Paper Therapy: A Mom's Story by Karolyn Loncon PLUS GIVEAWAY!

Paper  Therapy . . . A Mom’s Story

 by Karolyn Loncon

After browsing this amazing blog, I feel as though my story is somewhat insignificant.  But reading these stories has brought to my attention that art, in whatever form, somehow heals people, no matter what their problems are.  I hope that my story will encourage someone whose story is similar to let art heal them.

PAPER CRAFTING:
I started papercrafting after my oldest daughter left for college.  I had been such an integral part of her life all the way through high school, and relished every opportunity I had to be a part of her world.  I was the team mom for her softball team.  I traveled with the team to help arrange for meals and snacks during the games.  We went to every single softball and basketball game, whether she played or not.  At times I felt as though I was the only mom in the area that owned a car and had a driver’s license because I was forever transporting a carload of kids to dances and events.  But as I said before, I loved every single minute of it.  I was needed, it was my identity, through and through.  It never occurred to me that my daughter needing me would come to such a screeching halt . . . until she left for college.  It was a time that I should have been proud and excited – and I was.  But my oldest daughter is very independent, and she was chomping at the bit to get her freedom, to leave the nest, and to start her own life.  A few days after she left, she called me and said, “This is my home now, mom.  Your house isn’t my home anymore.”

THEN DEPRESSION STRUCK:

It was like she’d put a knife right through my heart. I was devastated.  I cried and cried for days, and found myself in a total depression.  This lasted for about six months.  At some point in the middle of this funk, a friend called and asked if I wanted to scrapbook with her.

SCRAPBOOKING: 

Our first scrapping session gave me such a sense of relief in my depression that we continued to meet, sometimes several days a week.  I scrapped, created something beautiful, and remembered . . . remembered all the amazing times in the lives of my kids.  It was so therapeutic.

I can tell you without hesitation that it was these scrapbooking sessions that made me realize that your children leaving the nest was all part of the process of life going forward.  It’s not that I’m no longer a mom, and it’s not that I’m no longer needed . . . they will always need their moms, no matter what.  But our role in their lives changes, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.  It’s a good thing . . . it really is.

 

HAPPINESS THROUGH CARD MAKING:
A few years ago, my friend called and invited me to a cardmaking class.  That was all she wrote.  I could apply the same principals of being creative, making something beautiful, and having something to show for it in card making.  And it didn’t take me six months to finish a project!!  I love sweet, whimsical images, I love coloring, I love coordinating beautiful scrapbook paper with yummy cardstock, adding cute embellishments, and applying a sentiment to create something that I can send to someone to make them feel better about whatever is going on in their lives.  Applying ink to a stamp, laying out the elements in a pleasing to the eye format, tying a pretty bow  – the entire process just makes me happy.  Everyone needs to know that they are loved, wanted, needed, appreciated.  Cardmaking has been my outlet, my therapy, my means of realizing that life does go on and that’s a good thing.  The results of my cardmaking – the kind words from others, the sweet compliments from a recipient of one of my cards, and the positive feedback that I’ve gotten from stamp manufacturers and store owners – have made me realize that cardmaking can be therapy, not only to me, but to others as well.  I love that . . . it makes me feel needed in a different way.  Doesn’t everyone love to feel needed?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.  I’d love for you to stop by my blog – called “Paper Therapy” - sit down with a cuppa joe, and hang out with me while I share my cards and the process that makes me happy.

GIVEAWAY:  

Karolyn is giving away this set of yummy 4 cards.  To enter, simply post you comment on her entry belo and we'll pull the winners name out of a hate.  Good Luck!  Giveaway ends Feb 27. 

Comments

[Maria Matter]

oh, what a wonderful story Karolyn! You're right, art of any kind heals the soul...even better if you can then pass it on to share that love & happiness!

Gorgeous, gorgeous cards!!!
Blessings, Maria

[Jeanne Wynhoff]

Oh wow your cards and FABULOUS and your story is soooo much like mine....

[Pat]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Karolyn. I've admired your cards for so long!

[Beverly A]

Karolyn, you have certainly picked a wonderful craft for your therapy. Thanks for sharing your story and your talent with all of us.

[gail case]

Congratulations on your endeavor. Cardmaking is great therapy. It is peaceful and brings out your creative juices!!!! Your work is beautiful. Thanks for sharing and good luck!

[June Biemiller]

I am so happy you found this therapy!! I love paper crafting too! juneb@live.com

[Lo]

Cute cards - No problems, no matter how small, are insignificant and learning to deal with this will help you deal with anything in the future! I admire how you found a solution and stuck with it, thanks for sharing.

[Rae]

I just missed the deadline, but I wanted to leave a comment anyway. I am about to go through what you went through, only I recently divorced, so when my son leaves- it will be just me. More time for paper crafting, but I already feel his absence. I am so not ready! Thanks for your story...