Thursday, November 18, 2010

Midway Rides

Is anyone still out there?

THINK I am finally off the berserk Roller Coaster of Emotion I have been riding.

Currently I'm waiting in line for the Ferris Wheel of "Time to Get Over Yourself".

If I'm lucky, I will soon be back on my usual ride - the Monorail of "Pretty Darn Happy". It may not be the wildest most thrilling ride, but I like it best- far away from the drama of the other choices.

While on the roller coaster I thought it was going to stop at the Tunnel of Depression a couple of times - whoa, I got a tiny peek into that and it is one ride I don't want to go on. Just the little bit I saw made my heart a lot more tender for those that walk into that darkness. Maybe that is the lesson I can take away from all this - a lot more empathy for those in a dark place.

Thank you for all the supportive, touching, and sweet emails that you sent. They did touch my heart - the sheer number of them and the honest words that you shared about your own losses and recovery.  I haven't responded to every one of you individually yet but I will try to answer you all.

Now let's set grief and grumbling off to the side and get back to having some fun -'cause that is what the blink blog is about - entertainment.

To clarify:
I cannot/will not do research before I put a few shapes together  (this is not a textbook- it is a silly blog)

I cannot/will not get everything right. (I'm lucky if I get anything right)

I cannot/will not worry that someone may dislike what I share. (that is sure to happen again sometime)

And now I will:
1) Don thicker skin so I can weather negative feedback better
2) Attempt to locate the Inspiration Fairy.  I must have scared her away with my emotional extremes - poor little thing.  I will leave out some chocolate and see if I can lure her back to the punch drawer. 

If the chocolate works and the I Fairy returns, I'll be back after Thanksgiving with something new to share.

116 comments:

slbt17 said...

I love your view on things. Hang in there - and Happy Thanksgiving dear.
Sandra

Maureen said...

Welcome back, Ellen! I would have missed your great creations . . . you do wonderful work.

Maureen in Texas

Anonymous said...

Good for you Ellen, you can't please everyone all the time. I love what you do and have missed you.

Dianne

Sarah Ogden said...

Yeah. I am so excited you will be back..Life is a rollar coaster that is more fun to ride with others.

Anonymous said...

So happy to have you back! You will be part of my Thanksgiving Blessings. Alene

Bethvb said...

So glad you're springing back - you made my day much better!!:)

Kristi said...

Good to see you back! I love your analogies of the rides. Perfect! I hope the chocolate works!

Anonymous said...

What a great attitude! I'm sure the inspiration fairy will be lured back to your calm and steady - and empathetic - personality.

Welcome back!

Chris said...

Fabulous! You are back!! We can all take your words as inspiration for ourselves! I know I will!

Monica-FC said...

I love your blog and how you work the punches into different tings. amazing!!! with your talent you will be back as you have faith on your side and friends who will help you. don't anybody hurt you because they didn't like something on your blog. not everybody will like what they see on other blogs or art that a person creates . But it sure is fun to see what they created I think. that is the talent in them, that is the talent in you. we all will be waiting on return and still checking out your blog and all the punches and cards you made. see you then and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Linda Callahan said...

You go girl :o) Glad you are back!

Lorraine said...

It's so good to see you posting. You are very insightful and a talented writer.

Sherri Thacker said...

Hip Hip Hooray!! I am so glad you are coming back. I have missed your inspirations!! Hurry back!! and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! 3 cheers for Ellen!! RAH RAH RAH!! Sherri in NC

Kristine said...

Oh my heart is SO happy and I have been singing your praises every where (and starting threads at SCS and adding your info to threads). I love your analogies and love that you are back. Just know that even if you don't see us there are many many that love you and care for you and enjoy your blog, your humour, your creations. May the inspiration fairy bless you even more than ever!

maryp said...

YEA!!! soooooo glad to hear your writing. When the inspiration fairy returns with more punch wonders, we will smile. Right now, though, our hearts are happy that you have returned. We love you ...

Camille said...

Yay! I was so happy to see your blog name highlighted on my google reader! I have not only missed your amazing creativity but your humour as well. Welcome back and I sure hope the chocolate works!

:)

Mary said...

Atta girl...it's time to get back in the saddle and go where the Inspiration Fairy takes you!! May you and your family have a peaceful Thanksgiving. Looking forward to see what your next punch project will be!! Mary

Anonymous said...

Welcome Back!!! I am so happy to hear that you are going to post again! I've missed your brilliant creations and your humor!
Bev

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Ellen..........so good to hear that "happy" back in your words!!

Anonymous said...

Now I really do have something to be thankful for.. Ellen is back up and searching for the I fairy... I am so so glad you are back.. have a memory filled holiday.. We all have missed you.

