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Thursday, March 06, 2008

{My cheesiest photo to date}

SPT

What is EXTRA special about you?


I had really tried to avoid this challenge for some reason but then thought today I would just do it.
I am an idea gal. I have ideas that run through my head non stop. And honestly sometimes I wish they would stop. I can take absolutely no credit for my ideas - they just come. I believe it is a Gift from my Heavenly Father - sound kind of weird - but it is true.
Annuals Father's Day tie

I believe that my gift of having ideas on how to plan a party, serve someone, make invites, celebrate an event, remember someone, make a business run better, create something, remember a quote, make something sentimental etc - is there for me to serve others. It is the way I look at someone who can sing, cook, intelligent, be a hard worker or is athletic. Unfortunately there is no college degree for being an "idea gal"my dollar store item makeover

But I also call it my Creative Curse.
For example it is a great skill to have when I am trying to do something for my visiting teacher but not the best skill to have when you are sitting in a planning meeting and you look like you are trying to take over. My personality comes across to many people (how do I know - they tell me-this is why I always say if bloggers met me they would not like me) as trying to be the boss, get all the attention and get all the credit.printing the ward directory and binding it with a
cute cover to give to the gals I visit teach



But honestly I don't like attention as much as many people would think. Sometimes I wish I could just shut it off and not always have an idea or an opinion on how to do things. The problem is that i also have a big mouth and so things just start spilling out. I often self talk to myself during a meeting to see how long I can go before I say something. So funny!


Valentine Apron made for the teacher given to her at the class party to have all the kids sign


I have found that I do better around people who are comfortable in their own skin as they appreciate my Creative Curse instead of think I am trying to threaten them. My creativity has bonded me with many wonderful friends but also has ripped some apart. I have been told it is hard to be my friend.
end of the year teacher gift, 100 reasons why we love you

This is a reason why blogging has been so great for me. I can just get the ideas out of my head! My head seriously hurts sometime with all the ideas that are in there. I remember my first few months of blogging I thought 'it just feels good to get it out on paper and someone else can implement them"Sister Sassy Satchel Purse made with scraps of my all my fabric.
We made these in our women's church group where everyone had a piece of fabric that represented them.


I often hear comments like, (use total kidding, sarcastic voice) "you make me sick how creative you are" "of course Kristi would do this - you can't just do anything normal can you?"
Potato Sack bag I used to sell with my Pockets & Posies purse business

I always think how crazy this is - I am not really offended and am used to it, but compare it the same if someone sang in church (keep in mind I can not sing worth beans) and I said, "your voice makes me sick" "why can't you just sing normal like everyone else, why do you have to show off in front of everyone" "Why do you always bring the best dish to a party why can't you just pick up something at the grocery store like me"gumball jars given to teachers at the end of the year

I am firm believer that everyone's best quality is also their worst. It benefits them the most, but gets them in the most trouble too.
Annie Kate's sticker book birthday party

I love sharing my ideas on my blog! I love getting cards in the mail hearing how someone implemented them in their family. If I put it on my blog than don't ever feel like you are stealing my idea - just implement it. I have 3 times as many ideas on paper in my head that I don't share and am saving them for a rainy day.Halloween Cards

One of the tough things is that it may look like I follow through with all my ideas but I have twice as many that are probably half way done or never get done and so sometimes I feel like i am not accomplishing as much as I could. Is that crazy or what?green lunch for St. Patrick's day

So even though I got all these cards to my VT for her birthday I am thinking of the two half finished baby quilts on my sewing table, the fact that my last two brothers didn't even get a card for their birthday and how I need to finish the half way done Job chart for the kids on the kitchen table. I have to keep me from feeling that this week was not a failure.baby shower invites

I believe my gift of the idea gal was given to me to serve others. So I love when I can have those two world collide. Service & Creativity. It is also fun to create along the way for me, friends and family.
stationery boxes made for people my husband works with

Someone asked me recently if doing all this stuff stressed me out or if I feel like I have to do it. Honestly if is my survival. It is how I get through rough times and heal my heart. It is a way for me to show people I love them and sometimes cover my own insecurities. If I ever feel like I have to do it, that would be my first reason to stop.

it's the thought that count cards. i sent wrapped photos of things
I would love to send my friends
if i had all the money in the world to buy them


So there I go, that is what makes me EXTRA special!


almost all the ideas, instructions and resources to make these project are on my blog.
You should be able to find them on the search bar on my blog.

