Change

is my word for the year.  This is not something new.  I have written a lot about it.  About taking that new path, stepping out in faith, and trying to understand, accept, and embrace the changes that life hands us.

This time, the change is big.  For all of us here at Fiskateers.

Now, before you get upset with me, know something.  I love this job.  Being a Fiskateer has been my passion, it is my crafting home, and I love everything about being a founding lead Fiskateer.  Also know, that the Fiskateers will always be a part of who I am and I will always be a part of this community.

I am, however, resigning as one of your lead Fiskateers.  The good news is that Fiskars has offered me a full time position in Madison as the manager of their design and consumer education department.  It is an amazing opportunity and it also means I am not really leaving the Fiskateer family.  I will be the link for the demonstrator program and will still be blogging here occasionally, at Cropgirl,  and, hopefully, at Fiskars Crafts, too.   I will still be at some events and I will still be here at any time for those of you who need me or just want to say hi.

I know that this might be coming as quite a shock to most of you.  I have gotten quite a strong and surprised response from people at my other job and from a few close friends who already know.  All I know is that this is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and I have to at least give it a try.

This opportunity has happened rather quickly and has taken my family and my life by storm.  Matt is searching for a job, we are trying to fix up some stuff on the house to put it on the market, and we are trying to figure out how in the world it will all come together. 

What I do know is this - I am truly happy, excited, and at peace with this move.  I am usually the queen of the doom and gloom, but since January and picking “Change” as my word, life has been much easier and more fluid.  I have learned to write things down and to put it out there for the world, like I have written about before, and you know that a lot of it has all worked out in the end. 

So today, I put out there that this move is a positive thing for our entire family and I truly believe that it will open wonderful and amazing doors for us that we never thought previously were possible. I am also putting out there, that even in this wonderful housing market (insert sarcasm here…), we will be able to sell our home here quickly and easily.

When it came to making this decision, I knew in every fiber of my being that if I said no I would look back and always wonder, “What if?”  So, after talking with Matt, we said, “Why not?!?!”  The first few months will be a stretch, as I will be commuting back and forth, leaving the boys behind a few days a week, but I believe it will all come together quickly and we will all be together and settled sooner than I realize. 

I truly feel blessed to have been at the beginning of this community.  It has shaped who I am as a crafter and as a person.  It has helped change my whole outlook on life in a very positive way.  And that, is in no small way, thanks to all of you.  This truly has been and will always be my scrapbooking home.  Thank you for everything.

********************* Then we have the next big announcement!

Now, it is my privilege and honor to announce the new, 5th Lead Fiskateer to all of you, who will be joining us as I leave. 

I want you all to please welcome the fabulous and wonderful Rebecca Peck!  Rebecca’s video has been loaded to YouTube for viewing and I hope that you can all take a minute to check it out and say hi.  She is an amazing crafter and I really am excited that she will be the new 5th lead.

*************************

Live life.  Love life.  Scrap life.  Fiskateer Legend #003 

comments (77) | RSS

77 Responses to “Change”

  1. Cheryl says:

    Stephanie . . . I’m so excited for you and this new chapter although I am going to miss you something terrible! You have been such a blessing! Thank you for your friendship and I’m so glad you’re staying a part of the Fiskars family! I love you friend.
    So excited about Rebecca. Such talent and beauty! So excited.

  2. Kriss Cramer says:

    Congratulations! I’m so proud of you!!!!!

  3. Stacey says:

    I. Am. So. Excited. You will be fabulous!!

  4. Paula #2796 says:

    Oh my Stephenie! Congrats to you and welcome Rebecca. I know you are both destined for great things! :)

  5. Kriss Cramer says:

    Congratulations to both Stephenie and Rebecca! (I got a little ahead of myself.) What a big change for you, Stephenie — to move your family and for your husband to find a new job. Best of luck to you. And as for Rebecca, I am so happy for you, my very talented and crafty friend!

  6. Kelly Jo says:

    Congratulations, Stephenie! This is a wonderful opportunity for you and I know you will be perfect! Good Luck on the move. =)

  7. Patty # 2832 says:

    Wow..didn’t see that one coming! Congratulations Stephenie! Wishing you much success on your move and transitioning into a new job, city and residence!

