Can We Talk?

It’s high time I wrote this message.

I’m in the process of moving Wally and LuLu to their own blog.

It will be called Goldens and Garden, with the theme being, of course, Wally, LuLu and the garden.  I’ll sprinkle it with cards, but no lengthy commentaries on the cards – perhaps just a few words and the recipe.

I’ve been working at it for a while, isolating the posts I wish to include, then copying and pasting them one at a time.  They date back to early 2007, and I’m just now beginning 2011.

Once the move has been completed, I’ll no longer be posting to this blog.  Essentially I’ll be dropping out of the stamping blog circuit.  This decision has been a long time in the making.

I have to go with my heart, and my heart tells me I need to make myself more available for the things that are most important to me.  You’re looking at two of them in the photo I’ve included.  I’ll still be stamping – more, I imagine, since I won’t be spending as much time on the blog posts – and I will be sharing my favorite cards, most of which will fit the theme of the new blog.

For now, I’ll continue with the Wally and LuLu Saturday posts on this blog, and I’ll let you know when the other blog is ready.  Thank you for putting up with me.  Love you all.

Comments

[Scrappin Shonie]

Wally and Lulu are too cute not to follow!!

[Dorene]

I just found your blog this week. I have to labs and love them soooo much. You sound so much like me when it comes to dogs. They are my babies. I love all your pictures and stories about them. I will definitely follow you to your new blog. I've been thinking of starting one but a little nervous to. Maybe some day.

[Chris]

These two look so happy - no wonder you want to spend more time with them. :) I'll enjoy their photos and rare cards when you feel like it!!

[Penny Wessenauer]

I'll be following. your puppies always bring a smile to my face! Thanks for doing this!

[Sherri Dean]

In the time I've followed your blog & your beautiful babies, I've come to love you all. So whatever shape or direction your new blog takes, i will still follow your adventures. And you can never go wrong with following your heart!

[Peg Parsons]

I'm following where ever you lead :) Love & hugs to you all!!!

[Pam C]

As time moves on, things change and our priorities change. I fully understand your decision and will be a happy follower to your new blog!

[ChristineCreations]

don't go too far ok? I miss you! And would miss just a little creating :) Hugs Leslie!

[Kelley]

Leslie, I am sure all your readers will understand! As long as we get our dose of Wally and Lulu, I know I will be happy!!! Hugs!!!

[bethann d]

i'll be sad and happy.. sad for me not to see your creations. happy for you to do what you love. life is short. enjoy what you love.

[Tosh]

It's so important that we prioritize!! And you have to very big priorities right here! :) I will miss seeing your work, although I'm glad you mentioned including cards on occasion. I wish you all the best in your endeavors!!

[Leigh]

I'd sad that you won't be creating as much as you used to but I do understand the reason why you have made your decision. So long as you are happy Leslie, that is the most important thing. Looking forward to seeing Wally and Lulu as well as your beautiful garden on the new blog.

[SueB]

Well I'm just glad you aren't leaving completely. Your work is too inspirational to not share it.

[Glenda]

It is so improtant to follow your heart...I will be following you wherever you lead! I love hearing about Wally and LuLu. Good luck in your new adventure!

[Francie (Montreal)]

Like Glenda, I will be traipsing after you to the new blog. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we had the time and energy to do everything we like? There is a sage sentiment that one of the stamp companies put out “Dream and you shall become”. In our fast paced world, it needs updating to “Prioritize and you shall survive”. Lots of luck with the new blog.

[Margaret]

Looking forward to the new blog and happy to hear that you will still be crafting. I know it's hard to find time for all the things that are important to us. Good luck!

[Mary Beth]

Leslie, I love your cards, I totally adore reading about Wally and Lulu and I appreciate your kind and sweet heart - so wherever you go, I'm following! Thanks for sharing!

[Carol]

I love to see all the pictures of the puppies, they are just gorgeous, a really handsome boy and the prettiest little girl. So to have them AND some cards still, I will be following!!

[Carol R]

I'm sure this was not an easy decision to come by. But I applaud you for taking the step. Love reading about your adorable 'children' Lulu and Wally. And your cards are an inspiration when shared. Looking forward to the new site when ready.

[Nimue]

I love your cards and I like to see them but I don't need all the details. My heart needs the lift it gets when I see a post about Wally and now Lulu. We've had a hard time here but my heart smiles on Saturday morning.

[Linda E]

I am glad you found a way to balance the things you love. I have come to think of you as a blog friend and will follow you to your new home.

[Gabriela Divine]

No worries, Leslie! You, yes you, have been such an inspiration to me, and I'm just grateful that you're not disappearing off Blogland altogether. I applaud you for your well made decision and look forward to visiting your new blog when the time comes.

[Dotty A]

I'm sure this was a tough decission for you to make... and I'm sure it will be the right one too!! Looking forward to your NEW Blog for Wally and LuLu and a sprinkly of cards too... I'll be watching!!!

