Trying and failing to stop and smell the roses ... then change comes a knocking.

Hello all. Well I was about to get cracking on my very late 'month in pictures' but I also felt like just having a chat. I don't do this often I know, but this has been one of the most busiest and stressful months of my year so far. As I write this, I am collapsed in my dressing gown, and I am thoroughly crafted out. Aside from working my regular job, and trying to get my album finished (I'm a singer/songwriter, and I also front the KTBush band and occasionally write songs for other artists too, did I ever tell you that?) I also write this blog and a craft column for the local paper which I think most of you know.

 Anyway, I've been finding it all extremely hard to juggle recently - and I have to admit I'm a little burned out. As you've probably gathered by now I'm a 'look up and smell the roses' kinda girl ... I keep the photo above near my bedside because it reminds me to do just that. I like the simple life, slow-living, and I like moving with the seasons so I'm not sure how I'm managed to fill my days to such an extent I don't currently have time to put the garden to bed, or pick rose hips. I'm not complaining - I just know most of you probably understand - and have faced similar struggles. I love my life and those in it, and I've had some wonderful opportunities plonked in my lap, but I know that in order to be happy and healthy, something has to give ... there's a fine line between being busy, and being overwhelmed isn't there? that feeling of anxiousness, of not being able to keep up. But what should give when nothing can? or at least we think nothing can.

But as lady luck would have it, on Friday the universe stepped in on my behalf. The paper I write for has had to make a lot of cuts and redundancies recently, so along with the other columnists, as of November my column will be cut. Initially I felt disappointed, I've enjoyed writing for my community ... but I also feel utterly relieved. You see what goes on this blog, also has to work for the newspaper, so while I do love creating step-by-steps tutorials - making and writing full on tutorials every fortnight to a deadline was not only hard going ... it also meant (more importantly) that I never had the time or the freedom to write and feature other things on here like I used to - whether it's an occasional my fave fings, thrifty finds, or simply featuring artists I love etc. So I'm thankful for this blessing in disguise, and from November I'm looking forward to the pressure being off a little, so I can share whatever comes to heart a little more :-)

Then only an hour later after finding out about my job, ITV (which is one of our most popular TV channels here in the UK) got in touch and asked if I'd like to go on the show 'This Morning' and present a craft segment LIVE on air - in 3 days time. Well of course I jumped at the chance! Then I ran around flapping when I realised what I'd need to do to make this happen. I then spent the weekend creating 4 centrepieces for the show that would usually take me a week, and I went on the show yesterday. I was so nervous beforehand but it went swimmingly and I loved the experience - and I'll be sharing a video diary of the experience soon!

So although I'm so tired I can just about move my fingers enough to type this, I'm really looking forward to the months ahead now ... a little breathing space goes a long way doesn't it? Anyhoo, I'll pop my month in pics up tomorrow ... because right now I have a date with the lovely Poldark :-)

I hope you're all doing ok. 

Love JM x