Bye Bye Sunny Day Doodles...

I wanted to let you all know that I am no longer designing stamps for My Favorite Things. I started a line of stamps with them eight months ago. I have seven sets out under the name Sunny Day Doodles that are still available for sale on their website. I don't want this post to discourage anyone from purchasing them. They might even be collectors items some day - haha!

I did want to explain why I am no longer designing stamps though. And here is the story:

In October of 2011, my sweet brother passed away. While he was dying, I sat by his bed for days watching him suffer. It was a really tough time. I didn't have much with me to do, so I bought a white notebook and a black marker and started doodling. I looked up some scriptures and some quotes on my phone and drew them. This was my first time ever doodling inspirational quotes. And I found that the process of doing this helped me greatly during this difficult time. It also helped during the months after his death as I found so much comfort doing this. I felt like it was a gift he gave me before he passed away. And I wanted to make him proud of me by sharing the truths of our Saviors gospel through the written word. Here is a post I wrote right after his death with the ones I drew in the hospital. I've changed my style and improved my writing since then, but I still enjoy seeing these original ones. And there are many more on this post. 

The next summer, I had brain surgery - there are posts from right after HERE. Much of this my blog readers already know about! I had an acoustic neuroma brain tumor removed from my hearing and balance nerve. Since this surgery, I have suffered from daily headaches - I'm in almost constant pain. They cut through my neck muscles with a more invasive process to save my hearing in that ear. My hearing is still intact, but very fuzzy and it is hard to make words out. And I really regret this decision as the possible side effect of chronic head and neck pain have become my constant companions. I also had the balance nerve removed from that side, so I have some issues with balance causing a lot of anxiety in social situations. When I am in noisy places, my head gets really bad. So I doodle. It helps me focus on something other than the noise. Again, this gift my brother gave me has helped me through a difficult time.

About a year ago, MFT approached me to design stamps with my doodles. I was so excited. Hesitant, but excited that someone was interested in them! We started with inspirational short quotes and some little phrases for project life in my first couple of sets. I wanted to move towards more images and my last set was more in that direction, Spring Has Sprung. I loved designing these and it was so fun to see them used by others! MFT is AMAZING to work with - they are so professional and everything they do and produce is top notch. They have the most talented design team out there in the card making industry. I really loved everything about working with MFT, especially the people! I will miss them!

With that very long lead up, the reason I decided to leave MFT and retire from being a stamp designer was because it had taken the fun out of the process of doodling for me and moved me away from the purpose of why I started in the first place. I no longer doodled just for fun or to cheer/inspire others with inspirational quotes. I was working on developing stamp sets and promoting those sets - both of which took most of my free time. I felt like my brother gave me this gift and I had moved a way from the purpose of the gift to feed my own ego. I hope that makes sense! I just wanted my doodles to bring me peace and comfort and to offer the same to others when possible. And I need to get back to that. I wanted to have the time to doodle without the pressure of trying to please anyone else.

This weekend is LDS General Conference. I learned to LOVE conference after I started doodling because it helped me stay focused on the talks and listen for the little nuggets of inspiration that were delivered. So I cannot wait to sit and doodle for all four sessions this weekend. In my jammies. ha

And that is my story - hope I didn't bore you too much! I am thinking about finding a way to sell my doodles on etsy or as digital downloads. I want to find a way that others can have access to them if they are interested. Thanks for all of my blog readers support during my Sunny Day Doodles time! I really appreciated it! I'm still designing for Studio Calico and finally have some free time to take daily walks on the beach again! I'm hoping they improve my health - they definitely improve my mental health! Happy weekend friends! Suzy

Comments

[Patricia]

Agree follow your heart and God. Had no idea how this gift came about. Amazing story. So sorry about the daily pain. I have headaches daily but not at your level so I feel for you. Debilitating. Hugs to you! Proud of you for following your heart.

[Robyn Werlich]

Love you Suzy! You are truly an amazing woman - with a heart of gold!! Love you!

[mary t]

Good for you!!! You are doing what's best for you ! Always see you as inspiring!
Mary t

[Victoria in OHio]

MAkes total sense! Love your wrok and your doodles.. I didnt realiz you are in pain daily so sad to hear that.. Praying that God will heal you!
I wondered if as a doodler that yo wols rahter jsut freehand your own doodles than to stamp them.. just curious.. i am not a drawing artist.. wish i had better handwriting and wish i could draw like you ;)Blessings to you dear one as you heal and be who God wants you to be!

