You Do Not Want to Miss Out on This Great Sale

First of all, I know that it has been some time since this page has been updated.  This is due some health issues that I have been suffering with for the past few months.  It has been difficult to do some of my daily tasks, so keeping up with the business just has not been a priority.  My health was more important.

For this reason, it is with a heavy heart that I came to the decision to close my business, Kimberz Kreations, for the time being.  Since surgery last summer, I have really been struggling with using my hand.  I feel that this has affected the quality of the greeting cards that I have created.  This is just not ok with me.  I also am having difficulty with creating cards in great numbers as I used to be able to do.

After the holidays, I became very ill and no treatment was working.  Coupled with my fibromyalgia, I have been struggling terribly for the past 4 months just to function.  Everything with fibromyalgia is more difficult!  This is the worst I have had it in a very long time.

I appreciate all of my customers and will miss interacting.  But, I believe this is the best for me at this time.  But not to worry, I am clearing out a lot of my old stock and hundreds of items that I use to create my cards.

Now is the time to visit and follow my Ebay store, Kimberz Kreations.  I am adding new items frequently.  You will be able to find everything you need to create your own cards, scrapbooking and many other crafts.  Most items are new and all are in perfect condition.  Below, I will list some of the items available.

• Stampin' Up Rubber Stamp Sets and singles
• Various Branded Rubber Stamps
• Metal Cutting Dies
• Hundreds of Embellishments; flowers, stones and more
• Ribbon (all colors and sizes)
• Cardstock Cards and Envelopes
• Much Much More!!

Coming soon, I plan on adding even more stamps, embellishments, paper, ink and ink pads.

Stop by and see us on Ebay!  Follow our store so you are updated when new items are added.

Thank you all for your business over the years.

How It All Got Started

I rarely discuss how Kimberz Kreations came about.  So, today I thought I share how the business was molded and transformed into what it is today.

In 2002, I was working in to offices of our local police department.  I enjoyed the job, but it was only part time.  I longed for more.  Crafting and creating had always been a part of me for as long as I can remember.  My mother and I constantly crafted something.  We even had a craft booth for a while in the '90s.  I really missed it.

I decided one day to check out Ebay and see what all the hipe was.  It was still somewhat new in those days.  I always thought you had to have some way to purchase merchandise in order to sell it.  I didn't understand until that moment that you could not only sell used stuff, but handmade stuff.

At that time, I was making gift baskets and small gifts for people locally to fill my time.  I began creating Easter baskets and could barely keep up.  I made gift baskets and gifts for over a year.  This still wasn't THE THING.

That Christmas, I sat down to make my Christmas cards...just as I had for several years.  The lightbulb went off!  Everyone had always told me I should sell my cards.  I still had a few things to learn, but I had scrapbooked for years and decided why not.

I purchased a new set of rubber stamps and some pretty ink and began teaching myself how to properly stamp and assemble cards.  And the Kimberz Kreations you see today was born.

I no longer work, but stay home and create.  I love it!!  It isn't always easy to be my own boss, the it is satisfying to hear praise from my happy customers.  It is even more satisfying to see customers return for the next holiday.

If you have a dream, pursue it.  It definitely worth while.  As I tell my daughter, if it is too easy, it probably isn't worth it.  Happiness takes a bit of work.

If you would like to see what I am creating now, please take a moment to browse through the blog, or stop by one of my shops on Ebay or Etsy.

Do You Consider Handmade Gift Items Cheap?

The debate continues....

When someone gives you a gift whether it is for your birthday, anniversary, wedding or Christmas, do you consider the gift "cheap" if it has been handmade?  Do you consider the time and effort that went into the crafting of the item?

There are some of you out there who do not care for handmade items (unless they come from your own children).  Then, there is the camp, such as myself, that love handmade items....and actually prefer it.

I have always been a crafty person.  In my childhood, I remember sitting at the sewing machine with my grandmother.  It always amazed me to watch as she turned a plain flat of fabric into clothing or curtains.  Unfortunately, as much as I have tried, sewing is not my forte.  I did, however, take the love of creating away from the experience.

Over the years, I have tried my hand and several different crafts.  I have a love of the craft store (as my husband can attest).  My favorite crafts though, are those created using items normally thrown out. 

Every year I vacation at the beach.  I spend hours walking the shore with my bucket or bag.  It is so peaceful for me to walk along the water and hear the waves.  The bonus is finding all kinds of beautiful shells.  I use these FREE craft items to create décor, wreaths, frames and so much more.  Not only do I get a truly personalized souvenir, but so do my friends and family.  Each time I look at my wreath, frame or whatever I created, I am able to take myself back to that peaceful moment when I collected it from the sand.

So, the next time someone offers you a handmade items, please stop for a moment and consider the time and memories that that person created for you.  I assure you that handmade items are not cheap.  Step inside your local craft store and you will understand.  Most handmade gifts cost more than store bought items.