    Congrats to Rebecca too!

  8. Jane Hasty says:

    Congratulations Stephenie! I am so excited and happy for your whole family! This is an oppurtunity of a life time! Take hold and have fun!

    And, of course, congratulations to the ever talented Rebecca Peck!!!

    Hugs to all! Jane

  9. Sharon Carroll #1418 says:

    Wow what a life change! Good for you Stephanie. What a great opportunity:) Congratulations to Rebecca, too. Can’t wait to see what you both have in store for us.

  10. Maya says:

    Go Stephenie! I am so happy for you! This is a fantastic opportunity and I salute to Mark for supporting you!
    Congratulations to fabulous Rebecca! I know she will be a great lead Fiskateer!

  11. krysti says:

    GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOU DO!! :)

  12. May says:

    I am so excited for you and your family- and SO glad you’ll be doing what you love full-time!!! I know you will rock Madison and Fiskars with your ideas.

    and rebecca peck- great new lead! She’ll do great things here I’m sure.

    Congrats to you both!

  13. patti says:

    I am so happy for you but am going to miss you terribly sniff sniff. Best of luck to you and your family.

  14. suzanne from fiskars says:

    You are going to be wonderful for our education department. Can’t wait for you to start.

  15. Jen B #258 says:

    Wow! Congrats Stephenie and congrats Rebecca! I’m sure you will both do great in your new positions!

  16. Jeni #2794 says:

    Congrats to you Stephenie! What an awesome opportunity! Best wishes to you and your family!

  17. Lisa #1989 says:

    Congrats Stephanie, I am so happy for you. What an exciting new adventure…you will do wonderful in that role!

    And a big congrats to Rebecca who will be leading the way here! I look forward to hearing from you on the blog soon!

  18. Linda A. #179 says:

    Oh my - I am so thrilled about your new position, but want you to know that you will be missed as Lead very, very much! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that all your transitions go well!!

  19. Peg#3675 says:

    Congrats Stephenie! I am so happy for you! I am also going to miss you. Good luck with your move and to Matt to find a new job. I hope it all falls into place quickly for all of your family.

    Congrats to you,too, Rebecca!

  20. Kim #669 says:

    WOW!! Stephenie-you blew me away with this news. What a great opportunity for you and your family. It sounds like a major step-one I took about 18 years ago when I left everything in NY to move to SC for a startup SW company. Things have evolved over those years, but I have never regretted my decision. I think I would always have wondered “what would have happened” if I had stayed. All the best on your new job, and your new exciting direction your life is about to take. Thanks for your dedication to our community! You will be missed!!! Take Care!

  21. BethW @#2906 says:

    Congratulations of course-but I know I will sure miss you and your passion. However I have to tell you-for reasons I’m not quite sure of-the first thought that came to my mind was SHE”s HAVING A BABY! Is that not funny!

  22. Kate #4281 says:

    Wow Stephenie!….change is always exciting and scarey, but full of possiblity. I wish you and your family all the best in your new adventure.

  23. Michelle #3624 says:

    Congratulations I am sure that it is the right move for you but you will be missed here that is for sure!

  24. Debby says:

    Stephanie,

    I sitting here with mixed emotion. Congratulations!!

    But I’m truly sad that you will not be a regular here at Fiskateers on the blog. I don’t do well with this type of change. Happy and Sad all in one. This is going to take a bit to digest! Whew!

  25. Tammy says:

    We will all miss you but it is too good a chance not to take!! Best of luck to you & your family. I know you will be able to pull it all together. Welcome aboard Rebbeca!

  26. Debbie #352 says:

    Congrats Steph! its great news. you are stepping up in the crafting world and thats fantastic. I will miss you as a lead but you will love the new position I’m sure.

  27. Sara R. says:

    Congrats to you both!

  28. doverdi says:

    Congratulations to both Stephenie and Rebecca! Although we will miss you as one of our Lead Fiskateers, I want to wish you success & happiness in your move & new position. Sometimes we have to follow our ‘gut’..it never steers us wrong. All the best for continued success in your new position.

    Congratulations Rebecca!