Linda said...

Ellen
So glad that you are back. I've missed your wacky sense of humor. I'm glad that you were able to find your way up and out of "the dark place." Have a wonderful holiday, and I'll be here whenever you pop back in.

Stampin on Sunflower Drive said...

That's the spirit. We can not be all things to everyone. Glad to have you back.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back. At one time or another in our life we will all be touched with loss and how we handle it is our own personal thing. It may hide for a long time or it may be present every day. Whatever or whenever you need 'time' it is o.k. we will be here and remember it is not our place to judge anyone. {{{hugs}}}Jane

Anonymous said...

Great to see you back on the air! You have been missed! Sending good vibrations that you have more ups than downs in your corner of the world.

June K said...

Hugs, Ellen. I'm so glad to read your post tonight. I'm positive that chocolate will lure back the Inspiration Fairy. I think fairies have a sweet tooth. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

**June**

Lisa said...

Welcome back Ellen missed you and your creative work. I hear the fairies are keen on getting back to nature for inspiration too.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back. You were greatly missed,one day at a time and time always heals our hearts,but we never forget our loved ones that have moved on to a better place.

Cindy Adachi said...

So glad you are back!!! I've missed you. I love your blog and witty banter.

Carol Ric said...

Glad you are back! Looking forward to seeing more of your talent.

Anonymous said...

First comment I have left on a blog but felt I had to write, so glad to have you back,your work inspires me! Just one of your many fans from across the pond.

tltcreations said...

Oh I am so happy to hear that!! I have missed visiting your blog - it was my daily happy time. THnak you for all you DO!! =0)

Rebecca said...

I loved your blog & punch art. I missed you. You did a great job to do punch art. I understood your message. Happy Thanksgiving.

Carol B said...

Glad you're back. I love your designs and your sense of humor. Don't let the touchy critics get the best of you.

Anonymous said...

I have surely missed you but totally understand the emotional ride and sure glad you're back to your normal self. I've been on the other side and my craft is what keeps me sane. Glad to see you again and have a Happy Thanksgiving (eventhough, we don't celebrate it here in Australia).
Take Care,
Carmen

Amanda said...

Great post - love your sense of humour...... and glad to see you back.

Have a great Thanksgiving and I look forward to the Inspiration fairy sprinkling her dust back over you.... Be careful if it the dust has a chocolate base though......

Mary said...

Yay, I'm so glad you are feeling better! I wanted to comment before, but I couldn't figure out how to get a message to you. I wanted to say please, please, please don't let the Negative Nellies get you down. Your blog brings joy and inspiration to many including me. Thank you for sharing your blog, I enjoy it so much. Hang in there.
Mary Hodgman

Leena Girsa said...

SO glad you are back and doing better, Ellen! I've missed your wonderful creations and your sense of humour. I hope the holidays aren't too difficult for you and your family, given your recent loss. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Bless you, and keep healing. The hole will always be there, but Time will rub off its shredding edges. I am really looking forward to the smiles you generously share...
Jenny

Whimcees said...

Hello!

It is a happy day to see you back posting. Your clarifications are perfection.

Wishing you everything good this weekend. Know that I keep you in my prayers.

Looking forward to what IF brings!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Cathy said...

So good to have you back! I start my day every morning enjoying your blog, and look forward to continuing those happy mornings. You go girl!

Ruthie said...

Hallelujah! I am soooooo glad you are back! I kept checking everyday to see if you had returned and here you are! I look forward to your inspirtion - I KNOW that I. Fairy is out there just waiting for you to call her to your side! Blessings, sweet one!

Peggy said...

I am so happy you are back. I'm even crying... I don't even know you... but your silly blog is so fun... you are so special!

Cindy said...

So glad to hear that you are healing and that you are back! You are an awesome woman and we all care about you when you hurt. Much love and have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! Cindy

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Yay! I'm so glad to see/read your post and to see that you will soon be creating and sharing your punch art again! I love your creations! You inspire me!!!

Anonymous said...

Delighted to have you back. You've made my day ! With all the support you have on your blog, I think the i fairy is going to be back real soon.
regards
Diane
Cape Town

Knuppe Family said...

I am sooooo stinkin' excited to see you are back!! I am glad that you took the time to realize as perfect you are to us with your punch art, you may not really be that perfect. And that's OK. None of are perfect, we are all just silly humans! You did answer my email and for that, thank you!!

Happy Holidays!! You inspire me, so maybe now I can get back into 'creativity' with my punches!

Tiffany

CindyL said...

Woohoo! I am so happy to see a new post. I've missed your sense of humor and your creativity. Big hugs coming your way!

