Stampin'

My best buddy Lori has a Stampin Up business. This is her "thing." Like yoga & SoulCollage are my "things". Stamping is definitely not my "thing". But Lori is definitely my friend. Friends respect and support each other's "things".


Once a month Lori has a Hostess Club. When she first went into business she sent an email inviting everyone to join this club. You know how when someone starts talking alot about something that you're not really all that interested in, you sort of tune out a bit and don't take in all the details? Sort of like you who are just skimming this entry instead of actually being glued to it? Well, after she sent me the email twice, I responded with a "whatever, I'll do whatever you need to help as long as you just talk slow". Turns out that means I joined her Hostess Club. Slowly, it has dawned on me that it means once a month I'm supposed to go over her house and stamp. Last night I finally showed up for one. (jeez, hostess club and church in one week-- what's happening to me?)


Stamping makes me a bit nutty. Brings out all kinds of my Inner Rebel. The whole idea of there being a set order and a set pattern to creativity makes me bristle. So naturally I can't do it. Well, I can do it but I have to mess it up. And of course, I have to try and take other's down with me. And fortunately, we kindred spirits find each other where ever we go.


Bottom line: we had a really good time last night. Not only did we make some beautiful, unique cards but we got to hear delightful feed my rebel comments like "oh, look, you're being creative" (with a pained look at my moon with a red happy face on it) "well, that's interesting" and best of all, "look out, Linda's here" from my best buddy who encourages my random behavior and has taught me so much about accepting everyone's differences. She took me to the glitter to feed my inner magpie and brought me happy stamps that say "sparkle" and "be merry" for my happy go lucky, can't take all that sappy crap self. I got to hang with some of my other really good buddies and it was a really warm, wonderful night.


Now get this: next month I'm the hostess. hahahahahaha!

Stampin'

Some of you may know that my good friend Lori is starting her own business. Lori is a stampin' fanatic. It is her passion, the thing she loves to do. She finally decided it was time to take the leap and start selling it. She had her first Spirit Group Stampin' Class Sunday. We made really cute little potpourri envelopes filled with cards with sayings on them.

Now most of you know that I can go either way on this kind of stuff. Just like with music, one day I can think it's the greatest thing in the world and others just think it's unrelenting sap. Sunday was one of those unrelenting sap days. So I'm trudging around....muttering...."....stamping, .....humpf, ......gotta go make some cutsie sentimental sappy thing that smells....I like to do my OWN thing...don't need no stampin' book to tell me what to do....humpf..." But she's my good buddy, so I have to go support her. That's what friends are for. So, reluctantly, I make my way to her house.

Once again, I was wrong. It was delightful. Lori is a born teacher with great insights. She had everything laid out perfectly and labeled. Printed step by step directions. And most important, she left plenty of room for improvisation and quirkiness. She even had stamps with John Lennon quotes on them! Rainbow ribbon and magpie beads! It was really fun.

Funniest thing of all, she had that dreadful Christian contemporary music playing in the background. At one point I heard someone singing along.....and realized it was me. Me, sitting there happily stamping, singing Christian music.

What is this woman doing to me? And they call me a witch....