As a thank you, the first 3 to purchase will get a BONUS
Here is PART 2 of this crazy story!
So, I have to preface this again with how much of a rock star I think Kristine is. How much I look up to her. I have been watching and learning from her for years. Is it possible maybe she was watching me too?
Ever since my first convention in 2008, I have really tried to never miss a CTMH event and there were many offered that I have attended over the last 5 years. Which is when she came to CTMH (I believe).
Let me also say this, I have never earned a cruise, been top sales or anything fancy like that! So, this was very overwhelming! I was certainly not worthy of 
this!
Okay, at Regionals I was recognized as a Top Team Builder (based on those who attended).
Anyway, when I saw Kristine in the hall, walking as I left the creative session, I knew I had to say something, but I was tongue tied.
I hugged her, and then! I find out later she’s not a huge fan of hugs LOL!
So, I don’t know what I said. She said, I told you, you would know it when you saw it! I was gushing I am sure. She said she always loved my name and how unique and different it was. I honestly can’t remember what else she said..But she did tell me that Sarita in Hebrew means princess and I could tell that really meant something to her. She jokingly bowed down to me as she started walking away.
Talk about being overwhelmed. I wanted to cry like a little baby then and there too. But as usual I decided to laugh instead. I decided to have some fun with it. So, I was by the “Sarita Collection” in the display case and Carly Roberts, our amazing art director was there and I was joking and she was like Oh you’re Sarita, I’ve heard tale of a Sarita but now I know who you are. How funny is that?
I want to cry right now writing this and I am not entirely certain where those emotions are coming from.
Maybe it was memories of growing up with a weird name that no one could pronounce. Sarita Polivka, forget it. Substitute teachers would read the roster and there would be a big pause when they came to my name.
Maybe it was pride that my Mom didn’t tell anyone that if she had a girl she would name her Sarita after the girl who babysat my older brothers. Who happened to come from a family with 6 girls all with “S” names.
Maybe it was thinking of my Grandpa who we lost way too soon, looking down from heaven and laughing at how he used to call me Sara (he didn’t like the name Sarita) and I would cry. Then it became a big joke between him and I. I’d give anything to hear him call me Sara right now.
Maybe it was from being bullied for just being different. My name didn’t help that either.
Maybe it was because when I was learning to read, I thought every present under the tree was for me, because they all said “Santa” which looked very much like “Sarita”.
Maybe it was from remembering how it felt to see my friends, Kim and Kelly with personalized license plates on their bikes.
Maybe it was from the joyful feeling I had when I was a child and my Mom had ordered special leather barrettes with my name on them. FINALLY!!
Maybe it was the numerous people who would hear my name and having not met me, assumed I was ethnic. Mostly the question was “Is she black?” HA! the furthest thing. Blonde hair, blue eyes and mostly Polish actually.
Or maybe I was just so grateful my parents didn’t name me NORTH!
I am sure it is a combination of all of this! When you grow up with a very different name, you know when someone is talking to you or about you. NOW, to see my name and hear my name is something I have to get used to.
The next day at Extravaganza, I had to take this picture for sure. Each presenter had used a different paper pack to present many different types of artwork. So, I was so excited to see my name and my friend, Amy was the presenter. Which means she also meant she knew and kept it a secret.
I was working the booth with my other friend Amy, which was a blast, so I didn’t get to take pictures of the artwork. But, we had fun passing out free stuff!!
“Life is short. You can’t afford to put off what God has put in your heart. You don’t have time to live with things holding you back.”
So before I tell you about my paper pack, I need to set the stage and tell you about some fun new products!
If you could bottle up the energy in this room, we would all be millionaires and could craft everyday all day for the rest of our lives.
The Close to my Heart executive team is brilliant, intentional, innovative and SILLY! They put on one heck of a show to present new products.
You know I LOVE these! All the rage on Pinterest! I have been making my own chicken wire frames to for display for a little while now.
Now, everyone can, simple and quick! Isn’t that great? It’s part of our Designed Décor line.
Then it was on to our new Base and Bling Line!
Wearable Art! Express yourself with hand designed wearable crafts. The bases that are yours for the creating include; Necklace, cuff, hair clips, rings or headband. I can just see how awesome this will be for my Craft Happy Birthday Parties and craft classes!
As if that wasn’t enough they announce what we were all praying and hoping for!
A NEW CRICUT CARTRIDGE! ARTBOOKING!! (700 images, Font, Mini Books and Layouts!)