47 comments:

patsy said...

This was a really great post!

I love that you share your ideas & don't feel threatened yourself when people use them.

I hope if we met we would be friends. It's too bad we all have insecurities- I hope you really know that when women say these hurtful things - that's exactly what they're being- insecure. That doesn't make it right- of course. I really appreciate your comparison to the woman singing & comments... very insightful.

I just want you to know reading your blog helps me be a better person. Better -by helping me show people I know I love them. You're ideas help me to do that. Thanks

Alisa said...

Love this...I loved your comparison of the lady singing- so so true, and I also agree that our best quality can also be our worst!
I enjoy reading all of your ideas, and seeing where they take me!

Christina said...

This may be one of my favorite posts of yours. It is a great talent to have, and I think it has blessed more people (especially as you've shared your ideas via blogging) than you'll ever know. I hung my Christmas cards on my kitchen cabinets this year and thought about the great example you are every time I looked at them. Thanks for sharing just a few of your great ideas.

Windy said...

Awesome post. You inspire me. Thanks.

Lauralee said...

you are incredible.. I love all your ideas.. and the fact that you share them... amazing.. I remember reading about a lot of these when you posted them.. thanks so much for all the help!

Bond Girl 007 said...

oh Kristi, I don't know you personally, but it has been wonderful adding you to my life. I often wished I had a monogramer machine like yours...but enjoy seeing all the wonderful things you do with. I think if my life ever gets in a calm period, I would love to learn to do things you do by inertia. I have been meaning to tell you that the blanky you gave me for pink christmas is on my bed...and oh soo nice. So there thanks to your special extra...I have enjoyed an extra specialness from you.
cheers

Charity said...

I'm soooo glad I'm not the only one who has felt this way before...thanks for the honesty...seriously, I don't think that it's ever by accident that people are put into your life, whether you have met them or not, either we are meant to learn something from them, enjoy their spirit or relish in the thought that however it ends up the impact we have on one another is amazing...Thanks for being AMAZING...I too have half finished quilting projects, job charts, an un-mopped kitchen floor and a pile of laundry yet to fold, but somehow, I was at Sams club today buying cards to help make my Visiting Teachers feel great on their Birthday all because of you, and that's a good thing...You are indeed Special...even though we have never met, kindred spirits I'm sure...Thanks for being you!

Elizabeth said...

I am so glad you share your ideas. Keep sharing your talents with others. It is such a two fold one also. Creative genius and such an example of thoughtfulness.

Tasha said...

You being the idea gal has saved me from many a creative rut, inspired me to learn new things, and given me the confidence to do things like RUNNING!

It is a blessing and a curse, I understand that completely!

Jill said...

I'm glad you ended up doing this SPT. There are many extra special things about you, but your multitude of ideas is definitely one that pops into my mind first.

Seeing all these pictures again and revisiting these great ideas is so fun. You really have been blessed with a great gift. It's wonderful that you are so willing to share your ideas with others, even if other women sometimes feel threatened by that (that's their problem, not yours!) It's wonderful that you've been blessed with a strong enough personality that their comments aren't enough to shut you down!! Keep the ideas coming!

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Kristi, what a great post! I appreciate your confidence which allows you to use and share your gift in spite of the opposition. I also appreciate the honesty with which you posted this. Good job!

Agreed. Our strengths are often our weaknesses.

Mamarazzi said...

you make me smile with my heart. i am a new reader and a HUGE fan of yours and EVERY time i come to your blog i am uplifted and inspired! thank you for letting your light shine for all to see, it is obvious that you are being blessed for it....or you would not have new ideas everyday!

keep sharing!

