions. I know it was a hard decision to make, but I’m proud of you for putting family first. After all, when all is said and done, family is what is most important! Blessings to you and your son as you walk this path and may you sense God’s love and peace abundantly.
All the best with your son… And I know that whoever you work for, your creations will still be as stunning as ever!
Diane
Prayers for your son and your family…..Difficult times and difficult decisions for you…..On a lighter note - fabulous card!
I am so sorry to hear about your son! I hope that all goes well and he is better soon. You are in my prayers. We will miss you at All That Scraps, but look forward to seeing you at CHF. Good luck in all you do. Your family is most important and You are doing what’s best for them. ((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))
Sorry to hear about your son. It sounds as if you’ve been through a rollercaoster of emotions. I think you made a wise and brave move in cutting down your commitments. Hope all goes well. Love your cards by the way! Angela
Michele - I will keep your son in my prayers. You are totally right to concentrate your energies toward your family. Naturally we will miss your work for these companies, but there are more important things for you now. Hugs!
Michele - we’ll miss you! but big congrats to you as well! Best wishes to you and your family as you work through this. You’ll be in our thoughts…
Cathy
I think you definately made the right decision & I’m sure you will be greatly missed on the other design teams.
I pray & send hugz to your family that all will work out for your son.
We’ll miss you greatly Michele!
I will keep your son in my prayers that all will go well. Thanks so much for all you have done for us! Good luck with your new endeavor…we wish you all the best!
My heart is with you I have also been coping with a close relative who had a brain tumour removed 3 years ago I bless every day my sister is with us but sometimes it can be hard!!! Good luck with your son’s surgery and as far as DT are concerned family always comes first. Stamping hugs Sue :o)
Michele,
I want you to know that I am holding you and your son in the Light — there is nothing more important than your family and their/your well-being! Design teams change and come and go, and with your talent and genius and enthusiasm, we can rest assured that there will be more ;^)*
CHF is so lucky to have you — and they seem like such WONDERFUL people to work with/for. I know that they will also help with the Power of Prayer.
Change is GOOD!
Go forth and be bold… and remember the depth of sadness you feel during this time of transition, is equal to the goodness of all you have done.
Know we all care and hope that these times of stress and sorrow and worry diminish.
Blessings to you,
Julie
Hugs and Prayers to you and your family. It IS always tough when more than scraped knees and bumped heads happen to our children and a kiss doesn’t always make it better. My heart goes out to each of you. I pray it all goes well.
“When one window is shut another is opened”. I’m not really sure that is exactly how the saying goes….BUT I think you know what I mean. CHF is a favorite of mine and now they will have you, another favorite of mine!!! Change, new adventures….I’m sure the decison making was tough, however, I’m sure that CHANGE is usually a good thing and almost always inevitable. Good Luck!! I think you’ll do GREAT!!
It sounds like you have arrived at a solution that may both simplify and reinvigorate your design work. Congratulations on the new opportunity. We’ll be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I saw the announcemente on CHF that you joined their team - and I wasn’t surprised! I always enjoy seeing your work and since I love their stamps, it is great for me! I will pray for your son that all goes well and that you will receive the comfort and strength you need to get through this. All the best (and hugs!), Jackie
loving prayers for your son and your whole family during this time. I will always continue to enjoy your work wherever you are and change is good sometimes!
Hi Michele,
Sorry to hear about your son’s condition and the lack of improvement. It’s so hard to see our kids have to go through *anything* that’s harmful to them, physically and/or emotionally. I will keep you in my prayers.
Your decision to cut back on your design work says that you’ve got your priorities in the right order, girl!
A big hug,
Amy
{{{{Michele}}}} I had no idea about your son, and I will keep you both in my prayers. Believe me, I know about going through the wringer regarding the health of a kiddo — few things in life are as stressful or emotional. And it’s so tough to juggle multiple deadlines when your mind is on bigger issues. So I forgive you for leaving us at MFT! (kiddin’!) I know you’ll be a terrific asset to CHF, and if you can score me some of their upcoming Thomas the Tank Engine stamps a little early, why, all the better!
Take good care, my friend.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All the best with CHF. Ultimately, happiness and balance in life is what we all strive to achieve.
Beautiful card. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Congrats and your new endeavor.
Your situation with your son has got to be tough. So sorry.
Good luck with you new DT position!
Michele — so sorry your son will have another surgery but at least it’s something the doctors think they CAN fix instead of no hope. Congrats on joining CHF — I know you’ll do awesome things with their images!
(((M and Joe))) you know I am here for ya!!!
Your card is stunning M! I love it! LOVE the colors! I am so glad you will be able to slow down a bit!! You will be an awesome addition to the hens!!
Hi Michele, So sorry to hear about your son. Good luck in what’s to come. I knew a Michele Boyer when I was growing up. Of course, this was her maiden name and I’m assuming your’s is a married name. Too funny. But if by some chance, Boyer is your maiden name and you grew up in Santa Clarita, contact me!
Big hugs to you and your son! Hope all goes well…not an easy decision you had to make I’m sure…but glad that you are joining CHF! Yippee!
Hi Michele- I am so sorry to hear about your son! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Hopefully everything will all work out.
Congrats on the CHF DT! I can’t wait to see what you do with Kim Hughes stuff (although, i’ve already seen the owl stuff and I LOVE it)! I will miss having you on the ATS team, but will come by your blog daily (as usual) and say hello and oh and awe over all your creations!
Best of luck.. keep in touch!
-Jen
{{{M}}} so sorry about the surgery (again) but I know everything will be just fine! Hugs to you my friend. CONGRATS on your new position with CHF. I KNOW you are gonna rock it out!!
Congrats on CHF. You’ll be a perfect addition to an already fab design team. And I’m so sorry about your son. I’m certainly hoping for the best for you both, and that you may have the patience and perseverance to be there for him.
I’m sorry about your son needing another surgery, Michele! I didn’t know about this, and I will keep him in my prayers.
Your card is very beautiful! Congratulations again on joining the CHF team!! You’ll be a huge asset to the team, and I look forward to seeing all of your creations!!
Keeping you all in my prayers - no mother wants to see her kids go through anything but happiness. Congrats on joining CHF, love their products and your designs will undeniably do them justice!
Well you already know how much we’ll miss you and you know we will keep you all in our prayers. I know chf is getting a great girl and I know we’ll stay in touch. You are a gifted designer and I am still gonna meet you in July!
I didn’t know about your son….keeping you all in prayer! You will do great with CHF- lucky you!!
I’m so sorry you guys are having to go through this! I’m praying for ya.
CHF is so lucky to have you! I know you are gonna blow them away!
Michele, although I had the impression there had been something serious with your son, I didn’t know exactly what. At one time I read back on your blog to see if I’d missed something and couldn’t find a relative post. I’m so sorry to learn you, your son and the rest of your family have had this distress and worry. You’ve been doing an amazing job of keeping up with everything but I sure do understand your need to cut back. Congratulations on what I know is a wise decision.
CHF must be doing handsprings to have you exclusively on their team! They have a nice variety of beautiful stamps and products for you to work with and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy it. I know I’ll be looking forward to what you have to share. Keep your chin up and I’ll be hoping for the best possible outcome for your son’s condition.