That she is beautiful and brilliant? That she loves paper and ink, stamping, and me?
Yeah, it’s corny, but I’ve been a little on the emotional side about this, and the mangled quote from Love Story kinda suits my feelings.
One of the best things about splitcoast is that I have had the privilege of meeting and working with and getting to know some truly fabulous people. . . like Julie Ebersole.
I still remember the first time I talked to her. I called her to make sure she was The Julie Ebersole so that I could mail her a little something (see below), and ended up talking to her for a good while. And the first time we met in person in Salt Lake City? She called when she got into town and came up to the hotel room, and I just couldn’t get over how CUTE she was, just flopping on the bed and making herself at home. I felt the same way when I got to hang out with her this past February, too . . . at home and so at ease. She’s just that kinda girl . . . Here’s a picture from our first meeting:
And in Portland later that year (I think?):
Going way back, I started stalking looking for Julie’s creations in magazines after she posted to a Yahoo group we were both in that she had had a few things picked up for publication. Beate and I met in 2003, and she introduced me to splitcoast. We took our first road trip back in 2004, and while we were in Tulsa, we went to a Michaels for some shopping. And there I saw it. . . a creation by Julie, a faux porcelain charm bracelet. I was so excited ’cause I felt like I kinda knew her!When we got home from the trip it seemed like everyone heard about splitcoast at about the same time and there was a bit of a membership boom. Shortly after that, had a conversation with Daven about a way to thank the wonderful members who’d clicked that little Paypal button on the site’s homepage. The Dirty Dozen was born, and Beate and I were tasked with choosing twelve people who we were sure would just knock the collective socks off of our growing community. Julie was on that list. Here she is clutching our invitation. Ain’t she cute?
Since accepting our vague invitation to be part of a special gallery, Julie’s been a big part of my life. Okay, big is an understatement. Let’s go with huge. When she took over the DD coordinator duties in ’05, she became a co-worker on top of close friend. Now that she’s stepped down from her coordinator and team member positions, we’re back to where we started, only better. We’re family now.
(photo shamelessly lifted from her blog)
Julie, thanks for being there for all the phone calls, for being a sounding board and shoulder to cry on, for introducing me to appletinis and Sees truffles, for rearranging your schedule to go to Portland and hang out, for your generous heart and spirit, for all the fun times we’ve had both in person and over the many miles that separate us. I know there will be more! I wish you the very best of everything life has to offer. I’m so proud of you, so excited for where you’re going, and I just know you’re goin’ places. I love you, girl. Chat with you later, my friend?
17 Comments
Jenn, I love this. I’m so blessed to have both of you in my life. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs!
WOW! I had no idea Julie was “leaving”. What a touching post, Jenn. I will miss Julie. . . I can’t imagine how much YOU will miss her!
As in all things you do – beautiful!! I love this hapa haole girl! Happy Trails to HRR! Beautiful photos as well.
Jenn, what a touching tribute to a good friend. (And well deserved, I might add)
Reading a tribute like this is a blessing to us all. Congratulations to Julie for all that she is doing, and has done so well… and to you for putting yourself in a place to both GAIN and to BE a good friend. Both of you are a terrific boon to SCS and the stamping community. Thanks!
Well that’s definitely sad news….I’m happy for Julie in her new role but I’ll sure miss her around SCS!!
Thanks so much for sharing the fun pictures and the lovely story!!! Best wishes to Julie!!!
Thanks for sharing your friendship with Her Royal Rubberness with us too (and the pics).
Oh, man, do I ever feel for Julie when she reads this post! She is going to be a blubbering mass (
Beautiful post, Jenn! I am typing through tears.
What a heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing it and including the wonderful photos. You may not remember meeting me a couple years ago in Milwaukee but I feel very honored to have met you. You are all fabulous people and artists. What a tribute to Julie – a stamping icon.
Julie Rocks – You Rock!
That’s all that needs to be said!
You had me at What…..
Yep, another cryer on the line… Beautiful post, Jenn! …..
oh, jenn! you made me cry! {sniff sniff} that was so touching. . .
and i remember that pic of julie! sooooo cute!
Oh! You gave me chills! This is just the sweetest post! You guys are all so awesome! I really appreciate all of your hard work! Thanks for all you do! Julie will really be missed. Take care and thanks so much for sharing, Jenn! 🙂
That was so sweet, Jenn!
I just posted a blog post with the same title, but it is about something totally different. How funny is that? I too love Julie’s work.