Rebecca said...

I would definately want to be your friend if I knew you. (I think I could handle having such a fun and creative friend!!) We already throw your name around our house (well, we say Pink Kristi) like we know you! Thanks for blogging and being so great!!

Amy said...

Kristi,
You are a super super-woman! You are eloquent and I love how you are so in touch with YOU....thank you for this post. It is refreshing and has started my day out on the right foot!
Your blog is a daily gift to me! :)

April said...

What a wonderful gift. I can see, though, how it can be a burden.
One of the first ideas of yours that I used, was the ribbon trim on the swimsuits and hats from the $1 store. People loved them! They always think that I made the hats. So, thank you for sharing all of your wonderful ideas. You are inspiring us all!

Jessica said...

You are definitely extra special! I agree, yes, sometimes our talents are hard to rein in. I also have a hard time seeing the things I get done, I only think about the half-finished projects a lot of times. I think your blog is the perfect way to share your talent, because I LOVE seeing all of your ideas, it is very inspiring.

tootie said...

Your talent truly is a gift! Thank you for inspiring all of us with it.

(And thanks again for sharing your marathon story - I'm still running, and I officially signed up for a marathon this fall! :)

michelle said...

I love this, Kristi. This is it exactly, it IS what makes you extra special! I don't understand your "friends" telling you that bloggers wouldn't like you in person. First of all, not true, because I know you in person! Secondly, that is so hurtful, why would they tell you that??

I am definitely one who is envious of all your ideas, you are just like Marc in that way -- so many you don't know what to do with them. I sometimes wish I would just get one or two. So I admire the fact that you put them out there for everyone to use, it helps the idea-poor folk like me!

Keep on being your extra-special self. I love it.

Unknown said...

i'm glad that you didn't skip spt!!

the gift is service is extra special, in my book!! and your *creative curse* is most definitely a blessing to those of us peeking in to your world.

Liz said...

Kristi, you are extra special! I think it is great that you have all these ideas and are willing to share them with others. I wish that I could have even 1/4 of the ideas that you do, but like you said, I was blessed with other talents. I'm glad you were blessed with the talents you have!!

Price Cream Parlor said...

What a fun SPT! I loved revisiting your creative goodness! It is really too bad that people say such things. Can we not all just learn from one another? Be nice, people! Be nice!
I appreciate your creative wonder AND I know we would be friends outside the blogging sphere!
I love that you have a creative outlet and that you are able to put these things out there. I have ideas - that often just sit in my brain. YOUR suggestions help me execute some of MY ideas.
Keep 'em coming!

wende said...

love that you share your ideas. i loved the comparison of people's reactions to someone singing. i also think you're more likeable than you think you are. i would be willing to bet that if all your blogger fans had a chance to meet (and hopefully we will thi spring!) you would find that we all have insecurities in common and we would be great friends. patsy's right on the money - your ideas help me show people i love them. keep up the good work!

The Monkeys said...

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that only people that were comfortable in their own skin don't get annoyed with all your wonderful ideas! Why would anyone have a problem with someone who had so many great ideas- especially if she were willing to implement them all! ha ha!
I love all your ideas on your blog. It has made my family have more fun with things. Of course it stressed my husband out to no end, because he thought he could never live up to my expectations for Valentines day, because of all I was doing for the kids- yeah that's right Kids- not him. I guess he didn't notice that. He finally said, "ok, what color car do you want?" Ha ha!

Melissa {polkadot chair} said...

Hi
Just a total "lurker" here- i found you though a friend.. Your post seems eerily similar to "me"...I get the same kind of comments all the time... I noticed that I was starting to "hide" my talents becuse I didn't like the way people responded to them. Then I heard this quote;
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small Does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, As children do. We were born to make manifest The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; It's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.”--Marianne Williamson
So keep creating and keep posting!! All us "idea" people need to stick together!
M-
www.the5morts.blogspot.com

Lacie said...