  29. Nikki at Fiskars says:

    *doin’ the happy dance*

    We are very excited to have you get started! Welcome!

  30. Linda says:

    Stephenie - You will do WONDERFUL! I admire your strength and willingness to accept change!

  31. Veronica says:

    Now why would we be mad at you for following your dream? Congratulations!

  32. JoanE says:

    Stephanie I think you will do a fantastic job. Looking forward to working with you and CFD program.

  33. Amy G. #1803 says:

    Stephenie, you have gone through so much this past year. I’m sorry for all of your pain. You are a strong woman, and you have a wonderful family. I’m glad you are doing what you feel is right, there are so many people who end up asking themselves that very question. I look forward to hearing from you in the future and wish you all of the best of luck! :)

  34. Tami #804 says:

    Isn’t it amazing what choosing one little word can do in your life! Thanks so much for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration.

  35. Merlene says:

    You will be missed by all of us. You will check in now and then i hope.Congratulations and Hugs!

  36. NANCY says:

    WOW…TALK ABOUT “CHANGE”! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU…THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY HOW COULD YOU PASS IT UP…YOU COULDN’T!!!

  37. Peggy #4129 says:

    Stephanie: Life will continue to pull you in many directions and knowing that you feel that the choice is right is all that counts. Moving state to state is good too. Ive done it a couple three times or so, my kids grew stronger because of it and they have friends in many states. Dont look back and keep your head up.
    We are all encouraged by your move and your motivation.
    Blessings
    Peggy

  38. Dawn Stan says:

    All the best Stephenie. You will do a fantastic job.

    Dawn Stan

  39. Terri #54 says:

    I could not be more happy for you Steph! There is no doubt in my mind that you will do just as awesome of a job in your new role as you did as a lead fiskateer!! Congratulations!

  40. Trish #2702 says:

    Best of luck to you in your new adventure!

  41. Tamara #437 says:

    What an absolutely FAN-FISKAR-TASTIC opportunity! I think it’s fabulous that you’re going to give it a shot and I think you’ll do a fantastic job!

    Best of luck with all of the relocating and traveling over the next little while, remember to take some time out for YOU in the process!

  42. Betsy #2572 says:

    Congratulations on the new job!!!! You will do wonderful at it!!!!!!

  43. Kimberley #2626 says:

    Oh, Steph, wow! That’s wonderful news. You will shine there, lady.

    Congratulations to Rebecca as well!

  44. Karen Compas says:

    Congrats Stephenie, so excited for you! You will be missed! I would love to live in WI, it is such a beautiful and FUN state!

  45. Leslie Buhl says:

    CONGRATULATIONS - I have no doubt in my mind that it will out work out for the best.

    It is a wonderful opportunity and I think you will love Madison!!!

  46. Rita R Arnold 2797 says:

    Congratulations on your new position.

  47. Louise #3903 says:

    Congrats to you! Madison is an awesome city & you will love living there. I used to live halfway between there & Milwaukee in Watertown. Now I live 1 1/2 hours further up north. We just had our training session there at the Fiskars headquarters & everyone in our group would have given anything to work there as the environment is so creative & fun looking. I’m sure you will love your new position!

  48. Julie Overby says:

    You truly are SUPER STEPH!! (I am still going to get that super hero page together some time soon! LOL!)

    Your flexablitity and commitment to this company is admirable. I know that you are going to do an outstanding job and I’m so glad that we will still be connected. I’m feeling the need to go add your blog to mine just because I’ll miss your current updates!

    I mostly want to say…wtg girl! You deserve this and a HUGE congratulations to you. Keep in touch!

    Very exciting news for Rebecca as well! Congratulations!

  49. RitaS says:

    Congratulations Stephanie - you and your family will be moving towards my neck of the woods. What does Matt do for a living? My DH works for an excellent company in Middleton called Electronic Theatre Controls - I could have DH search the in-house job postings for possible openings. You will be a super asset to the HQ team - and I pray the transition goes smoothly for you and your family.

  50. Angela #3100 says:

    Congratulations Stephenie and Rebecca! I can’t wait to see you both in your new roles!

  51. Wendy Jo says:

    I’m so excited for you!

  52. Jennifer Muller says:

    Congrats and best of luck with all the change!

