Time for a change

Pencillines challenge # 53

Balance is something that I am trying to keep as a central focus throughout my day at the moment. We live in such a busy world that when I start to feel bogged down and overwhelmed I take a step back and see just what I am spending my time on and what I am dealing with. Then I ask myself some questions - How much time do I spend on each thing? How important is each thing to me and can I get rid of it, delegate it or not do it all together? I find that by asking these questions it helps me to sort out my priorities which in turn helps me to feel happier with myself and my life.

Another thing that I have found tends to make me feel bogged down and overwhelmed are expectations. Other peoples as well as my own. Lately I have been feeling a little stuck, for lack of a better word, in the inspiration/scrapbooking department. I have just been feeling like there are just so many pages that you can do about yourself, your other half, your cats and then you come to a stand still. Don’t get me wrong - I still love scrapbooking and I will still carry on when I feel like I have something worthwhile to scrap about but right now I am giving myself permission to take a break from it without feeling guilty. I haven't really done much scrapping these past few months - you know like I expect myself to have really done a lot more than what I have - but last night I realised that it is OK to take a break from it and come back to it later. Instead of feeling like I have been in a rut I am going to take my creative energy and use it in my art journal, my knitting and perhaps even my sewing. I think that I was putting too much pressure on myself to be creative in a certain way and when I felt like I was not measuring up it started to affect the other creative areas in my life.

So, this layout might be the last 12 x 12 layout that I do for a little while but don’t worry - I will still be finding ways to express my creative soul and I will still be sharing them on here with you.

Morning thoughts

These past two mornings i have been getting up at 5:45am and seeing Stu off to work. As much as i find it difficult to get up when the alarm goes off, and it does take me a few minutes to actually feel like i have woken up, i am really enjoying that extra time i now find myself with before i have to leave for work. Yesterday i spent the time finishing off a layout that i have been working on and today i sat down to a cup of tea in my new teapot, teacup and saucer that i picked up from a car boot sale this past Sunday.

Today i feel like i should document some of my thoughts that i had going through my head as i sat drinking my tea.

* I am really enjoying having my Gran over here visiting us. She flew in from South Africa, Friday gone by, and is staying for a month. I haven't seen her in four years and love that i can just jump in the car and go down to visit her

* I came across this street art yesterday on Jody's website and it has been totally amazing me.

* I am so grateful to God for finding Stu a permanent job. He is driving a 32 ton lorry for the local Quarry and is loving every minute of it. He has his own company mobile and even his very own lorry. His wages work out great for us and it is only down the road. It seems like the perfect job for him and our needs.

* Last Thursday was Rayola's birthday. Happy Birthday my friend - I miss you in so many different ways.

* I am so in the mood for baking. If i tell the truth i have been wanting to bake something for a little while now but as I am doing WW i am trying to be really good. Perhaps tonight i will find something in my WW recipe book to try.

Nothing extra-ordinary or life changing. Just what has been on my mind and whats going on in my life.

Fun Times!

I had a great weekend. Lots of resting, lots of visiting with my gran and a 30th Birthday party.

I just wanted to share this photo with everyone. It's the boys off on the motorbike for a ride around. Its the first time Rus has been on a motorbike - dont you just love his face! Priceless!

Circle Journal

This is the second circle journal that i have taken part in and this has definately been my favourite. Thank you so all the lovely ladies who have had a part in my jounral. Every page is so special and treasured.

One more page to follow but my battery ran out so this will be updated later tonight.