Simple, Casual, Avid

Sound familiar? I used those terms to reference the levels of cardmaking last week in my Rule of 3 post and how to apply them to life. After I returned from my whirlwind OnStage© conference, I promised a series of posts to come that were inspired by my trip. This week, I give a shout-out to my travel companions and their dedication, professionalism, and FUN-ness.

In the scheme of most things, I would consider myself Simple* or Casual*. Even my actions and attitudes towards the things I am Avid about usually only register as a Simple or Casual, including my cardmaking and paper-crafting. I love it! Avidly! But I’m pretty selfish in my endeavors.

The ladies I spent the weekend with in Indianapolis are very giving and AVID in so many ways! Stampin’ Up!© is a business much like Tupperware©, Pampered Chef©, and those long ago Longaberger Baskets© days. A hierarchy of demonstrators, uplines and downlines, representing and selling through in-person parties, virtual gatherings, and website catalogs. It’s BIG business. And they are AVID business women.

I am a hobby demonstrator.
I receive perks for being associated, but my participation is minimal.
These women are dedicated. This is their day job. And their night job. Early mornings, late evenings, as the deadline or muse come calling. They reap the benefits of a people-focused company, including recognition for their work, early access to product, discounts, and international trips to places like Norway! They spend hours crafting classes, contests, and promotions for their clients. They provide instruction and guidance in written and video formats. They do exceptional work. They are fluent with the company resources, but even more so, they are steeped in the dynamics of personal relationships. They know everyone and everyone is a friend. Right on up, or down, the chain of command. Honestly, it was an honor to share a seat at their table.

In addition to their kindness, creativity, and humor, I would like to give a shout-out to my SU!© Onstage Peeps:
THANK YOU
Amy Rich, my upline at Nutso Average Stampers
Mary Koch
Joyce Fischer
Lisa Schmid, and
Tammy Reynolds

I encourage you, dear crafter, to click on the highlighted names and get to know these women and their skills.

To put it simply, I consider these people more than casual acquaintances, and avidly adore them. Thank you, ladies, for sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge and including me in your circle.

I can’t wait for the 2024 event!

*In the most flattering of senses, of course.

❄️🎁🎅🎁🎄🎁❄️

Just a reminder:
I am collecting personal stories for my end of year post.
Please, SHARE your THANKS, GIFTS, and GIVING STORIES!
Click here for more information.

About Mary Fran Says

I am an artist, crafter, designer and writer. I enjoy working with mixed media-- applying visual and tactile manipulations to telling a story. Not a lot of market for that, though, :), so I'm focusing on short story submissions and novel completions. Yes, plural. Lots of beginnings, too many ideas, not enough focus.
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