One of the last commitments I have left is to my favorite local craft store. I will be teaching my last card making class there this weekend and have been busy designing, prepping and putting together kits the last couple of days. My dining room table (which is were I go when I can't find room on my actual craft table to work) is covered in all manner of paper loveliness.
Teaching has been such a great experience and I have learned things about my giftedness that I know will be used again someday.
I have happily agreed to continue doing a little design work for the store but the pace will be less hectic and putting together one sample is certainly less time consuming than turning that design into 20 precut kits twice a month. It will still allow me the opportunity to play with pretty papers, lace and ribbons, something that is needed to satisfy my creative soul.
The year and half since my retirement has taught me much about myself, both good and bad. But as trying and exasperating as it has been, I wouldn't trade it for the world. If I have learned anything it's that it is okay not to have anything planned and it's not necessary to be busy all the time. Time spent reading a book or talking with a friend is more important than being busy just for busies sake.
Living a simpler life means different things to different people, for me it about availability and balance something that's been missing for a while now. Time at home, with the people I love sounds like exactly where I'm meant to be.
xo, Patty
I love your creations Patty! Paper craft is something I have only dabbled in. I have tried my hand at sewing, pottery, decorative painting, and many other art forms but I believe to be as good as you are takes a lot of time and practice, time I don't seem to have. I wish I could come take one of your classes! I am happy for you that you are getting your schedule in line with what you want and need. It's a huge step toward contentment:>)
ReplyDeleteYour paper creations are so pretty. I definitely agree that, being with the ones you love and just having the ones you love is something that we should all take time for. Not make time but take time. This last year has taught me how precious time with loved ones is.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Amen. I am cutting back on some things too. I wish I hadn't agreed to a homeschool harvest party next Tues. Ugh I haven't done a thing yet. Just going to make it simple. Love the things you created though. Don't hide all your talent.
ReplyDeleteI love your cards and mix of colors!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your slower pace....and I hope to be doing the same thing!!
xo Kris
All the best, Patty.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss that you taught classes like that? I imagine removing that from your list of things to do will greatly simplify your life. For me, it's all about getting rid of stuff that I feel is bogging me down - I mean real stuff, like vintage collections. I'm just not interested any more. I'm wrestling with donating it to the thrift store vs trying to sell it on Craigs List. The thrift store is currently winning.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your "me time".
Patty, I wish you the very best. Hope it all feels as wonderful as you are expecting. Some times when we are retired, we have to make ourselves slow down. xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteI'm on my own journey to the very same place. Health wise, life wise, every wise, I suppose. I am researching ways to reduce my asthma problems. Got books in the mail today: one on making soap, the other on essential oils. I want to make my own beeswax candles one of these days. The older I get, the simpler I want things. We are on this journey together, but in different parts of the country. Good luck to us both!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Patty- I am so glad that you are going to be able to slow down a bit and enjoy your life at home. I, too, am sorting and purging and seeking a simpler life- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - this is where I'm at in my life right now, too! Though I'm still working with myself on figuring out more things I want to be doing. I need to be more disciplined and focused on what I REALLY want to do. I'll tell you one thing: I spend way too much time on the internet!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for your new direction, but sad at the same time as I will not be able to attend you last class! I've enjoyed learning mixed media from you and hope that when you decide to teach again you'll keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's all about balance. Good luck with your plans.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting nearer your goal of a simpler life. Paper crafting will always be a huge part of your life,
ReplyDeleteyou are so talented, and lets admit it . . . it is so much fun, right :)
Have a wonderful weekend,
Your blogging sister, Connie :)