[Stephanie]

Can I just say how much I admire you? You have such a God-given talent and are such an inspiration! Be blessed.

[Miriam Prantner]

Totally understand and get it! I love your doodles though and hope you will find a way to continue to share them but maintain balance.

[SandraA]

It has been wonderful to see your journey. I can almost feel your relief. You doodled one of my favorite quotes years ago when you were taking requests,and it still sits in a frame in my craft room.

May you get some physical healing.

[Alissa Getson]

Suzy I love your story and your doodles!!!! Good for you and I look forward to seeing your doodles on Etsy!!!!!

[carol]

Oh Suzy, thank you for sharing. Health is more important. It's a good move to stop designing and thinking of promoting the stamps. take a break. Do continue to share your doodle with us when you feel like it. I love your work. Its always bright and cheerful and inspiring.

[Carol]

First, I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Second, your doodles just make me smile whenever I see them. Your focus on God and scriptures give me peace and joy and are a highlight in my day. I would love for you to do a tutorial with step by step photos of your process. Do you start with pencil? What pens or pencils do you do the color with? My granddaughter is 12 and is always doodling on her notebooks and she loves to see yours too and she always ask in amazement, 'How does she do that?' So I told her, maybe we can find out. Thank you for inspiring her!

[ana roat]

Someday I hope to run into you at the beach where we can talk for a few minutes, laugh and feel the sunshine on our faces. If you are stuck behind "a desk" how would that be possible? Wishing you the very best Suzy!

[Judy C.]

I'm so glad you shared your story. I noticed right away that your picture was no longer listed with the design team on MFT. I sent a message to them asking where your picture was and why you weren't listed. I was told you weren't with them anymore and I wanted to cry. When I was a young girl, I too doodled to ease a broken heart or release stress or just for fun. It was a great way to express myself. I understand why you doodle and I also know why you gave up making stamps. When I first started making cards, I had several people tell me I should sell the things I made. So I started a little business. Slowly but surely the fun was gone and then I had deadlines and items that weren't just like someone wanted them to be. It took all the fun out of what I loved doing. Now I just make things for friends and myself. The joy is back. You too will get your joy back by doing what you love just for you. I will promise you this, if you make digital things to sell, I'll be one of your first customers. I am going to miss you so much but I understand your decision. Your health and your connection to God is far more important. Please take care of yourself. I wish you the very best.

[Katherine S Lee]

Suzy...I was on MFT's blog tonight looking for your designs...when I didn't see you there I came to your blog via Studio Calico...I LOVE your doodles...I have most of your stamp sets and I LOVE YOUR DESIGNS posted on studio calico where you used lots of your doodles. I am a doodler myself...have done it since high school...I can't write notes or anything without doodling...I'm so happy to have your stamp sets...but I totally support your decision. I'm so sorry about your pain...I was so happy to see your doodled quote from Dieter F Uchtdorf...I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints also...and I so look forward to conference. You have such a sunny personality and I'm thankful to know you in some small way...so grateful to know we can be with our families forever. I will support you if you put some doodles on Etsy some time. Thanks for brightening my day SO MANY TIMES...you are an example for good to me...

[Wendi]

You continue to amaze and inspire me. You are the kind of person I wish I knew personally because I'd love to be your friend! You are the "real deal", as they say!! ♥ Keep being you!

[AG]

Several months ago I found your inspirational quotes and I loved them. I was unable to locate your website again until the other day. I was so happy to find it again! I spent hours admiring your creative and beautiful work and reading parts of your blog. I am sad that you will no longer be doing this, but I have your blog booked marked, so I can enjoy it again! I wish you luck in your new adventure. Whatever you do it will be amazing!!!

A couple of questions: 1. Have you thought about teaching a doodle class? I would really like to learn. 2. Is it possible to get some of your inspirational quotes in a bigger size? There are so many that I love, the happy, butterfly and destination are my top three. 3. Is there a way to follow your future adventures (I really dislike that I came to the party late and you have left! lol)? 4. If you doodle inspirational quotes from conference I would love to be able to print them.

Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts! You are an amazing and beautiful person!

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[Domenico]

Forgive me. Because of your strength I had no idea that you were still in pain. I am ashamed to admit that I have not prayed for you in a very long time. I am sorry to hear of your struggles, but may I say what an incredible person you are to, in spite of everything, keep this place so cheery. You are a better person than I.