It Takes A Village

You’ve heard it before, right? It takes a village to raise a child. AND sometimes it takes a village to get through obstacles life puts in your place. About 3 weeks ago, I had a fall at home. It really wasn’t a hard fall, but I discovered later after experiencing severe pain in my legs and being examined and x-rayed that I have a slipped disc in my lower back. And the timing couldn’t have been worse as I was just a few days away from hosting my Creative Escape Weekend in Cincinnati for 52 crafters. So much time, effort, and “heart work” goes into preparing for these events. I couldn’t imagine ever missing one of my own events and hosting for my crafting peeps, BUT attending was just not in the cards for me that weekend. BUT, of course, I couldn’t stop thinking that “the show must go on”. And it did.

Why am I telling you all of this?

1. Because of the out pouring of love, prayers, and support I’ve received from so many. Yes, it could have been worse, and yes, I will get better, but I appreciate so many people showing their love and concern for me.
2. Because of the help of my “village” of family and friends, the January 2024 Creative Escape Weekend was a great success.

I wanted to take time today to publicly express my gratitude to the people who stepped up to help when I really needed it.

My daughter Andrea who works in my Stampin’ Peace Studio, spent hours packing, carrying and loading everything that needed to get from Columbus, OH, to Cincinnati, OH. She and little Riley, then drove to the venue of the Creative Escape Weekend in Cincinnati early Friday morning and were met by my dear friends and Merry Stampers team members Tracy and Jackie and Jackie’s husband Bill. Together, they unloaded and set up in record time and then greeted guests and showed them to their craft spaces for the weekend. They were my points of contact for the hotel staff and were ready to help guests as needed throughout the weekend, managed orders and sales, and did a fabulous job of it all.

In addition, my son-in-law Jonathan (Andrea’s husband and Riley’s daddy) drove to Cincinnati to spend the weekend and help out. My youngest daughter Emily who lives and works in Cincinnati as a Physical Therapist spent much of her weekend at the venue also filling in and helping with Riley as needed. Can I just say, how grateful I am for my kids. I can surely say, not only did I raise good kids, I raised good PEOPLE, good HUMANS who do good and making a positive difference in this world. They’re always willing to step in and help and provide moral support to me, their dad, other family members, and friends. And I love that they all have so much fun together.

Many of the guests offered their help to my kids and Tracy and Jackie as well. They know who they are and how grateful I am.

Many guests sent texts, messages, and emails to me throughout the weekend which truly lifted my spirits! Thank you. And I’ve received several cards since then that have all made me smile.

All of my Creative Escape Weekends include a charity raffle. Guests of the event donate various raffle items and purchase raffle tickets with all proceeds going to a specific cause or charity chosen ahead of time. They’re always amazing and always, always, always, the highlight of the weekend for me, These charity raffles are proof that when people come together for a common cause, each doing what they can, we are powerful and can do great things to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Proceeds of this event’s charity raffle went to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline. I am so grateful and truly proud to say that $2751 was raised by 52 people. WOW!

In the 10+ years I’ve been hosting Creative Escape Weekends, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised to assist various charities and causes, something I’m so very proud of. I feel very blessed to be able to use the work I do as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator as a platform for fundraising and helping others. Charities we’ve donated to over the years include American Cancer Society, NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness, Alex’s Lemonade Stand for Childhood Cancers, Beads of Courage, Feeding America, Kidney Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stamp Out Autism, and many more.

Here are some photos I received from the January 2024 Creative Escape Weekend. I love seeing people enjoy their time together, creating and preserving memories, and making a difference in the lives of others. Who would have thought that such simple things as Stamps, Ink, and Paper could do so much?

I love that we get family members and little ones visiting throughout the weekend.

As of today, I feel like I’ve finally turned the corner and am beginning to see noticeable improvements. I’m confident in my doctor’s treatment plan, and Physical Therapy is helping tremendously. I’ll be happy when I’m able to sleep in my bed again instead of my recliner every night! I’ll get there.

Wishing you all good health, wellness, and peace in all your days.

Mary Knabe