The good news is that my subscribers have increased while I have had my (almost) 3 month hiatus, proving that silence is indeed golden:)
I have decided to step down from a lot of teams and I haven't been submitting to publications anymore because, while I loved doing both, they both took a substantial amount of time. Because of how I am hard wired---I find it extremely difficult to do anything half way. When I started running 5Ks---I ran them to win. Then, I wanted to run a marathon. Same thing happened with stamping. I started doing this crafty stuff as a hobby and then I found out about design teams, publications, etc. and I had to try to do it all. I pushed myself to try to do it all...and did it for awhile and then my mom had an unexpected surgery (she is doing great!) and I took a long look at my life.
Yes, making cards and things is an important part of my life and I think it will always have a place but I had to prioritize my time. If design team work was interfering with my other responsibilities, is it fair to keep doing it? Why was it so important to me to be on so many design teams or published so much? So, I decided that if I wasn't making a true salary at this to make it work the sacrifice of my time....then I had to cut back. So I did.
Then, I had gallbladder surgery (end of March) and it was actually such a relief. I felt very good just a few days after surgery but my energy was a bit zapped for awhile. So I took it as another sign to slow down.
When the summer rolled around, I decided to just enjoy the time with the kids while they were out of school. I did not stamp all summer!
So now...having been there and done that...I am back. Back to sharing my life and my crafts with you. On my time. When I can....purely for the LOVE of it!
My first blog hop will be next week using the new Gina K Grateful Heart Stamp TV kit, which released today :)
Here is a card I created using the house from Stamp it Big 2 and a sentiment from SRM Stickers:
Enjoy! See you next week (and not a moment before!) Thanks for hangin' in there with me!
13 comments:
You go Cammie - I am all for balance, but sometimes we have to get 'out of kilter' to know that we need to get sorted -(again). I have been there, done that, which is why at the moment I am not doing any DT work, or trying for D Teams, as DH has needs, and I am also due for some 'maintenance' shortly.
Love the bold simplicity of your card :-)
Blessings
Maxine
So happy to know that you have been enjoying life and your family. It's great to see you back, and I'll look forward to next weeks post! I've cut way back, as well, and it feels nice! Enjoy your weekend, dear girl, and feel the cyber hugs coming your way!
Welcome back. I enjoy your work but appreciate the fact that you're stepping back and spending time with family and doing things on your time, not one someone else's time. Family is so important and kids grow up way too fast. I look forward to seeing more of your work when you want to share.
Cammie, nice to see a post. So happy that you have enjoyed your summer. For everything there is a season and reason. It is so rewarding to make cards, be on dt and get published and share what you love. I have enjoyed your art while you were posting away. lol. So, thank you for all that you have shared. Now you can say "been there, done that" with your card making. Time to enjoy yourself. Hugs.
I totally understand what you are saying! Doing something similar this fall when I start school... stepping back. I've started cutting back already and it's a bit of relief... so glad you have been enjoying life with your family... :) <3
I absolutely love your card. Great work!
Welcome back!
It's nice to hear that everything is okay with you! And the card is adorable! You haven't lost your touch. Relax and enjoy! How refreshing! Have a wonderful weekend!
Sounds like you are making the right decisions!!I'll be here whenever you are!
So glad to see you back!:) I glad you are doing it because you love it, lifes to short for any other reason:)
Good for you!! I wish I had missed out on making tons of memories with friends and families just so I could meet DT deadlines, said no one ever!!
Welcome back Cammie - you are such a wise woman!! Family is precious and time goes by all too quickly! You were very wise to take some time off and enjoy your life.
Your card is fabulous as always! Thanks for being an inspiration not only in card making but in life!
HUGS from OHIO!
Missed you, but being a mom of teen/young kids also, I had a hunch that your hiatus was secondary to spending time with your family.
I have just started to realize that (gasp!) I can't do it all and the focus this summer has been family and trying to complete a "cousin" challenge of obtaining an absurd amount of exercise miles by the end of the year. So, like you, creating has been put on the back burner.
Unlike you, my mojo seems to be protesting and does not visit with such wonderful creations when called upon! LOL!!
Glad you're back (however often that may be!!)
Welcome back!
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