2013 - WELCOMING A NEW YEAR

There is something so appealing and refreshing about a new clean year that makes us all want to set goals for ourselves. It's like a new sketchbook, full of blank white pages just waiting to be written on. I plan to begin a new personal art journal, which you can see the beginnings of in the photos. This will help me to make time for myself and focus on the positive goings on of my days.

Thinking back on the previous year, 2012 brings a smile to my face. I have so many things to be thankful for, all the friendships forged here in blogland...the kind written words in your comments and emails....the sharing of ideas and inspirations, etc. I'm truly looking forward to another great year with all of you ladies. 

My goals are to achieve a better balance this year between all of my obligations and responsibilities. I have had so many things pulling me in too many different directions, things like working on my business of creating and (more importantly) homeschooling my daughter. Then there are things like keeping a clean house, and cooking nutritious meals; which are all important and a joy to tend to; but fulfilling all of these duties on a daily basis can really tax a girl, you know? I have to also remember to make time for me, so that I don't burn out. I want to sit back and catch up on some reading and I'd like to make a few crafty things for my own personal home decorating. There are walks I need to take with my daughter, and some online shopping I feel I need to do....fun things!

To help me in my quest of balance, I have set up a few constraints to my creativity. First of all, my studio setup is now a shared space, once again, with my living space upstairs. This will help me to remember to keep things small, on a controlled level. I need to get back into the daily routine of art journaling, and I'd like to incorporate that into my daughter's educational program. Also, my Etsy shop has evolved into ONE "Up-Cycled Crochet Pencil Holder Shop". With the decision to focus on ONE type of item at a time, I'll be able to keep a simple, cohesive look...and my mind can actually find the time to take a break here and there, rather than allowing myself to be pulled in too many creative directions! Creative Carmelina's Quest for Creative Serenity.....Can you imagine that?

Of course, with all that being said, I'm always changing things and reinventing myself, so who knows how long my good intentions will actually last. I will be giving it my best, however, so bear with me. (One last thought) I'm noticing that my blog follower numbers keeps steadily climbing, which is really such a thrill for me. Just as soon as I hit my 2000 follower mark, I want to host a giveaway! I definitely think that is something worth celebrating, don't you?!! Thanks for your daily visits. Here's to another great year.