"No! This can't be so!" I didn't know whether to breathe, or cry, or jump up & down! Wait ... surely just a dream. When I found my breath and my phone, I called Lydia ... ... and she answered, laughing out loud! She made me laugh, but my tears were literally leaping off my face ... I think Lydia could possibly hear them splashing on the phone. Silly little fact: I used to know exactly how many dirty girls I had met IRL, seriously! Summary? I am beyond honored to be here in the Dirt Pile. Oh .. my .. goodness! Thank you big bunches, Ms. Lydia!!
In real life, I'm Bev Gerard, a.k.a. TexasGrammy, wife, Mom, Mimi, friend, Tex. Every one of those `hats' defines a special part of me. I've been married over 36 years, and we're blessed with a son, a daughter, and 4 precious Grands. Hubby & I shared many dates with fishing poles and bait-in-hand before we married and began to raise our little family. I grew up in small-town Oklahoma, spending some of my favorite younger years on a farm. Even though I'm a "city girl" now, I try never to forget those sweet roots. In fact, many of my 28 hometown classmates & I still try to get together periodically for laughs and "catch-ups". They're like brothers & sisters to me in many ways. Sandwiched between early years and now, I've taught 1st Grade, Kindergarten, and Reading Recovery.
Creativity is something I've explored much of my life but I honestly consider myself to be a "dabbler". It started with mud pies baked carefully on a hot Oklahoma sidewalk, sewing, playing piano, cross-stitching, pouring & firing ceramics ... but I've never been able to draw. For those of us who cannot draw, it's rubber stamps to the rescue! My daughter, Jessica, is responsible for having introduced me to stamping. With curious eyes I watched as she trimmed her first SU stamp set, then began to play with her brand new olive & eggplant inks. Well, that's all it took. Consider me "sold"! Later, I named myself TexasGrammy when I joined SCS (again, found by my DD). At that time DH & I were still "in waiting" for our first little ones to arrive within a couple of months. Who knew the littles would choose to speak "Mimi" instead of "Grammy"!
Needless to say, this past month has been a true roller-coaster of emotion. I hope to feel a lot more comfy and settled soon, and I plan to totally savor every moment of this unexpected creative journey to the fullest. I owe many untold "thanks" to Lydia and my countless "mentors" a.k.a. teachers and sharing friends from right here at our treasured SCS!
~ Bev
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011 GMT Views: 1741
Favorited:3
Registered: April 16, 2005 Location: Walla Walla, WA Posts: 15082
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 12:11 PM
I am seriously delighted to see you here! I wondered when it would happen. You do wonderful work, as warm and charming as you are. Congratulations; you'll do awesome! P.S. I can't draw either!
Registered: June 14, 2005 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 18112
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 12:12 PM
sooooo happy for you! congrats and welcome to the dirty pile! you sure derserve it. Love your work and can't wait to see your DD creations for the next 6 months!!!!
Registered: November 1, 2006 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 10773
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 12:40 PM
BEV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMGoodness.....I am SO HAPPY to see you here!!! Welcome welcome to the Dirt Pile!!! I can't wait to see what you do the next six months!! Big HUGS!!!!!!!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 12:47 PM
Sweet Bev, you have been a favorite of mine forever. I know that your heart matches your art, beautiful indeed! Thank you for all you have shared with me (and countless others, no doubt) Your support and encouragement has meant so much to me since the day I started here. I was so excited to see your name "behind the scenes" and am thrilled that you are a part of this wonderful Dirt Pile! Sistah, you surely rise to the top, bless your heart friend and enjoy the ride! BIG 'ol Hugs.......
Pssst....I'll take a slice of that mud pie if'n you still make 'em! xoxoxoxo
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11
Registered: November 1, 2005 Location: Posts: 77159
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 12:48 PM
Bev this is so cool, congrats! Excited to see you in the DD. I guessed you last month for the DD, I was off one month. ha ha Can't wait to see what you did for the DD!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 12:49 PM
P.S. Look at them sparkly eyes, with a bit of mischief too! Your photo is gorgeous!!!
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11
Registered: February 21, 2007 Location: Bay City, MICHIGAN Posts: 17556
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 1:06 PM
Bev -
SO tickled to see YOU in the DIRTY DOZEN!! Since I joined SCS, you have helped me so many times by answering my questions and helping me out in countless ways in the forums and with solutions to silly little problems, to say nothing of your talent and amazing creations, that leave my jaw on the floor more than you know!
Looking forward to seeing lots more in the ensuing months. SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!
Congratulations and Big Hugs!
------------------------------ SUE aka GREENIE - Twisted Sistah Handmade cards because..No one displays an email on their mantle, or saves a FB post in a box of treasures! Nothing is impossible with God!
Registered: April 3, 2007 Location: In a state of oblivion.... Posts: 14120
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 1:24 PM
From mud pies to dirt piles - what a wonderful progression! Congratulations Bev!!! So happy for you!
------------------------------ Heather ...... My Gallery You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Ralph Waldo Emerson Founding Member of the Punchkateerz - "You don't have to be crazy to be one of us, but it sure helps."
Registered: February 1, 2005 Location: Temple, Tx Posts: 37720
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 1:41 PM
EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Whoopie!!!!!! I am soooo excited I can hardly type!!!! Oh man...now the tears are falling....I am soooo happy for you my sweet friend!!!!!! You have been dirty for sooooo long, gf, but now it's official.....Whoohoo!!!!!!
Registered: January 26, 2006 Location: technically, So Cal. But mostly here! Posts: 14518
Sun, May 15, 2011 @ 1:44 PM
Well! And here I thought you had been DD all along! Guess I can now add you to MY list of DD gals that I have met IRL ( don't panic. I don't expect you to remember! Haha!)
Congrats! I look forward to being wowed each month with your creations!