Possibilities

 It's the start of a new year and, with it, comes a time for reflection; reflection on the past year and hope for what the new year might bring.  Do you make resolutions?  I don't.  What I do though, is set goals.  I've always been goal oriented and I can honestly say that every time I've set a goal, I have achieved it.  The problem I have with resolutions, is that they are based, in my opinion, on setting one's self up for failure.  Not only myself, but in those around me, I've witnessed time and again, the inability to turn a resolution into an accomplishment; whether it be to lose weight, advance in your professional life, save money.....and so forth. 

A goal, however, is a whole other animal.  According to my research, there are varying opinions on the differences between a resolution and a goal.  My experience leads me to believe that setting goals - actual, achievable goals, is the key to making real, true change in one's life.

Last year was an amazing year for me.   I realized a goal which has impacted me in ways that I never expected.  I never doubted that it would happen, and I shouldn't have been surprised when it did.

Let me briefly share the changes that took place in just one year:

1.  Six months after I started my own personal craft blog, I was asked to join two friends in forming a new, fun crafty site.  Although, it's not for profit, it is for fun!  Mountain Plains Crafters.  Look it up.

2.  Two months later:  I find out that the Craft and Hobby Association is having a big trade show in Atlanta, GA, just 2 short hours from where I live.  I'm not a member.  I'm not a big craft company.  I have no business even thinking about going.  But, I did.  I thought, and thought and thought some more.  Then, I decided to go on a campaign of sorts; a quest.  I called it, "The Quest for CHA".  (Look in my archives from June 2014)  I blogged about this quest for almost 2 months, campaigning to get in, in any way, shape and/or form.  I offered to set up tables, lay power cords...whatever it took to earn my keep.

I guess the powers-that-be, liked my quest.  I got the email, and then, the all-important phone call inviting me to attend.  But, not only was I invited to attend, I was asked to be the Guest Blogger and the Show Photographer.  A far cry from expecting to sweep floors.  It was a wonderful adventure and a life lesson in many ways.

3.  In turn, the experience has led to numerous opened doors and other opportunities.  I've made  connections, networked and formed relationships that will stay with me for as long as I choose to stay connected to the world in which I now find myself.  My year ended with more freelance blogging for several different companies.  Intentional goals obtained, specifically, for the learning experience and, to help me expand and grow in the crafty realm.

So what about 2015?  A lot of bloggers are sharing their "word" for the new year.  I would have to say that my word is "possibilities"; possibilities for what lies ahead - the new roads I might travel,  whether it be the world wide web or Interstate 20.

And yes, I have already set some goals for this year, not resolutions. 

 I plan to achieve, not fail.  

Goal #1 - Get on the design team of a major company.  I have much to learn.  Surround yourself with the best, and achieve maximum results.  I believe that.

Goal #2 - Turn a profit on my blog.  It's been very slow going.  I've recently joined some affiliate programs and am working towards that goal.  Time is a factor and I hope to spend more time learning the in's and out's.  I'm learning from those who have the answers.  Joining experienced blogger groups has been invaluable in learning and taking the steps to move forward.

Goal #3 - This goal is 2-fold.  I want to go back to a CHA trade show, next time as a member.  They now have a blogger membership.  Yes!  Now, I just need to have a profitable blog to justify the yearly membership fee.  I'm working on that too.  

I have a motto and my family is well familiar with this motto:

"If you don't ask, you don't get."  If you don't try, you'll never know.  So try.  And don't be surprised when the answer is yes.

#CHA #CHASHOW #cre8time

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in Creativebug’s affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

Blogiversary WINNER!!

Well, I was going to wait and announce this on the actual day of my Blogiversary which is Friday August 15th, but I'll be out of town and besides.....I can't hold a secret that long!

Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate my 1 year anniversary of crafty blogging.  It's been a fabulous year with the start up of Mountain Plains Crafters and my guest blogger stint at the Craft and Hobby Association Paper Arts show in Atlanta recently.....