I don't know if you back track and look at you past posts or comments but I feel I just need to leave a comment. I read you blog often for a smile, a laugh, or an idea! I do believe that Our Father gives us special gifts. Too bad that many of us our too busy to stop and use them!

I think you have a special talent that inspires many of us- keep the ideas coming! Also know that you are encouraging and motivating to each of us with your energy and excitemnt for life and the details of life!

Have a wonderful day!

Barb said...

"of course Kristi would do this"
Such an insincere/back-handed compliment. Sad.
I am not an idea girl, but I am an action girl, so your blog is a gift to me because I love *doing* many of your ideas!

suzy said...

I check your blog every single day to get creative ideas! I am so glad that we all have different talents so that we can benefit from each other. I don't have a creative bone in my body, but thanks to you, the people around me think that I do.

melanie said...

I'm so glad you posted this SPT! It will be great for you to look back on as well (aren't all the SP's?) You are so talented and the act of service and creativity hand in hand speak the name Kristi to me. I'm sorry others have felt threatened by you. I like what Jill said, Their issue, NOT yours. Thanks for all the sharing, I've used more than one!

Rachel said...

Perfect! I also love the bonus we get for seeing all of your EXTRA creative ideas and your perspective on it as a blessing and a curse! Thank you for sharing your creative genius for so many others to enjoy!

Holly said...

I so enjoyed another peek into your brain and inner workings. I agree that we all have gifts/talents and the fact that we express them in different ways is important.

I hate that you get sarcastic/negative comments about your creativity. I think you nailed it by comparing it to the gift of singing (I, too, was not blessed with that).
I appreciate your ideas so much and your ability to see things differently, or how they could be a bit better and brighter. I also am grateful for your openness and willingness to share.

I still like to think we could be friends in real life. :)

kara jayne said...

Don't ever let anyone make you feel ashamed of your talents and how you "let your light so shine!" YOu have enriched my life and the life of many others with your "EXTRA" special talent!

Lene said...

Bless your heart.
I am so grateful that you are so creative and I get to borrow from your gift.
I have made the comment to others about how I knew if they did something it wouldn't be ordinary, but thoughtful and beautiful. And I meant it as a total compliment!
Keep being creative and I will keep "borrowing". Plus I think we could totally be friends in real life. I love it when other people are confident and in control -- oh yeah and extremely talented!

Jinii said...

I have to say that your blog has inspired me to try new things and be more creative. I look at you and think I may never be able to do the things she does but I can sure try. Thanks for always being so motivating! Keep coming with the great ideas!

Allison said...

Hello, I am one of your blog stalkers that never comments. So count this as a momentous occasion.

I wanted to add myself to the side of people who think you are great and all your ideas are genuinely good, finished projects or not. I am a person who wouldn't have any good ideas if it weren't for people like you who have great ideas.

We all have talents, some aren't always obvious, but they count.

Amanda :-) said...

Amazing, Kristi. I won't even read any other comments on here for the moment because I just want to say I can understand everything you're saying. I've had exactly the same comments from people about my creativity. I've had a mum say to me, 'You're showing us all up'. I know she meant it in a jokey way, but no, you wouldn't say it to someone who had a gift for singing or cooking.

I also need my husband to read this post of yours, because I think it really speaks for me in terms of WHY I constantly need to be creating things.

Your photo is classic. There's a tinge of the 'pain' of thinking in that face! Oh dear!

Amanda :-) said...

Phew! I've read all the comments now! I'm glad everyone's so supportive of your take on things. I love the quote that themorts used too. I've written that one down!

I've also always meant to tell you that, due to your blog recommendation, I'm supposed to be organising a screening and discussion of 'Paperclips' in our church here in the UK! And that's all down to you! So keep up the good work you're doing/half-doing with good intentions to finish! ;-P

Anonymous said...

To me you are the prime example of not letting your talents collect dust. You share, you instruct, you inspire. All admirable traits. Being the friend of many a creative genius, this post made me check how I react to what they do- I hope it is nothing but supportive. So glad you did this!

