Hello my creative and lovely friends! Where have I been? Oh my…. Lots going on in my world. First of all, didn't you enjoy the Reverse Confetti release last week? I did! And, I have more Reverse Confetti projects coming this month and next month so stay tuned for that. I am so grateful to be invited to be a guest!
My energy is super low and I am totally going through something right now. I am like a roller coaster inside. You see, there is soooo much to be grateful for, and so many positive things are happening in my life… And on the other hand I have soooo much work stress that I feel like I'm barely hanging on in that regard. I am having a difficult time sorting all of that out internally. The highs and the lows are coming at me too fast lately. What's a girl to do? Buckle up and hang on? I dunno…but if I figure it out, I'll let you know!
One of the (many) very positive things is that this past weekend the hubs and I went on a mini getaway. I signed up for the Bay Area Illustrated Faith Workshop and that was on Saturday afternoon. Met some really nice ladies and had a lovely afternoon – thanks to Shanna! The hubs dropped me off there and then came back for me. He went out and did some walking and took some surfing pictures. We stayed the night in the beautiful Hotel Valencia on Santana Row in San Jose. Had a great dinner Saturday night, slept in Sunday, and shopped the afternoon away before heading home along Highway 1 – where I got to see my favorite things: fog and ocean! It was a great weekend together. Click over to my Instagram to see some of our adventures from the weekend.
So then Monday happens and I feel like crying. Right? You guys probably really don't want to hear about that. It's dreary and gloomy. But it's real. Don't we all just try and hold it together all the time? I see some of my seams coming apart. Good thing I can sew! God is good and merciful and I will be fine. I know that with all my heart. It's part of the plan. Thanks for listening to me and letting me vent.
Because I'm so topsy turvy, I feel like my crafty mojo is askew…. I came home tonight from work and went straight into the studio. I didn't allow myself to linger or dwell…or over analyze. And guess what? A happy little card came out. Just like that. And here it is!
These are some new Savvy Stamps I picked up at Paper Garden last weekend. They were just the cheery thing to inspire me tonight! I have a couple of tips to share. First, that sentiment was too big for my card – you can see the entire stamp…So I taped off part of it and just stamped the 'hello' part! My image was stamped in Archival Black Ink and then loosely water colored with Distress Inks and a water brush.
Second tip – I thought the black in the image was a bit harsh for this card. I put some yellow enamel dots on the one black flower to brighten it up. You can see I also took a white pen and made little highlight dots on the black leaves (Tip three).
Thanks for being there for this girl! I hope that your week gets off to a splendid start! Not sure what I'm cooking up next. What are you working on? XOXO
Comments
15 responses to “This n that!”
Great card! hang in there boo….calmer waters ahead…..It is going to be worth it!
. . .get out your “Jesus Calling” book, and take 5 minutes each morning to read that day’s message . . .. starting the day with Jesus, will make the rest of the “crap” you have to deal with, much easier!!
Just sayin’ . .. . Hugs!
Hello my dear friend..so sad your work is giving you so much stress Wanda..I think a change needs to be made..got to come…
all the great things are pulled down because of all this stress…not worth it…
The weekend photo’s looks so great..love the look of the hotel….and the food you had…
love the card!
HUGS Holly.
adorable! Love the color pallet and the sketch today! Love these little stamps you selected! I haven’t bloged since April 19th so you’re not alone in the waves of that yucky feeling! This card came along nicely it made me smile! Pinning!
Welcome to the world of mature women ( hormone upheaval) This how God made us, part of His plan, so we can cling to, rely on, and trust in Him. A rainbow always follows a storm. Enjoy the journey and be grateful each day. Love your card!
First off, girl, I want to say that it’s highly likely that none of us here in blogland have noticed your lack of mojo lately – you’re still knocking those projects out of the park!!!
Second, I’m so glad you shared your inner feelings with “us” … it helps to get it out in the open; eases the stifling feeling that presses down upon us sometimes.
And most of all, understand that what you’re going through is similar to what so, so many others are as well.
What is a girl to do? Soldier on!!! The other possibility (giving up) is NOT an option. You are stronger and braver than you think.
Take time every day to seek the beauty around you (as a photographer, I’m sure that’s easy!), and recharge and RELAX.
Set yourself a GOAL … and go for it (whether it’s a change of job in the future, or something else).
In the future, when you look back at this time of turmoil, you’ll only see how you overcame it 🙂
Of that I have no doubt – hugs!
Sweet Wanda, I hear you and I’ve been there. This too shall pass! Concentrate on the good, which you are doing, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There….those are my words of wisdom for today! Love your card of blues and yellows – it makes me smile!
Love all of your cards. 🙂 I have not blogged since January of this year. Due to being too busy with some personal issues, lots of fatigue etc… You are doing a wonderful job keping up and sharing your gorgeous cards. 🙂
Mary from NH
Hi. I have never commented but have followed your blog for quite a while. You are so talented and I enjoy your work and blog too! Know there are probably many of us out here going through very similar work things. Prayer is the only thing that seems to help me get through the day. Crafting sure helps soften the blows but prayer will give you those answers you need. Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects with all of us! Saying a prayer for you now. Julie L
Struggles are real and we all face them!! So sorry that thins are tough – hope you figure things out soon!! This card is in my favorite – yellows and blues!!! So sweet and I really like how it turned out!!! Keep trying and thanks for all the inspiration I get from you and your lovely blog!!!
Your card is lovely as are your sweet tips! So sorry you are struggling at work. I hope that the way forward becomes clear in the days ahead. Glad that your studio is affording you joy and allowing us to share in your beautiful art! Blessings and great big HUGS!!!
Oh Wanda…I’m sorry the work stress, long hours, and new schedule are sapping your energy. As you know, I’ve been wanting to make a job change for awhile. It took an injury, surgery, etc to show me that life’s too short, no job is worth it, and my loving husband has my back (as does yours). I keep it in my prayers that we both find something more fulfilling. In the meantime, I’m taking a leap of faith and leaving my toxic work environment behind.
Hang in there Wanda! Life is wonderful but also hard. It’s how we handle life’s up’s and down’s that matter. Being of faith will definitely help you because god has plans for all of us and I say put it in his hands and try not to worry! My work might sell and it’s very stressful but I am practicing what I preach! Sometimes it’s out of our hands but god will provide 🙂
Thank goodness for crafting, right? I know that stress can seriously mess with creativity, but it’s also an amazing outlet, too, and really can help turn hurt into something better. I am sending you some giant hugs from the east coast right now. Wish I could be there in person to pop that nasty old work right in the nose….
Your card is just breathtakingly beautiful, my friend! Love the image and LOVE your loose watercoloring. So, so gorgeous, and the papers you chose are amazing, too. Love the candy dots you added, and the pen dots, as well. Wow!
Sending HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGS!! I have LOVED you from the FIRST TIME I saw one of your Creations!! Then fell even more deeply when I started following your Blog, FB ect!! After I got to meet you in PERSON (SQUEAL) last October I have LOVED you even MORE KNOWING that I was RIGHT and ALL Of my instincts about you were RIGHT ON QUE!! I UNDERSTAND your feelings and have some of those myself from time to time!! I mean we are ALL HUMAN!! You should NEVER feel BAD about sharing if (we) those who follow you TRULY LOVE you than we will understand and we will follow and support you NO MATTER WHAT! If not than maybe (??) they weren’t people you wanted to have following you!!?? HUGS and Prayers and I KNOW God has you under his LOVE and will help direct you in your Path!! I LOVE EVERYTHING you do HEAD UP and keep on keeping on!! HOPE you have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)