Dear Local Readers...

I want to share with you some recent events and changes that have taken place in my life.  I know that many of you who read my blog have also been my wonderful customers at Toyrifix in Smithville, Ohio.  I am very sorry to have to bring you the news today that I am no employed by Toyrifix.  In 2007 when I accepted the position of manager at that store, it appeared to me to be a dream job... getting paid to stamp 40 hours a week!  What could be better?  However, stamping 40 hours was not what I spent most of my time doing.  I also spent a great deal of time just being a store manager, dealing with employees, office work and selling toys... not what I envisioned when I took the position. I also did a large amount of the job from home, which made for some long days and evenings.  For a variety of reasons, over the past 18 months I was finding myself very restless with the position and in need of a change, and I began to casually watch the help wanted ads and seek out other options for employment.  I recently had the opportunity to interview for some other jobs, and was lucky enough to be offered a position that in my eyes appeared to be a win-win situation for myself and Toyrifix.  I would be able to, after some initial training time, be able to do both jobs for several months to come and continue to provide Toyrifix stamping customers the high quality of products, customer service and attention that you've become accustomed to in the last 4 years.  I was excited to make these changes!  In my plans for the next few months were classes that many of you were already signed up for and had paid for, and a lot of the content of these classes included things you had been asking me for as far as new techniques and products.  And I know you were all going to love the Stamp of the Month board for March!  My plans were to continue to be there for you in the coming months!

However, on Thursday evening I was informed that my services were no longer needed at the store and was ordered to pack up my desk and leave.  I am still reeling from this blow, and greatly distressed and disappointed at the sudden turn of events in this situation.  As I stated, this could have been nothing but a win-win for both parties here and the thought of what will now become of the stamping department that I so lovingly built up over the last 4 year saddens me greatly.  It makes me sad for you, the customers.  I want you all to know how much I have loved and appreciated all of you and that leaving so abruptly with no chance to tell you all good-bye was not my decision!  Helping you with your stamping needs and teaching new techniques, seeing people excited about new products and supplies and sharing my love of this hobby with all of you was my greatest joy!  I urge anyone who wishes to to please keep in touch with me!  Leave me a comment here, or send me an email  (tammyhershberger at gmail dot com) as I want to hear from you!  And if you still want to learn and stamp together, let me know that, too!  I'd love to continue to get inky with all of you!

My very best to you all,