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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Random Thoughts

I've been thinking a lot about balance lately. It seems to be one of those things I have a hard time managing, but something I think is really important to my well being. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of girl. I tend to act in extremes. I either eat none of the cookies... or I eat ALL of the cookies. I either work out religiously every day, or I fall into the bad habit of NEVER working out. I am trying very hard to get past this character flaw and learn how to do things in moderation.

 One of the things I have been trying to do, is step away from the computer screen and enjoy some creative time away from blog making! My new friend Sandie (she doesn't have a blog yet) and I have started spending every Thursday together, playing in one of our studios. She is a fabulous quilter as well as a paper artist and I think we will teach each other lots of cool things over the lifetime of our friendship.  This past Thursday I spent the day sewing this adorable bag from Amy Butler (with a little a lot of help from Sandie.)  It is intended to be made with quilt fabric, but I couldn't resist using some awesome Home Dec fabric I found. I cheated and usedthis great rosette I purchased from Rebecca's booth at The Creative Connection last year, but I do intend to replace it, as I stole it off a pillow on my sofa and now the pillow is naked.

The time that I spend with my friends is very important to me, and I am glad I am making an effort to get out and enjoy a variety of activities. I'm happier because of it.

Speaking of being happier...... Do you like my new blog design? I have been wanting to change it for some time now, but I have to tell you... designing for myself was hard!!!! I didn't want to change things so much that it was completely unrecognizable, but the old design just didn't reflect "me" any more. I worked on it until the wee hours last night, and feel really good about it now.  :)

and... Speaking of feeling good.... I had an unusual comment left on my blog yesterday. It was very simple and to the point. "I love your blog" he said.  Yes, that's right. He. Now I almost NEVER get comments left by men, so I was very curious. I went over to his blog to see what I could see, and I was so happy I did. His name is Ken, and his blog is called Creating Positive Change. From the very first post I was hooked. His messages are so positive and life affirming. If you want a good pick me, go visit his blog.

Well, I guess that's it. I'm finished rambling. Have a wonderful week everyone!

43 comments:

stefanie said...

oh, I really get what you are saying!!!!

Unknown said...

your blog is gorgeous and i always find inspiration here. i am so happy you took time away from the computer thoguh to be creative. wow...you must do that more often! that tote is beautiful! Oh..and..i can't WAIT for the "Share Your Love Story" Party on the 14th! Now off to meet Ken....:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen,
You're right - balance is important and VERY hard for some of us to find. Good for you for taking some time for yourself to create :)
Have a great week - love your new design!
Blessings and Hugs,
Sabre'

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Love the change, Karen; it is subtle and just enough! The bag looks great and I think that getting together with a friend, spending some time and creating makes for a wonderful day.

Anonymous said...

I love the change and the new fonts. Waa, I'm jealous, I need to call my blog designer and see if I can't get that font. But oh yea, balance is so hard! I did the same thing you did, with the Super Bowl here I stayed inside away from the crazies and sewed some Magnolia Pearl like bloomers over the weekend. But, I ate a WHOLE package of fig newtons! HEY, they were whole wheat and a fruit group so maybe there was something good in them! So I balanced the package of fig newtons on my knee as I sewed and ate! xoxo-cindy

Terri said...

Karen,

I LOVE your new blog design!!! The colors are beautiful and the vintage look is just my style. Love your tote....

Charlene said...

I DO LOVE your new look!!!!!!!! Very clean & pretty. More femine yet not girly. Cool about the comment. And I am jealous that you get to spend so much time with your new friend & that we aren't closer in miles. But, I'm happy for you to find someone to play with. Cindy & I were supposed to get together this week but, it just hasn't worked out (& we didn't schedule a certain day & THAT I think is the key)NOW WEATHER is coming in again. Can you believe we have ice/snow coming again tonight? YUCK. It better be outta here by Friday because I HAVE PLANS! :) HUGS SWEET GIRL & Elle said she can't wait to meet you to cover you in kisses & steal your slippers & shoes. Nothing is safe!!!!!!!!!
Charlene

time worn interiors said...

The new blog design is wonderful and I love the handbag you made!
Theresa
aka:tot

Sandy said...

