An even BIGGER SECRET revealed

My final day as guest designer with Gina K has come to an end not all good things come to an end - sometimes they get BETTER! Check out my Day 3 project for Gina K Designs but wait, not quite yet...I have another secret to reveal. Then - you can go check out my stuff!

I'm so proud to announce that I am the newest Sr. Design Team Member for Gina K Designs!!! Woohoo!!

My dream/goal of serving on a stamping design team came true since the beginning of July with my guest spot at Paper Pretties, then at the end of July with Starving Artistamps then again in August with Taylored Expressions - all the while I knew my Guest Designer spot was secured with Gina K for October (still a long way off). I have had so much fun during this time working with all the ladies on the teams and really felt I grew as a stamper over the months.

I will never forget a sweet email I got from Gina before I sent my guest spot projects where she said, "I'm so proud of all you've accomplished over the last year." I realize Gina may not even be old enough to be my mom, but as a mom she knew exactly the right words to speak to my heart.
Some of you know my mom Fina died before I got involved with stamping so she is not around to appreciate what I do or even benefit from it with my homemade gifts. But my sisters are and they are proud, in fact my oldest sister Val commented on my post from Wednesday that I must share: 'Donna, If you could see me now, tears of joy and pride are streaming down my cheeks and I say with a mother's heart that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mama is so proud of her baby girl, as she smiles down from heaven. Your creativity is truly a gift from the Lord and I am so thankful that you share it with us, especially my children, Gabriella and Joseph. Your projects continue to amaze me and I look forward to each one. Your family in CA looks forward to seeing you soon! Love, Hugs & Kisses - Your sister, Val'.

In addition to my sisters being proud of me so are my DMIL and other dear friends who are like mother figures to me with their support, caring and sharing of my craft. Just like Gina, they tug at my heartstrings with comments of being proud of me because I believe all of us, whether we admit or not, long for approval from our mothers/mother figures. In fact, the realm of validation comes from everyone who shares our love for the craft (whatever it may be) through our encouraging comments, no matter how many words they are...they impact us in a big way & inspire us to go above & beyond in what we do.

I know without a doubt my mom Fina would be so proud of me and how much I make it a goal to make a difference in other's lives; whether it be with a homecooked meal, a kind word, a hug when it's needed, a thoughtful gift or a handmade card in the mail or just time spent with someone I care for. She was the same way and left a lasting impression on everyone she met because she was so loved & cared for...just like me!

note: I wrote this blog post before my sister commented - I just edited to add it to share it with y'all.