[Becca]

I know, I know...it's been said about a million times before. But somehow I really doubt Ro gets tired of hearing how much we appreciate her, Scrap Girls, and everyone else that makes this site what it is.

Today's muse about how Scrap Girls started brought me to tears. Because I really felt like Ro was speaking one-on-one to me.

By now, I think most of you know that I'm an incredibly organized and anal person...you've seen my blog here, haven't you? Well, yesterday I took my organization level one step further. I used my Kaboodle account to make a list of all the Scrap Girls products I owned. I have this in an Excel file on my computer, of course, but I wanted an online backup. Kaboodle was the perfect place.

When I finished this project yesterday, I felt sick. Seeing just how much I've bought since I've been here since mid-January was a slap in my face. We are a one-income family. I'm a stay at home mom. We have 3 children living with us, one with a special need that requires specially ordered food. And we live just far enough above the national poverty level, so that we qualify for no assistance. Do I have hundreds of dollars to spend on my digital scrapbooking habit? Most definitely not.

But somehow I did. A little here, a little there. With some help along the way from Scrap Girls gift certificates. I limit my purchases to sales times only these days. Did this make me feel any better? Nope. And yet I have a "free pass" from DH to take advantage of the current sale, too.

Anyway, here's my point. After reading today's muse, that sick feeling has gone away. Not because I've decided I can't change my past purchases, but because I helped keep Scrap Girls going and Ro's dream alive. Scrap Girls means so much to so many of us. For whatever our reasons. For me, it's a creative outlet and a way to preserve those thousands of photos I take of my children. In fact, before I read this morning's muse, my 8 year old son asked me why I make so many scrapbook pages.

The part of Ro's muse that hit home the most was this line here "They always say that they felt “led” to Scrap Girls and that is how I feel about it, too." Even though I'm such a small part of this community, I honestly feel in my heart that I was pointed in this direction by a greater power.

So thank you, Ro, for sharing that story. I don't have any clue how Scrap Girls manages to "read the minds" of its members by designing products and having them hit the boutique as soon as we realize we "need" them, and now today, sharing a muse that made me feel so much better about spending so much money here in the last few months. Because it helps more families reach their dreams and do what they love.

[goofyemt96]

I am going to totally agree with what Becca said, It was so nice to read about how SG got started this morning. I did not want the story to end. But there really isn't a ending, Scrapgirls is going to keep going and going and going. With the Continual support of Ro, Val and Mandy and all the Great Great Designers, and Heidi and Wendy. and everyone else. Along with all the great members!!! and like Becca said, after hearing your story in chat that one day and reading today. I also do not feel so bad about spending money that i should not really spend. and i really have spent. Because i know its helping to keep SG going and without SG i dont know where i would be in the DIGI scrapping world.

I was on other Scrapbooking sites that would not even give you the time or Day. SG opened there arms and let me in and become a family!! and i so look forward to SG everyday! If it's reading the newsletter, reading the boards, learning a new technique or participating in a challenge or Crop, or heck even posting away and you all know i can *L*....Scrapgirls Rocks!!! They are Always going to be Number #1 in my BOOK!!!


So Ro Thanks again for writing that!! I have totally enjoyed reading it, and im sure others feel the same way....

[nichole]

SG is my home away from home. Its a place for me to get my adult conversation in, get advice, give advice, learn new things (Like tabbing windows to post faster! Thanks Mary!) and just hang out. As I sit in my little corner of the world I wonder what everyone is up to. Did Zaz get this wind that I'm getting...I should warn Mary about the cold snap coming her way...Wonder what New Zealand's weather is like. Is everyone up and at em this morning or are they hitting the snooze button? The Scrapgirls are my friends. I never in a million years thought it would be possible to be friends with someone you've never met...but I'm learning that you can. My first instinct every single day is to log on to see what everyone is up to.

Ro, this is the seed you have planted! To us, it's not just a place to get inspired and buy stuff, this is where friendships grow. If Scrapgirls weren't in existence...where would we all be? I consider myself very blessed to have found this site. So a big THANK YOU RO!

[MaryJo]

I agree with what everyone had said. SG's is a refuge for me , a place that I can relate to. I have never seen a site that runs as efficently as this one does.

Its an insland in the midst of a hard barren land that only cares about what affects them and no one around them !!!

Again Thanks Ro and all of you at SG's !!!! MJ

[lgsouthfla]

I have to agree, I love ScrapGirls, and appreciate the outlet it gives me in my daily life. Being alone all day with a small child can get very lonely, WIth Scrapgirls I have a hobbie and have made friends. Thanks Ro for your wonderful creation, we were all led here, boy I am so glad for that.

[Launa]

Ditto to all of the above! I love Scrap Girls and all the people who make it tick! It is like a big family. Everyone genuinely (SP) cares about everyone, and are ready to do what ever they can to help eachother! (they don't even care if you can spell) LOL!! Really though, the pro's don't make you feel stupid, or like it's an exclusive club that you'll never be a part of! It's amazing how many quick answers you get when you ask a question and when somebody figures out something new how quick they are to share it with everybody!

