ENTIRE CRAFT ROOM WIPED OUT BY BARN FIRE!

 Friends, I don't even know where to begin.  In between the rollercoaster emotions I am trying to gather my thoughts, so I can share the story of beautiful metal barn and a 'dream come true' craft studio.  Then explain the loss after a barn fire destroyed absolutely everything I had accumulated in my craft studio over the last thirty years.  The saddest part, is my insurance company ONLY includes the structure of the barn.  No personal items.  

Local News Article

First, let me tell you that I am extremely grateful that no one was hurt.  I silently prayed over ALL the firefighters that risked their lives putting out a HUGE barn fire on my property.  I am grateful that they contained the fire, and that no other home or property near me was affected.  I am grateful to own a home and property, where I could have such a beautiful barn.  Trust me, I have been in the position of not knowing where I would live.  God has been SO good to me.

I am grateful I had the last few years, to be able to say I was 'living the dream' in my amazing craft studio my husband put SO much time and hard work into.  A real labor of love and I will capture each and every memory in my mind, and through photos, and always be grateful to him for bringing that dream to life.

Since the fire my mind has gone through every drawer, every shelf, every nook and cranny in that room.  Each drawer revealing a 'gasp' and 'oh no!'  It's shocking to realize you don't even own a bottle of glue.  As MOST crafters experience I was constantly saying 'I never even USED that!'  Along with the realized 'procrastinator' in me who remember the cabinets filled with half done projects... mini albums for my children and my grandchildren.  Each theme chosen because it represented who they were.  Gone.

It's been a couple of days, and now I need to get off that rollercoaster of emotions and begin the wipe the dust (ashes) off my feet and begin to rebuild.  With that being said, I will be capturing my new 'JOURNEY' and sharing the progress with my followers.  I will also be posting videos on my @JourneyTime YouTube channel.

Most of us, including myself absolutely HATE reaching out for help.  But a lesson I feel God is giving me during this season, is to swallow my pride.  'Pride comes before the fall.'  So I stepped out of my comfort zone, and reached out for help with several crafting companies I have done business with.  

First and very quickly, Stampin' Up! stepped up to the challenge and offered me a Starter Kit for free.  Yes I am already a demonstrator, but that offer allowed me to replenish $125 of supplies along with all the free demonstrator supplies! 

Secondly, QFun company responded with offering me a free laminator so I can continue creating 'laminator meets stamping' videos.  You can watch those videos on my YouTube channel also!  I will list a link to QFun and their amazing products in my next blog post.

My granddaughter who was more devasted than me... because she loves her grandma... started a 'GoFund Me' immediately... it was her way of taking action to help her grandma rebuild her passion.  Thank you Kyra.

I am already over-whelmed at the compassion I am receiving, so I am also grateful for the blessing.  So still true today... 'What TIME is it??  It's JOURNEY time!'  This journey is a bit different now... but soon we will be back as usual!