I told you there would be a catch up post coming. Those always happen when I find myself a little too involved with things other than keeping up a blog.
We have been getting ready for Christmas, like so many others, though this year has been different. This year we have been working on not feeling so rushed, and I haven’t been so crazy with holiday sales. I only had artwork in a few this time. We actually bought a Christmas tree this year too! We haven’t had one since the year John came home. There were many reasons really, we were busy, there wasn’t room, and we just really weren’t in to the holiday. But this year, there were no excuses. We found one that is pretty perfect.
For the first time in quite awhile it seems like a lot of the craziness has stopped. I still have these random moments of feeling overwhelmed that quite often lead to small meltdowns. Last night John pointed out to me that all of these feelings of being overwhelmed were from self imposed deadlines, and that none of them mattered. They matter, but not in the sense that I have to scramble to get them done. It is amazing how often I need to be reminded of this, but he is right. For now, I need to focus on enjoying things, and being creative.
I have still been doing the ‘Cell Phone Pic A Day’ project. My favorite photo app has a random setting, where you don’t know what effects it will give your photo. I really love that setting! It has been fun to play with! I am glad I started this project. For one, I am enjoying using my cell phone basically as another toy camera. Also, it has kept me taking pictures. I haven’t been photographing as much otherwise lately. I’ll get back into that, it just always takes me a little while after working on a big project like I did. This at least keeps me doing something.
Of course, it always helps when an awesome customer leaves a new camera as a present!
It works perfect too! I don’t think anyone has used it before! It has been a lot of fun to play with so far. I’m excited to see what I can do with it.
After spending the last couple of days at MCBA (http://www.mnbookarts.org) I really want to get back to playing with my printing press too! MCBA just introduced a Book Arts Certificate program. I can find out more about the program and curriculum in January, but I am already excited! I think it is the first time I’ve been excited about going back to school in a way! There is something about making books and printing that I have loved since I first tried it. I believe there is nothing cozier than working on art and book binding and printing on some of these cold winter days.
Well, maybe really long thick socks are up on that list too!
My ultimate goal in all of this, is just to slow down, and enjoy it. I need to be more present. Giving myself the permission to slow down enough has been tough, but I know it will be worth it in the end.I think that is enough for now.
Until next time,
~Peace~