I start everymorning with a cup of coffee and my newsletter! I too just want to say "thanks" to Ro for the vision and determination to make SG what it is for all of us today! And "thanks" to the girls for sticking with it too!

[PBarnes]

Scrap Girls has opened up an incredibly fun and creative world for me. Even though I had been employed as a graphic artist, I've always struggled with my level of creativity. Although I still don't consider myself really creative, Scrap Girls has given me an outlet to stretch - and hopefully to grow - what creativity I possess. Thank you Ro - and everyone at Scrap Girls, staff and members alike.

[AKP81]

I am moved to tears this morning. Downloadable Ice Cream was awesome to read and I think Ro is an absolutely amazing lady. She inspires me daily with her stories and muses.

ScrapGirls is the ONLY scrapbooking place I go. I feel free to ask ANY question, share any problem and play all the fun games.

Everyone makes you feel welcome and like Launa said the experts are willing to share all their secrets in order to help you be a better scrapbooker....if that's a word.

I love it here and I also want to say thanks to Ro and all the ladies who make this the best site there is!

Thanks, Becca, for starting this thread.

[Vaughnde]

Just read the newsletter after reading this first

All I can say is wow....Ro you have touched so many lives as others have touched yours! God is always there every step of the way. I do pray that you will feel much better soon and that your health will improve!

We don't always see where He is leading us at the moment in time but He always has a plan...even a backup plan for the times we don't listen and go our own way...but when we turn back He is there and ready, willing with open arms to lead us in the direction He planned from the beginning of time. To God be the Glory!

I too am finding myself reading Scrap Girls with my first cup of coffee in the mornings before anything else can happen. It is my 2nd home away from home.

Vaughnde

[trishy]

I think what Ro said is so true! I have had the pleasure to work with some of the greatest people I have ever met and working for SG is no different. I am thankful every day to be here on this team, in this community, doing what I love to do—TALK!

No, seriously, getting to design and make people happy, it doesn't get much better than this. Thanks for throwing this out there Becca!

[Toni L.]

Ok, well I'm in tears now. You ladies are the greatest! Nichole I agree with you...I come here for socializing as I'm a SAHM and quite often feel alone because I have no friends here. All my friends are in Wisconsin. Oddly enough..I was born and raised in Texas, but the few years I lived in Wisconsin is where I made my best friends. So without this place to come to everyday and read and try to help other people when I can, I so do not feel alone anymore. I realize there are people out there just like me who need adult conversation and who, without the help of ScrapGirls, would not get it.

Ro, I love this place and cannot thank you enough for giving us all a place to go, gather, conversate and just enjoy one another. Your dream has given my reality so much more meaning. Thank you.

[jonjonsmom]

Here, Here. It was a wonderful muse today Ro. Currently I know how it is to be in a tight spot. My husband is trying to fulfill his dream of running his own electrical business and right now his work is very scarce. I'm working full time nights and as much overtime as I can to keep the bills getting paid. I do this to help him realize his dream as your husband did for yours. Its wonderful having someone who loves you that much. We are all proud of you Ro and your many accomplishments. WTG.

[nicole_j]

[kerryveale]

Ditto to all of the above! Group hug! I do love designing for Scrap Girls, and without you, our wonderful customers, this wonderful, warm online community would not be possible!

[floss]

I know this is a long list but I have to add my Thankyou too.What shines out about this site is its warmth and integrity.Ro has every right to feel proud of her accomplishment.If it had not been for ScrapGirls I would have abandoned this hobby, and this fun outlet ,long ago.I am still rather slow(especially with computers) but SG allows you to grow at your own speed and supports you all the way.What more could any site provide?Well ,in fact ,no other site can,Heres to you Ro and all the Girls at SGs

[barnes642]

Thanks Ro for ALL your efforts to produce Scrapgirls. We receive comfort, warmth, advice and knowledge each time we all congregate on the web.

[sprinklz]

Well said, Becca!

Ro has created such an amazing place. I thank God everyday for leading me to Scrap Girls.

[mimes1]

I loved Ro's muse today too! I too was led to Scrap Girls after searching for YEARS for some practical lessons on PSE, and some sort of creative, design, photo working beyond the basic editing! I LOVE paper and office supplies, stationery, texture! but could never find any good books or manuals on how to do it digitally! I looked through book stores far and wide....Through a long chain of events spanning well over a year, I was introduced to ScrapGirls through the digital version of Scrap Simple Magazine. (Before they had the all digital one!) Just like Becca, I am humbled by how many kits and elements I have bought at ScrapGirls. All at once I feel grateful for helping out Ro in the success of the company, and feeling kind of quilty that I'm only here to reap the benefits of Ro's extremely hard work and sacrifice, and didn't contribute to the foundation! Kind of like the story of Little Red Hen! I am so very thankful to have found Scrap Girls - even DH will suggest I "ask the girls" what they think about my LO, hard drives, wacoms, and more! Thank you Ro and all you Scrapgirls out there who have made a family out of Ro's vision, as well as contributing to the creativity of so many!

I LOVE SCRAPGIRLS!!! (once I figure out how to use the blinkie I'll put that here!)
Love you Love you Love you!!!