Back to the grind stone

With Paul back to work it didn't take me long to have the old feelings of 'back to the grind-stone' returning.  Anyone else feeling ripped off?  My summer holiday went far too fast, I feel like I haven't switched off and I'm in panic mode about the kids going back to school.  I don't want them back at school, especially now that each morning I will be packing 3 of them along their way.

And then there was the news of Layle Koncar leaving Scenic Route.  Made redundant because of the economic situation.  I've been involved with Scenic Route forever, they were my first 'school-girl crush' in the industry and we've worked closely on a lot of things.  To see this happen was heart-breaking and had me questioning for the first part of the week just whether I was going to be able to make a living this year.

This morning I woke up an email that was extremely positive in thought so I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself, try harder to deal with the cat-that-had-surgery-and-is-now-caged-in-the-lounge and not get too frustrated at his meowing, I'm sure he feels worse than me, enjoy the summer sun with the kids while I can, stop reading my current book which I'm not enjoying so much, it is ok to stop reading a book halfway through, right?, and I stood up from my desk with the biggest positive attitude, walked to the garage to change the loads of washing to the hugest mess on the floor.  Which is what happens when one leaves a full bucket of water on top of the washing machine whilst it is spinning.

Lesson learnt.

And on with that positive day.  Lucky it is summer and everything in the garage will dry out just fine.

Did you notice the subtle changes at Tarisota?  We welcomed in Rachel Tucker, a very exciting addition to the Tari team.  There is also a new look Tarisota talk, we'll all be adding bits and pieces to that each month.  I have the February kit here at home and will be creating a class from it so that'll be released early Feb. 

Talking of Tarisota, I don't think I shared my projects from December - I thought I shared this one but on looking back I can't find it, apologies if I have before... this is a layout based around a song I sing with Abby.  See the song on youtube here, it is the cutest thing ever.  I stamped the lyrics on the background.  Never again will I be so keen with my stamps.

 

So on with my day - oh!  Project 365.  Nope, I'm not participating. However when I went to Heidi Swapp in Brisbane we created a 9x9 calender.  I'm not one to easily create things like that without some excellent purpose (besides just being a means of keeping track of the days).. so I'm using it as a diary.  Each day I write down one or two words to summarise the day.  At the end of the month I'll put a favourite photo in the photo space and at the end of the year it'll be my own version of the 365.  Perfect. And not too much commitment either.

Here's to a positive day.

laters

Comments

[Barb]

Oh Nic, life sounds so incredibly busy for you. I have to say, though, I am totally envious that it's summer there. We are in the midst of winter, and I really am not enjoying it this time around. :P

Sending "lots of work" vibes to you... and healing vibes to kitty too.

Can't wait to see your calendar project! :)

[Nicola Armstrong]

Hey Nic, I am with you on the whole ripped off sensation as summer holidays draw to a close! My two are back to school on Tuesday so we are in label attact mode at the moment! Watch out if you sit still too long in this house you end up with a label on you.
Very sad about the goings on at scenic route, unfortunately I fear that this is just the beginning, but like all other industry's the scrapbooking industry will just have to work out ways to weather the storm.

Love the layout, the distressed layers are beautiful!

Keep up the positive thoughts - great idea for the HS Calender!

[Tina]

This is just gorgeous!

[Vicki]

Yes the summer holidays have gone way too fast and making the most of the last few days we have but also looking forward to get my days back to myself as well.

[Cath]

Love the l/o Nic. Can I ask a question though? With very layered pages with lots of 'stuff' do you still put them in ordinary albums? Or do you have some other creative solution?
As for the holidays - can't wait till all the teens go back to school and leave my library LOL

[Michelle]

Hi, I love all your work. Can you do a tutorial for beginners like me?

[Nevis]

I started doing the Project 365 and gave up after 3 days. Too much pressure to remember to do that. Seriously, can't. Oh well, it would've been cool I suppose.

And I loooooooooooove your layouts. How do you get that border around your edges (about an inch in) where it looks all distressed and ripped up? That is SO cool and clever of you!

[Lisa]

Gorgeous LO Nic, yep I know the feeling, my holiday is over on Monday, back to reality in Auckland. I had all these intentions for the holiday period and didn't achieve a lot, oh well here's to a hopefully great 2009! As for the scrapbooking industry, hmmm its a definite worry for me but look on the bright side 'they just keep on rolling out those gorgeous products!!!' (just did a big Prima order,need I say more!!)

[Lara]

ahhh, summer! dh has worked right through...downside of being involved in hospo & the tourism industry...so the kids & I still have 1.5 weeks of our holiday left - yay, we will spend this time based at home though rather than the beach :-( love the layout Nic, breathtaking in it's deliciousness and depth, as usual.

[Aunty Trish]

Hi Nic, First time I have looked at your blog in ages, it is nice to catch up with you and know what you are doing It all looks so great. Have a good year, might even get up to see you.

[topkatnz]

Simply Fab layout Nic.
Sounds like you have got the right idea ... happiness and good fortune come from you, not to you - good deciding.