I’m normally not one to talk a great deal about myself … (normally! ha ha!) … but there are a couple of things I’d like to share with whoever’s reading this out in blogland.. Spring has always been a favorite time of year – I’m sure it is for lots of you – renewal, growth, the smells (fresh-cut grass – yum!), the vivid colors (new greens, fresh pinks), and the sense that all is well in the world, that it’s not all dark and dreary and cold and gray.
For me, Spring also holds some anniversaries. And the ones I’d like to share with you involve you! Could that BE any cooler?!!?
Anniversaries ….
On Memorial Day one year ago, I spent my first weekend at the new You’re So Crafty! I’ve always dreamed of owning my own store – my first desire about 20 years ago was a fabric store, then as my interests grew, thoughts turned to a bead store, then back to a quilt store, and you may see a pattern here. When I learned that the local scrapbook store was for sale, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’d put the thought out of my head – dismissing the ‘dream’ as crazy. After all, I have a full-time job that occupies about 60 hours a week, along with friends, family, pets, a house, etc., how would I have the time!?
But I couldn’t shake it. Sleepless nights; all-encompassing thoughts; ideas; brainstorming with my BFFs (best friends forever): lists and notes on post-its, legal pads and napkins; and sweaty palms (well, not really). So, I did it. My dream for the store was that it would be a cozy place for crafters of all types to explore their creativity and feel comfortable hanging out. Most crafters I know enjoy learning new things and I knew that many crafts cross over into other crafts – scrapbookers and cardmakers/stampers can use collage techniques and fabric; beaders can use many of the scrapbooking supplies and techniques; quilters can explore the use of amazing yarns and even rubber stamps; mosaics can serve as instant ’scrapbooks’ and you can see another pattern here…
I think You’re So Crafty is that place. I am so fortunate to have an amazing team of employees and instructors and together we are continuing to expand the scope of what we offer area crafters.
There’s a huge movement among young women (and men) who are returning to handcrafting as a hobby and as a career – home sewing is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and more and more young people are being fulfilled by the joy of crafting. It’s exciting to be a part of an industry that brings people together, brings them joy and allows them to express themselves, learn new things, and make new memories (in whatever avenue they choose). It’s why I chose the name – You’re So Crafty – as an affirmation, that yes, you ARE crafty. You are CREATIVE. We all are. It may just take a little coaxing to bring it out!
The second anniversary – which happens around Mother’s Day – is my 20-year cancer survivor anniversary. I saw my gynecologist at a golf tournament this weekend and when I mentioned that anniversary occurrence to him, I think he got a little teary. And, BELIEVE ME, this is not an emotional man! LOL!
I was 27 years old when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. After surgeries and chemotherapy and the care of a brilliant (and kinda strange) oncologist and a brilliant (and kinda strange) gynecologist / surgeon, I found the way to other end of the tunnel. In May of 1998, I was given a clean bill of health, but they don’t pronounce you cured for a little while longer. Weekly checkups turned to monthly, then to every other month, then every six months, then annually. And suddenly, the nightmare that seemed like it would never end was over. And 20 years have gone by. Just like that.
I don’t wear my survivorship on a t-shirt very often, but I think about it sometimes. When I’m feeling a little low, or like I can’t do face another uphill battle, I remember what I DID survive. I was a hospice referral – if you don’t know what that is, it means the medical folks looked at my diagnosis and believed that I would not survive. Statistics show that the survival rate (especially 20 years ago) Stage 4 – something like 17%.
I’m talking about this because I want women to be aware of the disease that is undetectable at early stages – please check out this website for more info - http://www.ovariancancer.org/
Don’t let it scare you. Talk to your doctor – especially if there’s a family history. Stay aware of your body and its activity. Be informed. Take care of yourself so you can continue to be crafty!
During the month of May, I want to celebrate these anniversaries with my new friends, old friends and family. One way we’re going to that is to donate a portion of all proceeds from the month of May to non-profit cancer organizations. My first choice, obviously, is ovarian cancer organizations, but if you have a particular organization you’d like to donate to, let us know when you’re in the store and we’ll do that for you.
So, celebrate with us! May 3 is National Scrapbooking Day and we’re kicking off the month with our first-ever Croptacular on May 2 & 3. We’re filling up the month with other special events, new classes, and art camps for kids. Stay tuned to the website and your emails for more announcements of fun activities.
And, from all of us at You’re So Crafty – thanks for helping make our dreams a reality. We’ve enjoyed the ride!
