Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Some Bad News...

Hello my friends. I know that not everyone who reads this blog follows me on Facebook so there might be a few of you who may not know some of the things that have been happening in the Salazar household lately. Danny's parents (who this post isn't about... I don't want to worry any of our friends) have been having a lot of health issues in the past couple of months. That by itself is enough to make someone distracted. On top of this, Zack's fiancee moved out under very bad circumstances, has regularly threatened that we won't see Hunter, and has taken every opportunity to create strife in our household. Zack is trying to make their relationship work and is, unfortunately, stuck in the middle over and over again which led us to a suicide scare last week.

All of these things have weighed heavy on Danny's mind and when his opportunity for a promotion came up after being a top performer for 7 years, he was passed over because they were afraid that the added responsibility would be too much for him with everything else that is going on.

Then on Saturday, a wonderful registered letter from our landlord of ELEVEN years arrived telling us that he is doing major renovations on our house and that we have to move in 60 days. We've been in the same house for so long that the rent all around us has skyrocketed. Some houses near us are nearly $1,000 more than what we are paying... and we are already struggling. This being said, I am going to be doing my best to pack up eleven years worth of schtuff in 60 days while trying to find a new home that we can afford.

The weekly videos that I LOVE doing are free to sponsors except for providing the prizes and most of the time I have to mail those prizes with money out of my own pocket. I spend at least 2 days each week creating the project, filming, and then editing the video without there being a financial gain. So, unfortunately, I won't be able to continue this way.

I know that people must think that I make a ton of money licensing products but it isn't the case. Last year GCD went bankrupt and didn't pay me a dime for all the work that I did in 2013 and I haven't had a new die release with Spellbinders in 2 years. The amount of money I make from the rest of the companies isn't enough to pay even one of our utility bills every month.

Though this post seems like it is all doom and gloom I want to let everyone know that I will be doing videos but I'll be doing them a bit differently. They won't be scheduled on a regular day because I will be fitting them in whenever I can. The video format will be different as well. I'll be creating class projects that will be available on the Girlie Grunge site that will have videos and downloadable PDF instructions. In the free video I'll show the project and possibly give a simple technique from the class. This way I'll be able to continue with the videos and hopefully earn some money at the same time.

We will also begin selling some of the DSD products on the Blue Gene Baby Facebook page. This will be starting as early as this week and hopefully that will help us fill in some of the blanks as well.

I so appreciate you taking the time to read through this long post with no pretty pictures! If you've made it to the end of this post then you really are one of my cyber buddies and you truly care about me and my family. It is people like you that make me want to keep doing what I do. THANK YOU!!!

Smooches ~D~

86 comments:

  1. Oh Donna, my heart and prayers go out to you. ~ Blessings, Tracey

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  2. my heart hurts for you! Hugs and prayers for you and your family!

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  3. So sorry to hear of all of the struggles you and your family are going through. Sending you love, blessings and good vibes from Texas.

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  4. So sorry to hear all of this Donna. Your a strong woman and I know you (and your family) can get through this. Remember, every thing in life is a "test" and "this too shall pass". Hang in there chic! I know most of us are really far away from you, but I know (for me) that I've "got your back"! You know that you've always been one of my favorite designers, come on were "Girlfriends" from WAAAAY back! Big Hugs to you! :)

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  5. I am sorry so many things are coming up in your world. I am just coming out of a year of that. At times I wanted cry but my husband always managed to make me laugh through the pain. Along with the bad (a child with a long term illness, every major applience in my house breaking my and many many other things that just seemed to pop up) We received many joys (the birth of our first grand child, our child getting a clean bill of health and life becoming managable again). Through all of this I lost touch with my "artist inside" and just did not seem to have any inspiration to paint again. I stopped making entries on my blog and at times just felt like giving in. I finally asked for help from God, now I am not a terribly religious person, but I have always had a strong faith. I am only posting this because my faith is one of the only things that kept me going. You seem like you have such a light in you that brightens others day and it would be very sad to see that light go out. I can't forsee the future so I can't tell everything will change but I can say that once I had faith that my light wouldn't go out the other things became managable. God bless you and your family and thank you for so much inspiration you truly inspire the world to be a little brighter.

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  6. Such sad news from one of the most happiest persons I know!!! Knowing how much you love little Hunter, I am really hoping that things will work out for the positive for your family Donna!!! I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and am sending positive energy your way..Big hugs....

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  7. Sorry to hear all of this. You are one of my favorite bloggers and super talented! You will all be in my prayers. Don't despair, things have a way of working out by teaching and growing us.

