Make sure you say that R.A.K. - Random Act of Kindness.
In 2004, I was asked to help as a make n take helper at the Stampin' Up! Convention (I think this was the first time I had ever helped). This is back when we had those tall tables and you stood up to do your make n takes. I met some fun girls doing that, Jan House is one and we are friends still and I can hardly wait to hang with her at Founder's Circle. Robin Rouch was one (where is she?), Darlene and I can not remember her last name, and another special friend Mary Polcin. Our boss was Connie Jewkes from the home office, and I got to see her again after all these years at Linda's Evening to Remember event.
Ok, back to the story, you know how easy I get side tracked…now we worked all day, stamping, teaching, cleaning stamps and reinking pads, and it was a lot of fun, and I liked it cause I got to meet a lot of Demonstrators cause they had to come to our table to make their stuff. But what I liked was how us girls would chit chat and we got to be friends.
So I remember Mary swapped me this gorgeous rose card and explained how she did it, and she was, and is to this day, the nicest person, so down to earth and all.
So you can imagine my surprise when at awards night they are announcing the Top Demonstrators and I think Mary was number one as she has been many many times since. And I looked around at the girls I was with and I was like "hey that's my Mary…from make n takes!!". I had no idea I was working with a Star!!! I stood up and clapped so hard, as I still do to this day. Way to go Mary!!!
So ever since then, she always has a hug and a goodie for me at events and this year OMG! look what I got.
Hand stamped by Mary Polcin….drool is mine.
and they all came in this cute little tote.
I sometimes wonder what the heck I did to deserve to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, well that might not be the right wording. But I mean, I was just minding my own business working for an accountant, I just asked a client what she did for her craft business, she sewed and stuff at the time. I bought a few rabbits and angels from her, then one day she sent me a postcard saying "look what I am doing now" and the postcard had the cutest row of bird houses stamped on the bottom, and it caught my eye and I was like hmmmm…what's that?
I called her and since we were having our house built at the time and we were living in a little apartment, I had a friend host a workshop, then I booked a workshop once our house was done, I kept ordering and ordering, then one day I said "how much to join so I can get the discount", I figured I might as well save some money and pay myself. I signed up and the rest is history. I really only signed on for the discount, I bet most of the Demonstrators say the same thing. I didn't have a clue what it would bring to my life and my families lives, all the friends I have made, how I am not as scared to get up and talk to strangers anymore, the trips we have been on, and not to mention earning money too. Who-da thunk it?
OK, enough of my blabbering, have a blessed Sunday and thanks for stopping in!
I agree with you Di and am so glad I got on board with SU. I have made so many new friends all over the world and it's nice to find people who have a common interest and are so supportive of each other. Plus most of us are wild and crazy which just adds to the fun! Love Mary's cards and can see why she is at the top. Thanks for sharing such a nice story.
What a cute story Dianna. I do have had the priviledge to meet Mary Polcin. Last year at convention I went up to her to congratulate her and asked if she would swap with me…when I came home and starred at her card and couldn't figure out how she did it I googled her to find she didn't have a blog – but it brought up her website and I called. Her husband answered and said she was out that he would have her call back…You know what? She called back!!! And gave me her step by step direction on what to do…I agree with you…I love Stampin' UP! mostly for the friendships but I love being a demonstrator!!!
thanks for sharing your story and the wonderful creations from your friend
Hi Diana,
First of all I loved your presentation at convention. I am now re-hooked on popping pastels!
Then I wanted to say that Mary swapped her Welcome Christmas card with me at convention. IT is an amazing card! It is my favorite swap from this year. And she is very down to earth, especially with all that she has accomplished! She is truly inspirational.
Thanks for sharing your story.
It really IS a small world when it comes to SU- AND, that is SUCH a neat story about Mary's RAK, and YOUR OWN story about how you came into SU! I hope I get to meet you at a SU convention someday. I haven't been able to make it to convention since joining, but look forward to it *sometime*. I have followed your blog for quite sometime, and I think YOU are one of SU's best- founder's circle proves that! You shine!
-Becs
Love your story of how you got hooked into
this crazy fun hobby/business. So glad
that you did sign up as we benefit from all
that you share. Love the cards that Mary
made for you! Thanks for posting them for
us all to see!
Jennifer
jenreynard@shaw.ca
Wowsers – Mary's cards are gorgeous