I've Decided To Stop Blogging

I have decided to stop writing my blog and making Youtube videos. I'd just like to take a few moments to share why.  My post is a bit long, but I figure a few people I've gotten to know would be curious about all the fun stuff I'm doing that's keeping me away.

First off, let me say that it has been SUCH an amazing, fun, and wonderful experience to share my creativity with so many fabulous people. I have loved reading many blogs from other crafty people too. There is something so magical about creativity. All the kind comments have brightened my days on many occasions.

I got serious about my blogging because it was such a great outlet for me. I spent most of my time stuck in the house and it was a great way to connect with other people to write a blog, read other blogs, etc. 

As life has gotten more and more busy I have so much going on in my day to day life that blogging just keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list, and then not done at all. I could try and push myself to make more cards and quick projects, but instead I've been doing far more time consuming things like knitting and sewing that take a long time for me to have anything worthwhile to show. Even after I finish those types of projects I didn't create the patterns so I can't share them with you so all I have to offer is a photo and maybe a quick tip or two. I know most people follow me for my cards and even though I have sweet friends who will say kind things about those projects I don't think I can provide nearly as much inspiration that way.

So, for anyone who is curious these are all the wonderful things I've been up to....

I'm working out 5-6 days a week. Currently I'm doing an awesome program called Turbo Fire that's very fun and challenging.

I'm homeschooling my kids. They are only 2 and 3 now, but I'm busy teaching my daughter to read, tell time, and working with my son on his letters, numbers, shapes, etc.

My daughter is currently in dance and gymnastics & my son just started Tae Kwan Do.

I am learning to bake from scratch and trying to cook all of our meals. I'd like to expand to starting a vegetable garden, canning, etc.

Instead of making cards my creative passions have been going towards sewing, knitting, and other more time consuming projects. Many of which I can work on easily while on the couch with my family instead of tucked away in my craft room by myself.

I have been volunteering at a rabbit shelter across town. It's a big commitment to do this every week, but it's very rewarding. We've decided to adopt a pair of rabbits of our own and will be picking them out next week. Obviously we want to have lots of time to adore and spoil our pets and that will be a big time commitment.

We've been blessed to be having lunch with my Dad every week. The kids and I enjoy getting to see him and he always gets the biggest smile on his face when he sees the kids smiling at him.

On top of all these things of course I have the usual daily cleaning, keeping the kids entertained, etc. I schedule my days with time for chores and all of that, and the only “free time” is a few hours here or there. I've decided I'd rather spend that time playing with my kids, our future pets, or just enjoying my longer term and shorter term projects without feeling pressured to get things done, photographed, and posted. I don't want to stop being creative, I just don't want to feel like I need to constantly be producing a finished product that is original and that I can provide inspiration with.

So, even though I still love blogging, at the end of the day I love the other things I'm involved with even more. All the recent talk of Google Friend Connect going away and other things has been the last straw. I don't need a new system of keeping up to deal with. I have many blogs I adore but I keep falling behind on stopping by and leaving comments.

I'm sure I'll still be around in some capacity, but I'd rather stop blogging and be decided about it that let it keep getting neglected.  When I do something I like to pour everything into it and do it to the best of my ability, so half halfheartedly updating the blog occasionally isn't in my nature.

I might keep my Facebook page and still post there or keep the gallery or something. I haven't really decided. I still plan on enjoying all your wonderful blogs when I have a chance, but I probably won't leave as many comments as I used to.

Hugs to all! It's been an amazing ride, but I don't want to be one of those people that just tries to do way too much. I want to focus my efforts on what my top priorities are, even if the things I have to let go are still awesome I have to be willing to let some things slide to make room.  To be honest I think the main reason that myself, and anyone else for that matter, feel unhappy is when we focus on too many things.  Trying to do too much, or trying to buy more stuff.  Less can be much better.  Simplicity makes life less stressful and allows us to enjoy, appreciate, and fully savor the little moments in our lives without being so rushed to the next task.  Since I plan on homeschooling for the long haul I will have a lot of control over our daily schedule and I want to use my time as responsibly as I can to take care of my family and do good in our community.