Karen,

Glad to hear that you are having some real life time away from your computer and having fun while doing it. Love the bag and the blog design! I have a guy commenter too, the first few times it freaked me out a little but he is very nice and so is his fiance, they both have blogs I enjoy. I'll check out your new friend.

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Hi Karen, I do love your new blog design, it's so pretty... and your so talented! Your bag looks gorgeous too... and your so right about balance, and I need to work on that myself!!!
hugs~~~ Daphne

The French Bear said...

Karen, that is wonderful...I think we are all feeling this way, we need more time to craft and bond and just be....
Love the new look and I love the bag, wow, it's just lovely!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

June said...

I love your new design Karen!!! It's just beautiful!
I know what you are saying about balance. It is something I have been working on myself. It is hard isn't it? I am getting so much better than I awhile ago, but still could do more.
I ADORE you sweet little bag! It sounds like you and your friend are a perfect match. I hope we get more peeks of what you two are up to in the future. hint, hint...
hugs to you from here...

Suz said...

I love your blog, too :-)
Suz

Margo said...

I'm glad you are creating again! All work and no play makes for very long days!! Love the handbag! I do lots of scrapbooking and collaging...maybe we can get together with other Phoenix crafters for a night a month to create and chat? I've always wanted to be involved in a group like that!

Huggs, Margo

Sheila Rumney said...

Love your new blog look. I too find that I am all or nothing and need to find more balance. So glad you are finding time to create for yourself. Isn't it refreshing??

Have a wonderful day!

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Karen,
Love your new bag, you had to use the ribbon rose, it's perfect!
I am an all or nothing girl too, a one trick at a time pony, balance is hard!!
Your new design looks great, how lucky you are to be able to do this, without you I would be lost!
Bella

sweet violets said...

You know I love your blog!! and I hear ya on the balance thing...feast or famine, that's me...

and Love it that you have a playmate, that's the best!!! Great bag you made.....hugs....cleo

oldgreymare said...

PB..no not that store

Pretty Bag
Pretty Blog :D

xx
z

Sonya Badgley said...

Hi Karen,
I love the new look of your blog but I loved it before too! Thanks for the heads up to Ken's blog. Great blog!
I have been trying to stay away from my computer a little bit more too. And it's been kind of nice! Getting a lot more done! I think it is so important to take time for ourselves and others.
And your bag is adorable! So nice to spend time with friends too.

Blessings,
Sonya

The Green Pea said...

Your blog is gorgeous and you are an inspiration. The handbag is very cute. sandi

Maria said...

It is always nice to do things you love,especially with friends.
Your new blog desighn is very nice, i love butterflys and i love that everything is matching.
I also need more ballance in my life,and want to create more...and less surfing on the internet.
Hugs
Maria

Maria said...

It is always nice to do things you love,especially with friends.
Your new blog desighn is very nice, i love butterflys and i love that everything is matching.
I also need more ballance in my life,and want to create more...and less surfing on the internet.
Hugs
Maria

Maria said...

Hi Karen,
I looked at Ken's blog and i loved it, thanks for posting about it.
Without you i think i didn't found it.

linda said...

The new design is very homey and welcoming, i like it.
The bag you made is wonderful. I like making bags, have made quite a few for my daughters and granddaughters.
I do like you blog a lot.

gracie said...

I loved your blog before and I still do. But I know what you mean...I also had to change mine a bit...to be more me. I enjoy visiting with you and I will check out Ken...what kind of cookies are we eating all of??? come on, share at least one!

Unknown said...

Karen,
Love your random thoughts. Yes, time away from the computer to be creative is essential.. Isn't that what we were doing before blogging came along and took over! I'm looking forward to some real " hands on" things too.
Love your new blog design as well. Very pretty and fresh.. just right for a new season!
Take care and happy creating,
Deborah Jean

Monica said...

I understand about finding balance, Karen. And unfortunately, I have no moderation with sweets too :((( I think it is a good thing to turn the computer off sometimes, go outside for a walk, enjoy our dear ones' company... Our creative job leads often to isolation, and it is not good at all!
Your bag is fantastic, and I like your new 'look'.
Hugs,
Monicax.