My Life with Fibro...Series 2

Some days it feels like life just drags us through, whether we are ready to follow along or not.  That sure seems to be the case for me at the moment.  It seems that the harder I try to slow myself down and take care of myself and my health, the harder life pulls.

Having fibromyalgia doesn't give anyone the right to be lazy for sure, as that is the worst thing that you can do for your condition.  But, why is it that so many who do not suffer with the disease cannot see that in doing what they would consider an easy task takes me at least three times the effort?  Invisible disease?  Well, yes it is.

If I could magically show them every single ache and pain that I have, I think I would.  If I could put into words how tired I am...most days the minute I am out of bed...I would do that as well.  This is where the frustration comes in.  I understand that people can not fully grasp something that they have never experienced, but it seems that for the most part, empathy is dead.

Learning to live this life differently than I did even 10 years ago is the most difficult task.  Understanding in your own mind that you will never be the same is devastating to say the least.  This is where the psychological part of fibromyalgia steps in.  Depression is a real part of this disease.  The severity of the depression depends on each patient individually.

Each morning when I wake up, whether I want to or not, I sit up on the edge of the bed and mentally prepare myself for that first step.  The physical part will come, I always hope.  I say a little prayer that with that first step I am not in too much pain, that I do not fall down, that I can make it the few steps to the bathroom without bumping into anything, adding a new bruise.

I refuse to let this disease consume my life any more than it already has.  I am kind of a stubborn person (this is where my husband would laugh).  Even on my bad days, I make it my mission to get up and do just one thing.  Motivate myself through just one small task.  When I finish that task, I start the process over and try to overcome one more, until I can absolutely do no more.

In writing this blog, I have taken a huge step.  I am learning to overcome the fear of voicing my pain and struggles.  I ask for help when I need it.  And, I am learning that I am not the only person going through this. Always reminding myself that there are others out there that are in far worse condition than I am.  I have found many fibro-friends and we support each other.

My best advice....don't be afraid to tell your story and find others who truly understand your daily struggles, they are out there.  Let's support each other through this.

I'm Still Here!

WOW!  Can't believe that it has been a week since I last posted.  It has been a crazy time for sure...some good, some not so good.  So here I am to update any of those reading about my fibromyalgia plite.

First, I finally got the results back from my biopsy on my thyroid...GOOD NEWS!  The tumor is benign.  I don't have to deal with that whole situation again for another year, as long as there are no changes in the size, pain, etc.

Second, my left hand that I have been having pain in for the last four years and already had surgery on once two years ago, is getting ready to have another surgery.  At this point, my orthopedic surgeon is trying deligently to pinpoint the exact spot around my thumb that is causing all the trouble.  I will finally be brace free in three short days!  I am so excited about that.

Lastly, my husband and myself have made the difficult decision to sell his mother's home and contents.  She has Alzheimer's Disease and was sent to a nursing home a little over a year ago.  The house has sat vacant for the past year as we all tried to come to terms with what needs to be done.  I would never wish that upon anyone.  Needless to say, it going to be a long and difficult summer as we box up possessions and memories and auction them off in September.

With my fibromyalgia and the impending surgery on my hand, the task at hand is going to become even more difficult physically than someone is healthy.  Please say a little prayer.

So, for now, alot of my projects that I was planning on completing and sharing with you will just have to wait a bit.  I still intend to complete them and to keep my promise to blog about my daily experiences living with fibromyalgia.

Color your world and go out and create something beautiful!

Don't Wait For The Perfect Moment

Today, I thought that I would share an inspirational quote picture that I made a few months ago.  I love the quote and the photo is awesome (it does not belong to me--was taken from Google images).  I hope that it inspires you.

With my hand being in a brace, I haven't been able to be too creative.  It is too difficult to accomplish much at this point.  I am hoping to get back into it very soon...at least I hope to.  I am not one to like sitting around much. 

I hope this helps to inspire you.  Go out and create your world.  It will make the world a more beautiful place.

More Fibromyalgia Talk

I wanted to continue the previous discussion of living with fibromyalgia.  Many of us who suffer tend to get caught up in the feeling that no one understands or is going through what we are.  Guess what?  There are millions of us out there.  In fact, there are at least thousands with your exact issues.

There are so many doctors out there who have no understanding of fibromyalgia and all of its aspects on your health.  In my experience, most general practice doctors either do not have enough formal training on this disease or just don't want to have to deal with the "complaints" of its sufferers.  Therefore, they send you on to a specialist, usually a neurologist or rheumatologist.  These doctors do offer a bit more information, but I haven't found one that I feel takes my disease completely serious.  They continually prescribe medication and change it up every 3-6 months if it doesn't seem to work.  Eventually, they seem to give up on trying to soothe the aches and pains and offer no more assistance.

That sounds very harsh, I know.  I am not at all saying that good doctors aren't out there.  I have had both good and bad ones.  I don't want to beat up on them all.   However, I would love to see more doctors in large urban areas that are specialized in nothing but fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome.

