Commit and Experiment

I have committed to a couple things this week.  I decided to take another online class.  It's a self-paced class for one week at Andrea Walford's.  She is a Canadian Stampin'Up! demo that does beautiful work.  Here's a link to her class if you're interested:  Andrea's Valentine Class.

I also decided that I'll either sell or use the rest of my unloved stamp sets.  They just sit in their plastic cases, never used.  Too much money invested in something I'm not using.  In November I sold 30 some sets on Ebay.  The buyers got good deals and I got more space.  We both won.  Now, this commitment, I decided would be when I want to do it so I'm not saying that I'll use a set each week or each month - I'm saying I'll use it when I can and I will post the samples I make.  This week I pulled out Stampin'Up!'s "Heartfelt Thanks" set.  I also decided that when I use one of these neglected sets I'll try to use only supplies from the vendor that makes the stamp set - if possible.  So, everything from this set came from Stampin'Up!  Did you buy this set, too?  It was all the rage when it first came out.  I experimented with the number of floral images I stamped - not sure which one I like best - which one do you like?  Or maybe you don't like either! Or maybe I should have stamped a few more of the "stamped-off" images.  I don't know.  I also used SU's background stamp "French Script". I still love that stamp even though I've kind of gotten away from using background stamps.  How about you - do you use background stamps?

When I first started "really" stamping, about 8 years ago, I was a total SU girl.  You have to admit - they do have quality stuff.  But this craft has literally exploded in the last 8 years with new vendors, designers and products.  Pretty difficult to stay loyal to just one company - especially if you're not committed to them in some way.  SU's new mini catalog has many temptations for me but I'm trying to not buy anything.  I'm trying to be a little more picky about what I do buy so that my drawers aren't full of unused things - KWIM?

Yesterday I fasted and prayed for little Kate all day.  She had her MRI, with not the best of results.  I cried as I read her Mom's emotional journal post following their viewing of the MRI.  The tumor in her brain is still there.  Now they will wait to see what the doctors advise next.  It's an difficult journey - beyond difficult - it's a horrid journey - watching Kate go through these awful procedures and yet trying them in order to possible save her life.  Sad and horrible.  Please pray for wisdom and God's leading for the family and the doctors.

We have more snow.  This morning it's 2 degrees outside.  The road into town is too icy for us to use.  I have lots to do in here to keep me busy so I'm fine with it.  The smokey smell is slowly going away, except for the basement.  I'm not sure it's been very good for us to be in here breathing it the last few days.

Thank you for stopping by today.

Blessing from Yesterday:  Got lots of bookwork finished.