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  8. Oh Donna, that is horrible... I am so sorry! I cannot believe that you worry about the videos when you carry such a burden! I did not even know about GCD going under and what a shame to work so hard for nothing. If someone so talented and hard working has a hard time being successful in this industry, who can have hope? I wish I had some solution to suggest. All I can say is to take care of your family and think about the priorities. If you must temporarily let go of some stuff, so be it. Once you are back on your feet you can pick things back up. Best of luck!

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  9. Prayers going out for you from our family over here as well. (((HUGS)))

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  10. Oh Donna! I am so sorry to hear about all of your troubles!! To have all off this come down at the same time is horrible!! My heart goes out to you and your family!
    Tell Danny to hold his head high and continue being a great daddy to Hunter even if she is trying to make it impossible. We went through this when my 15 year old son's girlfriend got pregnant. She lived with us throughout her pregnancy and for the first year of Joe's life then went to visit her grandparents one day and never came back. She thought my son would just say screw it but the last laugh was on her. He wound up with full custody because of her shenanigans. Yes HE WANTED to fight for full custody and he DID and won. At 16 years old the father got full custody! Joe is now 10 and his daddy is a WONDERFUL Daddy!
    If there is ANYTHING at all that I can do to help you please let me know. I am home 24/7 so I have lots of time on my hands so if you need anything that can be done from my home I am the girl you are looking for!!!
    I will be sending good thoughts and prayers your way that things will ease up a bit for you! In the meantime, keep on keeping on! That is all we can do at times like this. (((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))

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  11. My sweet lady, you are so much in my thoughts and prayers. I know first hand how hard life can hand us a hard blow. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and that God has a better plan for you even if it don't seem pleasant right now. It is hard to start over after so many years and if there is anything I can do to help you out just let me know. Love and Hugs to you today and everyday. <3

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  12. Ditto what Tracey Sabella said, Donna. My heart hurts for you and yours! I was in a similar boat 4 years ago and am still bailing out of the financial mess!!! My prayers are for our Gracious God to provide you peace and tangible solutions to all your needs! Love ya!

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  13. I was so hoping that 2014 would be better but it seems 2013 is carrying forward for you. Wishing you a much better new year. thanks as always for sharing.

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  14. I'm so very sorry to read all these struggles you are having to endure -- all at the same time, no less. :( Prayers for a happy ending and an easier road to get there. ♥

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  15. So sorry your troubles are piling
    up. Hopefully some good news
    will come your way soon.
    Carla from Utah

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  16. I'm so sorry about ya'll circumstances! I will be praying for you & your family. Hugs from VA. Karen C

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  17. Hey donna hope things get better for you.....so sorry for what your going through......chin up and say lotsa prayers......youbwill be in mine too......

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  18. So sorry you are dealing with all of this!

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  19. You are so much a part of my life ,you have taught me so many things and I always get compliments on my flowers ( thanks to you and your dies ) I will be here following you around . Lighting a candle for you and yours ! Remember you are amazing and U R <3

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  20. Thoughts and prayers coming your way...never apologize for taking care of family first. {{hugs}} Wishing you peace on your new adventure!

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  21. I will definitely be keeping you and your family in my prayers. !!!!

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  22. That's a lot on your plate, Donna. I know you'll get trough it all; but, it is much. Hugs

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  23. I DO read and enjoy your post ! I will keep you and your family in my prayers ! I KNOW that these kinds of changes are not easy but I pray that God will give you the ware withal to weather these "storms" and that great things will be birth out of this. Praying that your "needs" will be met in a "timely" manner... and that you will be BLESSED beyond your wildest dream! Hugs to you "Girlfriend" !

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  24. I'm so sorry to hear that you've had so many struggles to work through lately. Hugs, prayers and love being sent your way. Hang in there.

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  25. I'm so very sorry to hear that you've been having to work through some struggles lately. hugs and prayers going out to you. hang in there.

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  26. I'm so sorry to hear that. You and your family are in my prayers. Johanne

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  27. So sorry to hear that. You and your family are in my prayers. Johanne

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  28. Good luck to you all, things happen but good things will come.

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  29. Donna, I'm so sorry. The whole scrapbook industry seems to be in trouble. I hope you can find your way out of it and that your family problems get worked out. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  30. Wow it always happens all at once hey.. Hope you find an awesome house to move into and things calm down for you soon.. Take it one step at at a time and know that we are all out here cheering you on..
    Sandy :)

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  31. Iam so sorry about your problems I understand because my mother just disowned me and my Family blaming all of this on my husband of 28 yrs. and its not his fault when it rains it pores my prayers are on the way and keep the faith.