So, without further ado....via Rafflecopter, the winner is.....

Congratulations Kathy!  I'll shoot you an email and get your prize to you.

The Quest for CHA, Part 7

(To view the entire saga, view my blog archives...this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby association trade show in Atlanta)

 

If you are reading about this quest for the first time, yesterday I got word from CHA that they want me to be a guest blogger.  I think it's kind of cool that this is an inaugural event, not only the fact that its papercrafter oriented but that it's also the first time to have a guest blogger.  I'm not sure if they've had guest bloggers before that were industry people, but for sure, never someone like you and me; end users of the products.  So it's a duo-inaugural event! 

 

Yesterday, as you can imagine, I was pretty jacked up on adrenaline and coffee.  By late evening, I had so many thoughts going through my mind that I called my mom and chewed her ear for almost an hour and a half.   By 11:20 pm, she pointed out the fact that I had chewed her ear for almost an hour and a half and promptly went to bed.

 

So, here's a few of the rambling thoughts that set up residence in my head:

 

• Have I bitten off more than I can chew? 

When I visualize the task ahead it does seem a daunting task indeed.  This is a first for CHA, but it's also a first for me.  There's a lot of what ifs but regardless of the occasional niggling doubt, deep down, I am up for the challenge and ready to go!

 

• Which Terri do they want?  Professional Terri or Jim Carrey on estrogen?                       

 

How about a nice mix? Even though, I do lean more towards Jim Carrey as my friends and family will attest.....(Seriously? He stole a lot of my material!)  I've got to be me, right? I will do my best to keep it in check. 

Any advice for me? I would love it if you share your advice and maybe even some questions you'd like answered. Is there something you would like me to ask some of these wonderful companies or anything specific you want to know? Comment here if you do.
 

Now for a shameless plug: we're having a challenge giveaway at Mountain Plains Crafters this week. Come and link up for a chance at a prize! Submit your beach/ nautical themed project. Hurry, ends 7/18/14.

 

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The Quest for CHA, PART 6...or is it 7? Who cares?! I'm in!

(If you're just tuning in, this is my Quest to get into the Craft and Hobby Association's Inaugural Papercrafting event in Atlanta.  Click the header on my blog to view previous posts.)

As you can see from my before and after shots, I've been somewhat on pins and needles waiting on CHA to call.  And, as you can see from the after photo.... same face but different reaction!  You will not believe it.  Seriously, you will not.  I still can't believe it. 

So here's the dealio: they want me to be a guest blogger! I told you, you wouldn't believe it. If I can recall the conversation correctly (because we all know in my head, there's a mini freakout going on during this conversation) they want me to pretty much blog and chronical the entire event, not only on my blog but on their site as well. Also, I'll be doing photography and possibly sitting in on some workshops too. I'll even have a station set up so I can recharge (my head and my phone).

So, for all intense purposes, they want me to give the perspective of a crafters viewpoint. At least I think that's what they said?? I think they also said this is the first time they've done anything like this so they'll still be working out details over the next two weeks. Whew, kind of a blur although I was taking notes as we spoke and worried because I was on speakerphone and might miss something. By the way, it has been my experience, if you're on the listening end of a speakerphone, hold your phone out a little and you can hear better. Try it, I'm not kidding. I would NOT kid you!

Before they called, I had written down some things that I wanted to do at CHA and everything lined up exactly with what they were saying. Amazing!

Shall I share my short list with you? The question I wrote is, "What do I want to blog about at CHA?"

