by Sharon | Apr 30, 2016
Every Spring Is A New Beginning
I find it interesting how nature takes care of itself.
There’s the growing season and after the harvest, then a period of rest . . . then back to new growth.
So, if nature does this naturally, do we as humans run through similar cycles?
Usually a new school year begins in the fall . . . the spring brings a closing . . . then summer vacation which sometimes brings catching up or getting a head start on the fall . . .
I’ve always thought of fall as the new beginning, but as I walk in nature I see new growth all around me. The rains come to water and nurture the new growth . . . and our thoughts go to spring cleaning . . . and maybe new beginnings by taking care of things that need to get done . . . or thoughts of beginning a new life with someone special . . . or planning a vacation to rest and reflect . . . even contemplate one’s future.
Change Is Something That Occurs Regularly
Maybe I’m thinking of “change” because of the political climate.
An election year . . . change . . . perhaps . . . We won’t know until election day in November. But the summer will bring the opposing candidates together in debate and discussions . . .
With the new elected officials being announced in November, but not taking office until after the New Year.
It seems we do have to wait . . . wait through the seasons . . . and with each season . . . experiencing the changes nature brings . . .
When it comes to change . . . we can only change ourselves . . . our behavior . . . our thoughts . . . our actions . . . We’ve probably made adjustments throughout the year. I know when I was attending school, I was in a constant state of change . . . focusing more on one subject or another . . . then once I got a handle on that, gave more time to another subject . . .
School was probably preparing us for life . . . for work . . . for our own homes . . . our families . . .
This Spring I’ve Been Thinking A Lot About Paper Crafts And Mini Albums
I’ve thought about taking more pictures.
I did get a new printer . . . and I haven’t used my “new” camera as much as I anticipated when I bought it a couple of years ago.
I’ve been thinking of making videos. I’m not much of a vlogger, but I thought recording paper craft projects would be fun. Perhaps a reason for doing paper crafts in the first place.
I’ve decided not to get caught up in the news casts and all the election stuff. I like being informed, but I don’t need to get all tangled up in it. Many of my friends have found that just being informed is enough. When they spend half a day listening and watching, they find they become anxious and unhappy.
They worry . . . they become very concerned . . . So, it’s best to be informed and then do something that is enjoyable and relaxing.
The thing is, we can’t control the beliefs and actions of others. We can only do that for ourselves and our families. And we need to make our life as pleasant and enjoyable as possible for ourselves and for those around us and those who mean the most to us. We can’t help others if we’re anxious and angry. And we need to unplug from the “noise” and do something relaxing.
You can play a card or board game, make something out of paper, cook . . . learn something new . . . something you’ve always wanted to do. Or even relax with a jigsaw puzzle . . . or a good book or DVD . . . maybe even listen to music.
Spring is an excellent time to enjoy nature and to move away from the stresses of life . . . Yes, and life does bring us unpleasant things to deal with from time to time.
A friend of mine is grieving the decline in health of her father. It is very difficult for her, but she keeps herself busy . . . doing things that allow her to relax and sleep so the next day she will be there for her father. He depends upon her as does her own family and siblings . . . They work together to support one another . . . as does her friends . . .
This spring does remind me of a spring 10 years ago when I lost my mother and another spring 8 years ago when I lost my father. Time does heal, but . . . even after the grieving . . . there are times I do feel the void. It’s not that I want to fill the void, but to reflect positively and productively . . .
And for many of you, you may have a different season of loss . . . remembering . . . and reflection . . .
I’ve always wondered about “spring fever” . . . is it only during the spring or does it occur at different times?
I thought mine was in the fall . . . wanting to do so much more than what I was supposed to be doing . . .
Isn’t that what “spring fever” is about?
Thoughts wandering . . . instead of focusing upon tasks at hand . . .
This post is a wandering piece of my thoughts . . . ramblings . . . perhaps sorting out what is truly important and what isn’t.
Are you going through something similar?
I appreciate your stopping by and reading this post. If you’d like to leave a comment, please do.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Apr 7, 2016
What?
It’s about technique . . . paying attention to detail.
The image at the right is all about layering. It’s the folding and the 3-D effect that makes the image pop out. I do study a lot of “how to” videos in the realm of paper crafts. There is a steady flow of “adding dimension” with pop dots . . . or adding ribbon and bows . . . but no one takes the time to cut a piece out and make each element stand out . . . by using paper.
Or is it the boldness of the colors? There is shading, but there is definite dimension with the curl and curve of the paper.
I guess I do like art deco . . . and I like to make 3-D images . . . is it worth the work?
There is an expression that if anything is worth doing, it is worth doing right. So, with that in mind, maybe short cuts just don’t cut it . . .
We are in an age of immediate gratification. We’re in a hurry . . . we buy things that will make our jobs easier . . . it is all about progress . . . but have we been missing the details?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about priorities.
And trying to figure out what is truly important.
