First, very quickly, I finally did the cover to my "Ode to Summer" journal. The journal itself is still a work in progress. But last night I had to have to cover done no matter what. It's just one of those things. One minute you're cooking dinner looking forward to your dvr'd Judge Judy......the next, a journal cover has to be produced as if there is a deadline looming over your head. So, considering I finally got it started after baths and bedtime, I just threw it together using some favorite papers to make it that much easier. I am really happy with it.
Also, I wanted to show you the cards I made for the Summer Card Swap I'm doing over Heather's. Had so much fun putting these together...........I hope everyone likes them!
So, in between pictures of cards, let's talk about change....not "the change" (although, I'm getting frighteningly closer to it everyday....) What I'm talking about how your life slowly starts changinging courses without you realizing it. Kind of how you wake up one day and there are all these gray hairs on your head. You are a bit confused as to how they all got there.......in just one day.....overnight it seems. But, the reality is, they just kinda crept up on you. It was when you weren't looking.....when you were minding your own business, just living your life day to day. It was, of course, until you couldn't deny it anymore....things had changed.
Well, that's kind of where I am right now. I'm at this point where change is happening with and without my help. For the last two years, as I've been writing this blog, my life has gone on a steady path of predictable.......being tired....changing diapers....being tired......writing a blog post.......finding time to create a project.....washing dishes.......asking who dumped all the Legos on the floor.....watching Judge Judy reruns.......watching Thomas the Train reruns.....being not as tired......writing more blog post......doing more art.......changing less diapers.......doing dances over pee pee in the potty.......doing dances over losing 10 pounds........finding that I can actually stay up until 11 pm.........finding my love of writing......watching more Thomas the Train videos.........
Finding that this person.......
has changed into this person.......
and is starting preschool this fall. PRESCHOOL!!! How did that happen? But as I look back I can see some of the changes quite clearly now. I've had more time on my hands. Where exactly did I think that came from? My new live in nanny that Typepad provided? No. It came from a child who as he grew older could play on his own for longer periods of time. It came from having more energy so that when the choice at night came between plopping on a couch watching the mind numbing, comatose inducing, could be an argument for taking recreational drugs "Real Housewives of Orange County"..... I instead chose working on an art project. I realized that life was making it's little adjustment and shaking things up a bit in my nice little predictable life in which I so comfortably settled. Another change is my best friend's kids will be going to another school this fall. During the school week, I would bring them and Carlos home on the half day and a couple other days throughout the week. The house was always filled with kids. Now, it's going to be different. A little more time to myself....... Hmmmm.......
So I did what any person would do to embrace the change and not hide from it....I got my hair cut. Now, I know to most people who actually get their hair cut every couple of months or so this is no big deal. However, since the last time I got it cut last September, I let my hair grow and grow and grow to the point of wearing it in a ponytail was the only option. It had no style or "point of view" as Nina Garcia would say. So off I went to my neighborhood hairdresser "Orchid Salon". It's right around the corner from my house. Perfect for lazy people like me who hate the whole circus of making an appointment....then driving...then parking..... then waiting........
Anyway, it takes me one minute to walk up there. And, then, at least a good 15 minutes, after plopping down into the chair, to explain to my new best friend Rachael that I want the cut to say "I'm embracing change the way I should with a snappy new haircut that is reminicent of Lisa Rinna but without the big lips...... I am ready to face the new day with a head shake and a new attitude that isn't trying to pretend she is still 25 years old, but yet knows she has a few good years left before she steps foot into the grave....... a cut that is determined to see me through early school mornings, crafting away in my studio, laughing at those crazy folks on JJ and seamlessly changing one Thomas the Train video to the next..... a cut that......
That's when Rachael inturupts me and says "good God woman. I'm a hairdresser.....Not a plastic surgeon......how much do you want cut off? I told her go for it...... In the end, I have never been happier with a haircut. I love it. Absolutely love it. And, it's a start.........
To be continued.......
Hi, Karen. I get it. I do. My daughter (I only had one little chickadee) is grown. But when she was little, every once in a while, I would realize that she had changed. She'd gone on to another level of development and I needed to relate to her in a new way. Sometimes, I felt like I was running to catch up to her. It's still happening. She just got married and our relationship has changed again. The only little kids I have now have four feet---uhm, paws.
I love your blog and all your creations. You have years yet before the really big shockers--adolescence and fledging the nest. A nice expanse of time to have fun with your kids and delve deeper into your creative spirit.
I am so happy that I get to be a tiny part of it by reading what you write and loving what you create!
Andy
Posted by: Andyann | August 05, 2008 at 01:36 PM
i understand where you are coming from. i have a hard time accepting changes, but they are part of life. one day i wake up feeling full of energy and the next morning a body part hurts and makes me wonder "why??". it is all part of "the change" and all we can do is accept it with a great sense of humor like yours. i truly love your blog and never tire of it. never stop writing and continue to create beautiful art. by the way, your cards are beautiful.
Posted by: SONIA | August 05, 2008 at 02:06 PM
hey doll,
all of these creations are magical.
love your banner.
oxoxo,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | August 05, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Your hairdresser sounds hilarious! I'm a hairdresser not a plastic surgeon.....I would keep her....
Great post...
Christa
Posted by: Christa from Chloe Rose | August 05, 2008 at 04:54 PM
To life changes... cheers!!!
Posted by: Alisa | August 05, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Embrace each moment.....Don't dwell on past or future....enjoy the present!