[Michelle Arthur]

I'll be there. I love your updates & pics of Wally & Lulu. I will, of course, miss seeing your awesome cards, but as long as you throw us a bone (since we are talking doggies here) once in a while to get our fix, I think all will be fine. I salute you for following your heart........

[Alexandra]

Like others have said, you must follow your heart,and we'll follow you and your puppies to their new blog. It's been lovely sharing your love of creating and love of Wally and Lulu too.
The years seam to zip by so quickly and every moment and memory of your beautiful fur children is precious. My girls are 6 & 7 years old now and it only seams a short time ago they came into our lives as wee cute bundles of fun and mischief, mind you, the only thing that has changed is they're not so "wee" now. I will miss your card creations but am glad you'll give us a peak at your favourite ones every now and then. Best wishes with the move.
Alexandra x(from Scotland)

[Susan Z]

I have enjoyed your blog and I thank you very much for taking the time to maintain it! I will follow your new blog and enjoy hearing about Wally and Lulu. I hope you are able to find time do all the things you would enjoy doing! Life is good!!!

[Karen W.]

Love your cards, and your posts about your babies. Make sure we know where to find you when you "move." Hugs,

[Betty]

It sure sounds like a logical decision to me. I had to rethink my priorities (I'm not on anymore design teams but kept a blog up) and realize I have to spend more time with my family, horses and dogs. At least you're still blogging!

[Bev J.]

Will look forward to your new blog. I like looking at cards but love seeing your pets and garden. I stamp and blog on a irregular basis but find I post more garden related pics than cards! Have had a few health problems and seems my stamping interest has waned, but still love being in the outdoors as energy allows!

[conniecrafter]

Well glad to hear you haven't totally given up on your stamping, you make such Beautiful creations, always a good thing to follow your heart :)

[Nicky]

Leslie, we always have to do what our hearts tells us. Besides, I love Wally and Lulu. I will continue to be a follower on your new blog.
Nicky

[Sharon King]

I too will be faithfully following your new blog adventures. I forward all you Saturday posts of your beautiful dogs onto my daughter...she loves dogs. Looking forward to your new adventures.
Sharon King

[Debbie Pokerwinski]

Greetings from Buffalo, NY! Leslie, you have to do what is right for you and what is in your heart. Please just let us know when you'll be making the switch so I can follow your new blog. I wouldn't want to miss any of your wonderful card creations or photo sessions of your beautiful fur babies! I want you to know that I forward your posts of Wally and Lulu to a few of my golden-loving co-workers, and also my daughter so she can show my 2 year old granddaughter who said "dog" before Dada and Mommy! The new blog sounds exciting...thanks again for sharing! debbie

[Evelyn in Oregon]

I understand! I'm up to my hips in photography and that blog, although I have all these wonderful stamping and crafting supplies --and I keep buying them. My stamping blog gets little attention anymore, although I still love creating. It's just that I'm more involved in my photography. Although I'll miss the e-mails that announce your latest Running With Scissors post, I wish you well.

[Margaret Morris]

Dear Leslie--I have been following your blog almost since the beginning. I currently have loved Saturdays with LuLu and Wally so happy you will continue with that. Your cards have always had an artsy twist to them unlike anyone else and I have enjoyed them over the years. I hope your new venture will be in photography as you excel with the camera and pictures of Wally, LuLu and your garden. Blessings and best wishes to you.

[Mildred]

Of course you must follow your heart, Leslie. And I'll continue to follow you and Wally and Lulu. I'll miss your gorgeous cards and commentary but as a gardener, I do understand. The best to you always.

[Linda Bullard]

Outstanding plan, Leslie! And probably inspirational to a lot of other bloggers who are getting a little burned out. I am really looking forward to what you will be sharing with us. Linda

[Tammy Hair]

As long as I can see Wally and Lulu and an occasional card, I'll be a happy camper! Isn't it funny our two goldens can change your perspective!

[nancy littrell]

It will almost seem like a partial retirement, which can give you renewed energy for family (DH, DS and the cute pups), friends, gardening, photography and stamping.....oh, and work.

Whatever you do we will all be thrilled to share with you as you are so talented and fun my friend.

Happy Life.......

[Marian]

We do hope you will continue to share your talent with us, even if in a different way.

[Marilyn Valadez]

Congrats on starting your new blog. I'm sure it will be just as inspiring as this one has been! Looking forward to seeing you "do it your way" on the new one! Hope you will include lots of photos of the babies! Would really miss seeing the puppies and what they are up to! Hugs to all!!!

[Lynn Hamon]

I just have too quote Sherri Dean as I could not say it any better 'In the time I've followed your blog & your beautiful babies, I've come to love you all. So whatever shape or direction your new blog takes, I will still follow your adventures. And you can never go wrong with following your heart! Good luch to you and Wally and Lulu too,

[Lynette]

I'll miss you card-making blog, Leslie, but I certainly understand your decision. I often think how much more time I'd have for "life" if I wasn't so obsessed with my blog.

