Forks in the Road

                As I sit here and write my first blog for Country Craft Creations, I can't believe how much my life has changed in the past year and the new roads that have been laid out before me. Who would have thought, at sixty-one years old, I would be writing a blog for my favorite company, mentor, and dear friend?  I am a newly retired elementary school teacher of 38 years. I struggled with the decision to retire for three years before finally handing in my “Letter of Separation” to the district. I literally felt sick every time I looked at that word- separation. I questioned everything, from money to my identity. I’ve been a mom, wife, friend, teacher and when I had time- crafter all of my adult life. Being a teacher took up more than half of that life (probably too much as I look back, for I was never the typical nine to three teacher). I was, and still am, so very proud of that title, 'Mrs. Phelan', both professionally and personally.

 I was one of the lucky ones who knew what I wanted to be from day one. My mom used to say I was born with a piece of chalk in one hand and a bottle of glue in the other. I was given the gift of passion, for teaching was my passion- it was in my blood, it was the only thing I ever wanted to be. I woke up ninety -eight percent of the time happy, silly and excited to get to work and see the kids. I believe that having a passion holds the key to many different kinds of successes, and most importantly, it holds the key to joy. For without joy, my friends- we live robotic, half- happy lives. I believe that passion is what separates the truly fulfilled, energetic, happy people from the robotic, nine to five, can’t wait for the weekend type people. Life is too short to just exist; life shouldn’t be lived just for the weekends. Living with joy also keeps you standing, when the walls come crashing in, and tragedy strikes. It gives you strength and fortitude to go on, when you wonder how you will even get out of bed at times. Having a profession, I loved gave me joy. It is the joy deep within me that gave me strength when my walls come crashing down and tragedy strikes, such as when I lost my parents. I believe we must have a reason to get out of bed and not be swallowed up in despair. (Little did I know, I was soon to meet another woman who also lives with passion, who also chose to walk down a new, uncharted fork in the road, and lives her life with exuberance and joy.)

In walks Country Craft Creations. I can just about remember the day I was mulling through YouTube looking for a cookbook to make. I was completely drawn to a crafter named Tamra Merrill, and another named Brenda Crouch. They crafted to my passions- country, plaids, cows, lace, antiques, and everything vintage. I then found the CCC website… “Holy cow! She has a scrapbook store!!!!” And just like that, my joy meter began to rise.  What came next was truly one of those forks in the road of life, where you must stop, choose a new path, knowing that whichever direction you choose, your life would surly change. This one, particular fork in the road led me to my very first Country Craft Creations Retreat… St Louis. And the rest they say is history…

I was finally going to meet my scrapbook idols, Tammy and Brenda in person. I had been watching their videos for about 4 years before I finally met them. Little did I know, there was a whole team of designers about to enter my little world. I don’t really know how it happened, but I think Tammy and Brenda took pity on me, as I had written each of them in desperation several times before the retreat. This would be the first time I had ever traveled and flown solo without my husband, daughter, or friends by my side. I was scared, nervous, and extremely afraid of traveling by myself. I had never gone anywhere without my husband for over 37 years, let alone on a plane! But Tammy and Brenda would answer my emails within minutes calming me and giving me the confidence that I needed. They assured me I would be Ok, and they would be there to help me in any way needed. I think one of the differences between Country Craft Creations and other establishments, was, I never felt like I was talking to a ‘business’- I felt like I was talking to old friends.

Where we would we all be without a purpose? That is something I pray I will never be without. So, I will never leave this magical, happy place where I am surrounded by beautiful, happy, loving, creative, spiritual, strong women (and a few great men) who inspire me, make me laugh, keep me on my toes, and give me a purpose. I didn’t mean for this first blog to be so long, but I wanted you to know who was writing to you, and why.

Tomorrow we will keep up with Wilbur Wednesdays where we bring back a blast from the past. Old projects that are beautiful and waiting for a new twist with new papers and embellishments will be highlighted . It is my goal to not only bring Tamara’s self-made crafting world into your homes, but to also inspire you to live in joy with a purpose. Thursday or Friday will talk about Scrapbooking for the Seasons and our retreats! Please feel free to comment about what you would like to see on this blog, or what projects you are interested in. I hope this will be a happy place, led by respect and kindness. And so, my friends, I wish you a beautiful, pumpkin filled day!

Keep Spreading the Joy,

Sallie