Friday, August 14, 2009

Oh Nuts...


It has been a rough month. Wish I could sugar coat it, but for the last few weeks I have been preparing my goodbyes with Cornish Heritage Farms. We are parting on good terms, the best possible, and I will continue to design art for them for right now. Both Julia and I were laid off, they operate with a zero debt policy (which I admire) and they would have had to go into dept to keep us on. I loved the duties and challenges that came with my job and I will miss it very much. And I am glad the I have the opportunity to create art. There are many changes throughout our lives and while this one is hard, I am sure that I will learn and grow from the experience.
So while I am not sure what is next professionally for me, this is what I do know:
I love crafting of all kinds and will keep creating all of the wacky ideas that come into my head. So there will be stamping, scrapping, fabric, buttons and gems everywhere. I want to get better behind my camera, learn more about photoshop and illustrator and maybe even try a little quilting! And I am going to make more time to try new things! There are so many fun techniques, and crafts to explore. One of the upsides of not having a job is that I will also have more time for my kids, and that has always been a priority for me, but now I won't feel like I am juggling so much maybe. And I want to walk a little slower, smell the flowers a little more often and look at the clouds that are passing by.
Trying to decide where I fit into the industry, do I pursue another job? I feel like I have tons to offer, but not sure where it is I fit now. Kind of a strange inbetween place. I had one of my proudest publishing moments this month when one of my projects made the front cover of Paper Crafts! The little Spooky Bag was so fun to do, and took only a few minutes! The "Oh nuts" card is in there too, and it sums up today perfectly. For sure I will continue to submit projects for publication. I do enjoy the magazines so much and hope that they are around forever. Just not quite the same on the computer screen. Oh I do love to catch up with what is new and Moxie Fab online, but sitting with a glass of lemonade and flipping leisurely through the lates mag is a pastime I hope I get to enjoy for many years!
So today I need a hug. Just one more week, and then I am getting released into the pond.
Anyway, to make myself feel better I want to do something for someone else, leave a comment by Sunday at midnight, and I will pick someone on Monday to receive my August release of All Things Considered "School Primer".
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend
B-

18 comments:

Robin Kirkpatrick said...

I had a feeling from one of your previous posts that something like this was going on in your life. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this, but am happy to hear it's all on good terms. While I don't 'know' you well, I must say that I have been most impressed with the way you handle yourself and all your responsibilities. You did an amazing job with the Summer Stamp Star contest. Your stamps and craft projects are amazing and I have no doubt you will land on both feet with a wonderful opportunity. You have a way about you that I'm sure will take you far in whatever you do. Sending you well wishes and a big cyber hug! Take care of yourself and keep in touch here on the blog so we know what happens in the next chapter!

Sherrie said...

Big hugs from me to you Bek...I will miss you immensely at the farm! Although I will still get to enjoy your art!!!
You will find a fit that is perfect for you! You have so much to offer and you are a sweetie 2 boot!

Virtual squeezes from me!

Lori Craig said...

If it weren't for the Farm, I'm not sure our paths would have crossed. I'm grateful for that. {{Bek}}

Anonymous said...

Becky, I'm sorry to hear this news. :( I hope you find your new spot in the industry soon. I'm sure great things are coming your way!

Heather Harrell Photography said...

((hugs))

stumbled on your blog from facebook today. sad to hear this news, but it sounds like you will keep yourself busy. ;-) planning a trip to co anytime soon? xoxo

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

I've loved your presence with CHF and it just won't be the same w/o you! I feel like we were just getting started with your new line of ATC stamps! So glad you will continue to design.. the ATC's are so gorgeous!!!
Thank you so much for all you did with the Farm Fresh blog, and the Summer Stamp Star contest! You definitely have a great disposition and are very diplomatic...Things that do go a long way..
Big hugs to you for now.. Change is hard, it is scary.. but we have to open a door to allow those good things to be available!!!

Lynn said...

My dear friend... I just stopped by to see what was new with you to read THIS? Say it ain't so, Joe.

I think you have a lot to offer and things always have a way of working out. I know it from experience. So, keep your chin up and your wonderful attitude. I know good things are going to happen for you.

I mean, seriously... just look. I bought that Paper Crafts mag. and opened it up to see my friend was on THE COVER!! I felt so proud. Really proud. To have spent time with you and shared the creative energy with you earlier this year.

And, I know I went home a better person for meeting you.

Love ya like a sister!

Jean Franks Beck said...

Oh my gosh, Becky, I feel like I just met you this week, and now no more CHF! You have been so wonderful to "meet" through the CHF forums, the contest, and of course, through your genuine encouragement to me as a newbie. I can tell that you are one of those people who will never be without wonderful opportunities knocking at your door. Enjoy this time with your family, keep creating wonderful stamps for us to work with (tee hee) ;) and best of luck in whatever makes you happy!

natalie malan said...

bekzilla!!! I'll hug you anytime! in a train, on a plane, in a house with a mouse, wherever! sorry to hear the news (I finally signed up for google reader so I can keep up with everyone!), and if you start quilting, I'm so there. I just started learning a little too. You should so help me pick fab fabric! you have such an eye for great color and pattern combos!!!

natalie malan said...

PS LOVE that skeleton and card!!! Gotta get the mag now to brag about my famous friend. (and make the cute skeleton) - wait does this enter me twice in the drawing?! um whoops. I am such a cheater! hahahah.

Angelnorth said...

Biggest cyber hug possible coming right at you, Bek! We will so miss you and Julia on an everyday level but I'm so glad you'll both still be creating art for your lines. Best of luck with whatever you decide to pursue in the industry and I hope the flowers are the sweetest smelling possible in the meantime {{hugs}}

Ellen said...

oh Becks I just read the news email, what a shocker.You'll be greatly missed , somehow it feels like the CHF family is falling apart a bit with all these changes.
You're a true professional for not letting this news spoil the Summer Stamp challenge.
I hope you'll find this gives you time to take stock , to enjoy the family, to decide what you'd truly like to do next.
take the time to enjoy.....
There's a whole world out there waiting for you.

lots of hugs

Vienna Impressions said...

Oh Becky, thats really "funsucker" news: I'm so sorry to hear about it! But you are so dynamic, creative and funny...I am sure you will find your niche where you can celebrate your you-ness! Sending you super best wishes....

Anonymous said...

Becky,

I'm very sorry to be reading this news this morning. You and Julia have played such an important role with such a wonderful company...I'm sure the CHF family did not make these decisions lightly. I'm sure I will "see" you in the crafting circles/world...as your talents are phenominal! I visit 4 blogs daily....and yours is one! Sorry to see you leave CHF...but excited to see where the future takes you...(I own my own business, 23 years...we've had twists and turns too...it's like starting from scratch in a way, a time to take different risks ... ) Take care and big cyberhugs.

Trudi

Jennifer Hansen said...

Sorry to hear about that. It sounds like you had a great time with CHF and I wish you the best of luck with all of your future scrappy endeavors!

Rachel Carlson said...

HUGE hugs sweet girl. it's time for yet another exciting part of your life to begin...let it in and be on your way! ♥rachel

carole (TruCarMa) said...

{{{Becky}}} It's hard to even know what to say, but I do know that someone with your talent and experience will be much sought after. Just deciding what YOU want to do will be the hard part! Wherever your path leads, know that I'm rooting for you, Bek!

Anonymous said...

That card looks awesome....
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