Posted by: Aunt Kathy | August 05, 2008 at 06:02 PM
so much prettiness everytime i pop in.. you are amazing!
Posted by: Dana | August 05, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Aww… I remember reading an article in Mary Englebreit once with a similar theme. The mom who wrote the article talked about how she had to read Goodnight Moon every night to her kids for what seemed like forever and then one night she realized she wasn't reading that to book to her kids anymore. She couldn't remember the last time she read it. There was nothing significant about that event. Her kids just outgrew the book. Anyway…(I'm rambling)it was a sweet story. Made me cry. Change is good, but change is hard.
I'm so glad to have found your blog! So sweet. I'd like to pass some blog awards on to you. You can get the details on my blog if you want.
Take Care!
Emily
Posted by: Emily | August 05, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Great post...I'm still laughing at the image of you at the hairdressers. Good on you for embracing a change - the 'new do' looks great.
Your cards looks so pretty and summery (is that even a proper word?). Makes me wish our winter here was over with so I could think about pastel summer colours.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | August 05, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Great new do. You look fabulous. I always look forward to reading your blog and drooling over your artwork.
Hugs,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle May | August 06, 2008 at 05:19 AM
Love the new 'do! You look so young! And your creations, as usual, are stunners!
~Lolly
Posted by: Lolly Busey | August 06, 2008 at 06:57 AM
funny how pensive some of us bloggers have been lately! It must be in the air! It is amazing how much a haircut can give us new perspective isn't it? I know exactly where you are coming from, as I have one year left until my little girl starts HIGHSCHOOL!!!
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany~shabbyscraps | August 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Love your cards! I'm playing too and I hope I get some of yours! As for change, yep I hear ya. It's frustrating and yet, as you say, good to know not one foot in the grave yet! LOL. Just gotta roll with it. LOve the sassy do! Fits you perfectly!
Looking forward to the continuation!
c
Posted by: cindy | August 06, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Oh sweetie! Big changes, huh? Funny how you blink and your babes grow! Definitely embrace change-you can't stop it -- I know, I've tried! Your new cut is to die for! I absolutely love it! And I'm always a huge fan of your work but those cards you made are just stellar! xo-Mel
Posted by: Melissa Lobdell | August 06, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Well said karin!~
I love it when we actually get to choose something in our lives... like a haircut or what to make for our next project... along with the less exciting choices.. WHat is for dinner!? Please advise at this point!
My husband just peeked his head in the room and asked if we needed to go out for anything ... I smiled and said "DINNER" very sweetly! ;)
Hugs,
mary
p.s.
Are you going to offer any of the cards on etsy? Like the one that says "love"????
Posted by: Mary | August 06, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Karin, your cards are gorgeous and so is your journal cover:)
i LOVE your new 'do...i just got my hair cut too, much shorter than i have worn it in a long time and i am really so happy with it...i had been going around far too long wearing a snarly "i've given up" ponytail...change is good!!!
Posted by: Lori | August 06, 2008 at 02:54 PM
it is a very nice haircut and you look sweet with your little boy. my little one is starting preschool in the fall too. i'm wondering the same thing myself. i think that everyone will love your cards, they are so pretty and you matched papers and colors together well. AND your journal cover is amazing too. bravo.
Posted by: jenny fowler | August 06, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Great hair, a great change!! Glad you got the award, think I may have forgotten to mention it, I need to change . . . Rachael - not the hair do one, you wouldn't want me near your hair with a pair of scissors!!!
Posted by: Rachael | August 07, 2008 at 03:14 AM
Would you do a special order?
two cards :
"make a wish" one
"love" one
Just wondered if you would have time?
Hugs,
mary
Posted by: Mary | August 07, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I remember when both my kids started school full-time and I had more time to myself. I wondered what the heck I would do with myself. I missed them terribly but it was easier because I had started a homebased business (www.thedabblingmum.com) and it kept me pretty busy.
Lately though, I've been relishing the idea of simpler days and less juggling. I, too, got that proverbial haircut. The one that says change is in the midst. I hadn't had my haircut since last November. Doesn't a new do always feel good?
Posted by: AlyiceEdrich.com | August 08, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Yeah, I am kind of freaking about Hannah starting kinder in a week. What happened? eeeep!
Hey, I am back. I am tired but had a good time. We talked about you several times. Did your ears burn?
Love your new do and the cards and journal and everything, of course. I will have a card update later on today.
xo
H
Posted by: Heather | August 08, 2008 at 10:27 AM
That's a great style for you. Cute little boy too! I'm adjusting to the change of my girls leaving home. Boohoo. Come for a visit.
karen
Posted by: karen | August 08, 2008 at 12:46 PM
You look fabulous with your new haircut!! I LOVE the cover for you summer journal and the cards are SO pretty!!!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | August 08, 2008 at 12:50 PM
OH! One more thing! I was going to ask you where you found the cute font you used for the letters in the word "CREATE" in your blog banner?
Michelle xoxo
Posted by: Michelle | August 08, 2008 at 12:53 PM
OH! One more thing! I was going to ask you where you found the cute font you used for the letters in the word "CREATE" in your blog banner?
Michelle xoxo
Posted by: Michelle | August 08, 2008 at 12:54 PM
hummm creative chaos--that is quite a name, you have to be an artist to live with that!!!1 I like all your cards and some of them look like wedding garters!!!!.
Posted by: Bev | August 08, 2008 at 10:48 PM