Tanya said...

I like your blog design Karen. The once a week creative time sounds like a great idea. You're bag is just beautiful. I love it.

Anonymous said...

Karen, yes I love your new blog design! And I totally feel the same way about all or nothing, especially when it comes to both cookies and/or exercise! You are so blessed to have a friend to craft with weekly!
Give her a hug!
Hugs and blessings,
Diane

Unknown said...

Loving it all Karen, Yes, your new look is wonderful. I'm one that hates change and had to think a lot about changing my blog but I was really behind the 8 ball. Now I'm excited to change once again..
(wish I could change my house as easily)!
I know what you mean about being at the computer all the time..I have given up all my crafts just to sit here and look at what everyone is doing! As soon as the weather warms up I will change (what a cop out)..
Yours sincerely,
Shirley

Susan Houseman said...

I love the bag you made, of course your blog design is wonderful. Maybe you can help me with my background in the near future. xxx susan

Karen's Sketchbook said...

Hi Karen,

I have also been thinking allot about where I want to spend my time. As an artist, I love creating posts as an expression of creating. Yet, I too have stepped away from the hourglass of visiting all the amazing blogs like I used to do. Suddenly I feel happy to be creating again, and weighing how I can structure my time better.

Your new blog design is gorgeous. I was visiting a blog the other day and loved it so much. I thought this looks like Karen designed it. Sure enough, as I poked around your name was there. Your work is wonderful.

Love the bag you made. Creating with friends is the best thing...like when we used to color with friends when we were little.

Karen

Sylvia said...

Hi Karen, I've always loved your blog and have been inspired by it. I totally get what you mean on your post...there has to be a balance..I find myself blogging and couponing which takes lots of time. But my other favorite hobby has been neglected...gardening...the need to garden has been strong and I know I will have to step away from one or the other....
Love that purse...

Sylvia

Leave a Legacy said...

I can relate to it all! I'm also an all or nothing kind of girl. I try to do too much, too.
I love the little bag and your blog design is beautiful!
Now I'm off to check to site you mentioned.

Carol said...

I love you Blog and am one of your followers. I always find something on your blog that inspires me.
Carol
freshlinenscottonandlace.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hi Sweet girl , Well I'm almost to the stepping away from the computer, soon so I can re-organize and create, your tote is wonderful and you did a great job. Well now you know me a bit better and balance is hard for me too, I'm so determined to learn this techie stuff, that I'm a all or nothing kind of gal too. OCD Glad you are taking time out! Hugs, Love you, Marilou

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

I do like the new look...it's always fun to get a new look:)

Blessings,
Linda

bikim said...

gorgeous blog!!!
i so understand what you mean!
speaking of cookies! take a look at my blog!! i have a recipe on todays post! you will not resist!
Rosa

Daniella said...

Lovely post! It's great that you are trying to find balance. It is important, as is spending time with friends, and that bag is AWESOME!!
The new design is great too!! And, I've been to Ken's blog several times. I heard about him a few months ago. I always feel better after visiting!!

xxD

Blessings from Cindy said...

Karen~
Your new blog look is lovely! Taking time to be with friends is a wonderful way to be away from the computer. I have some friends waiting for me to move so I am closer to them again. I hope to share some creative time with them also. I will be leaving other special people in my life here, which I will miss, but anxious to reconnect with my old friends.
Blessings,
Cindy

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Oh my goodness! I'm so like that, too! I'm all or nothing. And I also tend not to start project if I don't think I can do it perfectly. When I lived in CA, my sister-friend and I had a set play date every Thursday. I sure miss that.
Great post! Now, I'm off to visit Ken.
Patricia :o)

Rustique Gal said...

Karen, I too have been taking more time away from my computer and doing other things. It is good to do! But I've been missing a lot of great blogging! I do love your new design-it is clean and crisp. Very pretty. The bag you made is sweet too. I like the idea of spending a day a week with a friend in alternating studios. We can only get more inspiration by sharing. Take care!
Sherry

Alexandra said...

Karen you bag looks fantastic!

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