Kari said...

I love that you are so talented in this unique way! My 5 year old daughter is sitting here on my lap as I browsed your blog and she said, "Mom, this friend of yours makes some really cute stuff!"

I love that you are who you are. I love that you share your ideas and the gifts the Lord has blessed you with. Your creativity has blessed so many others!

And I love your humanness, not that I love seeing your hurts, but I love knowing you go through similar struggles that we all go through.

((((HUGS)))) And I hope that you smile a little more knowing that your impact is such a good one on people!

And hey, I recently came acrossed a GREAT scripture study book - The Book of Mormon Made Easier by Ridges (last name). (You can find it at Deseret Book.)

It is so excellent, reminds me of being in a religion class at BYU again. He has great insights that he adds within and between the verses. My scripture reading is the best it has been in years because of this book (it's actually 3 books, one for each section of the BOM).

I just thought I would mention this to you, because you're always sharing your great finds and this is one of my great finds that I thought I'd pass along to you!

Amanda said...

Way not to wimp out like I did on this SPT. You are brave for putting yourself out there so much and showing your feelings! I for one have greatly benefited from all of your ideas. I'm not a really "fun" mom, and your blog has helped me to see the fun in so many places...even St. Patricks Day! I'm grateful that you share your talents with us all.

Kristi said...

okay, I love that sister sassy satchel purse- looked for a link, can't see one. please share how it was made!

Missy said...

What a great post. I love that you are so creative and share and you inspire me to use my powers for good! haha! I too, have the creative bug, and love to do things for others. I often overextend myself. I have friends who say some of the same things to me that you have heard about yourself.
I believe we all have insecurities about our greatest gifts. I feel like I should be a better mother, better friend, and more gracious and giving and considerate of others.
You opening your soul and sharing your feelings, fears, and insecurities is doubly inspiring to me. We are only human. You let me off the hook, so to speak. I am more comfortable with who I am and what I am capable of because of you.
missy

Becky said...

Kristi, I just kept nodding my head while reading your post. Presidency meetings are so difficult for me because of this.

I have had to learn how to let go of (or put on the back burner) so many ideas because of the demands in my life right now but my mind is always going.

I am SOOO impressed at many of your projects! Wish you lived closer so I could crafty with you :) For now I'll just have to make the time to implement the ideas that you so generously share with us on your blog. thanks!

Chanel Palmer said...

You are incredibly talented and always willing to share your talents... that's what I love about you!

Cara @ Gardenview Cottage said...

I'm so thankful for your creativity! And what a wonderful post - you truly have a gift and will be blessed for sharing it and mulitplying it instead of hiding it under a bushel. I have used several of your cute ideas and check in now and then to see what else you have come up with. So a BIG THANK YOU from me!!!!♥♥♥♥

elshmobelsh said...

okay Kristi,

I hope you don't mind if I'm now going to be visiting the famed blog!! I'm the new "singing" girl in the ward. ;o) I would also have to agree that talents can be a curse or a challenge. So far I think you look like a great person to be a friend with. What an amazing talent to have so many darling ideas and then what an amazing person to turn around and share them. Thank you! I'm going to check out your D.C. entry next! Thanks for the advice!
elsh

Rachael said...

I think you are an amazing talented person and I have 'implemented' many of your ideas. I think it is such a talent that you have to just look at something and see what you can create with it! Don't stop being you!

Liz said...

I feel like I just have to leave a comment for this post. I'm seriously crying after I reading it...I've also been sick for the past four days so I'm probably a little extra emotional. While reading it though, I just kept thinking, "yep, that's exactly right". You definetly have a gift from Heavenly Father. When we lived next to each other and you were always coming up with amazing ideas, I was truly in awe of you. I always wished that I could come up with some of the things that you did. You have been such an example to me in your creativity and your thoughtfulness to others. You make giving to other people so much fun!
I personally hope your ideas never stop coming. They are what makes you, you!
I really liked the way you compared it to someone singing in church. I had never thought about it like that before. What a good comparison.