The image above may not wow you as it did me . . . or it may have . . . and we may reach the same conclusion . . . it’s a lot of work . . . no one would pay what it would cost to create . . . especially if they wanted a dozen or more invitations in this style. Yes, it could be automated on my part to a degree, but it would still take a long time to create. For each one, I would have to pay attention to detail.
It’s like a master chef creating the presentation on the plate . . .
Do we pay attention to the details? Is all this effort even noticed?
Are we in such a hurry that we miss the details? Do we have the time to look?
Everyday is an adventure of detail . . . the flowers in our gardens . . . how they bloom, blossom, then slowly die out . . . bringing new growth . . . When do we notice that the wood on our fence or gate is deteriorating? Usually when it is falling apart and we’re forced to notice it to have it replaced.
We do take so many things for granted . . . until they no longer work . . .
Attention to detail is something I think I’ll be noticing for awhile . . . I don’t want spring to pass me by without noticing it, admiring it and basking in it.
Just a thought.
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 30, 2016
I’m sitting on my patio, drinking a hot cup of coffee.
It could be considered gloomy, but I’m feeling good. We need the rain and I was enjoying hearing it. I do find it relaxing.
I am a bit cold, so I’ll move inside.
It’s interesting how a previous post can fill one’s mind . . . especially a craft idea. I’m thinking of using elements from something I shared on my website OldHauntedStuff.com
It is spring and I’m thinking Halloween. I guess with crafts, it’s never too early to get started. I do subscribe to a scrapbooker who is always waiting for pictures from her kids to add to the scrapbooks she’s making for her grandchildren. It is all a labor of love . . . and the pictures she receives, she makes the layout . . . no matter the season.
It’s refreshing to know how most crafters and scrapbookers are always behind . . . or ahead, depending upon one’s perspective. I know there are many who are planning their Christmas in July videos . . . that’s when I’m into my Halloween stuff. Well, this year I’m getting to it earlier . . . along with Christmas.
I guess it doesn’t really matter the season, the important thing is that we’re doing something worthwhile for upcoming holidays.
I would like to be current with my crafts and the season, but I do plan ahead and by the time the actual event occurs, I’m pretty much over it and moving forward to the next.
Disney always come to the rescue when it comes to making an idea a reality . . .
Spring is a time of new growth . . . all kinds of flowers and perhaps a fairy or two . . .
Something to capture the imagination . . . and to take you into another world of peace and tranquility. We do need as much of that as possible. And exercising the imagination is always fun, too.
This would be great for a card or to set up on a shelf . . . it is a freestanding door . . . inviting you to peek around it . . . or open it . . . Just click the image to be taken to the free template.
You can make a wonderful diorama . . . with plenty of flowers . . . even attach the door to a box and build your fairyland inside it . . . there are many uses . . . and hours of fun for you as a crafter and for your children . . . share the fun.
I know many crafters do work with their children or grandchildren. There is a spark that children have in bringing the best out of adults. This allows you to play, imagine and explore . . .
You’ll probably want flowers, too. And the most unusual, the better. This may spark an idea or two of your own once you print out these and assemble them . . . you’ll have plenty of unique flowers to add to your special fairyland . . .
These were inspired by Alice In Wonderland, but you can adapt them however you want. Just click the image to be taken to the free printable.
It’s always delightful to have some friendly flowers . . . these would make a beautiful bouquet to make and share. You can always add pictures of your family in these flowers . . . that would make them very special, indeed.
And, you’ll need fairies, too . . . I wonder . . .
Well, with Disney, you don’t have to wonder very long. They do have exactly what is necessary to create something special and memorable.
Remember to click on the image to be taken to the free template you can print and cut out. This is truly a wonderful template where you mix and match pieces to create your own unique fairies . . . and you can add your own special touches to make each one unique . . . and just right for your creation. They do bring happiness.
And, as with the flowers you can make your friends and family into fairies for your special wonderland/fairyland.
Yes, spring is that time of wonder . . . of joy and delight . . . a time to get out in nature and enjoy yourself with family and friends. And use these free printables and templates. You will definitely have a wonderful time.
I’ll leave you with one more link. Something you may find fun to put on your next batch of cupcakes. It’s appropriate for spring . . . with some of your Disney pals.
I hope this post was helpful and inspiring.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 28, 2016
It’s all a matter of perspective.
I find it refreshing to sit back and observe . . . nature, people, pets . . . just watch and learn.
At times it is difficult to sit quietly. I sometimes feel I need to be doing something . . . or at least thinking about something . . . about my blog or a project . . . something meaningful and worthwhile.
I did receive an email about “breaking the cycle.” It was about getting your emails and posts noticed . . . but I wasn’t thinking in terms of marketing. I was thinking in terms of life. We are creatures of habit. We schedule time . . . we’re always on the clock.
But, break the cycle . . . even for 5 minutes . . . or a minute and build up . . . what would that do? How would that affect our day? Would we gain insight?
I came across this quote on Pinterest about taking charge of your life without excuses or blame. Too often we give our power to others . . . out of foolishness, not knowing better, perhaps fear . . . it’s always easier to blame others or situations than to take a long hard look at yourself and realize you can make the changes when you stand up and take charge of yourself.
