Orangewillow

So life has been buzzing along at light speed and I am trying to slow down a bit. At church this past Sunday the sermon was about how people see to be turned on all the time and set to high speed. We never slow down and we never take time to appreciate life. I work from home yet a lot of the things said were really striking a cord with me. Shouldn’t I of all people be stopping and smelling the roses. I used to take my daughter to play dates with other moms, I used to spend so much quality time with her and friends. I look back and remember a time just a couple years ago when at least once or twice a week I would make time for friends and myself yet now I look around and realize I have let friendships fade away and me time has all but disappeared. Even the play dates for Zoe seem rare these days.

Heres the routine, Zoe comes staggering in my room each morning at 8 am or so, we cuddle together for 30 min until she tells me its time for breakfast. Then its mommy mode… diaper, food, getting ready for the day, some TV and playing for Zoe while cleaning or working online for me. The time while Zoe is awake is so busy I am forced to paint during her nap or after bed. I find myself wearing PJs every day, the make up lessened and now its stopped completely, the hair tends to get thrown into scraggly pig tails. Exercising is not part of my day and eating right is a joke these days. If its drive through, delivery or instant it seems to be on my menu.

I don’t want to barrel my way through this life, I have been blessed with an amazing and beautiful daughter, a passion for my art, a supportive and amazing family. I want to rebuild friendships I neglected, make new ones, not be afraid to embrace life. Those who know me also know I tend to be idealistic, I am obsessed with world issues, I always want to make it a better place and I also think many key players in our government have ideas that would bring only hardships to this country that I love so much but also the world. So how can a person make time for all these things? I want to be super mom, I need to keep up on creating new art and shipping without sacrificing quality or service, I want to build strong relationships, I want to find time for me and my dreams, I need to eat better and exercise, I feel compelled to get involved with politics and world issues, I have a drive to get involved with my church as well as the community. So much and so little of me. The first thing I need to do is turn it all over to my higher power. I take everything on my shoulders and never let anyone else share my burdens. Why do we as a nation feel the need to do this, so here is step one, leaving it all on his doorstep and asking God for help and guidance. Second, I need to hold myself accountable and a great way to do that is this blog. Put it all out there.

In other news, look who learned to knit! Its so peaceful and relaxing. Doesn’t Zoe look so cute in her new hat!

I have been working with some new ideas in my work and having a lot of fun with it. These three have already sold but aren’t they fun? I am trying lots of new things so be sure to check out the shop. Business is booming so don’t hesitate on buying or it might be gone.

Wednesday I went and met with my adviser at NKU to discuss my schedule. It was all good news. I get to take 13 art studio courses! I am so excited. It looks like I should be able to get my teaching certificate in about two years thanks to the courses I already have. Classes start in January which is when Zoe will start pre-school. Zoe and her mommy, tackling school together.