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  32. May God Bless you and your family...and angels guide you through. So sorry to hear of your troubles and will keep you and your family my our prayers. Good luck and good health to you.

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  33. May God bless and comfort through these difficult days!

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  34. You are in my thoughts. I know you a very strong woman and I hope that good times will come soon

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  35. I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this. I will be praying for you and your family. I had to move out of my home a few months ago......it's not a good feeling. Take one day at a time, God Bless, Pam

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  36. Prayers being said for a new place that is more affordable and in better shape than you have and that you start making a cash flow beyond your wildest dreams! Peace be with you Donna. I will be watching for your vids. Remember to take time for yourself in the middle of life's rollercoaster!
    Hugs!

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  37. So sorry you and your family are going through such difficult times. I hope in time you'll get back to "normal". If there's something you need, please don't hesitate to ask. You are LOVED by so many of us crafters...

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  38. So sorry you and your family are going through such troubles right now. I hope you'll soon be back to "normal" and you can breathe a sigh of relief. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. You are LOVED by so many of us crafters. Hugs to you...

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  39. Donna, sorry to hear all this. Stay well my friend, hope things look up real soon. Smiles, Deena

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  40. I love your positive attitude Donna! Hugs n prayers being sent to you and your family. I follow silently for I work 40 to 60 hours per week n don't have much time to scrap. Good things are coming your way. I feel it!

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  41. Change means just that, look forward and not back, and remember your fans are here to cheer you along your new path and we are sending you great loads of hugs and kisses

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  42. Prayers & thoughts to you & your family. All will work out. :) Blessings Karr

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  43. Prayers being sent. Hang on ~ one day at a time ~ Keep us posted and let us know if there is anything we can do.

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  44. Donna I hope that you find the cloud with the silver lining as it sounds like you need it, my fingers are crossed that it all turns around for you and your family Deena

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  45. oh no Donna. So sorry to hear this news. Prayers and hugs...

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  46. I'm sending you all my best wishes...

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  47. I'm so sorry to hear that you and your family are dealing with such stress. I can relate! I know you are a strong lady though and you will all make it through the rough times. I'll be stalking the Facebook page to see if I can help in some small way with an order. Prayers and best of luck to you all!!

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  48. Find peace in the thought that you can’t ever have it all or know it all. You are always just a fraction of the whole. For if you weren't, there would be nothing more to experience. Value what you know, and also value the countless things you don’t yet understand. For in what you do not understand, there is the joy of growth. Be happy and sad at the same time, be hungry and thankful at the same time, be nervous and excited at the same time, and be okay with it. Much love and prayers... Life is a great big canvas, ready for a fresh start... Can't wait to see what you throw on that canvas! Much love and prayers to you and your family.
    ~Christina

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  49. Good karma, good karma, good karma...
    X X

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  50. Dear Donna, hope situations will improve for your family soon. Take good care of yourselves!

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  51. Sorry to hear you and your family are going through all this. I can relate! I know you are a strong lady though and you will all make it through. I know you will have many fans and supporters from the crafty community. Prayers and best wishes for all of you! Shelly

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  52. Oh wow, Donna. I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope there are new opportunities, especially financial, in the near future. Take care… Kelly

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  53. So sorry Donna. Hope everything changes for the better...soon! Take care.

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  54. thinking of you Donna, I will see if I can send some paid work your way. luv Sue

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  55. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. It is always darkest before the dawn - and a brighter day is just over the horizon!! Will be keeping candle burning!

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  56. Bigs hugs and prayers to you Donna....Things will work out!!

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  57. God it's good and even more with good people like you are, don't worry things will get together and that will make your family stronger and wiser. Believe me, I've being there and it's not easy but everything has its meanings and soon you will be just learning why this happened God Bless you all

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  58. Thoughts of you & wishes that 2014 is your year for a great new start. The saying this to shall pass is true but I understand the hard times toy are enduring. Hugs & prayers

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  59. Donna, I'm so sorry you are going through this strife. Be assured that there is something wonderful coming your way. So many people ahead of me have all said what I would say, so I'm not going to repeat them all. Just know you and your family are in my families prayers. Stay strong.

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  60. You are amazing and I know you'll come through this too. Looking forward to updates & product on fb. :-)

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  61. My prayers are with you, wishing you all the best in finding that home and getting paid for work and with all the other struggles you r facing..

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  62. My prayers are with. Please know that God is with you each step of your journey!!