[Diane Hover]

Sounds like a great plan...and more fun for you, too!! I noticed that lately alot of the wonderful designers (like yourself) are stepping back...I know how long just my silly little posts take, let alone to be as good as you about posting all the things you use.....I feel like sometimes, I need to quit and just do my own thing, too..but am so glad to see the doggies and the gardens...gardening and my pets are my passion, too!! Good luck and make sure you let us all know where you are!!!

[Janet Tintor]

Leslie, I look forward to the new blog as I admire your talents beyond stamping; (& I TRULY admire/envy your stamping abilities!!) Your photography skills, knack for writing & your green thumb will certainly continue to be a wonderful source of enjoyment for all of us. An occasional card creation will be an added treat! Just looking at precious Wally & LuLu "ferning" themselves in today's photo & I know there are good times still to come. Congrats on making a decision that's right for you & your precious family members. Doing what you love should be a joy not a chore.

[velta]

Hi Leslie ~ This is such a "great" move!! I am proud of you for thinking and doing this because I can tell it is what will make YOU happy! Of course, I have a little investment in it as well...I never miss a post from you. I will be watching eagerly to see the newest transition and I know you and Wally and LuLu will do well with it! God Bless My Friend!

[Cynthia]

Ah, Leslie, bittersweet for all of us but I surely understand...I'm still an SU demo if you can believe...I can't! But I no longer do parties, just take orders because the reason I signed up in the first place was to do scrapbooking and about a year or so ago I realized I hadn't done a single scrapbook page let alone an album in years!!! I feel a twinge of guilt but I'm starting to go to crops again and I've gotten a few pages done...my creating is "about me" with no pressure to create for anyone else! It is sooo freeing...it feels great! I'm sure you will feel the same way but yes, it is bittersweet....so no worries...any card at all from you is a gem!

[Elaine Moore]

Ohhhhhhhhhh I'll miss you so much!!!!! But at least we can keep up with the pups and hopefully you'll drop in to visit once in a while. I have really enjoyed your wonderful blog and all the inspiring creations. Hugs and blessings

[Sue Kment]

Onward and upward Leslie! I am not always great with change, but am looking forward to seeing what the future brings for you!

[Paula]

I will follow, too! I love seeing and hearing about Wally and LuLu, and am happy you are going to continue sharing them with us all! Your cards are a true work of art, and you have inspired me to comtinue to practice coloring. That being said, I'm happy you've made a decision that will work best for you.

[Ursula Uphof]

I will certainly follow you, Wally and Lulu. I will miss your lovely cards, with all the inspiration, but then again we will see more of your garden. I know you will be happy with your decision and wish you much joy. Please keep us informed...don't want to miss anything. Warm wishes.

[Susie Lessard]

Go with your heart dear blog friend. And thank you for supporting my blog since it's beginning three years ago. I've always admired your designs, style, and amazing coloring skills. But...I know you are talented in other areas as well. And I also know there is more to life than being in a stamping room every day {smiling}. To every season - follow your heart and find your balance. All else will fall into place.

With much appreciation,
Susie Lessard

[Pauline]

Sad to see you dropping out of the 'blogging card' world, but so glad to see you start another including Wally and Lulu. Love your art work, you have been such an inspiration and will continue to with your peeks of cards here and there. I love reading about W & L they always bring a smile to my face. So follow your heart as it leads you through your next journey. We will be here to for you. Hugs...

[Elaine Lisle]

Follow your heart and what is important to you! Just remember to use your imagination!

I will follow LuLu and Wally's adventures on your new blog.
Simply... Thank you!

[Terri]

I'll miss your card blog but so glad you will still blog about Wally and Lulu. I hope you will enjoy more time with your furbabies and garden.

Ter ;)

[Colleen]

Your cards are wonderful so I'm glad we'll still be seeing them. You know how much I love Wally and LuLu so I'm really excited about Goldens and Garden. Those two really do spread joy.

[Colleen Dietrich]

Leslie, thank you for still keeping us in the loop, no matter what your decision! I, for one, love your gentle ways, your soft-spoken cards, your love of those two gorgeous animals. Best of luck!

[Carol Southern]

You said, "putting up with you", that's never, never been a hardship, I always love to see what you have posted. I've been a follower for many years and will follow you to your new blog. I love your cards and love to see the photos you've taken of Wally and Lulu.
We have to do what feels right for us and you are doing what's right for you. That's great.

[Christy Beans]

Sounds like the best of all worlds... a little crafting, a little gardening, and a little Wally & Lulu love... and if it gives you the time to do what makes you happiest while still giving us voyeurs a chance to peek in on you and the pupsters, all the better. hahaha I'll be making the leap along with you for sure. =)

[Gerri K]

Leslie, I love hearing about Wally and Lulu. I'm so glad I can continue to follow them. I'll miss your cards but hopefully you will sneak in a few along the way. Thanks for sharing!