Taking the scenic route said...

I enjoy reading your blog and learning new ideas for the punches

Don't let the haters get you down... you do a wonderful job!

Terrie said...

Hang in there.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Kathy Simpson said...

Hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving, it's great to have you back in "blogland".

Mary Jo said...

Well, welcome back. And I'm proud of you for not going down the dark hole of depression. Praying for your joy to return in full and for your inspiration to find its way back to you. You are blessed with talent and have a heart for sharing that blessing with others, so take that and run like the wind with it!
{{{{{BIG HUG}}}}}

By the way, I lost my precious daddy at Christmas time 21 years ago, so I do know how you feel. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

YAY, Ellen!! SOOOOO glad you're back!! I know the holidays will be very difficult for you, but your faithful blog-followers are sending good thoughts, prayers, and lots and lots of cyber-hugs!! And remember -- diamonds are made under pressure!!

Estelle from Hernando, MS said...

HOORAY! you're back!!! I'm so glad that you are here again. We have missed you terribly. We all need to have a time of grief. I certainly did when my own Daddy passed. We all grieve in our own way. When you feel like creating again, we are all here waiting for you and praying for you. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

A faithful follower,
Estelle

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm so happy to see you back and allowing comments so I can tell you how much I've missed seeing your creations! And to tell you not to worry about silly other people and their looking for offense. I believe we CHOOSE to be offended - so it's on them, dear, not you!

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Jackie

zuziqu said...

I am so glad that you are back, Ellen. I have been checking every day, and hoping that would be the day you would feel better enough to share with us. I love you!!! Sue B

Theresa said...

All you need to remeber is that opinions are like a#@holes, everybody has one! LOL I love your blog all the more because you have such a fun sense of humor. I missed you and I'm so glad you are feeling better. You are still in my prayers.

kilroy said...

I have checked everyday to see if you were back. I was so glad to see your post today. Life can be tough at times and we all need time away.
Ellen, you will still have bad days dealing with your father's passing. Know that it will get easier but 5 years later, I still miss my mom and dad so much. But, I know they want me to get on with my life. I pray that you will be able to draw strength from memories of wonderful times with him. Sue G

Jessica said...

YAY!!!! I've been checking back every day to see if your positive peeps have helped you through it...and here you are!!! Again with the perfect prose I love so much! I'm so glad you are back and I'm sure the Inspiration Fairy will find her way home soon...

Welcome back and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

CORSAI57 said...

I am doing the happy dance. You made my day when I openned reader and saw a post from you. Look forward to your creation, I am blessed because your a part of my life.
Welcome back Ellen, AND Happy Turkey day you to your family !!

Rosemary Morgan said...

Ellen...welcome back. Your blog is the highlight of my day.
Hang in there, the Inspiration Fairy will return brighter than ever. Praying for you.

Missi said...

I'm so happy to see you're back! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the inspiration fairy will sprinkle your Thanksgiving with lots of fun and happy things to inspire you!
Take care, Missi

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I've missed you.

hugs,

Anonymous said...

YAY! You have some of your gumption back. This is your blog. If someone did not like something they can just not visit again. I love your blog and all the cute and crazy punches.

AnnMarie said...

Glad to have you back! :)

Margie said...

YAY - So wonderful to have you back. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear you're coming back. We all would have truly missed your wonderful creations. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and chocolate always works for me.

Pat

Anonymous said...

Yeah! You go girl! I've been an admirer from afar but love the things you do. Thanks for hanging in there, especially when times are tough!

Anonymous said...

Thank heavens your back - I can't wait til after Thanksgiving. I have missed seeing your beautiful talent in action. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Carol said...

Ellen it's wonderful to hear from you again and it's so good to hear you're 'in the right frame of mind' now! hope that makes sense. Take care, have a happy Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Char said...

Welcome back. Missed your creative ideas whle you were gone. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

kraftykat157 said...

Welcome back Ellen ! We've missed you. I love all your projects. You are fun and witty and inspire me to try outside the box!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and the
"fairy" will be home soon.
sherrye

Carolyn Gibbs said...

Welcome back Ellen! Thicker skin is good. Hope the Inspiration Fairy turns up soon!

Elizabeth said...

Hooray! I am so glad to see you are coming back soon! Don't worry about pleasing everyone...worry about pleasing yourself! :)

I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Huge hugs!
Elizabeth

StampingJan said...

Dear Ellen,
I am so happy that you will be back. I have missed you.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the chocolate!

I hope to see more of you and your wonderful creations soon.
Hugs,
Jan

Unknown said...