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  63. My thought and prayers with you and your family and for a continuing relationship with Hunter. I've been there and it can be such a heartache. I truly enjoy you as an artist as it seems you are one of the few veterans that continues to give back freely for the love of art as you also try to make a living. Thank you for what you do.

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  64. I will keep your family in my prayers. I had the rug pulled out and know what this feels like. I am so sorry about Hunter. I hope you will be able to get that straightened out. I know your heart must be breaking. He made me smile on those sad days I was having and just then you would pop a little video up. I hope you can be there for your son and hold him close and let him know he needs to stay strong for his son! He has to! No matter what that little boy deserves his Daddy. Even if it is later rather then sooner he needs him. Stay strong girl!
    XOXOX

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  65. I just want you to know that you have been such an inspiration to me and you are so full of talent, you have a great way of reaching people just because of your personality and creative talent that it would be a sad day if you stopped those videos. We sometimes never know why we must go through some things in life but one thing is for sure, God has a reason. I'm going to be praying that God's will be done and that He would give you wisdom and stength to hold on till the end. God has a plan for you, believe that and stand strong. "Everything works for the good of them that love the Lord". You will be in my prayers.

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  66. you and your family are in my prayers too ... be strong ... hugs magi

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  67. My prayers are with you and yours. I hope all this strife leads to new possibilities. Hugs! Christi

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  68. Donna, my heart goes out to you with this huge amount of stress on you and your family. Please know I will keep all of you in my prayers for peace, comfort, and your needs met (a place to live, more income, kindness in Zack's fiancee etc.). xoxo

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  69. Sending good thoughts, prayers and hugs your way!!! I envision a beautiful home popping up with extremely reasonable rent just for you!!!!

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  70. Huge prayers for you and your family. The old adage "when it rains it pours" tends to hold true. Keep that chin up and that beautiful smile shining for the world to see, and hopefully the adage "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger" will hold true as well. Love what you do~you are an inspiration to us all <3

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  71. I'm so very sorry for all you are going through. I she'd some tears for you. Praying you and your family gain strength through this time. Hugs to you all.

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  72. Donna, I hope you can relax soon. Hoping things get better soon. Sending you hugs!

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  73. Oh, Donna, I am so sorry for all these trials your family has been and continues going through. Oddly enough, I sensed something was up and have been including you in my prayers. Now that I have a clearer picture of what's happening, those prayers can be more focused. I pray for peace and unity and prosperity for your family. Hugs to you all.

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  74. Dear Donna , sorry to hear of your trying times , but chin up & battle on & I wish better for you . A new home will be a new start.xo

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  75. I've always found that the storm comes before the rainbow. Be expecting great things in 2014. In the meantime, I will keep you in my prayers. Be expecting. God is faithful!

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  76. My thoughts and prayers for better times in 2014 for your family and you. I am sorry to hear of your trying times. Your products and blog have been such an inspiration. I bought so many of your products in 2013. Hugs.

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  77. We don't know each other although I have followed your work and creativity with excitement in how talented and inspiring you are to me. I'm so sorry to hear about your crazy, hard times right now. It is just horrible. I will be thinking of you and your family and sending the best wishes for you and your family. Big Hugs!

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  78. i just found you today..so i dont know you at all, but believe it or not, i have been real close to where you are ... hang it there.. you really will get through it !!

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  79. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. Certainly hope things start to look up for you real soon!

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  80. You are UBER talented. You are such an inspiration to me. I am so sorry to hear about the hard times you are having. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hugs.

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  81. I'm so sorry! I had know idea all this was going on...satan hits us from all angles and he rips all the strings from our hearts the mean the most to us! Pour your hearts out God almighty and He will hear your prayers! He is the one that can help you thru these difficult times. My heart goes out to you and your family. Drew close to God and he will draw close to you! James 4:8

    ~ Vanessa W

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  82. So sorry to hear about your being hit by all of that stuff Donna. I have you, your family and your son in my prayers and God will come through with a home for you and your family. He is always there for those who love Him. You have a lovely soul and it shows in your ability to think of others when your own life is in chaos. God bless you wonderful lady and your family!

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  83. Hi Donna,

    It's April 5th and I just came into this news. | am truly sorry for all that pressure you've been under. I feel like I've grown to love you and your family as I'm sure other followers have. I hold all of you in my prayers. Big hug, fairy sprinkles your way and God's strength to you.

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  84. Donna, Tracey Sabella just directed me to this post. I've been wondering what happened to you. Prayers going out to you and yours.

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