A cartridge that thinks for you! It sizes all the page elements whether you are making a 12×12 layout or one of 10 themed mini albums. So, press one size and you will get coordinating overlays, photo mats, journaling pieces, titles and more!
2 keys and 1 dial size and you are on your way to Artbooking magic!
Who even thinks of this stuff? Of course it is a collection so it comes with awesome new stamps and chipboard shapes. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! BEYOND BRILLIANT!!
Then after all that they handed us a new bag with a beautiful new Idea Book inside!
So, since I NEVER see my name anywhere I was just mesmerized looking at the pages and I had to have a picture of it.
You could think that was quite a coincidence! Most people did!
But then I remembered something our amazing VP of Sales and Marketing, Kristine Widtfeldt told me, when I saw her at our Regional event in Chicago back in April.
The conversation went something like this…
Kristine: Hey Sarita! Are you going to convention?
Me: Yep, wouldn’t miss it!
Kristine: Oh good! There will be a surprise for you. You’ll know it when you see it.
Me: What?
Kristine: Yep, just for you. I mean, it’s for everybody, but it’s really just for you.
I WAS FREAKING OUT! but I went back to working on my stuff and didn’t really think about it again.
Okay, Kristine doesn’t know this, but I admire her creativity, mad marketing skills and sense of humor more than anyone else I know. I want to be her! I have watched her do some incredible presentations. Act in crazy skits and give her heart and soul to this company. My friend, Trudy once told me, Kristine reminded her of ME! Now that was a compliment! I know I am fan-girling- sorry. Not sorry. Anyway, she is like a rock star in my eyes.
I couldn’t even think straight. Not to mention looking at all of the beautiful artwork and lots of other fabulous products in the catalog.
After lunch we were on to our Creative Session.
I was so excited to see Melissa! She had been in a Director’s lunch. Another reason to make Director. I wish I had been with her when all this happened.
When she saw me, we screamed and hugged. She knew about the paper pack all along! She also told me that she confirmed it was named after me.
Try to wrap your brain around that one, while your putting together a project. It is a good thing she and I worked together. She kept me on task!
I did see Kristine after our project, you can click here for Part 2: The Close to my Heart “Sarita” Paper Pack Story.
I hope I am not boring you. I have decided that details matter, our stories matter. Maybe I am blogging for me, but in honor of my beautiful friend Katrina and everything she taught me about Heaven and Earth. Here I am, choosing to
Our day started with a mix & mingle where everyone shared ideas and networked. I loved catching up with my friends. Here is my good friend, Traci and I. We both share a passion for kids classes, so we had lots to share with each other. I really love her work! 
We spent some time learning from a key player at the Disney Institute. So, not only do we get to play at Disney, but we get to glean knowledge from the top people at the world’s most famous brand. It was a great reminder of how relationship building makes for repeat business. Disney and Close to my Heart have a a lot in common. So, why not make the next incentive trip at Disney’s new resort and spa in Hawaii. Doesn’t that sound amazing? In October we will find out HOW we can earn this.
The rest of our sessions were spent with top leaders in sales, recruiting and social media/online marketing. We got to ask the questions and we learned a lot. At night it was team meeting time. I am a proud to be a part of the heritage of the greatest team in the company, “The Dream Team” led by Karen Morris and Naomi Smith. They had an awesome Mardi Gras theme. They really go all out! 
The fun never ends. Tomorrow is all about the New Idea Bok Reveal! Remember, You are Welcome Here! Join the fun for only $49! 
Until Next Time-
Capture Life Sarita
We were very fortunate we could arrive on Monday and spend some girl time at the pool all day on Tuesday. 
It’s pretty much the only down time we had all week. When I arrived Monday night, tired from traveling all day, My upline, Susan Tomaino, had such a nice surprise for me. She lives in Florida and drove there, so she made up these extra special treat bags for each of her downline attending convention. I think I saw about 20 of these bags. I am not sure where she gets the energy from! Each little gift was made using Tommy paper and the cute owl from the Valentine promo.
(this thank you stamp is still available for only $2.95 with all proceeds going to the Oklahoma Tornado Victims.) The bag was also loaded with snacks and goodies which weren’t around long enough to make the photo! She also included extra water for me. Which really came in handy since it was mid 90’s, humid and sticky. To be appreciated and thanked like that, is one of the many reasons I LOVE being with this fabulous company known as Close to my Heart. It is the little things that make all the difference and people matter! I am already thinking of gift ideas for my team members next year when we have convention in Disneyland! Want to join us? You can click here and with a $49 starter kit full of NEW product, catalogs and more you can start making new crafting friends, some extra cash, earn free products and create awesome memories like the ones I have from Convention 2013! Either way, be sure to come back for more of my convention recap tomorrow! Until Then- Capture Life! Sarita
I of course went for random stamping because I don’t consider myself great in the coloring department. But then, I had to add a pop of color. So, I got out our alcohol markers which truly can make anyone look like an expert! Look Mom! No LINES! How cool is that? You get a set of 2 (light and dark) so it was easy to work with. Coloring the entire thing as too much of a commitment for me, so I chose to pop the leaves with the pear.
