Hello - Hello - Hello

I've been in my new place for almost two weeks now, although it seems much longer because I've been SO busy!  The place is looking a lot more like HOME.
Birthdays, family visits, Spring Break, unpacking, day jobs...the list goes on, as it does for all of us.

I finally got into the room that will soon be dedicated to crafting & creating new things.  Here is what it looks like after (another) trip to IKEA and a few hours of effort.  Mind you, I wanted to document some 'before' pics so I could show the finished product and be proud of all my hard organizational work  ;-}

here is my "sewing area" - it looks really scary right now!  The wooden rack was made by my late grandfather, originally for coffee cups, soon to be transitioned into a ribbon rack.  THANKS Dada!!

the machine itself is on Hollywood loan from my very good friend, Kim, whom I love like a sister

...and the box on the right is all my jewelry & beading stuff that I need to find a place for.

Ahhhhh...the rest of the room.  I gotta start somewhere - right?

Almost everything you see here is from IKEA. 

My desk top was sitting next to my apartment dumpster a few months ago.  It had no legs at the time - but I saw true potential - so I bought it some new ones &   It's perfect! 

The cube-system is Expedit with optional drawers and doors.  I've had this for a couple of years & just love it; it's so..........versatile. 

What you can't see much of is my work table (it's in the bottom right of the pic).  I'm still torn with the fact that it's not facing my windows.  The view is my absolute FAVORITE part of my room!  It's so nice and peaceful to see the trees outside.   But, as you can tell, I currently have the room set up differently.  Must be how it's supposed to be.  Maybe a good reminder to get off the computer, be aware of the beauty of nature...and GET OVER TO YOUR CRAFT TABLE and CREATE!

My mantra these days is "take action"

And this blog says just what I've been thinking

http://lateralaction.com/articles/creative-doing-vs-creative-thinking/

In Austin Women Magazine this month, my horoscope says "Every good thing this month concerns making money, what you do for a living, growing your business...focus on money and work this month, and don't stress about anything else.  You're on the top of the work wave.  Everything else just needs to wait."

RIGHT ON!  that is exactly how I am feeling.  Have I mentioned that I was taking the Crafty Business Seminar with Jennifer Perkins at the Stitch Lab next weekend...I've got my notebook ready to scribble down all the good tid-bits she is going to share!!! Yes, of course my notebook will be fabulously decorated by the time I arrive for class - duh    ;-)

The stars are aligned and I am in the Flow.  I'll show you around more as I get more achieved.  Hope you enjoyed your first visit & if you have any questions or suggestions - please do not hesitate to comment.

Until next time...*BIG HUGS*

"I'm on a mission...a mission from GOD"

I love that quote from the Blues Brothers!  Although those guys were a little wacky (I can totally identify) - they were true to themselves.  Which happens to be the mission that I am currently own.  I continually strive to follow the Good Orderly Direction in my life, realizing that expressing my own self in a multitude of ways is what brings sustained happiness.  To me, that means being creative with paper crafts and sewing, upcycling items and clothing, dancing and yoga, traveling and learning about other cultures, helping others, listening to the world around me, and being the change I wish to see in that world.

As I ponder self-expression, I wonder if I have let go of enough fear to allow me to move on.  Do I have enough faith in myself to walk the path I desire?  I feel like I am standing at the crossroad, looking in the most correct direction, and yearning to go there with all my heart - yet my mind is holding me back.  What am I afraid of?  financial insecurity, failure, doing something different (as a profession), becoming self-reliant, time management...I'm sure I could go on if I let myself.  BUT what I know, deep down in my soul, is that when I am true to myself in all aspects of my life, I find Balance...I find Peace within.  And at that point, I can't fail because Universal Love is holding me up and comforting me. I pray and meditate for clarity, for Divine Timing, and for guidance on my personal path.

I get clearer on what my next step is as the ever-elusive Time passes...tick-tick-tick...and I feel a push to move.  It's working.  I am moving.  I'm writing this & sharing with you where I am at - NOW.  I'm emmersing myself in all things crafty and breaking free from some of the shame i've held onto for so long.  I got this guilt and shame from my grandmother, who wanted perfection from me (and herself).  Perfectionism is deadly and causes me so many repercussions; I fight it, and those around me, I feel are expecting me to be perfect.  I'm only human...we all are.  And our best (or worst) is good enough.  I believe everything happens for a reason and I am truly grateful to be where I am today - in EVERY aspect!!!

I haven't been to a Ballet in years - I think the last time was in Dallas while I was "in college."  So I went to the Ballet on Sunday; Truth and Beauty, with the music of Bach and Phillip Glass.  Two of my favorite composers combined with dance - It was fantastic!  So inspiring.... 
I'm looking forward to the next couple weeks because I get to take some more sewing classes at The Stitch Lab, and continue to pack my apartment up for my literal move in March.  Exciting!!!

I encourage you - every day - to LIVE, Love, and Laugh. 
Be Yourself.  I love you just the way you are!