Guess who is officially cool enough to once again get a coveted spot on the official blog of those who know?
Oh yeah. It's me. And I thought I had lost my touch. Ha.
I was apparently right on about the whole, letting my 4 year old get her hair done thing. Seems when one wants to really get it served to her on a gold smack covered platter, one should always involve a child, and some left over hair dye. It's just what I needed. Oh, and the fact that I made the mistake of saying, "Mike is gone in more ways than one".
Which, if any of you have ever had someone deployed, you know what I'm talking about.
Having Valentines, Birthdays, and Anniversaries while one of you lives in a 4x4 cell is really not all it's cracked up to be.But rather than explain that, I sort of left it to the viewer discretion.
My bad. Next time I'll be specific.
Mike is gone, as in Serving his Country, and gone as in, His internet connection is crap, so the time we get to spend together is anything but "up-close and personal." No, we are not divorcing.
Unless of course I find someone else willing to put up with my crap, and wonderfully father 4 children. Not to mention fund my ridiculous diet-coke habit. Just those alone would require sainthood in themselves. I know I owe nobody an explanation, and could very well have ignored it, but what's the fun in that?
I was however VERY much impressed with the people who stuck up for me.
I had no intention of reading it, you know with that whole house cleaning, child rearing, ditch dodging thing I have going on, but my source assured me there were nothing but good things to be had, aside from the initial, let's talk about Ruth Akers thing.. So glad I took the time out of my busy, mom to 15 schedule, to read it. Gave me some hope that there are people who really do care about people. Not just me mind you. People in general.
It was actually somewhat amusing, when I showed it to Mike, (the Mike I am still very much married to), he was like, "Man, I didn't know scrapbookers used voabulary like that. You paper people take this stuff way too seriously."
If he only knew.
I have scrapped a few pages lately, posted some, submitted some. You never really know. I doubt I'll ever be the girl with a BILLION design teams again, the one who's children are neglected so I can get all my work done. (that's sarcasm by the way.)
Those of you just now tuning in. That's why I was the feature of the day last year at this time. I had so many DT's and all. My kids were going to hate me, and Mike was going to leave me.
But really, now that I think about it, need I neglect them, when I can just give them all highlights, and ruin their childhoods that way? I think not.
I know I only feed the fire by posting this, but sometimes, it does one good to say what they're thinking. And we all know, I'm capable of that.
I've been itching to be more of a dedicated scrapper lately. I know alot of people think it's greed, and selfishness, or maybe a love of attention that makes one want to be on a DT. For me, it's neither. Sure free stuff is fun, and seeing your name in print, or on a website is fun to share with those who have no what freelance scrapbookers are, or those weird relatives at a family reunion, but for me, the real driving force behind the Design teams, is the REASON and the WHAT behind the scrap. For some people, me included, they need more than just an idea to get going. I need a cause. Yes, I love my kids dearly, and I scrapbook for them, but I'd be lying like a bear rug if I said the only reason I scrapbook was to preserve memories. I love being able to say, Oh, American crafts assignments are due soon, let me grab some AC, and scrap this cute picture. Makes that decision process that much faster, and it gives me a deadline to actually work for. I like deadlines. I love them actually. Seeing that specific date or time on my calendar, gives me the motivation to actually take the ideas that run ramped in my brain, and get them onto paper in a timely manner. IT worked for me.
But with all that is going on, I probably won't be running after any large DT's in the near future, feel free to take me off your hate list for that, I just wanted to put it out there my reasons, for doing what I do. My reasons for making, creating, and displaying.
I love that I can connect with so many people through scrapbooking. I have met 90% of the friends I have today, through this hobby, and whether or not I ever make it to the coveted magazine Design Team, or the ranks of a world renowned scrapbook blogger, I've made friends. Good Friends. Best Friends really.
And those friends, accept me, no matter what I do, who's hair I highlight, or how long my husband deploys. They know me. They love me, and frankly, as small as that might seem. That's reason enough for me.