Alcohol Marker Colors: Pear, Ruby
Cardstock: Black and Lagoon
Embellishments: Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Thanks for looking and keep coming back for some more juicy posts about my awesome week at our CTMH convention!
Now. it’s on to SUSAN’S BLOG!
I used a little Dream Pop for the funky pattern. Simply stamped the flower image in black Staz On. I cut the zip strip from “For Always” in half lengthwise for a border. I LOVE adding a little black to make the colors pop and to add a bit of sophistication. I also made this one- that required NO COLORING! So, see it’s really for everyone! To achieve the white on black you must use Daisy White Pigment Ink. It will need to dry a bit. I also used “Whisper Pigment Ink” on the background of the smoothie cardstock before I stamped “Thanks a Bunch.” It creates a subtle resist look. 
I also used the Cricut Artiste for the sheet of notebook paper to stamp on. To make the bow I used one of my favorite cheats. I simply knot a scrap piece of fabric. Doesn’t it look pretty? I hope I have inspired you to try something new today.
Until Next Time-
Be Blessed!
Sarita
I love these pictures that Savana’s friends took of her. On her birthday, May 5 this year she had a concert at school, so during a break her and her friends went outside and she was twirling in her dress. There were orange tulips in the background, so this worked out perfectly.
The doodling and chalkboard look is really popular right now. So, that is what inspired my layout. I used white pigment ink and stamped the large tulip. Then I filled in with smaller flowers with whisper and sunset pigment ink. I used the medium size flower to create a doodled border for the title.
I cut the tulip and leaves out using the Cricut to make 1 flower stand out (just like she does!)
The title was made by using a paper from Dream Pop that already had the word Beautiful printed on it. The “Uniquely You” sentiment is one stamp and I carefully cut them apart so I could use them separately. I love this font!
So, thanks for stopping! I am sure you are in for a fabulous treat as you head over to Michelle’s blog for some more inspiration with this stamp set.
Looking for more Dream Pop inspiration? Check out the Color My Heart Dare #45.
From the day I met her I knew I wanted to be her! She was so welcoming, sweet and kind. I was so blown away by her creativity. Every project and kit she created had her heart stamped all over it. It was so clear, her life was about her family. She had such a heart for sharing her life and she left a piece of herself in everything she did.
In July 2005 I showed up to convention Leadership day and didn’t really know anyone. I introduced myself to someone and he said, Sarita? “You are Katrina’s hero” I was like what?? You mean the VP of Product and Design? He said yeah, Katrina can’t stop talking about you and how you are doing all of this while your husband is deployed to Iraq. I didn’t even know Katrina.
Then I met her and she hugged me like I was her long lost friend. She was the most genuine person I had ever met. So beautiful. She wasn’t about status or title.
She was also just so smart and creative! As I watched her instruct it was so evident that she loved what she did and poured herself into every project and product.
She was such a great teacher. She always had a story to tell, and was so easy going and patient. Always smiling and light hearted! REALLY easy going as you can tell. Here she in bare feet introducing new product.
As I attended Leaving Prints events throughout the next year, there was no question that scrapbooking was her heart. She believed that it was pictures and words together that captured the essence of scrapbooking. It was about leaving a legacy.
I don’t remember when she told us this, but I will never forget when she was standing at the front of the room with a scrapbook. She told us a story about a young lady who had been in an accident and died. We were all in tears, but we weren’t prepared for that young lady to be a family member of Katrina’s. Katrina hadn’t known her all that well, but as she was on her My Space page she was so touched by all of the stories everyone was sharing. She really got to know her and was inspired to make a scrapbook using the stories and pictures from her My Space page.
That was what she was all about, capturing life. She didn’t want any child to lose their Mom, (God forbid) and not know how their mom felt about them.
I will also NEVER forget when she told us she had been at a funeral of a young mom and all she could think about was making a scrapbook for the children. She couldn’t even imagine if something happened to her and her kids not knowing how she felt about them.
