To become one of Rangers Signature Designers is a dream come true. Not many of you know my story, my roots or my beginnings, but I have come a long way.
Briefly, my marriage broke down, extremely acrimoniously, when I was 23 leaving me with 4 children under the age of five. I picked myself up, dusted myself down and got on with life as a single mum, always teetering on the breadline, lol, only to become bedridden with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 10 yrs later. Although I wouldn't wish such an illness on anyone, this is what led me into the world of crafting and my ensuing passion
.
Life hasn't been easy, I wasn't handed my business on a plate, it was started around my kitchen table, with 5 students, and slowly over the years has built into the business it now is. It has been as a result of a lot of dedication, hard work, and tears and, at times, has seemed like the longest road ever to travel. One step forward, two steps back... bit like practising the Cha Cha Cha !!!
So why am I telling you all this.??
Because throughout it all, I was determined not to just sit back and accept my lot in life. It wasn't the easiest of roads but it was my frikkin road, and it was travelled how I wanted to travel it. I always had a dream at the back of my mind, that one day I would show those who dissed me as, just another single Mum, that dreams can come true.
If you believe..!!!
" To BELIEVE is to know that every day is a new beginning.
It is to trust that miracles happen, and dreams really do come true.
To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds.
To know the wonder of a stardust sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon .
To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of a child's eyes
and the beauty of an ageing hand,
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.
To believe is to find the strength and courage that lies within us,
when it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.
To believe is to know we are not alone,
that life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it.
To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen.
And all our hopes and dreams are within our reach.
If ONLY we believe"
Author unknown
My journey to where I am now, has many twists an turns and if it wasn't so frikkin long would have made a good book, lol. But what it has done is, it has provided me with a wealth of material for art journaling, without which, where would I be.
If you are struggling with your lot, just take the time to remember to believe. It might not be just around the corner, but if you believe hard enough it will be there for you.!!!
22 comments:
And well done you, your hard work has paid off and your rewards are so well deserved. Cherish every moment. Tracy x
Honey go to bed if its 3 am. Congrats on becoming a signature designer for ranger but more importantly well done for never giving up. I love your art work it is an inspiration to me and one day i hope i can do a journal class with tou but in the meantime your blog is such a delight to read.
Hi Lady Dy... SO happy for you.... I talked to Queen Patti about your news and her reaction was, and I quote, "It's about frikkin' time!" Can't wait to see what the Ranger Dylusions line will be! I feel quite certain I will *need* it ALL!
Lotsa Love! Ellen xxx
Lovely to hear a bit of your story, Dy - some of us have been there - part of the way at least! You've come a long, long way and you've worked so hard you deserve it. I wish you well with your future and in all you do, but most of all, I wish you peace with yourself, with what and who you are. Blessings x
I love your honesty...no sugar coating or pussy footing around, telling it like it is...I believe, we as women, at one time or another have been in your shoes. Your story is inspirational but I think the rawness of your words make it even more poignant! Keep on...keeping on!
Thank you for sharing a bit of your story with us.
It gives hope.
COngratulations again <3
The willow knows what the storm does not: that the power to endure harm outlives the power to inflict it.
- Blood of the Martyr
Love you so much Dyan...big hugs from Edinburgh. Yvonne XOXOXOO
You're the best!
well done you...I'm a great believer that life is what YOU make it even if the road is long and hard and hey it makes you who you are...sending big hugs and mega congrats on achieving yet another dream...kath xxx
We're all very proud of you, and very pleased for you. You deserve this so much, you're such an inspiration to us all :-))) And the story would make a great film! Mwah xx
Phenomenal story. Phenomenal belief. Phenomenal result. Phenomenal you.
what doesnt kill you makes you stronger.... we are so proud of you, just dont change yourself, or your style. You are AWESOME......... xxxx
Thank you for sharing your story Dylan, it gives me hope, that life isn't over, well done you!
Aww Dyan you are my total inspriration. I have suffered Bulimia like you and 4 years ago I got very bad clinical depression and had to give up my job. I felt at rock bottom but then I discovered art and in turn your work. I also dusted myself off and I'm hoping to teach a class next year following your philosphy[even if its from a shed at the bottom of my garden] You have taught me to beleive that dreams do come true your are a truly amazing woman and I couldn't be more pleased for you. I'm coming to a workshop on Nov 30th and can't wait
Thank you again for all of your positivity and see you soon x x
Bravo! Your story is inspirational....and your art work is too. Congrats on the DT with Ranger :)
You are an inspiration to many Dyan and I think a lot of us can relate to what you've been through. Its too easy to sit back and hope everything will come to you and we all know that life just ain't like that.
Keep on doing what you're doing, x
You are sooooo truly an ispiration, you are creative with everything you do, your art, your words and your life....
We Loves you lots with a big fat whoppin cherry on top.....
xx
Kazxx
I hadn't realise it was chronic fatigue syndrome - after glandular fever at 16 I had recurring bouts of ME/CFS which would floor me for years. Not being patient made it worse. It is better now but every 2 years or so I get a cold or flu and am floored for months again but it always gets better. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and energy x
:-)
Congratulations and well deserved x
Thanks for the reminder as I sit here one year into yet another dead end job,[when I really should be sploshing ink,] to keep putting one foot in front of the other and hoping.xx
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