“Bearly” Made It!

What can a hand stamped card really do? At the end of April this year I realized I still had $10,000 to go to earn the Stampin’ Up incentive trip. I rationalized, justified and talked myself out of trying to earn it. I told myself that times are tough, most people won’t get a vacation this year due to the economy and that I should just let it go. Matt and I don’t need to go on the trip, we can enjoy ourselves right here in Florida with a weekend get away. Then I called Jan Burnett. She is a demonstrator who lives in Metropolis, IL and is a friend I (sadly) see only during Stampin’ Up events. She has a natural gift for encouragement and if anyone could give me a push, it would be Jan. Without hesitating, she said “You can do it! I believe in you and know you can make it!”

Several times during May and June, I would reach into my mail box and pull out a a hand stamped card that simply said “I’m rooting for you!! It was Jan, keeping me motivated and on track! The power of a hand-stamped card.

Just yesterday, in my mailbox, was this fabulous card from Jan, congratulating me on earning the trip. (on June 30th!) And yes, that is supposed to be Matt in a speedo and me in a coconut bra on a tropical island! (she said she cased the idea from Julia Bettencourt )

Stamped by Jan Burnett. All Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

I’ll plug her blog here if you’d like to see the rest of her artwork! www.inkrubberart.blogspot.com

There are LOTS of other thank yous I need to give for helping me get on the boat. First my awesomely supportive husband Matt, who is the reason I really wanted to earn the trip. My fun customers who buy all these stamps and attend my classes – you guys make it so fun for me! Watching you enjoy stamping makes it worth it to lug all my stuff back and forth. My uplines Mari Fredericks and Karen Titus, as well as my wonderful downline who help keep me inspired and motivated. A big Thank you to my blogging demonstrator friends and stampers who encouraged me here on the blog and the ones that bought my used stamps, that now have loving new homes.

Thanks for stopping by! Linda

p.s. now go stamp a card and encourage someone today!

10 Comments

Patsy Waggoner on July 6, 2009 at 4:35 am

That is so awesome… I had 9k at the end of April and never thought I would make it either! Will be excited to see you in the S. Caribbean!

KreatesKards on July 6, 2009 at 7:36 am

Congratulations !!!!! That is fantastic. I would LOVE to go on the Alaska cruise incentive trip.

Nancy Haberl on July 6, 2009 at 1:15 pm

I following your website almost daily and truly believe you deserve to be on that cruise for all the work you do ~ fabulous ideas. Keep them coming and have a great time on the cruise! ! !

Angela Sulik on July 6, 2009 at 1:41 pm

Way to go!

Candice on July 6, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Congratulations. I’ve been wondering if you made it. Thats so exciting. You deserve it. Have some fun for those of us who fell a little short this year. But hey I’m planning on being on the boat to Alaska. I’ll see you there. Candice

cathy on July 6, 2009 at 4:24 pm

Congratulations, Linda! You deserve the trip for all the inspiration you so generously share with all of us. And thank you for the reminder of the power of a single card. It can make a world of difference in someone’s life! Enjoy your trip AND your accomplishments!

Cathy W

Sue Erickson on July 6, 2009 at 5:11 pm

What a darling card! I have the stamp set but could only imagine using it for camping things. This expands my creativity! Congratulations on earning the cruise. I appreciate the fact that even as successful a demo as you can get discouraged and consider giving up on a goal.