Peeks

My good friend, Amanda of Fancie Pants Knits, is a crafty wonder. She is a co-founder of Craft night, where we get together, craft and catch up. She is constantly a source of inspiration and support. I wanted to share a pin she made for me - love!!! It made a 'so-so' day spectacular. She's really been into embellishing old sweaters needing new life and thrifted wonders. She's inspired me to refresh some of my go-to cardigans.

Up and Away

We're home. restored. I am breathing better. Actually, I've picked up a chest cold but nonetheless I have been rejuvinated. The stress is gone from the shoulders and I have re-charged. We've even had hints of fall weather and I am loving it.

Lots of reflection so here we go.

I have a tendency to raise the bar too high for myself and then I get overwhelmed. viscious circle. I am always checking in on the balance. Seasonal shifts are great. Although I'm not returning to school, I find it necessary to thank summer for a great, although hot, time and look forward to fall and new beginnings.

Bits of reflection.
 - I want to cook more and better. Nothing elaborate. I've also come to the realization that easy is the key on certain week days.
 - As much as I am enjoying blogging, I am finding it is taking a good percentage of my craft/inspiration time. Looking forward, I want to prioritize doing rather than writing about it (realizing though, that that is cool too!)
 - letting things go. I wanted to do some preserving/canning this summer and maybe there is still time but realistically there might not be. And that is ok. there's always next year.
 - I realize I am a continuous learner. And that is a good thing.
 - I am glad to be crafting monthly with my friends. I look forward to this time and revel in their creativity.
 - My kids are growing fast. Life is full of moments. I know I can be doing more and creating this 'perfect' childhood. who am I kidding? I'm doing pretty good. I love the imperfections.
 - With our new home (it's been a year!), I get overwhelmed with how I want things to look and the energy/money associated. baby steps. prioritize and plan. Can't do it all. It wouldn't be fun.
 - There a lot of creative people out there and it is not a competition. I do what I can. If I get ETSY up and some craft shows, great. If not, oh well. There's always tomorrow. I'd rather make things I am proud of. I need to start doing. And I am...
 - I need to schedule more fun time for me. Otherwise, days go to fast and robotic mode sets in. not so fun heading toward burn out.
 - I'm working on finding the cozy spots in our home. It's important. Just takes more than snapping fingers.

Phew. It feels good and right.

Remembering me

I'm reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and I LOVE it. Really love it. After a long day, sometimes it feels like a project to open this book, read and reflect. But it is helping, really helping.

As a working mom (inside and outside our lovely home) of two young, wild and innocent children, I sometimes lose sight of me. And it is scary. I crave the creative and am always dabbling in many half begun projects. I love sewing and knitting but sometimes find that I am in love with crafting than the 'doing'.

Blog-land has been great for inspiration and reference especially since I have a small number of friends who craft in town. As much as I love blogs, I find myself immersing myself in other blogs and getting completely lost and overwhelmed. The sum total of blogs I peek into intimidate me. It's almost like I've shown up to a contest and I am not qualified, just interested. Not always a positive experience. I since wonderful things people are creating and I get frustrated with myself for not figuring our how to balance, work, home, and craft. I have aspirations for creating pieces to sell on etsy. How do I act in confidence that I have good eye and I am full of passion? it's proving hard to verbalize. Maybe I should just start doing.

There are so many chapters to reference in the Happiness Project. I am starting with 'Being Elizabeth'. I need to be acceptable of who I am and my abilities. It is one thing to be inspired by others work, it is another thing to weigh me down and erase my confidence. I am finding that I am different and can't compare to anyone. I am trying, ever so hard, in every component of my life to be better and to be me.

*Be Elizabeth*

What is the rule?

You can tell I am newbie. I'm trying and learning along the way. It really is a bit overwhelming, wanting to follow blog etiquette. I plan to pick up a few reads on this topic/articles on the web. I think it is time to re-read Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey now that I'm actually in motion.

Weekend Reading: Came across Crafty Blog School: Blogging Photos from Flickr via Feeling Stitchy (what a cheery banner!) And hello, Crafty Blog School - although it is from '07, I'm thinking valuable. baby steps...