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Splitcoast Dirty Dozen
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On SCS
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Hi! My name is Kim, aka berlycece. While in college, I went by Kimberly, so if someone just said Kim, I would add "berly. Please call me Kimberly." Well, wouldn't you know, a music instructor in one of my theory classes asked me to sight read: "Okay, Berly. Show us how it's done!" My college friends still call me Berly! (The Cece part is just for Cecilia, my confirmation name. Patron Saint of music.)
My degree is in Music Therapy, and I worked in the field at a local hospital in the psych department for 5 years. Fulfilling, but very difficult work. I stopped after a very difficult pregnancy, which caused major health issues for me. My son, Gabriel, was stillborn at 33 weeks. I spent 3 months in the hospital, unable to move at all in the beginning. I thank God for every day...and stamping is literally therapeutic for me!
I went to a Stampin' Up party years ago, was intrigued, placed an order...and let it sit nearly untouched for years. I pulled the stuff out when I had a house full of foster kids. (We had 41 of them over 8 years). I helped kids with scrapbooking and card making before I did much of it on my own.
After doing foster care, I began full-time work directing a pregnancy resource center. I served as ED from 2002 until May of this year. I participated in a monthly stamp club with a friend (and former employee) who introduced me to this wonderful site! It took me a while to really check things out. I literally first joined SCS, because I had given up TV for Lent. Ha! My husband was working 2nd shift at the time, so I spent many evening hours in the forums...and got hooked on the Challenges through the "Challenge Chasers" aka stalkers. My card making hobby grew over time, and it brings me a lot of joy! I was a SU demo for a few years, but definitely spent more than I sold. I am blessed to have a full, messy room dedicated to card making.
Now that I am not directing the pregnancy center, I am doing some consulting work with other non-profits, along with keynote speaking. I like having more control over my schedule...it gives me a chance to do things like Hope You Can Cling To!
Some other stuff:
I get my musical interest from my dad (now deceased) and my arts/crafts side from my mom, who got it from grandma. She loves scrapbooking and quilting, and enjoys a bit of card making when she visits.
I have had a neuro-muscular disorder (Dejerine-Sottas) my entire life. It causes generalized weakness and lousy balance. It is progressive. I can walk short distances and stand if I am leaning at a speaker podium or being held secure by a friend! I often use a scooter wheelchair to get around town (I don't drive a car). My scooter's name is Stephen. ;-) Sometimes, I use a manual chair, since my scooter won't fit in most peoples' cars.
My DH, Bruce, and I have been married 21 years (as of Oct 9th). We celebrated our 20th with a once-in-a-lifetime-trip to Italy. The major highlight was getting a hug from Pope Francis! Sometimes being in a wheelchair stinks. At the Vatican, it's a perk!
I still wear kids' sized shoes. Size 2-1/2 wide. I live in Mary Janes. Ugh. Brown, black, navy...at least I found some cute purple ones earlier this year. I can't walk in other shoes, let alone sandals. Someday, I will be in a wheelchair permanently. The upside? I will have a FABULOUS shoe collection! :mrgreen:
Bruce calls everyone here my "imaginary friends," but I have met a few challenge chasers in real life: Dawn (dawnmercedes) Kelly (Kelly H), Evelyn (Rican Stamper), Kathy (jostvig) and Melissa (toknighton). Hope to meet more in the future!
I have many connections to the issue of breast cancer, friends and family both. But I am most mindful of 2 aunts. My mom's sister Pat is a breast cancer survivor. She is AMAZING! She is artistic, full of faith, joy, and laughter. I wish I could find a picture of this...when she first had chemo and lost her hair, she did not want her 2 young grandkids to be scared. So when she visited, she brought some special markers for face painting. The girls put butterflies and rainbows all over Pat's face and head...and she decorated their cute faces!
My mom also had a step-sister who died from breast cancer a couple of years ago. I did not know her as well, but I saw how it impacted my mom. It can be so confusing to see one sister beat the Big C, and another lose the battle. Just shows how much we need to support family and friends who are living with cancer directly or in a loved one. You just never know.
I am happy to join the line-up of HYCCT hostesses this year. I look forward to making cards for some people I know, as well as sending many along to MD Anderson. The world needs more love and encouragement...and why not share it in the form of a hand-crafted card?
Inky {{{HUGS}}}
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Kim in Illinois, Dirty Dozen Alum, QFTD#207, FS798, VSN Moderator
"Famous Last Words" Spring Virtual Stamp Night, April 19 & 20
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