Musings

 There has been nothing earth-shattering in the four days since my last post. Life is moving along slowly and quietly, and I'm ok with that. I sometimes wish for some excitement, something big but usually, when that happens to me it is not good news so I will stick with slow and quiet. ♥ 

I went out for dinner last night with my brother and his family to celebrate my nieces turning 21. . . let me let that sink in for a few minutes, 21! I am still struggling with the fact I have a 25-year-old, my parents are in their 80s, and time needs to slow down. Where is it going? I digress, back to dinner. It was a fun and great evening, so glad I went. Laughs, chatter, and good food, a nice evening, and I actually left my house on a Friday night, lol. 

The nest, my sanctuary, my favourite room in the house. It was sad and neglected after a frenzy of crafting over the month of December. I came in and it didn't feel peaceful but chaotic as I had stuff everywhere. Time to organize and put stuff away, Cricut and craft supplies needed their own space. Thankfully I had a spare bookcase that was the perfect fit so all is put away nicely. My computer area is clutter free again and I sigh of contentment rather than distress when I come in this room, it is back to being my 'nest'. I will paint the bookcase white to match the other furniture, hopefully, this month. You can just see the corner beside the tall white bookcase. Next on the agenda for this room is a new printer stand with a cupboard so I can hide the paper and hopefully a new printer.  All in time, need to stick with my goals... which I will get to next. 

My word for 2023 is supposed to be FOCUS, I say supposed to be because I'm not really sure. One of my goals was to focus on being more financially responsible and only buy things I need this month. . . darn Old Navy and a sale! I mean I got a sweater, pair of jeans, and camis for $51 but still, even though the jeans were only $13.99 I did NOT need them *sigh*. Tonight we ordered Chinese food but it was a bit of a celebration for my son's week at his new job. 

On the scrappy front, I got behind 3 days in the MOC 11 at The Lilypad but since I got caught up on laundry and house chores yesterday I spent this afternoon getting caught up. The muse was speaking to me today, I love the pages I created and the meaning behind them. So far I seem to be headed in an artsy direction with neutrals and some pops of colour. We shall see as the prompts go on if I stick with direction of style.

3 Days in a Row!

 Wow, I'm back and posting for the third straight day. I don't even really have much to post about but I felt like opening up the old blog and putting some words down.

The boy (25) started his new job today with great enthusiasm. He is looking forward to this new adventure and learning, the potential to have a great career, and move upward and onward. I really hope it is all he wants it to be. It's scary out there for our young people, job security, inflation, and the housing and rental market-all crazy. 

I grabbed my camera and went out to shoot a few photos on this gray and rainy day. All thanks to the prompt for today's MOC at The Lilypad. I just had my Sigma 105mm lens but I think I got some cool shots as time was limited due to another appointment. Decided to edit them to black and white to match the feeling of the weather.

A Digital Scrapbooking Post

 The amazing Month of Challenges has begun again at The LilyPad. I have participated every year in this wonderful challenge. This year things will be a bit different, the organizers have decided to focus on why we scrapbook, the memories, and documenting rather than technique. I am looking forward to this and eagerly anticipate what the Pollys has in store for us. Thus far days 1 & 2 have been posted and I am pleased to say I have both pages finished. I love the way they have turned out and that they are meaningful. 

created using products from Rachel Jefferies

created using products from Micheline Lincoln

On my dig home front, Sweet Shoppe Designs has their Going Going Gone Sale currently going. There are some great products to be had and I need to go peruse the shoppe yet again. The new This or That Challenges are up and I have examples for two this month. Not sure if I will get all of them done with MOC also going on, but we will see where I get.

created using products by Studio Basic Designs

                                               

created using products by Studio Basic Designs

Christmas is gone. We took everything down this morning and Harlow's bed has reclaimed its corner. It's amazing how empty everything looks once you take it all down, and I am not one who does a lot of decorating. I do love the glow of the tree in the early morning and evening as I liked to sit with just the tree lights, I will miss that for a few days. 

looks so lonely & empty

Today is now a day for quiet, to recharge after all the peopling from the last week. It was just family but I like my quiet and am ready to have some alone time. I want to get my lists ready for things to accomplish for the rest of the week while I am still off on holiday. Two appointments tomorrow and then I need to focus on organing and cleaning the nest. My poor little sanctuary has turned into my computer, camera, and now craft room. . . .there is stuff everywhere!!  A dollar store trip for containers etc may be in order. I also have a bookcase that I may paint white for more storage. It is a small room so I have to be careful how I do this.