May Happiness

Howdy! and welcome.  I am still working on my happiness, and trying to stay organized.  I use a planner, most weeks.  But, my greatest struggle is living a happy life.  It is sooo easy for me to find the disappointment, the struggle to be happy feels never-ending.  I know that if you can find the good in things, in life, that I can be grateful, and gratitude breeds joy.  I know the sequence, the consequence, the destination on my journey.  But I struggle with every step.  

So, when I began this new year, I decided to make several New Years Resolutions.  I knew that I wanted certain things out of life, and I didn't want to just sit on the sidelines any longer.  I have kept all of my resolutions.  However, my Happiness journey is still a struggle.  But, I actively work on it, on a daily/weekly basis.  

Here is May's Happiness goals:

I know what you are thinking, 'what? one more task?'.  And the answer is simply 'YES'.  If you can find things to be grateful for in your life, that gratitude breeds joy.  And joy, along with happiness is what you feel in your heart.  So, imagine being grateful, to be happy!  I believe that this emotion, this decision will make life easier to navigate through.  And so, some of these tasks require thought, and planning, but the execution will pay off.  Not only will these tasks make you happy, but they will unburden you with things, with regret, with dread.  When you send a friend a card, just imagine how happy that friend will be, when they open their snail mail box, and see a card, addressed to them.  When you organize a space (desk, kitchen cabinet, closet, room, etc) how 'free' you will feel.  Or how about how accomplished you will believe you are, when you actively work on your retirement plan(s).  Either talk to an advisor, or set up a retirement account, or review your monetary goals.  This active step to plan, for the future, to plan for what you want to do with the rest of your life, will ignite a passion, a sense of self.  

One of my other Gratitude resolutions, is to write down 3 things that I am Thankful for, at the end of each week.  I think that this reflection helps me start the new week, with a healthier, happier, and more joyful view.  I am simply tired of being mad, angry, dishearten, and fumbling their life.  I hope you find this helpful.

Rustic Love

Howdy.  I've been busy.  Busy with life.  But, I imagine you have, too.  I went out of town for several days (had a GREAT time) and then it was back to baking, crafting, cleaning, laundry, working, and taking care of my husband and dog.  See, life.

I took almost a week off from my normal chores and headed to Phoenix with 2 of my granddaughters and daughter.  It's dance competition time of year.  But, we headed out a few days early, to enjoy some fun activities, and some girl time {smile}.  We had a great time.  Spent sometime in the swimming pool, ate some great food, enjoyed some education spots (think Children's museum), and tried our hand at golf.  Yes, golf.  We spent that time laughing more than hitting hole in ones!  Ok, none of us hit a hole in one.  {smile}

Now, I have returned to reality.  The chores never stop, but moms know that.  Once back home, I had to get busy with a few cupcake orders and the never-ending chores.  I also wanted to get some crafts completed.  I am working on an altered art piece.  It's a wooden book-box.  But, I needed some direction, so I headed over to Mojo Monday to get a sketch going.  I loved their sketch so much so, that I actually used it for the cover of the box.  (this sketch is expired)  Here is what I made!

I am using some 'old' pattern paper.  I think, it may still be available at some on-line paper sources.  The Rustic Elegance collection, by Carta Bella, is a beautiful mix of mint, blush, green, and neutrals.  There are mixes of florals, chevrons, circles, text, and flourishes, with a country flair!  Mason jars, bicycles, floral wreaths, wooden plank backdrops, and so much more!

I used various pattern papers from this collection (Rustic Elegance) added a paper doily, some paper blossoms, and lace.  I added simple machine stitching around two of the main pieces, to give it a homespun look.  The sentiment 'love' is lifted off the piece with foam tape.  I haven't yet, but I am thinking of adding some sparkle to the paper blossoms.

I have added white wax to the wooden book box, and now I am adding my paper pieces.  Yes, I will photograph it once it's done.  Hopefully, I get a chance to work on it this week.  But, I have a few cupcake orders to work on late this week.  So, we will see how well I can manage my time.  {smile}

I hope you have a great week!  and Happy May Day!