Wow......

Morning everyone.

You know, there are times in all our lives where things seem to be getting the better of you. Chaos tries to settle in, things aren't going the way you ever imagined, and you just sit and wonder where life is going to take you and why.

I've had quite a few of those days lately. I've paced this house, I've cried, I've laughed at my dogs and cat, then I've cried again. I've gone outside to set up sprinklers in the yard and looked out at the amazing view I have here and stood in awe at the beauty, and then I've cried again.

Yes, life right now has thrown me a curve ball, and it hasn't been easy. Hard to focus on any one project, whether it be design related, site related or life related. I know I'll get through all of this, but it's been difficult.

And then God sent me a little reminder both last night and this morning when I got up.

One of the emails I received was from a designer at Scraphead, Carol Burns. It was titled: If only humans could respond like this with humans. It is a story of will power. I couldn't save the photos in the email, but it was about a dog with only 2 legs, his hind legs, and how he walked on those legs, upright, like a human. Through sheer will power he could do this. This message was at the bottom of the email:

The doors are open for only those who believe in themselves and Will Power which can make an animal walk on TWO LEGS...!!

I sat there and thought for a minute....YES! I do believe in myself, and YES! I will get through this hurdle that God has put in front of me. YES! I will make it through and land on my 2 feet!

Then, there was this for me this morning;

I was looking through all my email, drinking my coffee and sorting out email to delete, file etc and there was a post on my blog from one of my designers at Scraphead. She said she had a surprise for me. So I went into my bookmarks and went to Snowravens Blog. I checked out her slide shows, I love that she does those :), and arrived at her July 14th post. She posts them earlier than even I get up because she is in the UK and I am in the Rocky Mountains of the US.
As I read through the post, there it was. She was giving awards out, and there I was, top of the list! ME! I actually started crying a little again, but it was happy tears this time instead of tears of dread or sadness. I read what she wrote and realized that all the work that I had put into things over the last year wasn't all for naught, someone did appreciate me. I kinda knew that I had a great little 'family' at Scraphead (some of which had started when I began my first site, Kutnkudlys Kreations), but here it was for all to see! These gals have been wonderful during this time of my life that has been to say the least extremely stressful, and they have been doing a fantastic job as designers, site promoters, they're growing so much. I'm so proud of them! It really started my day off right!

Now, there was a little catch, which doesn't bother me in the least (except for the thought process...lol) I have to put the award here on my blog, and nominate 7 others. YIKES! So, without further ado, here goes:

*insert drum roll here*

1. Bridget - You have been something else. You always get me cheered up, you've done such a wonderful job with the challenges and the forum at Scraphead, and you're a great ear and shoulder when I need one. I've luved ya since the day I met ya!

2. Cindy Ritter - You have been great too. You got volunteered for things at Scraphead that you didn't know you were getting volunteered for, but you have jumped in with both feet and really shined! You have also been a great sounding board, we've been able to brainstorm about things, and you've been there when I've needed an ear as well. You're awesome too!

3. Roxanne - Can I just say I love your blog? I may not be able to read it everyday, but when I do, I love the inspirational posts you put on there. Grounds me again :)

4. Afridigidiva - You're a nut, you get me laughing, you drive me nuts, but you call it like you see it, and I love you for that (it means I'm not the only one..lol) And you've been there when I've needed an ear too ;) Love ya girl!

5. Deb Ammerman - Still love you to death, you gave me my start in this industry, and for that I will be eternally grateful! You are an awesome lady!

6. Ilona - You are awesome gal, life has thrown you some curves, but you've come around the bend fabulously! I love your work and your spirit!

7. Miki Ferkul - What can I say, I just absolutely LOVE your designs! You have always been very sweet and just a general overall great gal!




Grab your Award - These are the rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on her/his blog.
2. Link the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the persons you've nominated.

Ok, now I'm off to go get another cup of coffee, let these gals know they've been nominated and then gather my day!

Have a great one!