Life Called...It Wants Me Back
I firmly believe life sends us little messages if we only listen. And sometimes in the hurry-up routine of daily living, those messages gets lost. We ignore them or shove them to the back of the brain to deal with later.
For several months now I've been hearing the whispers in my mind and re-evaluating my efforts to fit life in around the deadlines essential to the operation of a publication. I've loved my work and accepted the demands of the ticking clock that goes along with it. I'll even admit that at times that clock can be a great motivator.
But then March came along and the clock was silent. By some strange fluke, there were no assignments on my plate for an entire month. My house got cleaned...really cleaned. Yardwork got done. The inbox was empty (that didn't last!). It wasn't anything grand...just ordinary little things I hadn't had time to do. And life whispered.
A few weeks later, I went to the Scrap Etc. Event, and while I know Heidi Swapp taught 600 women that weekend, she might as well have been speaking directly to me and me alone. Her lecture was about listening to your heart because your heart doesn't lie, and she filled her talk with quotes about happiness. I wrote down several, but the one I circled and underlined was "Cherish now. A year from now you'll wish you would have started today." And the whispers grew louder.
I cannot imagine a better "job" than I've had with Creating Keepsakes magazine. I make scrapbook pages that make me happy, and I've been blessed that they've also made CK happy along the way. From my first published page in 2000 to teaching and representing CK at trade and consumer shows, I've been treated to so many great experiences. At each opportunity I'd say to myself, "Wow! This is as good as it gets." And then CK would offer me some new challenge that would be even better. I learned so much in the process...about the industry and about myself. It's been an amazing ride.
But even good rides come to an end. I've stepped down from my role as Contributing Editor. I'll miss the people who have become so much more than co-workers. They're talented and dedicated and supportive and caring...an amazing group. Our paths won't cross as frequently now and we'll have to work to maintain the friendships we've formed, especially given the distance. It's these special people who made the decision to leave so difficult.
I'm a scrapbooker...I was before I took this position and I will continue to be now that it is behind me.
Life called. I listened.
That was so beautifully written. It's good to hear the whispers - life is so full of opportunities, of experiences - and time goes so quickly. But boy - I'll bet they wish they didn't let you have enough time to hear whispers. :)
Hugs!
Posted by: Sharyn | May 13, 2008 at 06:08 AM
As much as you will be missed by your scrapbook following at CK ... I am so glad that you listened and know the priorities that are right for you. I know that you will enjoy every moment of scrapping more for yourself (and hopefully will share on your blog:))
Have I told you yet this week how beautifully you write?
Enjoy a great day!
Posted by: Linda J | May 13, 2008 at 06:21 AM
A touching post, indeed.
As a CK reader, I will miss your "touch." As one of your blog followers, I am happy for you.
Many of us are hearing those whispers - good for you for listening!
I wish you all the best on this new beginning!
Posted by: Lisa | May 13, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Brenda,
You probably don't remember me, but we met a couple of years ago in Vegas at a trade show at one of the CK receptions - and I was impressed then with how down-to-earth you were. I've been a big fan of your work for years, and a recent follower of your blog. I just wanted to wish you all the best in your changes...and I love your outlook on it all. You're right. Life does happen...and if you're not careful, it will pass you by. I wish you well in enjoying every day of life.
Posted by: Becky | May 13, 2008 at 10:14 AM
You will be dearly missed!! I love your work and love reading your blog! Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!!
Enjoy Life!! and THANK YOU!! for all the inspiration, smiles and joy! You've enriched our lives forever!!
Posted by: Cindy | May 13, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Oh Brenda! You will be sorely missed in CK. I do hope you continue your blog though. But you are right, enjoy your life and listen to the whispers. You can never get today back and tomorrow is only a day a way. I hope our paths can cross again. Please look me up anytime you come to LA.
Posted by: Heather C | May 13, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Brenda, when I'm done mourning, I'll be back to post some congratulations...LOL.
Posted by: Erika | May 14, 2008 at 02:12 AM
That post was beautifully written. I'm very sad for me, but equally happy for you. I wish you the very very best with all that life has in store for you. May you and those you love share many happy memories along the way.
Posted by: Kimberly DiNapoli | May 14, 2008 at 05:55 AM
You will be missed, but I understand how you feel, listen to that whisper. I'll keep checking out this blog.
Posted by: Carey Holt | May 14, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Hi Brenda! It's Amy in Birmingham. I have enjoyed every article you have written and the times I have been priveleged to meet you. I am so happy you listened to your heart! I don't think you will be sorry, but it is true you will be sorely missed. You are my hero!
Posted by: Amy L | May 14, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Good luck on this new phase of your life
Posted by: Alina | May 14, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Very well written. Good luck in the new direction your life is going.
Posted by: christina | May 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Brenda, I had the pleasure of TAing a class with you in Seattle a few years back and I LOVE your Easy Patterns book.
You will absolutely be missed.
I wish you much joy and many blessings wherever the road may lead you.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | May 14, 2008 at 01:10 PM
going to miss you Brenda! good luck on your future endeavors! enjoyed meeting you at CKC's and will miss your smile and enthusiasm for this hobby of ours! hope you and that KU-lovin' hubby of yours enjoy this new path!
Posted by: Kelly | May 14, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Brenda, I am going to miss your articles but I know exactly how you feel. I retired in October and have never enjoyed anything as much as I do my time. You will be sorely missed in every way. Hope to run into you at one of the conventions as a student.
Posted by: Cora May | May 14, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Your contributions were some of the best that CK had to offer. You've given me so much inspiration! You keep it real with straightforward 2-page, multi-photo, photo-centered, simple (but clever) layouts.
Best of luck to you as you enter the next phase in your life!
Sandra
Posted by: Sandra @ The Memory Workshop | May 14, 2008 at 07:53 PM
I wish you the best of life in the future! I will follow you here. :)
Posted by: Joscelyne (Joscie) Cutchens | May 14, 2008 at 10:28 PM
The industry will miss you!! You are kind and sweet and I'm excited for this new chapter in your life!
Posted by: MaryRuth Francks | May 15, 2008 at 12:34 AM
I will REALLY miss your columns in CK! Best wishes to you for where life takes you next. Thank you for all the inspiration you've provided.
Posted by: Lisa B | May 15, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Good luck with all you do.
Posted by: detta | May 15, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I will miss your columns and patterns in CK. Good thing I bought the book:-) Best of luck. Oh and when you plant your Ruella, be careful...it can overtake a yard very fast:-)
Posted by: C. J. Edwards | May 15, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Welcome home, my friend. My whispers, or maybe shouts, come in a package that calls me Grammy. You now have the job of getting me geared up on scrapbooking again.
Love, Bonnie
Posted by: Bonnie | May 15, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Brenda,
Taking time to listen to your heart is something many of us need to do more often! I wish you the best of everything!
:) Sharon L.
Posted by: Sharon L. | May 15, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Brenda,
Taking time to listen to your heart is something many of us need to do more often! I wish you the best of everything!
:) Sharon L.
Posted by: Sharon L. | May 15, 2008 at 11:57 PM
WOW! you are amaizing, and I can honestly say this WE ARE ALL GOING TO MISS You!!!!!!!! Good luck
Posted by: Linda | May 16, 2008 at 07:10 PM