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
I totally get this! I'm a genealogist who does research for other people, but I also teach others how to do it for themselves, at our local centre, and I was also on 3 design teams for well-known craft companies. I'm also a teacher for my church, having to prepare weekly lessons for children aged 14-16. I'm also on a board of governors for the local school and have 20 grandchildren who all live nearby, and take turns to come for sleepovers in batches of 4 at a time, lol. Life was getting exhausting and something had to go! As you say, it's all a fine balance, but those scales can so easily be tipped. I wish you well, but please do make sure that your scales are tipping in your favour and that you are still enjoying what you do! 😊
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Anne Marie that certainly does sound hectic!! Yes you're right, to be honest the pressure from my column meant all my crafting was becoming more like work, which can sometimes take the joy out of it ... which is the last thing I want. Without that pressure I'm looking forward to creating more now. I hope life became a little less hectic for you too. Thanks Anne Marie xx
DeleteOh my goodness Anne-Marie, I will never complain again, you make me feel like a lazy bum....I need the vitamins you take, what a wonderful grandma you are :) Blessings~
DeleteHearts all over this post :) Blessings Jodie, we have all been there and appreciate your honesty, it is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteAw thanks Kim xxx
DeleteDefinitely get this- and its so important to have some down time and just read a book, watch Bake Off/ Poldark/ whatever your thing is and just have a bit of headspace. Hugely impressed with how much you do and looking forward to a video link to your 'This Morning' stint! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Little me. It really is ... it's so easy to feel guilty for not working when you have a spare moment, but I'm please to say I'm getting better at throwing caution to the wind ... and indulged in several period dramas / knitting projects instead :-) highly recommend 'North and South' xx
DeleteBtw the 'This morning' behind the scenes went up last week ... http://www.ahandmadecottage.com/2016/10/video-diary-behind-scenes-my-craft.html x
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