Topsy Turvy...

I know...I know...my last blog post was 2 months ago, and I said that I was going to start posting more.  Well, I have a lot of really good excuses, but one major life change is mostly to blame.  On May 24th, the world lost one of its most incredible men:  my father, Jim Smidebush.  He was such a wonderful man, and I'd like to post a "proper" tribute to him with pictures and stories at some point, but for now I just want you all to know that he was a one-in-a-million man and father, and my entire life has been turned upside down with his passing.  He was my champion, my hero, my guiding light, my daddy, one of my best friends, and my absolute #1 fan.  I miss him so much every single day.  

Needless to say, the past 2 months have been hard on me.  On top of that emotional roller coaster, I've spent that time going back and forth between Michigan (to where I'm in the process of relocating) and Indiana (where my family and most of my belongings are located).  I'm stuck in limbo between these 2 states, and I feel like I'm being pulled in a million different directions.  It's so hard. I don't have all the answers figured out yet, but you know what?  I don't have to RIGHT NOW.  I am taking each day at a time and working to overcome any and all setbacks or complications. This will all work its way out somehow, and hopefully, I will have my own apartment soon, and I can have all my things under one roof again.  Please wish me luck!  I accept luck, wishes, prayers, any sort of positive thoughts, and donations.  LOL!

Life has definitely been a challenge, and 2012 hasn't been the kindest to me, BUT...this week?  Oh, this week is GLORIOUS!  I am at CHA CHICAGO!!!  For those of you who don't know, CHA is the Craft & Hobby Association's big summer wholesale convention.  I have always dreamed of coming here, and this year, the AMAZING owners of Papertrix (seriously, the best stamp and paper store EVER) decided to take me!  Cindy and I are having the time of our lives!  I'm in paper heaven!  WOW!  So much to see!  As if this isn't awesome enough, these companies are all previewing their Fall, Halloween, and Christmas products!  MY FAVORITES!  I can't even tell you the last time I've had this much fun.  

I plan to post another blog update after the show to tell you what I've seen and done, but the last few times I said, "I'll write again soon!" something happened, and I couldn't.  So, I will just say, "Stay tuned and see what happens!"

Thanks for reading!

Amy

P.S.   Special shout-out to Kelly Marie at Lawn Fawn!  I've been in love with Lawn Fawn's stamps since the moment I first saw them.  They are SO STINKIN' CUTE!  I've heard people talk about how sweet Kelly is, and I always kind of sensed a "kindred spirit" with Lawn Fawn's brand as a whole, but now I can say for sure that the "rumors" are true!  She is ADORABLE!  She's so bubbly and warm and welcoming, and I had a blast talking with her.  I can't say enough good things about her, her adorable designs, and even her new line of papers (if you haven't seen the Christmas papers, you will fall off your seat when you do.  They are GORGEOUS and FUN)!  It is funny because I just do NOT get star struck very easily.  Living in NYC for almost a decade teaches you immunity to celebrities.  However, I'm a total Lawn Fawn groupie.  And yeah...I'm a dork.  I asked for Kelly's autograph on a catalog.  LOL.  Yup.  Total dork here.