I finally made the Stampin Up Plunge! That, and my Rubber Stamping Story

Good afternoon. Last night I finally signed up with Stampin Up! I have been with Stampin Up in some form or fashion, off and on, for over 21 years. After much deliberation, and I mean much..... I have decided to go ahead and become a hobby demonstrator for Stampin Up! They made it easy in at least one aspect for me, but there are probably more reasons. During Sale-a-bration this year, we could sign up and get some amazing deals. My reason though goes deeper than this. I have found that in the face pace of life, there is this one curious thing has remained very static throughout. That is, sending cards to people online or paper cards through the mail. Seriously, no matter how bad or crazy or tiring life can be at times, that "duty" or desire never seems to go away. People spend a lot of time or money sending sentiments of all kinds to all kinds of people in their lives. Isn't this a curious thought? I thought so. Merge that with another observation that I have made over time. I love to tap into my creativity now and then. It can be a true joy to have a creative outlet, as well as making new acquaintances and friends. This seems to remain true no matter where you are or at what stage of life you may be in at any given moment. Combine that with some happy memories of days gone by, when I was ever first invited to a Stamping get together. It was at the home of a friend of a friend. I hardly knew the lady that was hosting this little get together at her house. If I am recalling correctly, I was brought along to see what it was all about. They served Lofthouse cookies and something to drink. I had never had those before and they have been a favorite ever since. I digress there some, but the greater point was that I watched a lady do some cute things with rubber stamps. Bring into that scenario, this idea. My own Aunt and her friend had purchased me a super cute rubber stamp that I still have, along with a stamp pad, and a little bottle of glitter glue. With this were three other tiny stamps. It was a birthday gift and one that keeps on giving until today! How thoughtful that these two ladies gave those things to me, that brought joy literally and immediately! I have been hooked ever since. So to be invited to a Stampin Up! demonstration that grew upon this idea was perfect. The woman who did the demonstration became a mentor of sorts, for stamping and tapping easily into one's creative outlet without having to break the bank. I will always recall the things I learned from her. Later I lost touch with her which is regrettable and I can't recall the details. But I did find another demonstrator later on who was recommended by Stampin Up! They may have been in the same upline/downline. This demonstrator literally became a friend of mine over the next couple of years before we had to move to Texas. She didn't even live close, and just really loved stamping. She worked several days a week if not full time, and still made time somehow for stamping. At one point I recall driving out to her home, as she had invited me out and I will never forget her. Her love of stamping and what she and the initial host taught me will forever be a part of what I hope to share with others. That initial joy of stamping your first image to create something fun or beautiful. Which ironically, then continues to be a source of joy for others. It is a way of spreading sunshine through your crafting! For old time's sake, I tracked down the stamp that I mention above, and it isn't a Stampin Up stamp, but a Hero Arts stamp called Ballon "Thanks" Teddies. You will see how cute it is and can imagine how excited I was to get this gift, my first stamp.