Geez! I had just "found" your blog and I was afraid you were gone forever & ever! Glad you are back! I used to work for a guy who had a whole book of favorite quotes! One of his favoriates was, "don't let the b------s eat ya!" I am sure there is great knowledge and wealth in that one somewhere! LOL!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Yay! Yay! Need I say more? :)

Karen said...

NEVER give up. Hold yourself high!
Karen

Susie McCormick said...

Glad your back! Your work is wonderful and have checked back everyday hoping you were back! have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ann Aplin said...

Ellen, I am so glad you are back. I've checked your blog every day but the last 2! It takes time to get over your loss so allow yourself time to grieve.
Now regarding your offend post. My mantra is "I'm offended by those who are offended! It is time for us to grow up & realize we are all unique & entitled to our own opinions & ideas.
Keep up the good work Ellen! I'm with you!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to see you're back. I check everyday. I'm sorry you've been going through such a rough time but I'm glad to here you've come through it. Can't wait to see what the inspiration fairy will bring. Happy Thanksgiving.

Lori B demo in WI said...

Welcome back to the blogsphere! We have missed you! Take as much time as you need honey, you have been through so much lately! You are worth the wait! Love you!

Anonymous said...

Ellen, so happy to see you are here!!!! Have checked every day...
Wishing you bountiful blessings on Thanksgiving and always. You are certainly a blessing to so many of us. Take care and heal your heart.
Fondly, Patricia Gessner

Anonymous said...

Yeah, your post just made my evening!!! I check your blog several times a week to see what wonderful things you have been up too. Happy to see that you are back and I'm sure the chocolate will work as it's a cure for everything.

Hang in there and best wishes for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Vickie M.

Kris B. said...

You are AWESOME! I really missed all your hard work. Welcome back!!

Kriss said...

Can't wait to have you back:) I sure have missed you and the Inspiration Fairy!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Yayyyy!!! I'm so happy that your back. I love your punch art and your sense of humour. Have a great Thanksgiving and I'll check back then. Collette :)

stampin along the way said...

Ellen I just can't imagine someone saying anything negative to your worderful creations! I am so sorry to hear that. Just remember my mom and I are still your number 1 fan! Take care my dear.

Lucia

Charlene said...

Your work and art is inspirational and I hope you will continue to post. Every time I go to your blog it brings a smile to my face and gets my creative ideas flowing. You have a special gift that I hope you will continue to share.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back. You have been missed. Great attitude. Enjoy your turkey day! Hugs .. Maureen .. midwest! ;-)

Elaine said...

So glad you are back. I love your creations. Remember be true to yourself. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and keep on smiling.

Anonymous said...

So very glad that you are back, I have missed you and the Inspiration Fairy. One thing to keep in mind, it is impossible to please everyone. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Amy Watson said...

So happy you are back! I have missed you and your posts!

Thinking about you this Thanksgiving season. Lots of hugs!

Amy :)

Jacqui said...

Hi Ellen - you don't know me personally, but I check your blog out every day. I'm glad that you are back and I'm glad you are not going to worry about what others think. Clearly those who choose to make negative comments are just unhappy people and if they have nothing better to do than to make nasty comments to someone who is sharing their creativity then I feel sorry for them. It must be a lonely existence to be so perfect.
I LOVE all your little characters and wish I had an ounce of your creativity to make some little critters myself. Please keep sharing and don't worry about the nasty people - what goes around comes around.
Glad to see you back.

Kim said...

Ellen-I literally have tears in my eyes. I am soo glad the roller coaster stopped and let you off! The humor with which you write is a sunny spot in so many people's lives, and I'm glad the sun came back out for you.
Thank you for sharing, not only your wonderful personality, but your creations as well. Welcome back!
Kim

Anonymous said...

So glad your back!! I sure have missed you. I have not checked in much since you posted that your dad was in need of your time and you would not get to post as often.... So glad you are so talented and may you stay strong and keep on posting

Bonnie said...

Yaaaay so glad those "poop on your paraders" didn't get you down for too long.

I love your stuff and so do a pile of others so mwah keep up the good work.

Bonnie

Laura Isham said...

So glad to have you back. I've missed your creative, fun, inspiring, and phenomenal artwork (because that is what it really is). I know about having to pull yourself out of depression. It is no fun and really scary. I'm glad that made the turn back to "happy-ville".

Missed you while you were gone and was thinking of and praying for you.

Angela Torres said...

Thanks so much for coming back. Loss is not an easy thing to overcome. Take one day at a time and I'm glad I have you back. Miss your creations and your silly blog. love your honesty, humilty, and humor. There's tons of us that have miss you. I was so hurt that people where mean and because of them I was not going to enjoy your blog. I"m so happy that the black cloud is moving away. There would be times it would come and go. But, your the rainbow in all this. Thanks.... Angela T

Glenda Mollet said...