When she was telling us the story tears were welling up in her eyes. She really felt that pain. She was so passionate about us sharing our stories and leaving a legacy. That is what Leaving Prints was about. Leaving your fingerprints on this world.
She did everything with that purpose in mind. I loved this kit, What I Love About You. It was simple, yet gave you a chance to create a special book that was artistic and allowed you to tell your story.
As I got to know Katrina over the next couple years I found out we had an even bigger bond. She was raising a child on the Autism Spectrum.
She was also extremely intuitive. We were talking on the phone one day and I mentioned something about Sofie having special needs. She said, I thought there was something going on so when I saw that layout you did of her on the swing.
She then shared with me her oldest son, Kai had Autism and that’s how she knew. Keep in mind, Sofie did not have a diagnosis yet and I was in the midst of the fight of my life. Katrina gave me the fuel to keep going. She assured me that I was on the right track. We shared the heartaches and it was just nice to know I was talking to another Mom who “Got it”. Especially since my husband was in Iraq and I felt so alone.
She also was the first person who ever recognized my work. She definitely believed in me before I EVER believed in myself. I will NEVER forget when my phone rang and she was on the other line, telling me my card entry got picked for the new Card Idea Book, Leaving Prints was publishing.
Then later on, I was chosen to be a member of the design team. It was such a honor and I got to know her even better.
She was always so complimentary and saw people in a positive light. I didn’t have an upline as she left the company and I was kind of on my own. So, Katrina and her brother Rex, who was in charge of IT took me under their wing. We were always messaging and they were cheering me on.
I fell in love with this girl and when we knew they were going to be in Philadelphia for a training, we had to go. The more you were around her, the more you wanted to be around her. This picture was at our leader’s dinner. Do you notice her hands and the Pope’s hands? She was so funny and just loved to have a good time!
She also gave me my first training opportunity at Convention in the fall of 2006.
Here is the card that she sent me after. I have held on to this card because it meant so much that she would take the time to write me.
In December 2006 we were invited to come out and visit with Bobby Lawrence, the owner of the company and her Father in Law. Brenda, my best friend and downline was invited too. It was a tumultuous time as it looked like LP couldn’t be saved and they were closing their doors.
You would have thought Katrina would have been depressed or at least upset. Nope, she was at peace with it and was in great spirits.
It was such a great trip. We got to spend time with Katrina at the corporate office and in her home. She was the same no matter where she was or who she was with.
She was also an amazing mother!! I will never forget when she was leaving at noon and said she had to go have lunch with Kai, so he wouldn’t eat alone. She did that just about every day. No matter what the circumstance, her little boy with Asperger’s came first.
We felt so comfortable in her home. Here she is wearing her Pajamas, bare feet and a baby rolling around on the floor. That was “the Katrina way”
She fed us an amazing Filipino rice dish that her mom had made. It had a very poignant smell, so she had it cooking out on the deck. She was so funny about it. I Like to eat it, but the smell, that’s a different story.
She packed so much into those few days. She insisted that she takes us to “Taipan” which was an incredible housewares store. I was admiring her decorations on her tree. so she said we have to go there. So, on the way to the airport we made a pit stop.
We were in a time crunch, but she was on a mission. It was a short time that we shopped, but it was scary, how much we had in common. Before you knew it, we were speeding away to the airport laughing and talking the whole way there.
She always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. It showed and it was contagious! We had kept in touch through Facebook and most recently Instagram. I was following her beautiful story. I was rooting for her and her children and most of all the baby she was going to deliver. She had sleepovers at the hospital, wheel chair rides and facetime with her family. I was so excited the day that I knew she going in. I knew the next picture was going to be her with the baby. The next picture I saw was of baby Jett, but his momma had gone on to heaven.
Katrina showed me how capture life through the eyes of a scrapbooker. I am so grateful for her. I know I will see her again someday, but until then I will be carrying on her legacy with my scrapbook pages. Whether it is cool or trendy or takes too much time and no one does it, I will be sure to keep scrapbooking. I want to leave my legacy. I want my time on earth to mean as much as Katrina’s did.
One of my favorite techniques is “Two Tone Stamping”
Which is using 2 different inks on an image. It is easy to do when you can see through to the other side and make sure you have it all covered.
Ink Colors: Hollyhock, Whisper, Black,
I added pink glitter gems, pink glitz glitter gel
Strips of For Always paper, Chantilly and my favorite silver shimmer tape.
Polka dot paper from last year’s May special, Dotty for You.
Hollyhock cardstock for the base.
Thanks for stopping! Now you are off to Susan’s blog for some more crafty goodness!