OH my goodness girl you have summed up my feelings about scrapbooking beautifully! Some people have REALLY got to get a life and remember the golden rule! THat site is no more than idol gossip by someone who must not have good things in her life. I don't care HOW she justifies it, it is not right to talk about people.
Mike is right, scrapbookers are mean at times. You just have to remember the good ones. the ones that support you even when you are not on DTs!
I totally understand your need for a good deadline. I feel the same way!
Have a great day!
ps. i am glad mike is fine.
pps. I love her highlights!
Posted by: tracyg | February 20, 2008 at 06:50 AM
HA... I don't read that blog any more. I figure they can say what they say about me it doesn't hurt. They obviously don't know me! :)
Good for you for not taking it to heart!
Smiles,
Wendy
www.SweetMeDesigns.etsy.com
Posted by: Wendy Reed | February 20, 2008 at 06:52 AM
woohoo go ruth go ruth! love ya!
corinnexxx
Posted by: corinne delis | February 20, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Go Ruth, Go Ruth, Go Ruth!
Don't let 'em get you down, it's just not worth it.
Can't wait to see some of the layouts you've been working on. You know, the ones of your 15 kids. LOL
Posted by: Mary Ann | February 20, 2008 at 08:12 AM
ROFL at Mike's "paper people" lolol Gotta love a well-grounded man ;)
And sister...you know you'll be my BFF always, even if just for the KY thing, but really for a whole lot more. :)
Hugs and thinking of you!
Posted by: Kelly | February 20, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I heard about it through the grapevine...pretty funny. Ruth, you are wickedly talented and I dont give a rats rear end why you scrap I just love seeing what you come up with next. I remember back when my boys were toddlers and we would be at the park, library, where ever and I'd be chatting with the moms and the ones that had shocked looks on their faces when you actually admitted how miserable some days were....the mothers that had an answer for everything...the ones I avoided like the plague...they are probally the ones posting smacks. You gotta wonder whats in those dark closets. Have a great day Ruth!
Posted by: Denise Morrison | February 20, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Well put.
Love the 'paper people' reference, sad but true.
Keep on scrappin and maybe share a layout or two? I miss seeing your stuff on "a million DT's".
Posted by: Laura | February 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
well, I don't know you well enough to call you a "friend" but I can say I totally HAVE done my kids hair and they are *gasp* BOYS!!! I also don't put ANY stock in anything smackish, because even the legitimate issues get swallowed up by the pettiness of it all. I LOVE your writing, and your sense of life's importance. That's why I keep coming back! Congrats on being "big" enough even WITHOUT all your fancy schmancy DT's to get on the Smack list!! AND good for you for saying something.
Posted by: Rachel Whetzel | February 20, 2008 at 12:11 PM
LOL, girl you are too funny. People are so pathetic, you just have to laugh! Love all the highlights you girls got ;) Beautiful as usual!
Posted by: Lisa Guidry | February 20, 2008 at 01:21 PM
LOL, girl you are too funny. People are so pathetic, you just have to laugh! Love all the highlights you girls got ;) Beautiful as usual!
Posted by: Lisa Guidry | February 20, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Sing it, sister. :)
Posted by: Tammy H | February 20, 2008 at 02:49 PM
hear hear!
keep your chin up dear, you rock!
Posted by: Kristine | February 20, 2008 at 03:23 PM
i am glad you found tallyscrapper.
Posted by: tami | February 20, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Funny when I started reading this I began to think "No she didn't go there with smacking back.." but you know what? I did it too. Although I was never in any league at all, I got smacked myself. And I smacked back on the smack itself. Because you know why? It was lies. And you can say a whole heck of a lot about me, but lying about me isn't something I stand for and I see that you do not either, which totally rocks!
No the majority of the world does not understand deployments especially if they haven't lived one and trust me as I totally understand them {even though my man doesn't go for as long as some, 4-7 months long is not fun in any way shape or form.} Or understand the why of why you scrap, or how you truly really lead your life, what you wear or how much or less you are highlighting your kids hair...