Ellen, I posted a Blog Award for you on my blog tonight, please stop by and pick it up when you have time. Thank you for all your inspiration, and know that not all of us are narrow minded! I love your blog and all your punchies. Here is the link to my blog post for you ....
http://glendamollet.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-first-ever-blog-award.html

Stacey said...

Welcome back!!! Thank YOU for entertaining us. Create what pops into your very creative mind and post away. It is after all - YOUR blog! Happy Thanksgiving Ellen!

Lynne said...

Sooo glad your roller coaster ride is coming to an end. Thicker skin is not a bad thing, and one person's opinion is not the majority. Keep being creative and don't worry what other people think, or you will go down that dark path.

Dee said...

Good on you for coming back - we missed you and your humour and your punch art. To those people out there who offended you - get over yourselves. We are not on this Earth for long so we might as well have a good time. Hugs to you

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear from you! I check daily hoping to see a glimmer of light from you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will wait patiently in "silly blog land" until the inspiration fairy sprinkles some dust your way.

YEAH! I'm glad your back

Evelyn - Virginia Beach

jean said...

Ellen
I'm so glad you'll be posting again
I love your creations and can
hardly wait for the next one.
Happy Thanksgiving

Anonymous said...

I was so sad to when I read your Nov. 9th post. Seeing your creations brightens my day and keeps me from the tunnel. I am over the moon that you are back. You are a great lady and an inspiration to us all. We have missed you. Can't WAIT 'til next week!!

Anonymous said...

I too am glad to see your post! I have been checking every day that I could to see if you had a new post. I hope you feel the positive thoughts coming through the blogisphere. I do so enjoy your take on punches! :) Happy Thanksgiving!!
Shelley

rsihm said...

Just found your blog and can't imagine anything that you have done that would have offended anyone. I think that you have a great talent for seeing what can be done with just one punch. What an imagination and an inspiration to all of us to look at our punches in a new light. Can't wait to see what else you are going to come up with. You have made me want to order the owl punch for sure and probably some more. Keep up the good work !

Loni said...

Luv ya Ellen and soooo glad to see you back.. even my non-stamping friends that get a kick out of your punchy characters and your wit will be glad to see you back. Hang in there as I'm sure the holidays will be filled with memories of those we've lost.

Hugs, Loni

The Princess said...

Yay! You're back on the saddle. You go, Gurl. Yup, life's all about ups and downs, joys, upsets, losses, but most of all --- life's about what we make it and you make it wonderful for us. So, let's enjoy your creations. Don't think about it -- it's art. It's created and please never ever be sorry that "you didn't think it through first." That's just not right. Art is impulsive creations and something fun to share with your "friends". One of them is Me. Thank you for the inspiration.

M

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you back hope your thanksgiving is wonderful. the I fairy cannot resist chocolate,LOL
Susan in KY

Jamie Adcock said...

I'm so happy to see that you were able to come out the other end of someone's comments in a better frame of mind! I agree that you can never make everyone happy and I would never in my wildest imagination have assumed you meant to offend! I love your work and look at it for exactly what it is -- creative genius! I don't have an iota of the imagination that you have and I for one am happy to see you back blogging again. I look forward to many, many more of your fabulous creations and I hope that anyone who feels negatively about one of your works of art just moves along! Life is too short to make others feel bad or unhappy! Welcome back.

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for you and your ability to ride past but not thru the tunnel of despair.. We miss you and please if the chocolate does not lure that darn inspiration fairy, why not try some mashed potatoes and gravy or a little turkey with cranberry sauce, perhaps she is needing a healthy meal..OR set a shiny star above your punch drawer perhaps the shiny object will lure her back.
Glad you are back, we look forward to more of your marvelous creation.

Anonymous said...

Ellen - what a lovely surprise to see you posting again. i have missed you. I am glad to see you are working through these sad times. there will be more, but hoping each time will be less difficult. thank you for your crazy blog and great inspiration.

carla starry

Anonymous said...

Welcome back - missed you! So very glad you didn't stop at the Tunnel of Depression - that ride is way too long & dark, & once you get on it, it's darned hard to get off.
((HUGS))
Gail

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, May I just say I am SOOOO happy you are back. Blog hunting just wasn't the same. I always run to yours first to drool over what you've created.
Please know there are many of us up North that are inspired by you daily.
Love
Kealey
Vermont

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! I had lost all hope of you returning. Decided to try one more time and here you are!!
Just goes to show you should never give up, huh? Welcome back. Love your blog and your work, you're the best!