  53. Amy #4257 says:

    Congrats and best of luck !!!!!!

  54. mariah # 2457mariah says:

    Congrats Stephaie, I’m very excited for you, we’ll miss you here, but if you have to move on, so be it lots of luck, with your new job and new home..

  55. kimberlee #2494 says:

    Wow! That’s really exciting, Steph! I’m happy for you! It’s always great to hear when a lead is NOT leaving the Fiskateers!! :)

  56. Kathleen says:

    Congrats to Stephanie and Rebecca!!! Stephanie this is going to be a wonderful experience for you and I am happy to know you are still a part of this family. I wish you all the best.

  57. Julisa #2051 says:

    Congratulations ladies!!

  58. Nic #1033 says:

    if anyone deserves positive change - its you and your gorgeous boys (all 3 of them!) Good luck!

  59. Patti Smith says:

    Congrats Stephenie..I know you will do wonderful and be a great asset to Fiskars.
    Congrats to my buddy Rebecca!!!! I know you will be perfect for the Lead Fiskateer job!!

  60. Tara says:

    Congratulations!

  61. Lyn Dwyer says:

    Congratulations Stephanie…..you are such an inspiration to all Fiskateers and I’m not at all surprised by this offer to you…..you are so passionate in all that you do…..good luck with everything…..How exciting for you all!

    xoxo
    Lyn Dwyer
    Lead Fiskars Craft Ambassador
    Australia

  62. Jessica #1868 says:

    Congratulations and good luck- you will be missed!

  63. kim3timemom says:

    Congrats to the both of you!! Stephenie…enjoy your new adventure!

  64. Julia #676 says:

    Stephenie…i am so exicited to have you join our little family in Madision. Please let me know what i can do to make the transition easier!

  65. AUNT FLO says:

    congrats! welcome to badger country. we are very happy for you & looking forward to having you close. if you need anything just let us know.nows the time to make a change when you’re are young. love, aunt flo

  66. Elizabeth #1802 says:

    Good luck, what a great opportunity. You are lucky that you were able to accept it.

  67. melita says:

    Wow! Miss one day to go to a ball game and everything changes! Good luck to you Stephenie as you take this new step and Congrats to Rebecca!

  68. Deborah says:

    Best wishes as you embark on your new career :)
    Deborah

  69. Ronijj says:

    Oh my!! Congratulations ~ it’s so cool when dreams come true :)

  70. Pinky aka Cristal #3405 says:

    Way top GO STEPH!!
    I am so proud of you and that is incredible news! I know you will do so well and good luck on your next endeavor!

  71. Laura #1943 says:

    How wonderful for BOTH of you !!
    Congrats from my heart !!!

  72. luv2stamp # 3510 says:

    Congrats to both of U as U step out in faith in your new adventure!!

  73. Barb #2975 says:

    Stephenie - Oh, you will LOVE Madison… and yet will still be able to visit your beloved Cubs! Enjoy!
    We visit Madison quite a bit - for fun and me for work - maybe we’ll run into you and yours at a Badger Football game?
    Your boys will also love Ella’s Deli - every table top is a game, and the room is filled with suspended moving characters, and a full sized circus caresel(sp?) outside - My advice is to save room for dessert!

  74. Sandy #1781 Wilkins says:

    That’s very exciting news for both of you. I’ll be watching Fiskars for some great educational things coming up. And Congratulations Rebecca! I know we’ll enjoy having you as a lead.

  75. Lyn Dwyer says:

    All the best Stephanie in your new role with Fiskars……your skills and passion are something that all Fiskateers have really appreciated…also your openness and honesty!

    You have always led by example putting yourself out there and helping others….working the Stand at CHA…..and sharing the FISKARS love wherever you go….congratulations again….

    xoxo

    Lyn Dwyer
    Lead Fiskars Craft Ambassador
    Australia

  76. Connie B says:

    Congratulations Stephenie!!!! Welcome to Madison. It really is a great place to work and play. Call us if we can help or need anything.

  77. Meghan E says:

    How super exciting! Good luck with your new job and your new town!

    (ignore my message earlier about what the new job was - i hadn’t gotten back to this yet)

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