Recently, I was sent for an MRI due to severe hand pain.  Don't ask!  I know, what does your head have to do with your hand?  I asked and received a long answer from the doctor.  I digress.  The MRI found a "nodule" on my thyroid and an ultrasound was ordered.  The ultrasound found a large mass on my thyroid.

At first I was wondering why this on top of everything else.  Then I found an interesting article that described that thyroid issues can plaque those with fibromyalgia.  How did I miss this in all my research?  Anyway, here is the link for you to read the article if you like:  Fibromyalgia and Your Thyroid

I do not wish to seem like I am rambling.  Well, I kind of am.  But, my point to this post for those with fibromyalgia is:  Always be aware of your body.  If you have new symptoms or pains, do not disregard them as a side effect of your disease.  We all hate practically living at the doctor's office, but your well being is worth having checked, even if it seems you are a hypocondriac.  I would much rather carry that label than to disregard a symptom of a more serious problem which could take my life.

I am currently scheduled and anxiously awaiting the thyroid biopsy to determine if this mass is cancerous.  I will keep you posted.

Let's Talk About Fibromyalgia

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over nine years ago.  I didn't completely understand the disease and what it did.  Anyone that I had ever come into contact with who had this disease was either in a wheelchair or walking with the assistance of a cane.  I have to say that I was terrified.

I made it my mission to gather all the information I could about this disease and talk to anyone who knew anything about it.  I knew that there was no cure, so I was in for a life sentence.  Books became my most important ally at first, then I moved on to the internet.  I read anything that mentioned fibromyalgia.

I admit that after that period of time, about two years, I fell into a deep depression.  I cursed God and didn't understand why this was happening to me.  It took me a long time to come to an understanding with myself.  I could either let fibromyalgia get the best of me and end up in a wheelchair, or I could fight with everything I had to stay mobile and take back control of my life.

My first order of business was to get my body moving every single day, whether I felt like it or not.  It is hard, most days very hard.  But, I still do it.  My new motto is, "No Pain, No Gain".  I refuse to give in to this.  I will not go down fighting.  

I think that the most difficult thing for me everyday is the "Fibro Fog" or brain fog.  It is frustrating and sometimes embarassing when I can't find a word and voice it.  People look at you like you have gone insane.  Some days, that is exactly what it feels like.  

My combat for the fog is to keep my brain as active as my body.  This too is difficult.  Probably more difficult than forcing a body in pain to move is forcing a brain to function.  I read a lot, play memory games on the computer, anything that makes me think through every process.

I hope to continue putting my story out there in future posts.  I know that in my research, reading someone else's story made me understand better that I am not the only one on earth going through this.  It also made me realize that I am not as bad off as some who are fighting fibromyalgia.

You are welcome to leave your comments and stories.  I will read every one.  Support and awareness are the best defense.

A Little Inspiration

Today seemed like a good day to share a little inspiration.  I have been so busy lately that I feel like I am running in place.  I have so many thing to accomplish and there just isn't enough hours in the day.  I hope you enjoy this and share it.

Go out and CREATE your world!

Pin It

Reaching Out

It is a somber day for me.  For the first time in my life, my life is being directly impacted by breast cancer.  A week ago, my sister-in-law found out that she has breast cancer.  I have only known a handful of people that have had this disease...none as close as a loved one.

I continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers throughout everyday of the past week.  Today is her first treatment.  Thankfully she is a strong person already.  I know that she will not let this disease get her down without a fight.

Today I am asking for all those out there reading this blog to remember that breast cancer takes a lot of lives each year.  Early detection is the best defense.  Please take a moment and say a little prayer for all those affected and support research to stop this disease.

It is Almost Spring

It has been a little strange weather-wise around good ole' Missouri.  We have had an unseasonably warm winter with very little snow.  Never a good sign.  Tuesday evening, three tornadoes hit in the area (within 35 miles from my home in three directions).  Scary stuff.  Lucky the lose of life was minimal considering it could have been horrible.  Branson was hit the hardest.

Now, today it is going to be in the 70s and dropping back down to the 30s tonight.  NICE! (that was sarcasm)  I wish that it would decide one way or the other to be either winter or spring.  More storms are heading our direction on Friday.  Sometimes I really hate living in tornado alley.

I am hoping to get a couple of my projects completed today and posted soon.  In the meantime, keep creative everyone.

Creative Block? What?!

After weeks of having my creative juices flowing, I am blocked.  I guess all the creating and home improvement projects have temporarily shut my brain down.  I am determined to get over this...I LOVE CREATING!  I miss it already.

In the meantime, I still feel the need to keep my promise to blog regularly.  It doesn't matter if I have the best blog or the greatest projects, as I recently read in an article.  (I wish I would have noted the site I read it...it was awesome!)  Anyway, I love to create and share.  I hope that someone reads and gets inspired too.

So, today I thought that I would share another old project I completed.  Enjoy!

I love this inspiration saying.  Being a patient with fibromyalgia, it reminds me to lean on my faith on those bad days and trust in His strength when mine is lacking.  (The picture is borrowed from Flickr)

Pin It