• The people I meet - I definately want to talk about who I'm meeting; people behind the scenes, in the booths, sponsors of Mountain Plains Crafters, the guy who brings me coffee....(just kidding. Ok, not really. Somebody, get me coffee! With cream AND sugar!)
• Cool new products - This is THE place to see all the latest and greatest. You bet, I want to hear about it and share with my crafty friends and followers.
• Techniques - I hope to goodness I learn something new. It's so easy to get stuck doing the same old thing. You can look at You Tube videos and online blog techniques but there's nothing like someone personally showing you new tricks. It sinks in a little better don't you think?
• Atmosphere - Sure, I might be a little starstruck at first. I'm so looking forward to just the atmosphere and being surrounded by the smell of paper!! Crafty paper! It's going to be 3 days of new experiences for me and I know the atmosphere is going to be electric. You will hear about it.
• Expectations of Sponsors - I want to know what do sponsors want from the crafters they sponsor. What are their expections? How can we grow our blog and draw in more participants? How can we promote better? I want to hear advice from sponsors.

So there's my short list. I can't wait to see how everything falls into place. Before the conversation ended, I asked if anything stupid came out of my mouth and they said no. Hallelujah! Actually, I think they were just be kind. Haha! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this Quest.    I know some of you have been praying and I truly appreciate it!!   I'll be keeping you posted.....

The quest for CHA

The quest for CHA

I know what you're saying. What the heck is CHA? CHA is the the Craft and Hobby Association. They hold annual conventions where companies come together and promote their new products. Buyers come to these events to see and order the latest products for their stores. For the first time, CHA is hosting a papercrafters only event in Atlanta. All the big paper companies will be there. So why do I want in? Well, as a crafty blogger and living here in the South, this may be the closest I come to meeting some of the greats. I'm not a store owner and therefore, not a member of CHA. Some of these companies are sponsors of my challenge blog, Mountain Plains Crafters, that I started with 2 friends not long ago. It's the perfect opportunity for me to meet some of our sponsors and thank them personally for their support. I also want to blog about the experience from an insider's point of view. So basically, the only way I'm getting in, is to do some volunteer work which I would LOVE to do. I've been taking baby steps in my quest. Can I afford the additional expenses involved, like food, gas, lodging? Um, no. I'm like many of you. The downturn in the economy affected my husband's job and he is only working part-time for now. We are counting pennies but there are still mouths to feed, doctor copays, medications to buy. I cannot afford this. I do not have the extra money. But its a dream that I can't let go, so for now, the baby steps continue and I will figure it out as each day comes. I do have a checklist of sorts. Want to see?

1. Contact current sponsors. Check. (They're bringing their own armys to CHA, so two no's)
2. Pray. Check.
3. Maybe I should have prayed first? Duly noted.
4. Contact CHA directly. Check. (Hi Tina!)
5. No response from CHA. Contact again. Check. (Thanks Tina! My request has moved to the marketing department for review. Whoop!)
6. Blog about my quest. Check. I figured if I verbalize it, out loud, then things might happen. I mean hey, if Jim Carey can write himself a check for a million dollars and make it happen, why not? (Where's my checkbook...I need to write myself a check!)
7. Spread the word. Check. Who do I know personally that could help in my quest? Megan Elizabeth from Above Rubies Studio. She's a sweetheart. And an online friend. I'm REALLY stepping into uncharted territory by pulling her in. I mean, that's really asking a lot. But you know what? She's game to help! And a Godly woman that I adore. As a business owner, she's been to CHA numerous times. She's hosted crafty products on the HSN tv show. She knows people.
8. Bide my time. Check. Today I shall rest from the process and wait on those who are helping. Do I have it all figured out? Nope. I have a full-time job too. Have I made arrangements to leave work? Um, uh, no. But I will. Should the Lord smile favorably on this quest, then I truly believe it will all work out. If it doesn't? Then it wasn't meant to be and this dream will come true another day.  #smile                                                                               

                                                                             Terri

 

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Customized stamps.... Do you have one?

I was thinking how much I would love to have my own rubber stamp to promote my blog and stamp on my crafts.   I  came up with this using the draw feature on my Picsart app.  I checked one site online and the rate was $14.95 + S/H for a 2''x2''.  If you have any recommended sites, please share in the comment section.  I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for a better deal.  Thanks!  Terri  
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