It may be about being your own best friend . . . about finding what is truly important to you. We don’t have to follow others . . . yes, it is easier, but is it right for you? Is it what you want to do?
Life gives us opportunities . . . that don’t seem like opportunities at all. We could lose a best friend or a significant love interest . . . and we can choose to be devastated, hurt, lost, bewildered . . . or stand up and say, “That was good for the moment and in this moment I will move on in my journey and find my true meaning of life and happiness.”
Yes, it is a tall order, but it is important to allow doors to close and others to open. I’m not saying be reckless . . . I’m saying to take the time to explore your thoughts and feelings. Take a moment or two to reflect . . . to think . . . to observe . . . to discover what makes you happy.
Sitting out among the abundance of spring is like a rebirth . . . take advantage of spring . . . and watch yourself blossom and bloom.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 26, 2016
Life is truly precious. And beautiful days are days to celebrate.
I love being outdoors with my precious Yorkshire Terrier Diva. There is something about being outside, enjoying the flowers, blossoming trees and my vegetable garden.
It is important to dig in the dirt from time to time and to thoroughly enjoy the abundance nature has to offer. Diva enjoys being out in the sunshine and sniffing around. Also sitting with me on the patio.
I like to work on craft projects. Gluing paper together to make 3-D houses or pop-up pages for mini albums. I never outgrew that need to make stuff. Or the fascination of opening up a page that pops up.
I wonder if this comes from wanting things to be life-like. I find when looking at pictures, i want to go beyond the flat surface and make it third dimensional so I can actually see around it. I know many people put those dimensional dots on cutouts to make them stand out . . . and doors and windows are able to be opened . . . and there may be a scene behind it . . .
Spring is a wonderful time of year . . . it’s not too cold and it’s not too hot . . .
After Easter, we’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day . . . then we get into summer . . . and the Fourth of July . . . then we anticipate fall . . . and all the fun that season brings . . .
As many of you know, fall is my favorite time of year. I feel it is a new beginning, but it truth spring is that new beginning with the budding of fruits and vegetables that we’ll be enjoying through the summer and into the fall.
I guess we’re all geared a bit differently . . . . having a preference for different seasons and holidays. I do know many people who love Halloween and come alive with their creative genius in making mini albums and related craft projects. Some go with the spooky while others go with the sweetness of youth and the wonder of it all . . . and others do a bit of both . . .
And those who adore Christmas . . . that magical time of year . . . with the carols and the anticipation . . .
But, spring, I’m now beginning to appreciate more . . . the beauty of all the flowing trees and plants . . . the abundance of color springing forth . . . mild temperatures . . .
Then come the vacations of summer . . .
And that anticipation of fall . . . Sorry . . . that’s where the seasons seem to take me. I do enjoy the moments of each season . . . but my true love is fall and winter . . . those two popular holidays of Halloween and Christmas . . . and I do love Thanksgiving that it squeezed between . . . and I’m very fond of Easter, too.
Those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” with beach outings . . . picnics . . . camping . . . being carefree and fancy free . . .
Yes, each season has its advantages and its special moments . . . which you’ll notice centers around family . . . and friends.
Spring and summer seem to be the seasons of S’mores . . . but I make them the treat of all seasons . . . but there is something special about making them over an open fire . . . things “cooked” in nature seem to taste so very much better.
Whatever season is your favorite and however you celebrate traditional holidays and seasons, I would like to leave you with some links of jigsaw puzzles you and your family may enjoy:
Yes, I do go for the nostalgic . . . there are jigsaw puzzles available for all seasons and all things that are meaningful to you and your family. I find having a puzzle out, brings people together. It is a relaxing activity where you can visit, have a conversation and find pieces that will fit in completing the puzzle.
I do find them relaxing throughout the year.
Have a fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 25, 2016
Oh Goodness!! A Garden Goblin!!
I don’t know whether to be alarmed or delighted . . . 
It’s spring . . . and with spring comes some surprises in your garden. I know my California live oak tree is blooming!! I have that fluff all over the yard, porch and sidewalk. I clean it up and after an hour or so, it’s time for me to sweep and rake again. Yes, it is a huge tree . . . it’s been here a long time.
And this little guy . . . he may be a garden guardian . . .
I think it is all a matter of perspective. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And, we’ve learned somewhere along our life journey not to judge people by the way they look . . .
Our first impression may not have been too kind toward this goblin . . . then again, he could very well be a good luck amulet for your garden . . . take a lesson from nature and see if this guy is helping or harming your garden . . .
Maybe the two of you should get to know one another a bit. He may be wondering if he wants to stay around . . . maybe he’s not too fond of your looks or the general atmosphere in your garden . . .
Time will tell.
Let’s see about garden goblins or gnomes you may find suitable for your spring garden:
Have a great Easter celebration and enjoy your spring . . . every season is special and precious . . . giving us time to relax and enjoy nature . . .
Sharon
