11.20.2011

Must Try

When I was a little girl, my sister Kim, who was 6 years older than me used to always say to me when I was ready to give up on something 'Can't never can, can't never will, must try!'

It has stuck with me all these years when I've been tempted to give up.  It can be hard when you've tried and tried and it hasn't quite worked out the way you'd imagined.  I suppose if she were still living, Kim would tell me something along the lines of her previous words augmented with 'if that didn't work out it is because God has something even better in store for you'.

I am choosing to believe that.

If you're here than you've likely been in my shoes a time or two.  I've been putting my name in for design teams quite a bit lately, but so far no one has said a resounding yes.

Most recently, I was disappointed when Hambly announced their new team.  Hambly is a company that stuck out in my mind as one of my very favorites from almost the beginning of my scrapbooking experience.  I was so excited to try out for their team.  But alas, the time is not right.

However, I did make this layout for their call and I am so glad that I did.  One of the things I love best about trying out for DT's is that doing so often challenges me to go beyond what I already know.  I reach way down deep and try to pull out my very very best.  And the result is often pretty darn cool. Like this time.

My daughter and her Navy husband visited recently and we did a 'Sailor Suit' photoshoot.  A girl loves to see her man in his dress blues.  What a joy and honor to capture the two of them at this time in their lives!  They are a beautiful couple and so very in love.











Did I lose? Well, maybe I didn't gain that particular position.  But I won some new skills.  My pastor would say that I grew in character since disappointment often brings about greater perseverance.  And I have a layout that I am super happy with.  I hope you enjoy it too!

And I hope it inspires you to get your hands on some Hambly because they truly do have some pretty fantastic products!  And besides, Can't never can, can't never will, must try!

32 comments:

  1. You have the right attitude! I am so sorry to hear that you have been disappointed with DT applications, I have been in your shoes too and probably will be again over and over in the future. I submitted to Helmar and got passed over. It's hard but like you said, it keeps you creating and growing. You are so talented, keep on submitting, your day is coming :)

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  2. I cannot for the life of me understand how you are not picked up , Ursula. I love your layouts. Funnily enough I bought my first ever Hambly transparancy over the weekend. I can't wait to add it to my December mini. Loving your positivity!

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  3. I love all of your layouts and I think you would be an asset to any design team,not only for your talent, but for your attitude. What a way to stay positive!

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  4. I love your pages, they are totally amazing. Stay positive- I agree with what Danielle said.

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  5. Thank you for sharing your story. I have never tried out for a DT for fear of not being good enough. Your sister was right - Never trying will not get results you are looking for and God doesn't like quitters. I love your attitude and I thank you for sharing your talents and your love of God. Hang in there - your DT spot is coming!

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  6. Great way to look at things. But your work is amazing, I really love this one.

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  7. I so know how you feel and I'm sorry. The JB guest spot broke my heart (for the third time)~I keep saying that is the last time I'm going to put myself out there but then I want it so bad I do. You do awesome work Ursie~this is a great LO ~

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  8. Cute pictures and such a gorgeous page!

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  9. I'm sorry for you disappointment, but you'll keep trying and land something even better! Gorgeous layout, the photos speak volumes.

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  10. This layout is absolutely fabulous! You would have been a great choice for them! I'm so sorry you didn't make it...I would have loved to see you showing off their stuff!

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  11. I have been there plenty of times but I couldn't agree with you more. These try outs push us out of our comfort zone and make us better. You definitely have a gorgeous layout to show for it!

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  12. Sorry you didn't make the design team, but I love your attitude about it. Who knows what the future may bring? That is a wonderful layout!

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  13. Fabulous page! And hang in there...it just takes time and the right company. And it happens to us all. I went for the last American Crafts DT call and absolutely loved everything I made for it...had a good feelingabout it, and really wanted it. I was very disappointed when my name wasn't on the list. After that BasicGrey had a DT call...and I almost didn't go for it because of my last experience. But I did, and they picked me! So hang in there! As with submissions for mags, you just got to keep trying. Sometimes they pick you up and lots of times they don't. Just remember not to take it personally, there are always SO many talented designers going for these spots.

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  14. It's a fantastic LO...and lots of very talented people put in for Hamblys and didn't get it - so you are in excellent company :) Your work is great and I am sure the right place that has been ear marked for you will turn up soon.

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  15. You are a winner! I haven't done the design team thing, although I've certainly considered it in years past. So I can understand your desire and craving to be part of such a fun activity with something you have as a passion!

    And that is an extraordinary layout!

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  16. Ursula! First of all ... you have a daughter that is married?!!!!! You look like you could be the mom of tiny babies! Secondly - your work is gorgeous - there are many things that go into putting a dt together - maybe Hambly needed a different style or something like that. Keep having fun with your hobby ! You are very very talented!

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  17. I think that your layout is lovely! The photos are so much fun and I just LOVE the banner you made out of the transparencies. I'm going to agree with your sister and say keep trying because your work rocks!

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  18. Mommy i loooove it!!! :D <3

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  19. I've been there several times on that kind of disappointment and since I believe the Lord directs my life, I had already put these things in His hands. Still disappointed but trusting! What a really cool layout, LOVE those adorable photos!

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  20. Sorry you didn't make the team but the page and the photos are FANTASTIC!

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  21. What a gorgeous layout! You are so very talented and I believe that you will get picked up for a DT! Keep trying, my friend! Your layouts are fabulous!

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  22. ahhhhhhhh their loss!!!
    love that banner...

    and yummo looking soup!!!

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  23. Wow, I love how you used the transparencies! I'm always lost with them!! And I love the frame around the pics... Great LO!

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  24. I know how you feel- I didn't even try for the Hambly Team because I didn't want to feel rejected- this is probably cold comfort but it's GREAT that you tried out- you flexed those design muscles and you made a wonderful page- look at the comments- I can barely scratch 10 even at my best- it will happen for you- I know it. Hugs!

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  25. Can I tell you how much I love that hambly banner using the transparencies! Using their products is really a challenge but they are all so awesome! I missed the deadline but I'm going to try next time for sure! Never give up!

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  26. I wasn't able to look at this post until today, and know exactly how you feel!! I have never felt my scrapbooking skills were worthy of publishing, and never thought I'd have anything to share on a blog. I also have been crazy about Doodlebug since they started, so when they announced try-outs for DT's earlier this year, I went for it. My submissions were (I thought) just as good as the examples they advertise, but deep down, as much as I wanted it, I feared the heartbreak that eventually came when I was not selected. It was hard, but I noticed all the DTs they selected were established scrapbookers, with lots of blog followers, and most are DTs for other companies. That was one reason I started my blog. I won't be trying out for any other companies, but never say never, right?!? For what it's worth, I love your work, this is a gorgeous layout (and so is your daughter!), and you are a beautiful, artistic person. I always remember ... "If it's meant to be, then it shall be!" :)

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  27. love love the banner. awesome page!

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  28. Wow - seriously they are missing out by not having you on their team. I love your layout and your many techniques. You also inspire me to find the good in everything, even when we feel so crushed and defeated.

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