What the issue here is, is that folks have nothing better to do then smack. Honestly, if they could only walk in your shoes {and I say your as a general term for everyone who lives a REAL life} and saw the real person instead of what they think they see or wanted to see then they would actually REALLY know...
I don't even know you Ruth and honestly prior to finding your blog off of another blog and realizing that you and I had quite a bit in common I never knew who you were. But I know that I like who you are regardless if it was now, before when you were popular, what you scrap, or how many times you highlight your kids hair. Bottom line is that I come here and read into your life because you are real. Can you imagine how Jesus felt walking through the streets realizing that folks thought he was fake too? I believe in my heart of hearts aside of what we know in the bible that Jesus was real. A real live person being real, acting real.
Just as much as you are. That's what I admire you for, the real of you. You are that testimony to real as real as it gets. And you know what? Jesus knows it too sister! Stay true to him, and that will continue to shine through.. Your work, your kids, your marriage, your friendships and beyond!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 20, 2008 at 04:56 PM
You go girl! Keep it real!!
Posted by: Jill | February 20, 2008 at 05:06 PM
well said. i agree with everything you said.
Posted by: Nicole N. | February 20, 2008 at 05:41 PM
i finally learned to stop reading that blog. no good comes of it. i think it's awesome that you stand up for yourself ... even though you don't owe anyone any explanation!
and i'm with you on the scrap stuff. i don't just scrap for the memories either ... it's more a creative escape for me. and i do tons better knowing what i need to do and when to have it done by. i get what you're saying!
Posted by: laura vegas | February 20, 2008 at 06:46 PM
WELL said Miss Ruth, well said! Soooooo you said you have been making some new layouts.... well post them already girl we want to see ;) As for the highlights, I think you both look fabulous!!!
Nikki
Posted by: NikkiH | February 20, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Well I love you and I so respect you! It takes a whole lot of something to keep four kids in order while your DH is away. That has to be hard on all of you, but your country does thank you!! LOVE to see your stuff, LOVE to see your kids (streaked hair and all)they are just adorable!
Posted by: Linda Beeson | February 20, 2008 at 07:16 PM
You rock Ruth! Say it loud and proud girl! Who gives a crap what they say.. they ( whoever "they" are, because the cowards use anonymous names)don't know you or your family. Thanks goodness you have a REAL life and much better things to do, even if it is highlighting your daughter's hair GASP! Which is awesome by the way! ;)
Posted by: Becky | February 20, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Ugh, seriously???? So glad I stopped reading that crap 7 months ago. UGH. Seriously. You go girl, some people just have no time for anything then to put others down.
And, if this starts anything for any of us who stick up for you, my god, seriously, people, it's time to look around and, instead of degrading someone else's life, please, take a chill pill.
You go girl! Seriously, you just go!
Posted by: Molly | February 21, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Yeah. Foul Mouth here :>)
Congratulations on your initiation to the hell that is ScrapSmack :>)
Posted by: Laura Solomon | February 21, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Ruth, you crack me up, girl! Love this post - not because unfortunately you're getting smacked on, but because you just brush it off of your shoulders and I bet that drives those rude, jealous meanies nuts! Hee hee! ;) I love what Mike said and it's oh so true. It's pathetic what some people will do with their free time. Ugh. You know that I think you are fabulous, talented and sweet and you make me laugh all of the time and those booches wish they had what you have. Don't let them steal your joy! Love ya, girl! Hugs!!
Posted by: kristina | February 21, 2008 at 05:47 AM
i don't read that blog very often til somebody posts about it and i remember about it....and then i can never find what they were telling me about anyway, cause really there is just a bunch of bs jibber jabber going on.
sorry they said anything mean about you. i think you are a freakin' saint girlie>!
take care of yourself!
and go scrap!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | February 21, 2008 at 05:53 AM
GO RUTH!
It's jealousy plain and simple your right you don't own anyone an explaination but I know it sure feels better to explain your self speaking from experience on that one LOL.
Chin up and take care your friends still love you and please thank that wonderful husband of yours for defending our country.
Hugs
Posted by: Deneen | February 21, 2008 at 05:33 PM